Pet-Friendly Airlines: Flying Safely With Your Dog
Traveling with your dog can cause anxiety for both of you, but choosing the right airline makes a massive difference. If you want to keep your furry friend safely in the cabin with you, you need to know exactly which carriers offer the best accommodations. Here is a detailed look at top airlines, exact fees, and rules for a stress-free trip.
Top Airlines for In-Cabin Dog Travel
Not all airlines treat pets equally. Some offer generous perks and specialized programs, while others treat animal travel as a strict afterthought. Below are the current policies and fees for major US carriers regarding small dogs flying in the passenger cabin.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines consistently ranks as one of the best options for traveling with animals. They charge a flat fee of $100 each way for a pet traveling in the cabin. The airline allows up to two pets of the same species and similar size to travel in a single carrier, provided they are not in distress.
Your carrier will count toward your standard carry-on baggage allowance. You can bring either the pet carrier and a personal item, or the pet carrier and a standard size carry-on bag. Hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17 by 11 by 7.5 inches, while soft-sided carriers can measure up to 17 by 11 by 9.5 inches.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines provides a smooth experience for small dogs and cats. They charge a $95 fee each way for domestic flights. Your dog must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 16 weeks old if traveling to the US from another country, and 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
Delta requires that your dog fit comfortably in a small, ventilated pet carrier that slips under the seat directly in front of you. Because under-seat dimensions vary by aircraft, Delta recommends calling their customer service line to verify the exact maximum dimensions for your specific flight before booking.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue has a dedicated program called JetPaws, which is designed to make traveling with your dog easy and comfortable. JetBlue charges a slightly higher fee of $125 each way. However, they provide a special bag tag for your pet carrier and allow you to earn 300 extra TrueBlue points for each flight segment you complete with your dog.
There is a strict weight limit on JetBlue flights. The combined weight of your dog and their carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds. Your carrier cannot exceed 17 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high. JetBlue sells their own custom-designed pet carrier online, but you can use any brand as long as it fits the measurements.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is known for straightforward policies, and their pet rules are no exception. The airline charges a $95 pet fare each way. Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats to travel with you under the seat.
On Southwest, the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on item. You can purchase an official Southwest brand pet carrier for $58, which measures 17 by 10 by 9.5 inches. If you bring your own, maximum dimensions for a soft-sided carrier are 18.5 by 13.5 by 9.5 inches. Southwest operates on an open seating policy, so traveling with a pet means you should try to secure early boarding to find a seat with adequate under-seat storage space.
American Airlines
American Airlines recently updated their pet travel policies to be much more generous regarding baggage allowances. The airline charges a $150 pet fee per carrier per flight.
In the past, bringing a pet meant you could only bring one additional small personal item. Now, American Airlines allows you to bring your pet carrier plus one standard carry-on bag or one personal item. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided carriers are 19 by 13 by 9 inches. Soft-sided carriers can be slightly larger (19 by 13 by 10.5 inches) because they can compress to fit under the seat.
Essential Gear for a Stress-Free Flight
Having the right equipment prevents boarding denials and keeps your dog calm throughout the journey.
- Soft-Sided Carriers: Soft carriers are highly recommended over hard plastic crates because they offer flexibility. Brands like Sherpa and Sleepypod design their carriers specifically to meet standard airline under-seat requirements.
- Absorbent Pads: Line the bottom of your carrier with disposable pee pads. Brands like Amazon Basics or Glad offer highly absorbent pads that trap moisture and eliminate odors if your dog has an accident during a long flight.
- Collapsible Water Bowls: Hydration is important, but you want to avoid spills. Bring a flat silicone bowl and offer your dog small sips of water from a bottle before takeoff and after landing.
Navigating the Airport Security Process
Going through TSA with a dog requires a specific routine. You cannot send your dog through the X-ray machine. When you reach the front of the security line, you must remove your dog from their carrier. The empty carrier will go onto the conveyor belt to pass through the X-ray scanner.
You will then carry your dog in your arms or walk them on a leash through the standard metal detector. After you walk through, a TSA agent may swab your hands to test for explosive residue. Once cleared, you can place your dog back into the carrier. Make sure your dog is wearing a secure collar and leash, as airports are loud and can startle even the calmest pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog sit on my lap during the flight?
No. Federal Aviation Administration rules require your pet to remain completely inside their carrier, with the door zipped or latched shut, for the entire duration of the flight. The carrier must stay stowed under the seat in front of you.
Do I need a health certificate to fly domestically?
Most domestic airlines do not require a health certificate for in-cabin pets traveling within the lower 48 states. However, airlines like Alaska and American require them if you are flying in the cargo hold. Always check specific destination rules, as places like Hawaii have very strict rabies quarantine and certification requirements.
Can short-nosed dogs fly in the cabin?
Yes. Snub-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are highly prone to respiratory issues and are universally banned from flying in the cargo hold by major US airlines. However, they are perfectly welcome to fly in the passenger cabin as long as they fit in the under-seat carrier and meet the airline weight limits.