Flights with pets can be expensive and confusing due to fees, weight limits, airline size rules, and the need to avoid loud barking (or meowing) on board.
Recently, American Airlines relaxed its pet policy, allowing passengers to bring their pets in their carry-on baggage in addition to bringing them on board. In recent years, private flights have become an increasingly popular option for pet owners who can afford it.
Still, flying with large or medium-sized dogs can be difficult, and many travelers are wary of leaving their pets in the hold of a plane.
For those traveling with pets as carry-on luggage on major airlines, here's what you know about each major domestic airline's policies.
southwest airlines
Dallas-based airline Southwest Airlines lets you fly free with up to two checked bags, but pets don't fly free. Southwest Airlines charges $125 per pet carrier on its flights.
According to the airline, dogs and cats are allowed to travel under the seat in an approved carrier bag (up to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide).
Southwest Airlines has a few things to keep in mind when traveling with pets. Pets must be kept in a carrier bag during the flight, and the carrier bag is considered personal property or carry-on baggage.
Southwest Airlines allows up to six pets. If he books 6 pets on one flight, further passengers will not be able to add pet companions to their reservation.
united airlines
United Airlines has no weight or breed restrictions for dogs and cats as long as they are placed in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. Hard carrier measures 17.5 inches long, 9 inches high, and 12 inches wide, or 18 inches long by 11 inches. This is a soft carrier that is inches tall and 11 inches wide.
Pet-friendly travel on United Airlines costs $125 each way. There is no charge for service animals on United Airlines flights, but some forms are required before the flight.
The carrier must fit under the seat, and where passengers can sit depends on the type of aircraft. For example, people traveling with pets cannot sit in emergency rows. If you are traveling with two pets (maximum number allocated), you must reserve two seats.
delta airlines
Small dogs and cats are welcome on Delta flights as long as they fit in a carrier stored under the seat. Carrier size varies by aircraft, but airlines generally recommend soft-sided carriers no larger than 18 inches long, 11 inches high, and 11 inches wide.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and large enough to move around in the carrier, and the carrier must have ventilation holes on three sides.
Delta charges $95 for pets in carry-on baggage, and you can only bring one personal item with your pet. Some seats, such as emergency row seats, cannot be reserved if you are traveling with an animal.
american airlines
American Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in carry-on containers. The carry-on container must remain under the seat in front of the pet owner for the entire flight. The airline recommends a soft-sided carrier that is 18 inches long, 11 inches high, and 11 inches wide.
The fee to carry a pet on American Airlines domestic flights is $150.
You can carry up to 7 pets in the cabin (excluding service animals) on flights, and on American Eagle flights you can carry up to 5 pets in the cabin (including 1 in First Class). There is no charge to fly a service animal on U.S. flights, but airlines do require you to fill out a form in advance.
The airline said in a statement that it recently changed its in-flight pet policy, allowing customers with pets to carry either personal items or carry-on luggage in the overhead bins (but not both).
“We have made the changes to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for pet customers flying American Airlines,” the airline said in a statement.
Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska
Spirit will carry dogs and cats on board for a $125 fee for carriers no larger than 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. The airline says pets and passengers cannot weigh more than 40 pounds.
Small dogs and cats can fly on JetBlue for a one-way fee of $125 using approved airlines. You can bring up to six pets with you on JetBlue flights.
Frontier allows you to carry your pet on board for a one-way fee of $99, as long as it fits in a carrier. Passengers may only bring personal items or carry-on baggage in addition to the pet carrier.
Pets are allowed in the cabin on Alaska Airlines flights for a fee of $100 each way. Passengers can travel with a pet carrier and personal items or a carrier and carry-on.
Private or charter flight
There is much more leeway for people who take their pets with them on private flights or charter flights, which can cost thousands of dollars. Dogs weighing less than 150 pounds can sit in the seat.
Berkair, a charter airline tailored specifically for travelers with dogs, charges around $6,000 for a trip for dogs and their owners on flights between New York and Los Angeles and New York and London. No carrier is required and the dog can sit on your lap, chair or bed.
