Which Airlines Allow Cats in the Cabin? A Definitive Guide to Flying with Your Feline

Which Airlines Let You Bring Your Cat in the Cabin: A Comprehensive Guide

As an avid traveler with a furry feline friend, one of the most common questions I get asked is “which airlines let me bring my cat on board?” From my experiences flying with cats over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about the policies and requirements different carriers have when it comes to flying with pets in the cabin.

In this in-depth guide, I’ll break down the rules for major US airlines like American, Delta, United and more so you have all the info you need to book paw-some plane trips with your pet. I’ll also share some real-life stories and tips from my adventures flying with cats to help prepare you for what to expect.

Airlines that Allow Cats in Cabin:

1. Alaska Airlines – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on most flights for a $125 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.
2. American Airlines – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on flights within the continental US for a $125 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.
3. Delta – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on flights within the continental US and parts of Canada/Mexico for a $200 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.
4. Hawaiian Airlines – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on flights between certain islands for a $95 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.
5. JetBlue – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on most flights for a $100 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.
6. United Airlines – Allows one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on flights within the continental US for a $125 fee each way. The carrier must fit under the seat.

Airlines that Don’t Allow Cats in Cabin:

1. Allegiant – Doesn’t allow cats or any pets except service animals in cabin. Must be checked as cargo.
2. Frontier Airlines – Doesn’t allow cats or any pets except service animals in cabin. Must be checked as cargo.
3. Southwest – Doesn’t allow cats or any pets except service animals in cabin. Cats cannot be transported at all on Southwest flights.

Requirements for Flying with Cats:

While policies vary between airlines, here are some of the typical requirements for bringing pets like cats in the passenger cabin:

1. Cat must be at least 4 months old and fully trained to use a litter box. No kittens!
2. Cat must travel in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat. No hard plastic or wire carriers allowed.
3. Carrier must be large enough for cat to stand up and turn around. Most experts recommend no smaller than the minimum dimensions of 16in x 16in x 9in.
4. Carrier must have proper ventilation on three sides including the top. Mesh or wire panels are typically required.
5. Cat owner must supply absorbent bedding and litter tray inside carrier that stays latched shut during the whole flight.
6. Current health certificate from a vet within 10 days proving cat has had all required vaccinations. Rabies and FVRCP are usually listed for air travel requirements.
7. Airline approval tag or documentation visible on the outside of the carrier indicating cat has passed checks and is approved to fly in cabin as a pet.
8. Non-refundable pet transportation fees per flight ranging -200 each way based on airline. Prices keep going up lately!

Some Tips from My Experiences Flying with Cats:

Now that you know the basic policies, here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve picked up that may help smooth your cat’s air travel experience:

1. Sedate anxious cats with light calming aids like CBD or ask your vet for anti-anxiety supplements to take on flight day. Really helps them chill out!
2. Bring favorite blankets and toys to help make the carrier feel more familiar and home-like. A worn t-shirt with your scent works too!
3. Give kitty the option to avoid carrier as much as possible on travel days. Have it out for lounging so they don’t associate it with stress.
4. Bring tasty wet food to tempt kitty with during possible layovers. Dry treats tend to spill more. Opt for squeeze tubes of paste or pouches.
5. Double check all paperwork at check-in is completed properly. Airlines can deny boarding to an unhappy cat missing a single document!
6. Request bulkhead or exit row seating for extra space and avoid overhead baggage falling on carrier during turbulence.
7. Have backup plans like driving or vet boarding lined up in case kitty’s fears mean no flying after all on a travel day. Flexibility is key!

Common Cat Travel Issues to Watch Out For:

While many cats adapt surprisingly well to flying, here are some potential problems you may encounter along with solutions:

1. Overstressing in the cabin from engine noise leading to excessive crying, scratching or even accidents in carrier. Give calming aids, offer treats as distraction.
2. Carrier anxiety – some cats freak at the sight of it alone. Desensitize with positive reinforcement training at home before travel day.
3. Long carry-on delays with cats stuck waiting in carrier for hours can happen. Request very early boarding so they spend less time crated.
4. Carrier falling during turbulence. Double check latches, but there’s limits to what you can do if it’s a bumpy ride! Try to relax and reassure your stressed out furball.
5. Disruptive howling and complaints from other passengers not cool with a yowling cat for hours. Bring headphones, sedatives and treats to minimize noise and requests to relocate.

Alternative Options When Flying With Cats is Risky:

While most cats can fly with proper precautions, some individual felines have issues that make air travel too stressful. Here are a few other transportation choices:

1. Drive yourself if possible, even very long distances, to avoid the stress of flying altogether for problem cats. Load up on audiobooks!
2. Look into commercial pet transportation services that provide ground transport like driving or specially outfitted passenger vans for cats. More $, but less stress.
3. Consider Amtrak for ground trips between certain east coast cities where cats are allowed on board. Scenic and more space to move around than planes.
4. Use a pet sitter to check on kitty instead of traveling if you can’t take cat along or they can’t handle travel modes like flying or trains.
5. Board at a veterinary boarding facility that allows more room to roam and play versus a crate. Hotels generally don’t accept cats.

The Verdict…

So in summary, while there are challenges to consider, many airline allow cats in cabin with the right approach. Proper training, medications, paperwork and setup can go a long way in helping felines fly stress-free. With patience and creativity, you can still pull off PAWcations across the country together. It kind of feels like you’re smuggling a furball sometimes with all the rules, but their joy seeing new places makes it worth it, right?! So get booking those dream litterature trips!

Hope this mega guide to flying with felines was helpful! Let me know if you have any other cat travel questions in the comments below. Happy trips and happy landings to all you advent

Airline Policies for Traveling with Cats in Cabin

Airline	Cabin Size Limit	Cage Requirement	Advance Notice	Seasonal Restrictions
Alaska Airlines	Cats under 20 lbs	Soft-sided carrier under airline seat	At least 24 hours before departure	None
American Airlines	Cats under 20 lbs	Under-seat soft or hard-sided kennel	At least 48 hours before departure	None
Delta Airlines	Cats under 20 lbs	Cabin-approved soft or hard-sided kennel	Reserve space and pay fee at booking	May restrict between June 1 – Sept 15

FAQ

1. Which airlines let you bring cats in the cabin?

   Some major airlines that allow cats to fly in the cabin include American Airlines, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines. However, there are usually size and quantity limits as well as required carriers. You’ll need to check each airline’s specific policies.

   

2. Do I need any documents for my cat to fly in cabin?

   Yes, you basically need to bring your cat’s vaccination records showing they are up to date on routine shots like rabies. The airline might also want proof that your cat is healthy and doesn’t have fleas or anything. A health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel is a good idea.

3. Is it stressful for cats to fly in the cabin?

   It can be kind of stressful for cats since it’s a new environment with unfamiliar sights and sounds. The takeoff and landing can also feel weird in their ears. Nevertheless, as long as they are in a comfortable carrier underneath the seat, most cats do ok. Maybe bring some familiar toys or treats to help keep them calm.

4. What size carrier is allowed?

   Carrier size limits vary by airline, but generally it must fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking into the aisle. Most major carriers restrict hard-sided carriers to no more than 17-18 inches long. Soft-sided bags tend to have more lenient sizing rules. Check guidelines for the specific airline to be safe.

   

5. Is there a charge to bring a cat in the cabin?

   Yes, airlines typically charge a fee per direction (one-way) for a cat to ride in the cabin. These fees can range from around $75-$125 each way. The charge helps cover any potential cleanup costs if accidents happen on board. But flying in cabin is often cheaper than checking a pet into the cargo hold.

6. Do I have to hold my cat the whole flight?

   Nope, as long as your cat is secured in its carrier which fits properly under the seat, you do not have to actually hold it. You can read, work, or relax while your kitty travels in its carrier. However, it’s a good idea to check on them occasionally and try to help keep them calm if they seem restless or upset.

So in summary, several major US airlines allow cats in cabin with the proper carrier. However, you’ll want to verify each airline’s specific policies, size limits, required documents, and fees to ensure a smooth trip for you and your furry friend. Most cats do ok as long as they remain in their carrier underneath the seat. But I suppose it also depends on the individual cat’s personality!