Which Airlines Allow You to Fly With Dogs: Requirements and Restrictions for Traveling With Pets by Plane

A Guide to Airlines that Let You Fly with Your Canine Companion

For many pet owners, traveling with their furry friend is a non-negotiable. If you find yourself in need of flying with your dog, here’s a comprehensive overview of your airline options in the United States.

Major Airlines that Accept Pets in Cabin

The big three US carriers – American, Delta, and United – all allow dogs to fly in the passenger cabin, subject to certain requirements:

1. American Airlines – Allows one dog per passenger in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. Handler fee is $125 each way for dogs up to 20 lbs, $250 each way for larger dogs.
2. Delta Airlines – Same policy as American but with slightly higher fees of $125/200 each way. All pets must remain in carriers at all times.
3. United Airlines – Maximum of one pet carrier per passenger storing under the seat. Fees are $125 each way for pets up to 20 lbs and $250 each way for larger dogs. Non-stop flights only.

From my experience traveling with dogs on these airlines, the strictest is United – my friend’s layover got canceled last minute due to her dog’s connecting flight getting full. Always have a backup plan!

Low-Cost Carriers that Accept Pets

Budget-friendly carriers JetBlue and Alaska also accommodate dogs in-cabin with the following stipulations:

4. JetBlue – Allows one pet carrier per passenger that fits under the seat. No weight limit but must remain in soft-sided carrier at all times. Fees are $100 each way.
5. Alaska Airlines – Same policies as JetBlue but cheaper fees of $75 each way for dogs under 20 lbs, $125 each way for larger dogs.

I flew my shih tzu puppy on Alaska last year and was impressed by how smooth the process was. He seemed quite content in his carrier beneath my feet for the whole flight.

Getting a Dog-Friendly Hotel After Flying

Once you land with your pooch in tow, finding lodging can pose a challenge. Here are some hotel chains known for being pet-friendly:

6. Best Western – Allows dogs under 50 lbs for a $20-$30 per night pet fee at most locations.
7. La Quinta – Welcoming of dogs under 25 lbs with no pet deposit required and $15-$25 nightly pet fee.
8. Red Roof Inn – Usually lets furry friends stay for a one-time $10 fee but policies vary by property.
9. Extended Stay America – Always pet-friendly, no size limits or deposits with $25-$35 nightly pet fee.

A lot of independant hotels and motels also accept dogs, so it’s worth calling around if the big chains are booked. You never know what options may be available!

Exceeding Breed or Weight Limits

While major airlines cap pet weight at 20 lbs or less, you have two choices if Fido is larger:

8. Fly your dog as cargo in the belly of the plane. This involves using a licensed pet transport company and costs $150-$350 each way depending on distance. But it eliminates stress of being confined under the seat.
9. Drive instead of flying if possible. Some road trips exceed 10 hours each way but ensure your pet’s safety and comfort in your vehicle over dealing with airline restrictions.

In one case, driving 12 hours with my bulldog was easier than the hassle of finding a direct flight under weight limits. So driving is sometimes the better option, though it requires patience!

Additional Considerations When Flying with Dogs

Here are some other aspects to ponder as you plan your pet-friendly itinerary:

10. Check vaccination and health records are current, especially rabies tags. Airlines will request proof near travel dates.
11. Acclimate your dog to its carrier prior through short training sessions. Less stress if they view it positively as a safe place.
12. Bring supplies like water, pee pads, favorite toys in a clearly labeled bag. Consider a thick blanket or quilt for bedding too.
13. Notify your airline if your dog has any medical conditions that may affect flying like seizures.
14. Pack medications and vitamins separately in your carry-on in case of delays and layovers disrupting dosing schedule.
15. Confirm current regulations for any destination country if traveling internationally. Rules can differ greatly on allowed dog breeds.

Basically, adequately preparing your pup will go a long way in ensuring minimal hassle on the big day of travel. Taking a trial run with shorter car rides can also help dogs adjust.

Alternative Options When Flying is Not Viable

If flying poses too many restrictions or would be unduly stressful for your pooch, consider some ground transportation options:

12. Hire a pet transport service to drive your dog for you. Rates average $1-2/mile but save the complications of air travel.
13. Road trip it yourself! While time-consuming, you control comfort stops, sightseeing pace, and your pup stays right by your side stress-free.
14. Take trains permitting animals like Amtrak. Dog must remain crated during travel but often cheaper than flying.
15. See if a friend can shuttle or fly with your pet. Then you drive or fly unaccompanied to reunite post-travel.

In the end, carefully assessing your dog’s personality traits and specific flight policies will determine whether air or ground transport suits your travel pooch best. But hopefully this guide provides all the intel needed for a successful trip!

Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up. Safe journeys to you and your furry friend!

Airlines that Allow Travel with Dogs

Airline	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement	Ticket Price
American Airlines	125 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$125 each way
Delta	100 lbs	Soft-sided crate okay	$95 each way
United	100 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$125 each way
Alaska Airlines	100 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$125 each way
JetBlue	65 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$125 each way

FAQ

1. What major airlines allow dogs as carry-on?

   Most major US airlines like American, Delta, and United let you bring small dogs in the cabin as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier. Basically if your pup is 20 pounds or less, they can ride with you instead of cargo.

   

2. Do I need paperwork to fly with a dog?

   Yup, you’ll need some papers. The big airlines generally require a health certificate from your vet saying your dog is healthy and up-to-date on shots. At the same time, you may need to show the certificate at the airport before boarding. Nevertheless, be sure to check each airline’s specific rules – they can change now and then.

3. Is there a fee for carrying on a dog?

   Most carriers charge a fee for flying with your furry friend. However, fees differ widely by airline. On average, expect to pay around $125 each way according to animal travel experts. At the same time, shipping Fido as cargo in the belly of the plane often costs much more – sometimes over $300! Perhaps call your airline directly if you need the specific fee.

4. What size carrier is allowed?

   Guidelines says your pup’s carrier should fit under the seat in front of you. Typically that means no bigger than about 18x14x8 inches. Some airlines are kind of strict on limits while others are more lenient. On the other hand, even if Fido’s travel crate is too big, you might get away with it since rules are sometimes not strictly enforced.

5. Can I take more than one dog?

   Policies differ by airline, but most will permit only one pet carrier per passenger for safety reasons. Amazingly, a few carriers like Alaska allow two pets per customer in the cabin if they’re small. Then again, that could lead to hassles if one dog acts up. Your best bet is calling ahead to find out the exact rules for your chosen airline.

6. What if my dog is nervous to fly?

   If Rex gets antsy at 35,000 feet, ask your vet about calming supplements. Products like Calmly Paws and Zylkene are reportedly helpful. But is calming medication really worth the risk? You might play some soothing music or bring favorite toys & treats as natural relaxers. Otherwise, consulting a vet behaviorist could be worthwhile before subjecting pup to air travel stresses.

   

In summary, most major airlines allow small dogs in-cabin on domestic flights within the US, but always check carrier rules. Flying stresses many pups, so prepare your canine companion as best you can. On that note, I’ve probably bored you with too many dog travel details! Let me know if you have any other questions.