Several major airlines allow pets to travel, but the rules differ depending on the animal, carrier size, aircraft, and itinerary. Some accept small cats and dogs in the cabin, while others provide additional options for transporting larger animals. Before booking, compare the airline's current policy, confirm that space is available for your pet, and check all carrier and documentation requirements.
This guide compares pet-friendly airline options and explains what to check before purchasing your ticket. For general pet-friendly flight planning, start with the airline's rules rather than assuming every flight accepts animals.
Which Airlines Allow Pets on Flights?
Many airlines serving travelers in the United States accept certain pets, particularly small cats and dogs traveling in an approved carrier. However, acceptance is not universal, and a pet-friendly airline may still restrict particular aircraft, routes, or cabin sections.
Here are examples of airlines with published pet policies:
1. American Airlines
American Airlines permits eligible small pets to travel in the cabin on certain flights. The pet must remain inside an approved carrier under the seat, and a pet fee applies. Carrier dimensions and the number of pets accepted depend on the aircraft and cabin.
American also has limited checked-pet arrangements for eligible active-duty military personnel and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Its cargo service has separate requirements for animals that cannot travel as carry-on pets.
2. Delta Air Lines
Delta accepts eligible small dogs and cats in the cabin, subject to its pet reservation limits and carrier requirements. Pets must remain inside their kennel in designated airport areas and onboard.
The airline also applies age and itinerary restrictions. Some international routes do not accept pets in the cabin, so travelers should check the current rules for every flight segment before booking.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in an appropriate carrier on eligible domestic flights. The airline does not transport pets in the cargo compartment.
Pet space is limited, and reservations must be arranged through the airline rather than assumed to be included with a standard passenger booking. The airline also specifies how pets must remain secured during boarding and the flight.
4. JetBlue
JetBlue accepts small dogs and cats in the cabin when they fit inside an approved carrier under the seat. It does not accommodate large dogs as pets.
The airline limits the number of pets a traveler may bring and has additional conditions for passengers traveling with more than one animal. Review the carrier and booking rules before selecting a flight.
5. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows eligible pets to travel in the cabin when they fit inside an approved under-seat carrier. It also publishes policies for pets traveling in its baggage compartment and offers separate animal transportation services through its cargo operations.
Availability, kennel requirements, and restrictions depend on the type of transportation and itinerary.
6. Frontier Airlines
Frontier permits several types of small household pets in the cabin on eligible domestic flights, including dogs and cats. It does not transport pets in the cargo hold.
The airline sets carrier dimensions, minimum age requirements, and a limit on the number of pets per passenger. Its international pet options are more restricted, so check the current policy carefully.
Airline Pet Policy Comparison
The following table provides a general overview. It is not a guarantee that a particular flight will accept your pet.
Airline | Cabin pets | Additional considerations |
|---|---|---|
American Airlines | Eligible small pets | Limited checked-pet eligibility and cargo options |
Delta Air Lines | Eligible small pets | Route, age, and cabin restrictions |
Southwest Airlines | Small cats and dogs | No cargo-compartment pet service |
JetBlue | Small cats and dogs | No large pets; carrier and passenger limits |
Alaska Airlines | Eligible pets | Baggage-compartment and cargo options |
Frontier Airlines | Several small household pet types | No cargo service; domestic restrictions |
The FAA allows airlines to decide whether pets may travel in the passenger cabin. If accepted, the carrier must fit under the seat without blocking the aisle and remain properly stowed during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.
What Should You Check Before Booking a Pet-Friendly Airline?
A pet-friendly label does not mean every animal will qualify. Review the following details before paying for your ticket.
Pet size and carrier dimensions
Most cabin policies require your pet to fit comfortably inside a carrier that can be placed beneath the seat. The permitted dimensions vary by airline and sometimes by aircraft.
Check whether the airline requires:
A soft-sided or hard-sided carrier.
Specific maximum length, width, and height.
Adequate ventilation.
A leak-resistant bottom.
Enough room for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.
Measure the carrier before booking. Do not rely only on a manufacturer's description that says it is airline-approved.
Pet reservation limits
Airlines may allow only a limited number of animals in each cabin. Your passenger ticket does not automatically reserve a place for your pet.
Contact the airline or use its approved booking process to add the animal. Request confirmation that your pet is accepted on every flight segment, including connections.
Fees and payment rules
Many airlines charge a separate pet fee. The amount and payment method can vary, and some policies apply a charge to each flight segment.
Review the airline's optional-service charges before completing your reservation. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires covered airlines marketing to U.S. consumers to disclose optional service fees on their websites.
Can You Book Group Flights When Traveling With Pets?
Yes, you can coordinate a group trip while arranging pet travel, but each airline's animal rules still apply individually. A group reservation does not guarantee that multiple pets can travel in the same cabin.
If relatives or companions are traveling together, book group flights early enough to coordinate passenger seats and pet reservations. Contact the airline to confirm how many animals can be accepted and whether each traveler must make a separate pet request.
For a smoother booking process:
Identify which passengers will travel with pets.
Confirm each animal's eligibility.
Check available pet spaces on the same flights.
Ask whether separate reservations or fees apply.
Verify that all travelers have the required documents.
Do Airlines Allow Large Pets to Fly?
Some airlines have options for larger animals, but these arrangements are more limited than cabin travel. Depending on the carrier, a larger pet may need to travel through an approved baggage-compartment service or a separate cargo program.
Not every airline offers these services to ordinary passengers. For example, some airlines restrict checked-pet transportation to specific customer categories, while others do not transport pets in the cargo hold at all.
Before choosing this option, ask about:
Approved kennel dimensions and construction.
Temperature and weather restrictions.
Check-in and collection procedures.
Handling during transfers.
Required health documentation.
Breed and age restrictions.
The Department of Transportation explains that airline restrictions can cover animal size, age, behavior, weather, kennel standards, and health records.
For additional pet travel booking guidance, review your transportation options before selecting an itinerary.
What Documents Are Needed to Fly With a Pet?
Documentation depends on the airline, animal, and travel requirements. For some domestic journeys, an airline may request vaccination records or a recent health certificate. International travel can require additional veterinary paperwork, permits, treatments, or quarantine arrangements.
Before departure:
Ask the airline which documents it requires.
Check the applicable animal-entry rules.
Confirm whether a veterinarian must issue a health certificate.
Check whether a government endorsement is necessary.
Keep required original documents accessible during travel.
For international journeys, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides information about animal health certificates and destination requirements. Begin checking these rules early because some procedures must be completed within specific time limits.
You can also review this guide to preparing pets for air travel as part of your planning. Do not assume that paperwork accepted by one airline or destination will automatically satisfy another's requirements.
How Can You Make Flying Easier for Your Pet?
A little preparation can reduce stress and make airport procedures more manageable.
Practice with the carrier: Let your pet explore it at home before travel.
Visit the veterinarian: Discuss whether your pet is healthy enough to fly.
Use identification: Make sure contact details on your pet's tag and microchip registration are current.
Pack familiar supplies: Bring appropriate food, water, absorbent liners, and cleaning materials.
Avoid last-minute medication: Never sedate your pet without veterinary advice.
Allow extra time: Follow the airline's check-in instructions and arrive early enough to complete its pet procedures.
If your pet has a medical condition, is very young or elderly, or becomes highly anxious during transportation, ask your veterinarian whether flying is appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Several airlines allow pets to travel, but their policies are not interchangeable. American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, and Frontier each publish specific requirements covering eligible animals, carrier dimensions, fees, and booking procedures.
Before purchasing a ticket, confirm pet availability directly with the airline, check every flight segment, and prepare the required documents. Choosing an itinerary that suits your pet's needs and following the carrier's instructions can help make the journey more comfortable and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1. Which airlines allow pets in the cabin?
Examples include American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier. Each has its own eligibility rules and restrictions.
Q 2. Can I fly with a large dog?
Some airlines offer checked-pet or cargo services for eligible larger animals, but availability is limited. Many airlines do not provide this option for ordinary passenger bookings.
Q 3. Do airlines charge extra for pets?
Many airlines charge a separate pet transportation fee. The amount and payment rules vary, so check the airline's current fee schedule.
Q 4. Can I bring two pets on one flight?
Some airlines allow more than one pet under specific conditions, while others limit passengers to one animal. Confirm the policy before booking.
Q 5. Do all airlines allow pets in the cabin?
No. The FAA allows each airline to decide whether pets may travel in the passenger cabin. Some airlines do not accept pets in the cabin.
Q 6. Do pets need health certificates to fly?
Requirements vary. Some airlines require recent veterinary health records, and international travel may involve additional certificates or government endorsements.
Q 7. Can pets travel on connecting flights?
They may be permitted, but you must confirm that every operating airline and flight segment accepts the animal. Check transfer procedures and any additional fees.
Q 8. Are emotional support animals treated as pets?
Under current U.S. air-travel rules, emotional support animals are generally not treated as service animals for airline accommodation purposes. Airline pet policies may apply.
Q 9. Can I take my pet out of its carrier during the flight?
Generally, cabin pets must remain inside their approved carriers throughout the flight. Follow the airline's instructions.
Q 10. How early should I reserve a pet-friendly flight?
Reserve as early as practical. Airlines may limit the number of pets accepted on each flight, and availability is not guaranteed until the airline confirms your pet reservation.
