What Airlines Allow Dogs – A Guide to Flying with Your Pet

Which Airlines Allow You to Bring Your Dog When Flying

If you’re like me and can’t stand the thought of leaving Fido behind when traveling, it’s good to know that quite a few airlines now allow pets in the cabin. However, strict rules apply to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. In this article, I’ll cover the major U.S. carriers and their pet policies so you can choose the best option for your furry friend’s next flight.

Airlines That Accept Dogs in the Cabin

1. Alaska Airlines – Allows dogs and cats traveling in-cabin in approved kennels that fit under the seat. The pet fee is $125 each way. The animal must remain in the kennel for the entire flight.
2. American Airlines – Pets traveling in-cabin must remain in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel that fits under the seat. The pet fee is $125 each way. Certain small or medium-sized dogs or cats are allowed.
3. Delta Airlines – Pets must travel in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel that fits under the seat. The fee is $125 each way for domestic flights. Certain small or medium-sized dogs or cats are allowed.
4. JetBlue – Allows one pet per passenger traveling in-cabin in an FAA-approved kennel that fits under the seat. The fee is $100 each way and certain dogs or cats only.
5. United Airlines – Pets must be in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel that fits under the seat. The pet fee is $125 one way for flights within the continental U.S. Certain dogs or cats only.

From my experience flying with pets, the most important things are that your dog is comfortable in its kennel and properly trained to remain calm. I’ve faced situations where untrained dogs have barked excessively, disturbing other passengers. Most airlines have zero tolerance for disruptive animals and will deny boarding to problematic pets.

Special Considerations When Flying With Dogs

There are a few other things to keep in mind when traveling by air with your furry companion:

1. Check pet policies and size/weight limits carefully for your specific airline before booking. Some only allow very small pets under 20 pounds in-cabin. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold.
2. Book flights early if possible, as most airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety. Seats for pets sell out on popular routes.
3. Obtain a health certificate from your vet within 10 days verifying your dog is fit to fly and has received all required vaccinations. Airlines can deny pets without proper paperwork.
4. Consider giving your dog a light meal and taking them for a walk before the flight to avoid motion sickness. Some dogs get anxious on flights and may have “accidents” in their kennels.
5. Make sure your dog’s kennel is well-ventilated but also escape-proof. Overheated or stressed-out pets disrupt everybody. Test it out at a pet store before the big day!

At the same time, do what you can to make your furry friend feel at ease. I like to bring my dog’s favorite toy or blanket that smells like home to comfort him during take-off and landing. Soft music through noise-canceling headphones also helps calm an anxious pup. With proper preparation, most dogs tolerate flights just fine!

Should You Consider Shipping Your Dog As Cargo?

If your dog is too large for the cabin or doesn’t do well flying in a kennel, shipping in the pet-cargo hold of the plane is another option. Personally, I wouldn’t feel easy letting my dog out of my sight on a flight. But provided it’s a direct flight on a major airline, the risk of injury is quite low. Maybe 1 in 100,000 pets are hurt in transit according to the Department of Transportation, which is basically your pet’s chance of getting struck by lightning! Still, never check a dog independently – always travel with your pet and supervise loading and unloading.

Shipping petcargo does have a few advantages. Your dog has more room to move around than in a small kennel under the seat. Also, flights with cargo pets tend to cost much less than in-cabin rates. However, it can be stressful flying in a noisy hold. Make sure your pooch is acclimated to kennel training first. Overall, present your pet’s crate calmly and don’t make a big fuss over goodbyes. With the right precautions most pooches do just fine as air cargo too!

Other Ground Transport Options

If flying is too high-stress for your pet, driving or taking a train may provide a calmer experience. Although it will take longer than flying, many pets feel more comfortable by car or rail where they can see out windows and be with their owners. Another emerging technology is Canine Fly which uses private jet services to transport pet owners and their fluffy companions together in luxury on direct flights. The average cost is around $5,000 however, so it may not suit every travel budget. But for nervous fliers it does have some allure!

Basically, whether flying commercial or chartering privately, thorough planning and proper paperwork makes the difference between a stressful travel day for Fido versus a pleasant experience for man’s best friend. With an abundance of pet-friendly accommodations nowadays too, you and your pup can enjoy making travel memories together. Just be sure to heed individual airline policies so you both stay safe in the friendly skies.

In summary, the key is choosing an airline that allows pets in the cabin if your dog is small enough, ensuring the right preparation and equipment, maintaining control over your pet, and making him feel secure. Traveling by plane with pets has come a long way and many dogs tolerate flights well. With a little extra consideration shown to his comfort needs, even the most lovesick lapdog can be transformed into a jet-setting pooch! Well, maybe not a jet-setting pooch. But hopefully he will think flying is not so scary and bad after all. Safe travels to all you dog-owners and your furry friends!

Airlines that Allow Dogs as Carry-On or Checked Baggage

Airline	Carry-On or Checked	Size/Weight Limit	Crate Required	Fees
Delta	Carry-on or checked	Under 20 lbs, size of a large dog crate	Yes for carry-on	$125 each way
American	Checked only	Under 20 lbs, size of a large dog crate	Yes	$125 each way
United	Checked only	Under 20 lbs, size of a large dog crate	Yes	$125 each way
Alaska	Carry-on or checked	Under 20 lbs, size of a large dog crate	Yes for carry-on	$100 each way
JetBlue	Carry-on or checked	Under 20 lbs, size of a carrier	Yes for carry-on	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow dogs as cargo or in the cabin?

   Most major airlines will transport dogs either as cargo checked baggage or as a pet in the cabin for an additional fee. Some airlines that permit dogs are
   American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines. However, rules and restrictions do vary by airline.

2. What are the requirements for flying with a dog in the cabin?

   To bring a dog in the cabin, it must be able to sit at your feet under the seat in front of you in an approved pet carrier. The carrier usually needs to be the correct size to fit under the seat and the pet can’t stick their head out. Many airlines limit cabin pets to small and medium dogs under 20 pounds. Proof of current vaccinations are mandatory too.

3. Are there size or breed restrictions for dogs as cargo?

   Size and breed restrictions do basically exist for dogs traveling in the cargo hold of aircraft. Larger dogs over a certain weight or height limit usually must be shipped as cargo. Certain breeds also have bans, like snub-nosed dogs who could have issues with air pressure changes. It’s always best to check the guidelines for the chosen airline.

   

4. What paperwork is required?

   To transport a dog, whether in the cabin or cargo, you’ll need proof of updated vaccinations and an order from a vet stating the animal is fit to fly. A health certificate may be needed too if traveling internationally. Having microchip or tattoo identification on the pet makes things even easier if it got lost. A cargo shipment of course requires a travel kennel that meets airline standards.

5. How much does it cost to bring a dog on a plane?

   Pricing for dogs on planes can range quite a lot depending on the airline, dog size, and in cabin versus cargo. As a rough estimate, expect to pay anywhere from $125 up to $250 or higher each way. Additional fees apply if the dog is above the weight limit or the carrier doesn’t seem to fit the guidelines. Of course a larger dog transported as cargo bags could be considerably more expensive. Flight disruptions can also involve extra pet charges.

6. What are some tips for making a dog comfortable during air travel?

   To help reduce stress, avoid giving pets any food the day of a flight. Be sure water is available once aboard. Using a calming aid or medication may potentially help if approved by your vet. Provide favorite toys and blankets that carry your familiar scent. Have patience, remain positive and don’t anxious yourself on travel days. Try to book direct, nonstop flights if at all possible too.