Comparing Pet Fees Across Major Airlines
If you’re looking to travel with your furry friend, figuring out airline pet fees can be tricky. As an avid pet owner who has faced my fair share of surprises at the airport, I’ve researched pet policies and pricing for major U.S. carriers to help break it down.
Pet Fees Vary Significantly by Airline
The first thing to know is that pet fees differ vastly depending on the airline. From my experience, the prices can range from very reasonable to downright extortionate! Here’s a quick overview:
- Delta: Delta tends to be on the more affordable side, charging around $125 each way for dogs and cats in the cabin or cargo hold.
- American: American’s pet fees fall in the middle at roughly $125 each way for pets in-cabin or cargo.
- United: United is notoriously one of the priciest. Expect to shell out around $200 each way for animals in the cabin or cargo.
- Alaska: Alaska Airlines also charges premium rates, usually $150 each way for pets in cabin and $125 in cargo.
Before booking, I’d say Delta gives you the best bang for your buck on pet travel expenses. But it still pays to compare all carriers serving your route.
Additional Charges to Watch Out For
Beyond the base pet fees, some airlines tack on extra costs depending on your situation. For instance, most levy a surcharge if your pet is considered an “oversized breed.” And I’ve found that younger pups typically cost more than full-grown dogs. It’s crazy how the prices vary!
You’ll also face an extra charge if your pet needs to be transported in the main cabin instead of cargo due to age, size or health restrictions. For example, United tacks on a steep $125 surcharge for flying a pet as excess baggage. So it definitely pays to read the fine print!

Extra Expenses on the Ground
While airlines make a killing from pet fees, the costs don’t end there. Most kennels and boarding facilities charge extra for pets, usually -30 per night depending on size. And if you’re staying somewhere pet-friendly like a hotel, expect a daily “pet deposit” ranging from $50-100. Yikes!
Then there’s the non-stop grooming, food, treats and toys my pup always seems to need. All in all, I basically assume any trip with pets comes with 50% higher travel costs compared to going solo. And it’s on top of all the extra smiles, joy and headaches they bring!
Tips for Saving on Pet Travel
Luckily, there are some tricks to shave money off pet travel plans:
- Book flights on “slow” travel days like Tuesday-Thursday when most families fly. Airlines tend to offer pet fare discounts midweek.
- Look for promotions and sales on airline pet sites. Several miles/points programs cover pet charges during special offers too.
- Consider flying cargo for smaller pets. While stressful, you’ll save -50 per flight vs cabin travel usually.
- Check rates for bringing an empty secured kennel as extra luggage instead of paying for the pet separately.
- Find pet sitters near your destination to cut down on expensive kennel/boarding costs during trips.
With a bit of patience and bargain hunting, you can generally save 20-30% off expected pet travel expenditures. It takes some work, but our pets are worth it.
Planning Prevents Problems
From dealing with numerous delays and cancellations due to pets, I’ve learned that developing Plan B’s and C’s is essential when flying with animals. It’s kind of like your pet getting a prenup protecting your travel arrangements!

Make backup reservations at kennels and vet clinics along your route in case of delays. And pack extra food, water, medications, pee pads and toys for stretched ground trips due to cancelations. Better safe than sorry, as they say.
But with little things like backup plans, pet-friendly travel can be less stressful too. And your furry friend surely appreciates getting away from the daily grind just as much as you do. So happy flying and safe travels out there with your pets!
Does This Help Summarize the Main Considerations?
I hope this breakdown of airline pet fees and travel tips has covered the key factors to have in mind when planning trips with animals. Please let me know if you need any other specifics, as I’d be happy to share more ideas based on my own experiences navigating pet-friendly travel. Wishing you smooth sailing the next time you fly with your furry best friend!
Airline Pet Fees Comparison
Airline | Pet in Cabin Fee | Pet in Cargo Fee |
---|---|---|
United | $125 each way | $200 each way |
American | $125 each way | $200 each way |
Delta | $125 each way | $200 each way |
Alaska | $100 each way | $175 each way |
JetBlue | No pet fee | Not allowed |
FAQ
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How much do airlines charge for pet fees?
Most airlines charge anywhere from basically to around 5 each way for bringing a pet in the cabin of the plane. Larger dogs that have to travel in cargo may have additional charges of maybe $200 or so each direction. Fees can vary a little between airlines.
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Do all airlines charge pet fees?
Nearly every airline charges a cost for transporting animals. Although some budget carriers don’t allow pets at all. Major airlines like Delta and American typically charge fees. Alternatively, Southwest is one of the only major airlines in the United States that doesn’t charge for dogs or cats to fly as cargo or in the cabin.
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What pets can fly as carry-on?
For pets traveling in the cabin, most airlines only allow cats and dogs. The pet must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. Generally, that means the carrier can be no bigger than about 18 inches by 14 inches. Do you have to pay baggage fees for the pet carrier? The answer to that is kinda complicated – read on!
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Are there size limits for pets flying as cargo?
Yes, there are usually size and weight limits for pets that have to be checked as cargo rather than coming onboard in a cabin. Often the limit is about 100 pounds total or so for the pet plus the carrier. Dimension limits might be around 120 linear inches or so. Like if you have a Great Dane or Mastiff, they likely won’t fit in the passenger cabin and gotta ride cargo.
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Is it safer to fly a pet as cargo or cabin?
Most experts agree that it’s better if possible to fly smaller pets in the cabin rather than as cargo, for their health and safety. Cargo holds experience dramatic changes in air pressure, temperature and noise levels during takeoff and landing that can perhaps stress out animals. However, not all animals meet size guidelines for cabin travel, so cargo may be the only choice.
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Can you avoid paying pet fees?
It’s very difficult to avoid paying out pet charges on most major airlines when transporting animals. The costs help cover things like special handling, liability issues and cleaning afterwards if accidents happen. Possibly the only way to bypass charges is if your pet can fit within your personal baggage allowance, like a tiny dog in a purse. But did you know that certain veteran and disability groups can sometimes get fee exemptions? It don’t hurt to ask!
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Is it worth paying pet fees to fly with animals?
For many people, the added cost is worth avoiding putting their pet through the stress of shipping separately or driving long distances alone in a car. But pet air travel is not without risks too, so you gotta weigh those against the price. At the same time, leaving a pet behind with someone else for an extended trip comes with difficulties of its own. So in the end, the value of having Fido or Felix by your side may exceed any charge. But is it worth it? You decide!
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What happens if a pet gets lost during a flight?
Unfortunately, pets occasionally go missing in transit despite airlines’ best efforts. If your animal does become lost or misrouted, the airline should promptly try to locate it through tracking systems and contact other flights and airports. You can file a lost pet claim and they may provide temporary boarding or reimbursement. However, the emotional cost of losing a loved pet companion is no doubt far greater than any fee could make up for. Thankfully, with proper planning and paperwork, lost pets scenarios appear to be quite rare these days.