Discover the 10 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines 2024

For many people, flying alone can be an overwhelming experience. Numerous individuals believe that bringing your pet along can cause even more problems! Sometimes traveling on an airline with your furry friend isn’t a choice. 

Thankfully, bringing Fido or Garfield along doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, several airlines work extra hard to make traveling with pets quick and easy. Let’s take a look at which airlines are the best for traveling with pets in the United States. 

We’ve included a handy guide that includes current fees, requirements, and kennel regulations. 

1. American Airlines

You must speak with American Airlines customer support in advance of your scheduled flight and as quickly as you possibly can to book a space for your pet. Pets traveling in the aircraft’s cabin alongside you must stay in their kennel beneath the seat throughout the flight. 

Many transatlantic destinations with American Airlines do not permit animals in the cabin. Animals must be no less than eight weeks old to fly with American Airlines. A pet’s total weight cannot exceed 20 pounds to fly with American Airlines. You can expect to pay $125 per pet. 

2. United Airlines 

For the majority of their flights, United Airlines permits just two dogs in the cabin, which means you’ll need to reach out as soon as possible to find out if your pet may come along. It’s important to mention that this airline only allows cats and dogs.  

In order for your pet to fly inside the cabin, their carrier has to fit completely under your seat. They charge $125 for pets that fly in the cabin, yet the fee is based on weight for pets in cargo. 

Unlike other airlines, United at one point offered a service called PetSafe. This is an animal transportation service. It’s now available on a case-by-case basis. It’s an extremely secure method to ensure that your pet reaches the destination properly. United Airlines has joined with American Humane to strengthen its pet shipping procedures!

3. Delta Airlines

For those flying with Delta, dogs, cats, and domestic birds can fly within the U.S. It’s common for airlines, including Delta, to limit the number of animals each flying can bring.

It’s important to call ahead of time to see if there’s still room for your furry or flying friend. Delta allows pets to stay in the cabin as long as their carrier fits completely under your seat. The animal has to remain there until the end of the flight. Charges range from $75 to $200, depending on the destination.

4. Southwest Airlines

Next, Southwest Airlines is the strictest airline so far. They allow both cats and dogs as long as they have the proper vaccines. This airline only allows pets on domestic flights. Even more strict, there are just six pets allowed per flight. 

It’s best to call the airline immediately after booking your flight to ensure your furry friend gets a spot onboard. You can also call before booking to make sure they have spots open for pets. Pet carriers must be small enough to fit below your seat. 

Southwest Airlines doesn’t require any documentation, with the exception of vaccines. You can expect to pay $95 per pet. 

5. JetBlue

Cats and small dogs can fly on JetBlue flights. They even have a special program to help pet owners have the smoothest travel possible. The program is JetPaws and it’s completely free! In fact, flyers earn 300 points per flight when traveling with a pet. 

You should know that this airline only allows four pets for each flight. Call an agent to reserve a spot for your pet before booking your flight. As with other airlines, pet carriers must fit underneath the seat and stay for the duration of the flight. 

JetBlue stresses that flyers bringing pets traveling to or from Jamaica, St. Lucia, or the Cayman Islands should start the process no less than a month before departure. This airline charges $125 per pet.

6. Allegiant Air 

Coming in at the sixth spot, Allegiant Airlines is a great option for those flying with pets. They allow cats and dogs to fly to every state with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii. Allegiant also permits dogs and cats on trips to Puerto Rico and San Juan. 

One of the perks of flying with this airline is there are no health documents required. They also have an option when booking your flight to add a pet! This is extremely convenient in comparison with most other airlines out there. 

Pet parents can expect to pay $100 per pet on Allegiant Air. 

7. Frontier 

Another great airline to fly if you’re traveling with pets is Frontier Airlines. This is especially true for those bringing along animals that aren’t typical. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are permitted! 

It’s important to mention that international flights with Frontier are limited to cats and dogs. They charge $99 per pet for each direction of the flight. Animals cannot fly in the cabin area of the flight. 

One of the downfalls of bringing your pet on a Frontier flight is that carriers must be relatively small.

8. Alaska Airlines

Dogs, cats, bunnies, and domestic birds are welcome in the cabin on Alaska Airlines for $100 per trip. There are no breed requirements for pets traveling in the cabin. Dogs must be at least two months old and on a solid food diet. 

Something unique about flying with pets on this airline is that passengers have to be at least 18 years of age. You can carry up to two pet carriers into the cabin, as long as you purchase an extra seat. If pets are the same weight, they can travel in a single carrier.  

Passengers traveling with pets are not permitted to sit in the emergency exit or bulkhead rows. The kennel technically counts toward the flier’s carry-on baggage. Alaska Airlines allows three pet carriers in first class and eight in economy. 

9. Hawaiian Airlines

On flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines traveling around the Hawaiian islands and the majority of North American places of interest, dogs, and cats are allowed to fly in the cabin. In-state flights within Hawaii cost $35 one-way, whereas flights connecting Hawaii and North America cost $125 one-way for carry-on pets. 

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t consider carrying a pet into the cabin when calculating your carry-on allocation. Passengers are still allowed to take a carry-on bag and a personal item in addition to their furry friend. 

The pet and the carrier together must have a total weight of 25 pounds or less. Hawaiian Airlines allows one pet carrier per passenger. To bring your pet on this airline, you’ll need a health certificate from your vet. 

The certificate has to be from within the last 14 days when flying from Hawaii to the States. 

Additionally, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture must issue a permit for some routes.

10. Spirit Airlines

Domestic routes of Spirit Airlines allow small pets, cats, and house birds in the cabin with a maximum total weight of 40 pounds. Every traveler is allowed a single pet carrier with a maximum of two pets inside. International flights do not allow pets. 

On domestic flights operated by Spirit Airlines, a maximum of four pet carriers are permitted in the cabin. Pet transport is $125 roundtrip per animal. However, pets are not permitted to fly as checked luggage on Spirit Airlines.

Every pet needs to be no less than eight weeks old. They must also be able to eat on their own. Pets must also have vet records while traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. For those traveling to Puerto Rico you’ll need papers from your veterinarian showing that your pet has rabies vaccines.

Are Pets Safe on Airplanes?

As long as the airline permits it and your pet complies with their requirements, flying in the cabin might be a safe choice for animals. It’s crucial to remember that even when traveling in the cabin, cats and dogs might still become anxious since they may have to spend a lot of time in a carrier and may be exposed to strange sights, sounds, and scents. 

Before the flight, think about offering your pet some calming treats. Dogs, on the other hand, may feel more secure and at ease in the cabin because they may be near their owners and get comfort; this may be preferable than keeping your pet in the cargo area. 

Flying With Service Animals

Traveling with a service animal differs slightly from flying with a household pet on the majority of airlines. You’ll need a form from a mental health or primary care provider confirming the necessity for a service pet. 

Flying with a service animal also requires a veterinary health form demonstrating that your service dog is up to date on immunizations, and a pet behavior form will likely be required for you to bring them on the plane.  

You should submit all of the required forms at least 48 hours prior to departure. As soon as the airline has accepted them, you’ll be able to take your service animal with you. Usually, there is no extra charge for these animals.

The process for enrolling an emotional support animal for air travel is quite similar to that for registering a service animal to fly. Depending on the airline you’ll be traveling with, a doctor’s note, a vet’s report, and paperwork about animal behavior are almost always required. 

When traveling with an emotional support animal, it is your responsibility to ensure that your pet stays under your supervision throughout the flight. 

Summary of the Most Pet-Friendly Airlines