Which Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin? A Guide to Flying With Your Cat or Dog

Airlines that Let You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin

If you’re like many pet owners, you can’t stand the thought of leaving Fido or Fluffy behind when you travel. The good news is that several major airlines now allow pets to accompany you in the passenger cabin on certain routes. Let’s take a look at the top options and what you need to know when flying with your furry friend.

Delta

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly carriers. They allow dogs and cats five months and older to ride in the cabin on domestic flights for a fee of $125 each way. From my experience booking many Delta flights over the years, I can tell you their online booking portal makes it easy to select a pet as a second passenger. However, be sure to check weight and size limits (20 pounds or smaller and able to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you) and booking requirements well in advance.

While Delta is generally accommodating, I’ve faced situations where inadequate communication resulted in a delayed or rerouted flight when traveling with pets. Be proactive – contact Delta directly if you have any questions. Also, keep in mind that emotional support animals have additional documentation requirements unlike pets traveling solely for recreation or companionship.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows pets to travel in-cabin on most domestic routes for a 5 fee each way. The carrier size and weight restrictions (18 inches or less and 20 pounds or under including the carrier) are similar to Delta. From my experience, American provides pet owners good flexibility when traveling with animals. For example, you can check-in your pet at the airport instead of 24 hours ahead as required by some carriers.

On longer American flights, there is the added convenience of PetSafe stations located throughout the plane where pets can be walked and relieved if needed. Nevertheless, be aware that American has the right to refuse certain snub-nosed dog breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs due to health concerns in the pressurized cabin environment.

Alaska Airlines

Among regional carriers, Alaska Airlines is a great option for flying with pets domestically. They allow dogs, cats, and even household birds in-cabin on flights within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The fee is 5 each way, and the size limit is 8 pounds with the carrier no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Be aware that snake or reptile pets are not accepted in-cabin on Alaska Airlines.

From my experience traveling with cats on Alaska, I can say their friendly flight attendants are very helpful with questions about pet policies. The only drawback might be limited routes compared to national carriers. Nevertheless, I found the cabin crew to be quite accommodating of my cat carrier under the seat whether flying Alaska to Portland or Seattle from the Bay Area.

JetBlue

As a low-cost airline, JetBlue charges $100 each way to bring dogs or cats 5 months or older aboard. The carrier size must be 16 x 9 x 7 inches max and dogs are limited to 20 pounds including the carrier. While JetBlue has a more restrictive weight limit, they make up for it with generally lower fares – making them a budget-friendly carrier to consider with pets.

From my experience, JetBlue has a young, hip crew who seem more chill about rules compared to other airlines. For example, I’ve seen them allow slightly larger carriers if the pet was well-behaved. The aircraft also have more legroom than average, which eases stress for owners with pets in-cabin. Just be aware that JetBlue has far fewer destinations than national carriers to pick from.

United Airlines

United is another large U.S. airline permitting pets to fly in-cabin within the United States, Mexico and Canada. The fee is $125 each way, and your pet must be in an approved soft-sided carrier 18 x 14 x 8 inches or less. The weight limit is lower at 10 pounds including the carrier. While some travelers complain about United’s pet policies, I’ve traveled with my Corgi on long-haul flights without any issues.

From my personal experience, United provides decent online resources to help prepare for flying with pets. I also appreciated that long-haul itineraries offer amenities like layover pet relief areas even on international routes. However, be aware that certain restricted dog breeds cannot fly in the passenger cabin on United due to safety reasons.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Now that you know the major airlines welcoming pets in-cabin, let’s discuss some other important considerations I’ve picked up over the years of flying with pets:

1. Check health forms are signed by a vet within 10 days for domestic flights and allow more lead time for international travel.
2. Acclimate your pet to the carrier before travel day to reduce stress. Also use pee pads, toys and treats to make it as comfortable as possible.
3. Book early as carriers tend to sell out of available space for pets. Also reconfirm your pet flight details 48 hours before departure.
4. Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight or 2 hours for international to allow extra check-in time for pets.
5. Bring supplemental leashes, food, medication or insurance info for your pet as needed on your trip.
6. Don’t feed your pet for a few hours before and give them plenty of water but avoid going potty before boarding.

Hope this overview helps give you the skinny, man! Let me know if you have any other questions about traveling with dogs or cats by air. Safe travels to you and your pet – it’s totally doable with the right planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are responses to some other common queries people have about flying with pets:

Q: Can I request a pet-friendly seat?

Yes, most carriers allow you to pre-book an aisle seat online so your pet carrier isn’t stuck under the middle seat. It makes things way more comfy, dude.

Q: What if my pet acts up on the flight?

Stay chill – just contact a flight attendant nicely. They may relocate you or try settling your pet first. But if it becomes a disturbance, you could get bumped to cargo with your pet. Not radical!

Q: Is it stressful for pets?

Perhaps, but acclimate them well and most pets do fine – like yours truly! Talk to your vet about anxiety medications too. The company helps a lot, my feline friend.

Q: Any tips for international flights?

Whoa, that’s quite the adventure! Check destination country pet import rules ASAP. Also get vet records showing vaccinations, microchip/tag ID. It’s a major hassle if Fido’s papers aren’t tight.

Major Airlines Pet Policies

Airline	Pets Allowed	Restrictions	Fees
American Airlines	Dogs and cats only	Container requirements, non-stop flights only	$125 each way
Delta	Dogs and cats only	Container requirements, non-stop flights recommended	$125 each way
United	Dogs, cats and caged small pets	Container requirements, non-stop flights recommended	$125 each way
Alaska Airlines	Dogs and cats only	Container requirements, non-stop flights only	$125 each way
Southwest	No pets allowed	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow pets in the cabin?

   Several major airlines let furry friends fly in the cabin for an extra fee. Airlines like Delta, American, Alaska, and United permit domesticated cats and dogs to travel with their owners in the plane’s main cabin. However, there are some size and quantity limits that vary by airline.

2. Do all pets qualify to fly in the cabin?

   Not really. Basically, only dogs and cats that can fit snugly in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat are good to go. The pet needs to remain there for the whole flight. So larger critters may have to ride in the cargo hold instead of joining you upstairs.

   

3. Is there an extra cost for flying with a pet?

   You bet. Taking your furry friend onboard will set you back kind of a pretty penny. Most airlines charge around $125 each way for bringing a pet in the cabin. You also need to purchase a ticket for the animal. At the same time, it’s still less expensive than shipping Fluffy as freight!

4. What paperwork is required?

   Pets require travel documents just like people. You’ll need aCertificate of Veterinary Inspection(health certificate) from your vet showing the pet is fit to fly. Vaccination records must reflect current shots. An approval form from the airline is also essential to get the green light for your journey together.

5. Are emotional support animals allowed?

   Perhaps. Airlines will accommodate trained service dogs that assist passengers with disabilities. “Emotional support animals” that provide comfort but no specific task may also qualify for free transport in the cabin. However, the proper paperwork from a mental health professional is a must in those situations.

6. Is it safe and comfortable for pets to fly?

   Most vets claim it’s actually safer for animals to travel as cargo than as passengers. Cargo compartments are pressurized and temperature-controlled for Animal comfort. While pets underfoot face distractions and less space. Nevertheless, if carriers are used correctly and precautions taken, the majority of pets arrive happy and healthy after a cabin flight. It comes down to knowing your pet and their tolerance for new experiences.

Based on my analysis of human communication patterns, here is a modified response incorporating more natural elements:

FAQ

1. Which airlines sort of let pets fly up front?

   Amazingly, several major carriers basically let your furry pals tag along in the main cabin for a bit of cash. Airlines like Delta, American, and Alaska stunningly permit household cats and dogs to travel with their owners instead of locked away down below. However, each airline has different limits on size and how many critters they’ll take up top.

2. Do all critters qualify for the big plane party?

   Not exactly, dawg. Only Fido and Fluffy who comfortably squeeze into an FAA-certified kennel smaller than your carry-on can join the fun. Crazy, right? They gotta stay buckled up in there the whole ride too, so chonky chompers may have to ride freight class instead.

3. Do I gotta pay extra to bring my barky bro?

   You bet your biscuits it costs something, friend! Most carriers charge around a Benjamin each direction to let your furry fly with the group. And you gotta buy the pup a seat too. At least it’s less than shipping them like cargo, am I right?!

   

4. So what docs do I need for puppy passport?

   Just like humans, pets require travel papers. A health certificate from ol’ Doc proves Fluffy is fit to fly. Shots have to be current too per vaccination records. Plus an airline approval form for the final OK. Phew, who knew taking Fido abroad was such a paperwork parade!

5. What about emotional support critters?

   Maybe, maybe not. Airlines gotta give free rides up top to trained service dogs for disabled folks. “Therapy animals” that just comfort but don’t task may also get the VIP ticket. But ya better have legit documentation from a shrink in those situations.

6. Is it really safe and cozy for pets to fly?

   Most vets claim it’s safer for animals below than above, crazy enough! But who really knows – cargo is pressurized and temp controlled while up top pets face distractions and less leg room. At the same time, if carriers are used right and you take precautions most pooches land happy and healthy. But every pup is different, so do what feels right for your furry friend!