What is the best airline to fly with a dog?

Alaska Airlines is the best overall airline for flying with dogs. They accept dogs in the cabin for $100 each way and in climate-controlled checked baggage for $200 (pets up to 150 pounds). The booking process is straightforward and doesn't require a phone call.

How much does it cost to fly with a pet?

In-cabin pet fees range from $99 (Frontier) to $150 (American) each way. The average is about $125 per flight. Cargo transport is more expensive, typically $200-500+ depending on the airline, route, and pet size. These fees are per pet, per direction.

Can I bring a large dog on a plane?

Large dogs that don't fit in an under-seat carrier must travel in cargo. Alaska Airlines accepts checked pets up to 150 pounds for $200 each way. United's PetSafe program also handles larger dogs in cargo. Not all airlines offer cargo pet transport, and there are breed, temperature, and health certificate requirements.

Do I need a health certificate to fly with my pet?

Most airlines require a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) issued within 10 days of travel for domestic flights. International flights have additional requirements including rabies vaccination certificates and country-specific import permits. Contact your vet and check your airline's requirements at least a month before travel.

Best Airlines for Pet Travel

Q: Which airline allows the most types of pets?

Frontier Airlines accepts the widest variety of animals in the cabin: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. Most other airlines only accept dogs and cats, with some also allowing rabbits.

Best Airlines for Pet Travel, Ranked

Flying with a pet involves more research than most people expect. Every airline has different rules about which animals are allowed, what size carriers you need, how much it costs, and whether cargo transport is available. Some airlines make it straightforward. Others make it feel like you're negotiating a hostage release.

Here are the best airlines for pet travel based on policies, fees, booking ease, and overall pet-friendliness.

Best Airlines for In-Cabin Pet Travel

1. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines earns the top spot overall with the clearest policies, most reasonable fees, and easiest booking process in the industry. The airline scored 57 out of 60 points in pet policy testing, the highest of any carrier.

Alaska accepts dogs, cats, and rabbits in the cabin, as long as they fit in a carrier that slides under the seat (max dimensions: 17" long x 11" wide x 9.5" high). The in-cabin pet fee is $100 each way. You can typically add a pet online or through the app without needing to call.

For larger pets, Alaska also offers checked pet transport (up to 150 pounds) in climate-controlled baggage compartments for $200 each way. That dual option, cabin and cargo, is what sets Alaska apart.

2. Southwest Airlines

Southwest keeps things simple, which is a theme with the airline. Small cats and dogs can travel in carriers that fit under the seat. The pet fare is a flat rate, and the rules are clear with no fine print surprises.

Southwest doesn't offer checked or cargo pet transport, so this only works for small pets. But for a small dog or cat, the booking process is painless and the fee is competitive. Note that Southwest limits the number of pet carriers per flight, so book early.

3. JetBlue

JetBlue accepts dogs and cats in the cabin for $125 each way. The carrier must fit under the seat (max dimensions: 17" long x 12.5" wide x 8.5" high). JetBlue's advantage is their extra legroom, which gives a bit more space for the carrier under the seat in front of you.

JetBlue doesn't offer checked or cargo pet transport. But for small pets on JetBlue routes, the experience is pleasant and the policies are clear.

4. Delta Air Lines

Delta accepts small cats and dogs in soft carriers that fit under the seat for $125 each way (domestic) and $200 (international). Delta's rules are transparent, and the booking process is straightforward.

Delta no longer accepts checked pets but offers Delta Cargo for larger animals. Delta Cargo operates separately and has its own fee structure and requirements, including breed restrictions, temperature embargoes, and crate specifications. It's more involved but gets the job done for larger pets.

5. United Airlines

United accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin for $125 each way. The carrier must fit under the seat. United's PetSafe cargo program handles larger pets, with climate-controlled holds and tracking.

The PetSafe program has more restrictions and requirements than most, including breed-specific limitations, health certificate requirements, and seasonal temperature embargoes. Read the fine print carefully and book well in advance.

6. American Airlines

American accepts cats and dogs in the cabin for $150 each way. That's the highest in-cabin fee among the major carriers. American also offers checked pet transport on select domestic routes for $200 each way, though availability is limited.

American has more breed restrictions than most airlines, particularly for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds. If you have a French Bulldog, Pug, or similar breed, check the restricted list carefully before booking.

Best Budget Option for Pet Travel

Frontier Airlines - $99 each way

Frontier has the lowest in-cabin pet fee of any US airline at $99 each way. They also accept the widest variety of animals: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. That's far more species than most carriers allow.

The catch is that Frontier's seat pitch is the tightest in the industry (28 inches), which means less space for the carrier under the seat. And Frontier doesn't offer cargo transport, so this is strictly for small pets that fit in an under-seat carrier.

Best Airlines for Large Pet Transport (Cargo)

If your pet is too large for an in-cabin carrier, you'll need cargo transport. Here are the best options.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska accepts pets up to 150 pounds in checked baggage (climate-controlled) for $200 each way. This is the simplest large-pet option because it's booked through the airline directly as part of your flight.

United PetSafe

United's PetSafe program is the most established cargo pet transport service among US airlines. Pets travel in pressurized, climate-controlled cargo holds with tracking available. Fees vary by route and pet size.

International Cargo Options

For international pet travel, Lufthansa is considered the gold standard. Their Animal Lounge in Frankfurt handles thousands of pets annually with temperature-controlled conditions and round-the-clock supervision. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates also accept pets in cargo with strong welfare protocols.

Pet Travel Fees Compared

Frontier: $99 each way (cabin only)
Alaska: $100 each way (cabin), $200 (checked/cargo)
Southwest: $125 each way (cabin only)
JetBlue: $125 each way (cabin only)
Delta: $125 each way domestic, $200 international (cabin)
United: $125 each way (cabin), varies for PetSafe cargo
American: $150 each way (cabin), $200 (checked)

Tips for Flying with Pets

Book early. Most airlines limit the number of pets per flight (usually 2-5 in cabin). Once spots are filled, you're out of luck.
Get the right carrier. Measure your pet and your carrier carefully against the airline's max dimensions. A carrier that's a half-inch too tall will be rejected at the gate.
Visit the vet. Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. International flights have additional requirements including rabies certificates and import permits.
Practice at home. Get your pet comfortable in the carrier weeks before the flight. A stressed pet in a carrier makes for a miserable flight for everyone.
Choose direct flights. Connections increase stress and risk. A direct flight is always better for your pet, even if it costs more.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Most airlines have temperature embargoes that prevent pet travel when it's too hot or too cold. Summer and winter travel requires careful planning.

Which Pets Can't Fly?

Most airlines restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cargo transport because they're prone to respiratory distress at altitude. Breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus may be restricted from cargo on certain airlines. They can usually still fly in-cabin if they're small enough for a carrier.

Aggressive breeds may also be restricted. Check your airline's specific breed restrictions before booking.

The Bottom Line

Alaska Airlines is the best overall airline for pet travel with clear policies, reasonable fees, and both cabin and cargo options. For budget pet travel, Frontier's $99 fee is the cheapest. For large pets, Alaska's checked pet service and United's PetSafe program are the most reliable options. Always book early, check size requirements carefully, and visit your vet before the trip.