If you’re planning to travel with your dog, researching pet friendly airlines is essential. If your dog can fit under the seat in front of you, you will have more options, but some airlines are still more accommodating for pets than others. So, this article will cover some of the details for the most pet-friendly airlines.
Are All Airlines Pet Friendly?
Most airlines allow dogs to an extent. However, some have restrictions for pets, such as only allowing dogs in the cabin or not allowing dogs on international flights. Thus, even though most airlines have flights that allow dogs, they may not be as pet-friendly as other airlines. Before flying with a dog, be sure to check your airline’s pet policy.
If you’re flying with a service animal, the pet policies don’t apply to them. Service dogs are allowed on all flights because they’re essential for their human’s safety. If you’re unsure how to fly with a service dog, you can contact the airline for assistance.
Most Pet Friendly Airlines
Below are a few of the most popular airlines that allow dogs, along with what their policies are.
1. Alaska Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: $100
Alaska Airlines follows standard rules for pets in the cabin. Small pets that can fit under the seat in front of you, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, can fly for a fee. The pet must remain in their carrier for the entire flight. Alaska Airlines may allow up to four dogs with one passenger, but extra seats will need to be purchased.
Dogs can fly in the cargo, but the airline can refuse aggressive dogs and brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced dogs). Dogs in the cargo must weight 150 pounds or less with the carrier included.
2. American Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: No, only in certain circumstances
- Pet Fee: $125
If you’re flying with a small dog, American is one of the best airlines that fly dogs. As long as the carrier is 19″ x 13″ x 9″ or smaller, you can bring your small dog or cat into the cabin and place them under the seat in front of you. Pets must be in their carrier throughout the whole flight, and American may not allow dogs on international flights.
Right now, American Airlines only allows active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service dogs in the cargo space. However, they have allowed other checked pets in the past, so it can’t hurt to ask the airline if your dog is allowed.
3. Allegiant Air
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: No
- Pet Fee: $100
Allegiant has no breed restrictions, as long as the dog fits in a kennel that’s 9″ x 16″ x 19″ or smaller. However, the airline may turn away pets that appear overly ill or distressed. They don’t seem to have a limit for the number of pets allowed on each flight, but you should still book your pet in advance just to be safe. Dogs are never allowed in Allegiant’s cargo.
4. JetBlue
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: No
- Pet Fee: $125
Even though dogs aren’t allowed in cargo, JetBlue is still one of the most dog friendly airlines. They welcome all breeds, but the dogs need to be 20 pounds or less including the weight of the carrier. The carrier must be 17″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″ or smaller to fit under the seat in front of you. The specific requirements may vary based on location, so contact the airline before booking a flight with your pet.
5. United Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: $125
Not every United Airlines flight will allow dogs in cargo, so talk to a representative to find out the rules and pricing. For in-cabin pets, the carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet must stay in the carrier for the duration of the flight. United may restrict brachycephalic breeds from flying due to health concerns. They typically only allow dogs and cats aboard.
6. Southwest Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: No
- Pet Fee: $95
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest options for flying with dogs in America, even though the fee is still fairly high. Pets must fit in a carrier that’s 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ or smaller, which will slide under the seat in front of you. They typically only allow dogs or cats, but they don’t restrict any breeds. Southwest doesn’t allow dogs on international flights in-cabin, and they never allow dogs in cargo.
7. Frontier Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: No
- Pet Fee: $99
Frontier is one of the more affordable airline options, and they’re also one of the best airlines allowing dogs. They don’t have any specific breed or weight restrictions, but the pet must fit in a carrier that’s 18″ x 14″ x 8″ or smaller. However, they can restrict dogs that are loud, smelly, or aggressive. In addition to dogs and cats, they also welcome small animals like birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
8. Air Canada
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: $100 to $200
Air Canada is one of the best airlines that allow dogs in cargo. In the cabin, dogs must weight 22 pounds or less with the weight of the carrier added. The carrier must also fit under the seat in front of you. The under seat size of Air Canada planes may vary, so contact the company to find out the exact size of your plane.
Dogs can travel in cargo on this airline if they weigh less than 100 pounds when combined with the carrier. If they’re heavier, you can contact the airline for other options. Brachycephalic dogs aren’t allowed to travel in cargo for their own safety. Depending on where you’re flying to and from, certain breeds may also be restricted.
9. Lufthansa
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: Prices vary
If you want to bring a pet in the cabin, you need to make sure you book over 72 hours in advance. Your dog must stay in a carrier that can slide under the seat in front of you. Dogs that are disruptive or aggressive may not be allowed on the flight.
Not all Lufthansa flights allow dogs, so you should contact the airline for the most current rules. They restrict some breeds, and they don’t allow brachycephalic dogs in cargo for safety reasons.
10. Delta Air Lines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: $125 to $200
Dogs, cats, and birds can fly in the cabin on Delta flights if their carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. They don’t allow brachycephalic breeds. Carry-on pets must remain in their carriers for the entire flight. Dogs aren’t always allowed in cargo, especially not during extreme temperatures. So, contact Delta to find out if your dog is welcome or not.
11. Hawaiian Airlines
- Dogs in Cabin?: Yes
- Dogs in Cargo?: Yes
- Pet Fee: $35 to $125
Pet fees are less expensive on Hawaiian Airlines if you’re only traveling between Hawaiian Islands. This is one of the best airlines that allow pets because they allow pets both in the cabin and in cargo on a variety of flights. However, they may not allow pets on international flights. If the weather is bad, they may also deny pets as cargo for safety reasons. The only pets they accept in the cabin are dogs and cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions related to airlines that fly dogs.
Can Service Dogs Fly for Free?
Yes, service dogs can fly on any airline for free, regardless of the airline’s pet policy. They are necessary for the person’s health, so they aren’t considered pets. During a flight, they will sit on the floor space in front of their human.
Can Emotional Support Dogs Fly for Free?
No, emotional support animals cannot fly for free. They used to be able to one some flights, but many people faked them, causing airlines to change their rules. Now, ESAs must follow the same rules as other pets on flights.
Where Do Dogs Go to the Bathroom on Planes?
If you’re flying with a dog, please have them go to the bathroom at the airport before boarding the flight. Once you’re on the plane, the only place for them to do their business is on potty pads in the bathroom or in their carrier.
Can My Dog Sit on My Lap During a Flight?
No, your dog needs to stay under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. The only exception is service dogs.
Is Your Dog Ready to Fly?
If your dog loves traveling to dog friendly vacations, then pet friendly airlines are great to keep note of. Any of the airlines mentioned in this article are great choices, but if you need more information, you can find more detailed airline pet policies online.
Dogs who enjoy flying might enjoy other adventures with their humans. Consider RV camping with dogs or visiting dog friendly stores.