The Complete Airline Pet Policy Guide for U.S. Airlines
Photo by Chewy
More pet parents than ever are hitting the road with their four-legged companions. Whether jet-setting to a faraway destination or traveling domestically, there’s been a notable increase in pets joining their humans on flights. Thankfully, most U.S. airlines now allow pets on board—but each has its own airline pet policy.
We’ve rounded up what you need to know before booking your trip, so you and your pet can fly the friendly skies with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Every airline has a unique pet policy for in-cabin and cargo travel.
- Rules vary by carrier for crate size, breed restrictions, and pet travel fees.
- Many airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight.
- Always review the airline’s specific pet policy before booking your ticket.
Airline Pet Policy Guide: What U.S. Airlines Allow—and What They Don’t
Airlines are becoming more pet-friendly, with some even launching pet-focused campaigns like Alaska Airlines’ Fur-st Class and JetBlue’s JetPaws.
Still, policies vary by carrier. Here’s a breakdown of what each airline allows.
| Airline | Cabin Pets Allowed | Cargo Pets Allowed | Cargo Pets Allowed Pet Fee (One Way) | Pet Carrier Type/Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Yes (small dogs, house cats) | Yes | $100 (cabin) $150 (cargo) | 17x11x9.5" (cabin, soft-sided) 21x16x15”–40x27x30” (cargo) |
| Allegiant | Yes (dogs, cats) | No | $50 | 18x14x8” |
| American | Yes (dogs, cats) | Yes (active-duty military or State Department personnel) | $150 (cabin); cargo fees vary | 18x11x11” (soft), 19x13x9 (hard) |
| Delta | Yes (dogs, cats, birds) | Yes (active military or foreign service personnel only) | $150 (cabin) | 18x11x11” (cabin) |
| Frontier | Yes (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, small birds) | No | $99 | 18x14x11" (soft), 18x14x8" (hard) |
| Hawaiian | Yes (dogs, cats) | Yes | $35–$125 (cabin), $60-$225 (cargo) | 17x11x9.5” (cabin), 36x25x28” (cargo) |
| JetBlue | Yes (small dogs, cats) | No | $150 | 17x12.5x8.5" (soft or hard) |
| Southwest | Yes (dogs, cats) | No | $125 | 18.5x13.5x9.5” (soft or hard) |
| Spirit | Yes (dogs, cats, small rabbits, small birds) | No | $125 | 18x14x9" (soft) |
| United | Yes (dogs, cats) | Only with active-duty military or with State Department employees | $150 | 18x11x11" (soft), 17.5x12x9” (hard) |
Alaska Air
- Pet allowed: Small dogs and house cats. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals, but they may travel under the regular pet policy. Trained service animals fly free.
- Cabin or cargo: Pets allowed in both. In-cabin pets must fit under the seat; cargo pets up to 150 pounds (with kennel).
- Carrier size: Soft carriers (17x11x9.5″) for cabin; hard carriers (up to 40x27x30″) for cargo.
- Fee: $150 one way for cargo, and $100 one way for cabin. In cabin, two similar-size pets of the same species may share one carrier. Various restrictions apply for cargo.
- Health and vaccines: Required for checked pets and international or Hawaii travel.
- Breed restrictions: No brachycephalic pets.
- International travel: Dogs and cats allowed; pet parents must meet destination requirements.
Learn more about Alaska Air’s pet policy.
Allegiant
- Pets allowed: Dogs and cats only. Emotional support animals must travel under the regular pet policy. Service dogs allowed.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin only. Carrier must fit under the seat.
- Carrier size: Soft-sided carrier recommended, max 18x14x8”.
- Fee: $50 per carrier, per segment. No more than two pets pet carrier.
- Health and vaccines: No health certificate required.
- Breed restrictions: None listed.
- International travel: Ensure pet meets entry requirements.
Learn more about Allegiant’s pet policy.
American Airlines
- Pets allowed: Dogs and cats only. Emotional support animals must travel under the regular pet policy. Trained service dogs allowed. Some aircraft and flights may not allow pets.
- Cabin or cargo: Small pets allowed in-cabin; only military and State Department can use cargo. No cargo pets to/from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, or Palm Springs from May through September.
- Carrier size: Soft-sided recommended. Max dimensions: 18x11x 11″ (soft), 19x13x 9″ (hard).
- Fee: $150 for in-cabin. Cargo fees vary by route.
- Health and vaccines: Required for cargo and some international travel. Pet parents must ensure pets meet entry requirements.
- Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic pets not allowed in cargo.
- International travel: Allowed; pet parents must ensure pets meet entry requirements.
Learn more about American Airlines’ pet policy.
Delta
- Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, and household birds. Emotional support animals must travel under regular pet policy. Trained service dogs allowed.
- Cabin or cargo: Pets allowed in-cabin and must fit under seat.
- Carrier size: Soft-sided carrier with 3+ ventilation openings (4 for international). Recommended max: 18x11x11″.
- Fee: $150 domestic; $200 international.
- Health and vaccines: Required for international travel, depending on destination country requirements.
- Breed restrictions: None listed for cabin.
- International travel: Dogs and cats allowed; pet parents must ensure entry requirements are met.
Learn more about Delta’s pet policy.
Frontier
- Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. Emotional support animals not accepted; trained service animals allowed.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin only. Pets must fit under the seat.
- Carrier size: Max 18x14x 11″ (soft) or 18x14x 8″ (hard).
- Fee: $99 per pet, per direction.
- Health and vaccines: Required for international travel with service animals. Look into the regulations of your destination.
- Breed restrictions: None listed.
- International travel: Pets not allowed unless they are trained service animals.
Learn more about Frontier’s pet policy.
Hawaiian Airlines
- Pets allowed: Cats and dogs only. Emotional support animals not accepted; service animals fly free.
- Cabin or cargo: Pets allowed in-cabin if they fit under the seat. Cargo travel requires separate booking.
- Carrier size: Max 17x11x 9.5″ (soft-sided). Max for cargo 36x25x28”.
- Fee: $35 interisland; $125 between Hawaii and mainland. Cargo fees vary $60 – $225. One adult or two puppies/kittens (same breed, 8 weeks old) per carrier.
- Health and vaccines: Health certificate required for cargo travel between Hawaii and mainland; not required interisland.
- Breed restrictions: None listed for cabin; brachycephalic breeds not recommended in cargo.
- International travel: Pets not allowed in cabin on international flights.
Learn more about Hawaiian Airlines’ pet policy.
JetBlue
- Pets allowed: Small cats and dogs only. Emotional support animal category not accepted; service animals allowed.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin only. Carrier must fit under the seat; no cargo option.
- Carrier size: Max 17×12.5x 8.5″. Hard and soft carriers allowed.
- Fee: $150 each way. One pet per carrier.
- Health and vaccines: Vary by destination. U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccine documentation.
- Breed restrictions: None listed.
- International travel: Dogs and cats allowed; pet parents must meet entry requirements.
Learn more about JetBlue’s pet policy.
Southwest
- Pets allowed: Small dogs and cats only. Vaccination required.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin only for domestic flights. No cargo option.
- Carrier size: Max 18.5×13.5x 9.5″ (fits under seat). Soft and hard carriers allowed.
- Fee: $125 one way within U.S. mainland; $35 interisland in Hawaii.
- Health and vaccines: Pets must be vaccinated.
- Breed restrictions: None listed.
- International travel: Not allowed nor to/from Hawaii. Puerto Rico travel may have special rules.
Learn more about Southwest’s pet policy.
Spirit Airlines
- Pets allowed: Domestic dogs; domestic cats; small, domestic rabbits; and small, household birds. No emotional support categories. Trained service animals allowed.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin only. No cargo option.
- Carrier size: Soft carriers only. Max 18x14x 9″.
- Fee: $125 per carrier, per direction. Up to two pets allowed per container.
- Health and vaccines: No certificate needed for most domestic flights. Rabies vaccine required for travel to Puerto Rico; certificate required for U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds not banned but consult your vet.
- International travel: Not allowed, except for service animals.
Learn more about Spirit Airlines’ pet policy.
United Airlines
- Pets allowed: Dogs and cats, for domestic and international travel. Emotional support is not a category, and service animals fly free.
- Cabin or cargo: In-cabin pets must fit under the seat. Cargo available only for active-duty military or State Department employees.
- Carrier size: 17.5x12x9” (hard); 18x11x11 (soft).
- Fee: $150 per pet, each way. One pet per carrier. Two pets allowed if a second seat is purchased.
- Health and vaccines: Rabies vaccine and health certificate required for international travel.
- Breed restrictions: None listed.
- International travel: Dogs and cats allowed; pet parents must meet entry requirements.
Learn more about United Airlines’ pet policy.
What To Pack When Flying With Your Pet
Make travel easier with this essential packing list for your dog or cat:
- Soft-sided, airline-compliant carrier: Pick one that’s durable, comfortable, and meets airline requirements. Try Tavo Pets Dupree II Airline Carry-On; it’s cozy, impact-tested, and fits under many airline seats.
Recommended Product
- Harness, leash, and ID tag: Needed for TSA screenings and bathroom breaks. Try the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness. (Be sure to attach a leash and ID tag!)
Recommended Product
- Poop bags and pee pads: Line the carrier with pee pads; bring extras for cleanups. Try the Wild One Dog Poop Bag Carrier (which includes one roll of bags), the Frisco Medium Dog Training & Potty Pads, and these travel-size pet wipes.
Recommended Products
- Food and water: Bring your pet’s daily food and a couple of collapsible bowls. Try the Frisco Double Travel Collapsible Silicone Dog & Cat Bowl.
Recommended Product
- Calming aids: Pack their favorite toy, a soft item with your scent, and other calming products. Ask your vet about Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care.
Recommended Product
- Travel litter setup (optional): Consider a disposable litter box and lightweight litter if your cat won’t use pee pads. Try Luli & Cat Disposable Litter Boxes or Frisco Recycled Paper Cat Litter.
Recommended Products
FAQs About Airline Pet Policies
Which airlines allow pets in the cabin?
Most major U.S. airlines—including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United—allow pets to travel in-cabin. This list may not include all airlines, so always check with your carrier before booking.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet?
Airline fees for pets typically range $35–$150 per pet, per flight. This does not include other travel essentials like a carrier, harness, or leash.
Can I bring my emotional support animal on a plane?
The Department of Transportation no longer classifies emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals, and airlines have updated their policies accordingly. ESAs may still travel, but you’ll need to pay the pet travel fee. Only trained service animals that meet specific criteria can fly for free.
Does my pet need to be a certain age to fly on a plane?
Yes. Most U.S. airlines require pets to be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights. For international or long-haul travel, the minimum age may be 12–16 weeks to ensure they’ve received core vaccines, such as rabies.
What paperwork do I need to fly with my pet?
Requirements vary by airline and destination. Typically, you may need a recent health certificate from your veterinarian (issued within 10 days of travel) and proof of rabies vaccination—especially for international or cargo travel. Always verify with your airline and check destination entry rules.
Can I bring more than one pet on the flight?
Most airlines allow one pet per passenger in the cabin. Some may allow two pets if they’re of similar size and species, and fit in the same carrier. Additional pets generally must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Confirm your airline’s policy before traveling.
Do pets go through TSA security?
Yes, pets go through TSA security. During which, they must be removed from their carriers at security checkpoints while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Make sure your pet is wearing a secure harness and leash and has proper identification.
You can ask, however, for a private screening, in which case, you won’t have to take your pet out in the midst of all the TSA hustle and bustle.
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