Top U.S. Airlines for Pet Travel

Considering taking your pet on your next vacation? Navigating pet travel can be tricky, but choosing the correct airline can significantly impact your experience. We investigated the offerings of major U.S. airlines for our animal companions, examining their policies, costs, and unique features. Regardless of whether you have a small chihuahua or a bigger dog, you’ll probably find an airline that suits your pet’s travel requirements.

• Alaska Airlines is often ranked highest for pet travel, offering a good balance of reasonable fees and flexible policies for various pet types.

• For budget-conscious travelers, Southwest Airlines usually has one of the lowest in-cabin pet fees.

• Delta Air Lines provides multiple options for pet transport, including in-cabin, checked baggage, and cargo, making it a versatile choice.

• American Airlines is noted for its strong policies and support for service animals.

• When considering pet travel, always check the specific airline’s policies regarding breed restrictions, required documentation, and carrier size limits.

When it comes to flying with your furry, feathered, or even scaly friends, Alaska Airlines https://alaska.gqco.net/9LD4e4 is generally considered one of the best options for pet travel in the U.S. They really do try to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your pet. Alaska Airlines is generally considered one of the best options for pet travel in the U.S. often comes out on top. They really do try to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your pet. Alaska Airlines is generally considered one of the best options for pet travel in the U.S.

Alaska is pretty flexible about which animals can fly with you in the main cabin. Besides the usual cats and dogs, they also allow domestic rabbits and household birds. That’s a nice change from some other airlines that stick strictly to cats and dogs.

Here’s a quick look at their pet policy:

• In-Cabin Fee: $100 per pet, each way.

• Pets Allowed: Dogs, cats, domestic rabbits, and household birds.

• Number of Pets: Up to two pets can travel in the main cabin per passenger, provided they can fit comfortably in one carrier. If you have two pets, they must be of the same species and similar size. If you need to bring a second carrier, you’ll have to purchase an adjacent seat.

• Carrier as Carry-On: Remember, your pet’s carrier counts as your one carry-on item. So, if you’re bringing a pet, you might want to pack lighter or check a bag.

For larger pets that can’t fit under the seat, Alaska offers transport in a climate-controlled baggage compartment within the U.S. for $150. This is a good option if your pet is a bit too big for under-seat travel.

One cool perk is that if you’re a member of one of their lounges, your well-behaved pet can join you there too, as long as they stay in their carrier or are a quiet service animal. It’s a small thing, but it adds to the overall pet-friendly vibe.

While the fees aren’t the absolute lowest out there, Alaska’s combination of reasonable pricing, a good variety of accepted pets, and decent policies makes them a solid choice for pet parents on the go. https://alaska.gqco.net/9LD4e4

Delta Air Lines is a good option if you’re bringing a pet along for the ride. They’ve got a few ways to handle pet travel, which is pretty convenient. You can bring smaller pets like cats, dogs, and even some household birds right into the cabin with you, as long as they fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. This is usually the easiest option for most pet owners.

For larger animals, or if you just prefer them to travel separately, Delta offers checked baggage and cargo options. They have a program called “Pet First” that aims to keep pets in climate-controlled areas with professional staff. It’s good to know they have these different tiers because not every airline does.

Here’s a quick look at their general policy:

• In-Cabin: Cats, dogs, and household birds are permitted.

• Checked Baggage: Available for medium-sized pets.

• Cargo: For larger animals, handled through Delta Cargo.

When it comes to fees, Delta’s pricing can vary, especially for international flights, but for domestic travel, it’s generally competitive. It’s always best to check their most current pet policy on their website before booking, as rules and fees can change.

One important thing to remember is that Delta, like many airlines, doesn’t allow pets to be sedated for travel. They follow recommendations that suggest sedation can increase risks for pets at higher altitudes due to potential breathing and heart issues. So, make sure your pet is comfortable and calm without any medication.

American Airlines is a good option for traveling with your pet, but be aware of their specific regulations. They prohibit the sedation or tranquilization of pets, a safety precaution against potential issues at high altitudes. Ensuring your pet is healthy and alert for the flight is essential. Regarding fees, payment can be made at the airport or a travel center via credit card or voucher. Please note that cash or checks are not accepted for pet fees. Additionally, for connecting flights with other airlines, you must pay that airline’s pet fee separately, as American Airlines does not process payments for other carriers, even if the flight is booked under an American Airlines flight number. Always verify the “Operated by” information on your ticket to identify any partner airlines.

Here are a few things to remember:

• No Sedation: Pets cannot be sedated or tranquilized for flights.

• Payment: Fees are payable by credit card or voucher at the airport or travel center. No cash or checks accepted.

• Codeshares: Pay separate fees for connecting flights on partner airlines.

• International Travel: For trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights, carry-on pets are not allowed. For checked pets to the EU, you’re responsible for all entry requirements, including microchips and vaccination cards.

• Cargo Options: If your pet is too big for the cabin, they might need to travel via American Airlines Cargo, but this is generally limited to active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel on official orders.

It’s important to double-check the specific aircraft type you’re flying on, as there are restrictions on where pets can sit in the cabin. For example, pets aren’t allowed in bulkhead or exit row seats, and certain premium cabin seats on specific aircraft models also have limitations. Always confirm these details before your flight.

Southwest Airlines is a great choice if you’re looking to keep travel costs down while bringing your pet along. They’re known for being pretty budget-friendly, and that extends to their pet policy. https://swa.eyjo.net/aOVv5Y

When flying Southwest, you can bring your cat or dog in the cabin with you. They allow up to six pets per flight, which is a decent number compared to some other airlines. Just remember, you’ll need to book that spot for your furry friend in advance, as it’s first-come, first-served.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Pet Fee: The fee is $125 each way, and it’s refundable if you need to cancel.

• Carrier Limit: You can have two pets in the same carrier, provided they are small and can comfortably fit together.

• Allowed Pets: Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin.

• Booking: It’s a good idea to call ahead or use their online messaging options to reserve your pet’s spot. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Southwest makes it relatively easy to book your pet’s travel, even offering options to reserve a spot through social media. This can be a real time-saver if you’re not keen on long phone calls.

While they don’t have the absolute lowest fee, their overall approach to pet travel is straightforward and accessible for many pet owners. It’s a good balance of affordability and convenience for bringing your canine or feline companion on your next trip. https://swa.eyjo.net/aOVv5Y

JetBlue https://jetblue.jyeh.net/qz952g is a smart choice if you’re traveling with a small furry friend. They keep things pretty straightforward: only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin, and there are no options for pets to travel in cargo. This means if your pet isn’t small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you, JetBlue isn’t the airline for you.

They do have a program called “JetPaws” which is a nice touch. It’s basically their way of making the whole pet travel thing a bit smoother, offering things like a special carrier bag tag and even travel points when you fly with your pet. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s a little something extra that shows they’ve thought about pet owners. https://jetblue.jyeh.net/qz952g

When flying with JetBlue, remember that your pet’s carrier counts as one carry-on item. You’ll need to make sure it fits the under-seat dimensions, which can vary slightly by aircraft. It’s always a good idea to check the specific aircraft type for your flight.

Here’s a quick rundown of their pet policy:

• Allowed Pets: Cats and dogs only.

• Travel Option: In-cabin only.

• Carrier: Must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Fee: A flat fee of $150 per pet, each way.

It’s worth noting that there’s a limit on the number of pet carriers allowed per flight, so it’s best to book your pet’s spot as early as possible. You can find more details about their pet travel policies on JetBlue’s pet policy page.

United Airlines https://united.elfm.net/Xmj0d3 is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to fly with your pet. They allow cats and dogs, which covers most pet owners. The fee is $125 each way, and they let you bring two pets if they can fit comfortably in the same carrier. Just a heads-up, though: if your trip has a stopover longer than four hours in the U.S., you’ll get hit with another $125 charge for that stopover. That can add up pretty quickly if you’re not careful.

When it comes to the actual travel, United has specific rules about the carriers. For the main cabin, you’ll need a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. On their Boeing 777 aircraft, they have two special compartments for pets, which is nice. However, on the Airbus A321T, pets aren’t allowed in the premium cabin because there’s no under-seat storage, and only smaller, soft-sided carriers fit in Business class. Also, the total weight of your pet and its carrier can’t go over 20 pounds. They’ll actually weigh it at check-in, so make sure you’re within the limit.

United also has a pretty strict policy on sedation. They don’t allow pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. Apparently, it’s because sedated pets have a higher risk of breathing and heart problems when flying at high altitudes. So, no tranquilizers for your travel buddy.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:

• Allowed Pets: Cats and dogs.

• Fee: $125 each way, plus $125 for each U.S. stopover over four hours.

• Carrier Limit: Two pets per carrier if they fit. Total weight (pet + carrier) must not exceed 20 lbs.

• Aircraft Specifics: Check carrier size and placement rules for different aircraft types, especially premium cabins.

• No Sedation: Pets must not be sedated or tranquilized.

It’s always a good idea to book your pet’s spot in advance, as they limit the number of pet carriers per flight. You’ll want to confirm the specific aircraft and its pet policies when you book your ticket. https://united.elfm.net/Xmj0d3

Frontier Airlines might not be the first airline that comes to mind for pet travel, but they actually do a decent job compared to some others. They’re a bit more flexible with the types of animals you can bring along. While many airlines stick to just cats and dogs, Frontier also allows rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds in the cabin. That’s a nice perk if you’re traveling with something a little less common than a cat or dog.

The main thing to know is that Frontier only allows pets in the main cabin, not in cargo. This means your furry, feathered, or scaled friend has to be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that goes under the seat in front of you. The maximum size for these carriers is pretty standard: 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high. It’s a non-refundable fee of $99 each way for your pet.

Here’s a quick look at their pet policy:

• Pet Fee: $99 per pet, per direction (non-refundable).

• Allowed Animals: Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds.

• Carrier Size Limit: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (must fit under the seat).

• Number of Pets: One pet per carrier, and one carrier per passenger.

It’s really important to remember that Frontier’s policy means your pet must be able to handle being in a carrier under the seat for the entire flight. If your pet gets anxious or is too large for that setup, you might want to consider another airline. Always double-check their website for the most current rules before you book, as policies can change.

Spirit Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares, and that extends to their pet policy, though it comes with a few caveats. If you’re looking to bring your furry friend along, Spirit allows cats, dogs, domestic rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin with you. The fee for bringing a pet on Spirit is $125 each way. This fee applies per pet carrier, and you can bring up to two pets in the same carrier, provided they are small enough and can comfortably fit. However, be aware that if your travel includes a stopover of more than four hours within the United States, you’ll incur an additional $125 charge for each stopover. This can add up quickly if you have a longer journey with layovers.

When planning your trip with Spirit, it’s important to remember that pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s a limit to the number of pets allowed on each flight. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability for your pet’s spot before booking your own ticket. You’ll want to make sure there’s room for your companion, as they don’t want you to deal with the headache of canceling if there’s no space for your pet. They also have specific requirements for pet carriers, so make sure yours meets their size and ventilation standards. You can find more details on their pet travel requirements.

Spirit’s pet policy is pretty straightforward:

• Allowed Pets: Cats, dogs, domestic rabbits, and household birds.

• In-Cabin Fee: $125 per pet, each way.

• Carrier Limit: Up to two pets per carrier, if they fit comfortably.

• Stopover Fee: An additional $125 for each stopover exceeding four hours within the U.S.

While Spirit offers a way to bring your pets on vacation without breaking the bank, the additional fees for stopovers and the limited number of pet spots per flight mean you need to plan carefully. It’s not the most flexible option, but for a direct flight or a short layover, it can be a cost-effective choice.

Thinking about bringing your furry friend to the islands? Hawaiian Airlines is a solid choice for pet travel, especially if you’re sticking to domestic routes. They allow both cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you, which is always a plus for keeping an eye on your pet.

The fees for in-cabin travel are $35 if you’re flying between the Hawaiian Islands, but jump to $125 for mainland U.S. routes. If you’re looking to send your pet as cargo, the prices are a bit higher, starting at $60 within Hawaii and going up to $225 for mainland travel. It’s important to note that pets cannot travel as carry-on when flying to or from Hawaii. However, they can travel as checked baggage, provided you follow specific quarantine rules and connect through Honolulu.

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin.

• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel within the U.S.

• You cannot bring pets on flights departing Honolulu before 8 a.m. HT between March 5 and November 1.

Remember to check the specific requirements for your destination, especially if you’re heading to Hawaii. The state has strict rules to prevent the spread of rabies, so proper documentation and adherence to quarantine guidelines are key. It’s always a good idea to confirm the latest policies directly with Hawaiian Airlines before booking your tickets.

JSX is a bit different from the other airlines on this list. Think of it as a public charter operator that offers a more personalized flying experience. They allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with you, much like traditional airlines, for a fee of $100 per pet. What really sets JSX apart, though, is their willingness to accommodate some medium and even large dogs.

If you’re traveling with a larger furry friend, you can purchase an extra seat. This allows your dog, weighing up to 79 pounds, to sit with you in the cabin. It’s a pretty neat option if you don’t want your pet in the cargo hold. Booking is straightforward online, but keep in mind that their routes and flight schedules are more limited compared to the major carriers.

Here’s a quick look at their pet policy:

• Cabin Travel: Small dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin.

• Extra Seat Purchase: Allows for medium to large dogs (up to 79 lbs) to travel in an adjacent seat.

• Fee: A flat fee of $100 per pet carrier applies for cabin travel.

While JSX provides a more comfortable travel option for pets, especially larger ones, it’s important to check their specific routes and availability as they don’t fly everywhere. Their unique model means fewer flights and destinations, so planning ahead is key.

So, flying with your pet doesn’t have to be a total headache. While it’s true that most airlines have their own set of rules and fees, knowing which ones are generally more accommodating can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking for the most options, the best deal, or specific support for service animals, there’s likely an airline that fits your needs. Always remember to double-check the latest policies directly with the airline before you book, as things can change. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your pet’s journey is as smooth as yours.

Alaska Airlines often gets top marks for pet travel. They tend to have reasonable fees, allow a variety of pets, and offer good options for bringing your pet along, whether it’s in the cabin or in cargo.

Yes, American Airlines is known for being particularly good with service animals. They have clear rules and offer support to make sure service animals are well-cared for during flights.

If you’re watching your wallet, Southwest Airlines is a good choice. They usually have one of the lowest fees for bringing a pet in the cabin, making it more affordable to travel with your furry friend.

For bigger animals that can’t fit in the cabin, United Airlines has a program called PetSafe. It’s designed to give larger pets extra care and ensure they travel safely in a special part of the plane.

Most airlines charge a fee for pets, which can range from about $95 to $125 each way. It’s important to check the specific fee with your chosen airline, as these costs can add up.

Yes, some airlines, like Southwest and Spirit, do not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. United used to offer this but suspended the service. Always check the airline’s current policy, as these can change.