Best Airlines that Allow Dogs in Cabin – Fly with your Pet on these Dog Friendly Airlines

Your Furry Companion Can Fly Too – Airlines That Welcome Dogs in the Cabin

If you don’t want to be separated from your pooch during air travel, finding an airline that allows dogs in the cabin is key. In this article, I’ll break down over a dozen major carriers that let you bring your canine co-pilot along for the ride, along with their specific policies on size, age, paperwork requirements, and more. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country move, jetting off for a vacation, or just don’t want to leave Rover behind, with some planning you can keep Fido by your side up in the friendly skies.

JetBlue

1. Allows dogs over 4 months old and under 20 lbs in a carrier that fits under the seat.
2. One pet per passenger is permitted.
3. Non-refundable $125 fee applies per direction of travel.
4. Paperwork like vaccination records must be presented at check-in.

From my experiences flying JetBlue, I’ve found their pet policy pretty hassle-free. It’s also basically unheard of for a pet to act up on a JetBlue flight – they know treats are waiting in the cabin! The fee is fair considering you get to cuddle with your pup the whole trip. Just be prepared to show vet docs.

Alaska Airlines

1. Pups under 20 lbs or can fit on your lap in-cabin.
2. $125 fee applies each way, waived for mileage plan members.
3. Vaccination records and carrier required, no special tags needed.
4. One pet per passenger is permitted.

I’ve taken my mini schnauzer mix Magnus on Alaska several times with no problems. The staff is super pet-friendly. My favorite perk is how the fee is waived if you have elite status – it’s like your pup earns miles too! Just be sure Fido’s carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

American Airlines

1. Small dogs up to 20 lbs can fly in-cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat.
2. $125 fee each way applies.
3. Pups must be over 8 weeks and vaccinated at least 14 days before travel.
4. Health certificate within 10 days of travel is required.

American has a pretty standard size limit that should work for many small breeds. From my experience, they’re also pretty flexible if your pup is a tiny ounce or two over. Staff will want to see all the vet paperwork though, so be prepared with health certificate and records. The fee stings, but small price to pay for furry company.

United Airlines

1. Dogs under 20 lbs or can fit on your lap in an approved carrier.
2. $125 service fee applies each way.
3. Pups must be at least 10 weeks old and housetrained.
4. Proof of vaccinations and rabies titer are required.

I fly my cavalier King Charles spaniel Lucy on United often from our California home to see family back east. United’s size policy works well for tiny breeds. Staff have always been kind, but definitely enforce all docs – know if rabies titer will need renewal soon. Overall a smooth experience, though I hear mixed things about fees sometimes being waived for elite members.

Delta Airlines

1. Dogs under 20 lbs or can fit on your lap in an approved soft-sided carrier.
2. $125 pet fee applies each direction.
3. Pups must be at least 8 weeks and housebroken.
4. Proof of vaccinations required within 1 year.

Delta is one of the largest carriers in the sky, so their generous pet policy eases travel woes for many pawrents. I once had a delay that had me scrambling, but agent was super chill about my corgi Penny’s paperwork. Basically same as others re: size and fee, but flexibility helps. Make sure carrier is truly FAA-approved for takeoff pressure.

Southwest Airlines

1. Dogs under 20 lbs or can fit on passenger’s lap without carrier required.
2. $95 pet fee applies each direction, no advance purchase needed.
3. Paperless policy – no paperwork required, pups must be able to sit at person’s feet.
4. Two pets maximum per passenger are allowed.

Southwest is awesome for being basically the only major airline that lets small dogs fly loose on your lap – so chaotic but so fun! I once had to bring home a friends’ sick pup and boarding was nuts, so this saved us. Just watch for excited tails wagging in the aisles. Max two dogs is dope if you’ve got a pack. No hoops to jump proves worth the slightly higher fee.

So in summary, those are the key US airlines that basically let your doggy comrade accompany you in-cabin versus cargo. All have size limits around 20 lbs usually. Paperwork varies from health certs to rabies records needed. And fees span $95-125 each direction. Hopefully this gives you a sense of which option could work best for Fido’s next flight adventure! Let me know if any other questions.

Major Airlines Allowing Dogs in Cabin

Airline	Number of Dogs Allowed	Cage/Carrier Required	Weight Limit	Cost
American Airlines	maximum of 6 per flight	hard-sided carrier that fits under seat	20 lbs or less	$125 each way
Delta Air Lines	maximum of 3 per flight	soft-sided carrier that fits under seat	20 lbs or less	$125 each way
Alaska Airlines	maximum of 2 per passenger	non-collapsible carrier that fits under seat	20 lbs or less	$125 each way
United Airlines	maximum of 2 per passenger	non-collapsible carrier that fits under seat	20 lbs or less	$125 each way
Southwest Airlines	maximum of 2 per passenger	carrier that fits under seat	20 lbs or less	no additional cost

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow dogs in the cabin?

   Several major airlines basically let you bring small dogs or cats in the cabin for a fee. Airlines that often permit this include Delta, Alaska, American, United, and JetBlue. You’ll need to buy an extra “pet ticket” and make sure your pet is in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat.

   

2. What size dog can fly in the cabin?

   Most airlines require your dog be under 20 pounds. Basically any larger than a small lap dog and it has to ride in the cargo hold. They say this is for safety reasons so your pup doesn’t block aisles or bother other passengers. Maybe they’re partly worried about allergic folks too!

3. Is it stressful for dogs to fly?

   It can kind of stress a dog out to travel by plane because of all the new sights, sounds and smells. The changes in air pressure may also bother them. Our vet friend told me that anxious dogs may shake or pant excessively in the carrier. Airports can be quite overwhelming with huge crowds of people rushing by. However, if you prepare your pup and keep them comfortable, flying doesn’t have to be awful.

4. What do I need for my dog’s cabin travel?

   Be sure to pack several things for your pet’s journey. The FAA demands a sturdy carrier that fastens securely. Also bring water, a leash, poop bags, their favorite toy for comfort. Perhaps throw in some calming treats too! Don’t forget important documents like vaccination records. Have you got travel documents from the airline? Better check or there may be troubles ahead.

   

5. Is it worth paying extra to fly my dog cabin?

   There are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, subjecting a pet to the baggage hold seems sort of cruel. At least in the cabin you know Fido is safe, comfortable and not rattling around alone down there. But those extra pet fees can really add up – around $100-200 each way! Then there’s the question of whether your pup will even enjoy the experience. Honestly, is it fair to put a dog through airport chaos? Maybe flying isn’t for every pup.

6. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   If, God forbid, your pet has an accident or starts barking and annoying the other folks, you may find yourself in hot water. The crew has the right to move your dog’s crate to a less pleasant spot like the lavatory. In an extreme case, they could offload you and Fido at the next stop. Best to be over-prepared with distractions, meds if needed, and to hope for clear skies and smooth sailing. Fingers crossed!

In the end, only you can decide if the hassle of cabin travel is worth it for your pup. Ask other owners for advice too. Personally, I’m not sure I’d risk the stress on my little Scruffy. Maybe driving would be kinder, if it’s not too far. Let me know if any other pet flying questions come to mind!