Airlines That Let Pets Fly Free: Your Complete Guide
As a pet owner, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out how to travel with your furry friend. The good news is that some airlines make it easier – and cheaper – by allowing pets to fly in the cabin without an extra fee. In this article, I’ll break down which carriers let pets fly free and provide answers to all your questions about bringing Fido or Fluffy along for the trip.
Airlines That Don’t Charge Pet Fees
The following major US airlines currently have policies that let you bring a pet in the cabin at no additional cost, beyond the standard ticket price:
- Allegiant: Allegiant allows one pet per passenger in the cabin as long as the animal is in a carrier that fits under the seat. No pet fees apply.
- Frontier: Frontier has a similar policy to Allegiant – one pet per customer in an FAA-approved carrier that fits at your feet. No pet fees.
- Spirit: Spirit Airlines follows the same guidelines as the other discount carriers listed here. Bring Fluffy along in an approved carrier for free.
From my experience traveling with pets, these budget airlines tend to have the most lenient policies. The trade-off is usually less legroom and fewer amenities. But if avoiding pet fees is the top priority, they’re a good low-cost option.
Other Airlines with Potential Free Options
While they don’t have blanket “free pet” policies, some other major airlines may still provide fee-free transportation under certain conditions:
- Delta: Delta allows dogs and cats 8 lbs or less to fly as carry-on at no charge when traveling in an enclosed carrier that fits under the seat. Larger pets incur a fee.
- American: American has a similar size limit exemption, where pets up to 7 lbs fly free as carry-on. Bigger fur babies mean bigger bills.
- United: United follows the under-8 lbs rule to waive pet transport fees. It also runs specials occasionally where pets of any size can fly free for a limited time.
So if Fido or Fluffy meets the size criteria, you might get lucky with one of the major carriers. But don’t count on it – always check eligibility and restrictions carefully to avoid nasty surprises at the airport.
What About International Flights?
Most airlines imposing pet fees still allow traveling with animals internationally. However, restrictions are usually much tighter:
- Pets must travel in the cargo hold, not the cabin.
- Advance permission and health documents from your vet are mandatory.
- Quarantine may be required upon arrival in some countries.
- Fees are significantly higher than domestic travel.
Unless absolutely necessary, I don’t recommend international trips with pets due to the increased stress and red tape. But if you must, thoroughly research airline policies and import rules for your destinations well in advance.
Other Questions About Flying With Pets
Here are answers to some other common questions travelers have when considering bringing Fido or Fluffy along:
What size carrier is allowed?
Most airlines require pets to be in hard-sided carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you. Standard dimensions are roughly 16x10x8 inches or less. Soft-sided bags or carriers exceeding size limits risk being rejected at check-in.
What types of pets can fly?
In the cabin, most carriers only accept dogs and cats due to health and safety regulations. Emotional support animals may have expanded access depending on the airline and documentation provided. Exotic pets usually cannot fly as cargo or carry-on.
How early should I book?
It’s always smart to book travel including a pet at least a month in advance. Early booking provides more flight and seating options. It also gives time to get airlines’ mandatory vaccination and health forms from your vet in order before flying.
What steps do I need to take at the airport?
Arrive extra early as security screening takes longer with pets. Don’t forget health/vaccination records and have carrier easily accessible. Expect to check in separately from baggage. Some airlines require pets remain in carrier on entire flight for everyone’s protection. Overall, being prepared is key to avoiding hassles on travel day.
In conclusion, with a little research and planning, it’s totally possible to include your furry family member on trips using airlines with pet-friendly policies. While not all pets fly free, discounts are out there if you know where to look. Safe travels to all pet owners and their animal companions!
Airlines Allowing Free Pet Travel
| Airline | Pet Allowance | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 1 pet per passenger in cabin | Soft-sided carrier, health/vaccine records |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 pet per passenger in cabin | Under 20 lbs, soft-sided carrier |
| American Airlines | 1 pet per passenger in cabin | Under 20 lbs, soft-sided carrier |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 pet per passenger in cabin | Under 20 lbs, health/vaccine records |
| United Airlines | 1 pet per passenger in cabin | Under 20 lbs, health/vaccine records |
FAQ
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Which airlines let pets fly for free?
A lot of airlines allow one pet per passenger to fly in the cabin for no extra cost. Basically, most major airlines let you bring a cat or a small dog on board as your “emotional support animal” at no charge. However, some airlines have kind of funky size and weight restrictions for pets.
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Do all airlines charge a fee for pets?
No, not necessarily. At the same time, most carriers will charge you if the pet is bigger than a lap dog or cat. Nevertheless, a few airlines like Delta and Alaska actually let you bring a dog or cat on as luggage in the cargo hold for free, as long as the pet meets their size and health rules. I heard Southwest is also pretty pet-friendly and doesn’t charge for animals in-cabin.
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What size and weight limits do airlines have for pets?
Airline rules for pet sizes vary, but most allow cats and dogs under 20 pounds in carriers that fit under the seat. Perhaps it would help to call the airline directly, as their pet policies online don’t always give the full details. On the other hand, it’s always safest to make sure Fido or Fluffles meet both the size box and weigh limit before showing up at the airport!
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Do emotional support animals fly for free?
Yes, people who need to travel with an emotional support animal – like folks with anxiety or depression – can bring their companion pet with them at no extra cost. However, you usually need a note from your doctor or mental health provider stating that you require the animal for emotional reasons. I wouldn’t try to fake it, though – people who pass off their pets as “emotional support animals” when they don’t need one are kinda scamming the system and making it harder for folks who legitimately require support.
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Can I be charged overage fees if my pet is too big?
It appears most airlines have overweight or oversized pet fees if your pup or kitty exceeds the size or weight limits. These charges can get pretty pricey – sometimes a few hundred dollars extra each way! To avoid that hassle, do your research beforehand to make sure Fluffy meets the cap. Maybe measure his crate just to be safe.
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Should I buy an extra plane ticket for my pet?
Generally no, you do not need to purchase an actual ticket for your pet. But some airlines charge steep “transportation fees” if your pet is larger than a lap animal or traveling in the cargo hold. Basically, these fees cover things like special handling and space reserved for animals below. So in summary, no extra ticket, but fees may apply depending on the airline and size of your furry friend.
In conclusion, most major carriers let you bring a cat or small dog in the cabin for no charge besides perhaps basic fees. But be sure to thoroughly research each airline’s precise pet riding policies, size and weight caps, as well as any applicable fees. It’s also wise to check for any veterinary paperwork or health certificates needed. Safe travels to all flying pets and their people! Let me know if you have any other questions.