The Basics- U.S. Airline Pet In-Cabin Policies

Haley
Jan 10, 2022
1 min read

Updated: May 2, 2024

Every airline is different, and it can get so overwhelming trying to pick which one to fly on. For some, you may not have much of an option, because it's the only one with a really good deal or the only one with a direct flight.

Below you will see a chart of different U.S. airline requirements. I hope this helps you on your next journey with your fur baby!

U.S. Airline Requirements For Pet In-Cabin

Airline	Pet Fee (Each Way)	Weight Limit	Carrier Size	Pet Per Passenger	Required Health Certificate	Notes
Alaska	$100	none	17" x 11" x 9.5" (soft-sided) 17" x 11" x 7.5" (hard-sided)	2	Only for pets traveling in cargo (below the plane)	Link for Alaska destination pet relief locations.
Allegiant	$50	none	9” x 16” x 19”	2	No
American	$125	None, but the dog must be able to stand up and turn around in their carrier, with the lid closed (they do ask to see this).	19" x 13" x 9" (Mainline-American) 16" x 12" x 8" (Regional- American Eagle)	1	No	Due to the lack of underseat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on: Boeing 777-200 777-300 787-8 787-9
Delta	$95 (USA) $200 (International) $75 Brazil	none	18” x 11” x 11”	1	No
Frontier	$99	none	18" x 14" x 8"	1	No
Hawaiian	$125	25 lbs. total	16" x 10" x 9.5"	1	Yes
Jet Blue	$125	20 lbs. total (carrier & dog)	17" x 12.5" x 8.5"	2	No	*Optional: Jet Blue Pet Carrier Available (Travelier Tip: If you're worried about your carrier size, this can be nice to ensure no complications occur.)
Southwest	$125	none	18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”	1	No	*Optional: Southwest Pet Carrier bag available at Ticket Counter or online. (see Travelier Tip above)
Spirit	$125	40 lbs total	18” x 14” x 9”	1	No
United	$150	none	17.5 " x 12" x 7.5 " (hard-sided) 18" x 11" x 11" (soft-sided)	1	Yes, BUT, a rep. told me it's not necessary. HOWEVER, I would rather be safe than sorry! United website states, "If you’re traveling domestically in the U.S. with your pet, we ask that you get a certificate of health from your vet within 30 days of your trip. This certificate should include: Name, phone, address Info about your pet- breed, sex, age, color & markings List of recent vaccine, including names, dates issued and expiration	Pet must also always remain in the floor space under the seat.

Rules That Apply To Almost All Airlines

Emotional Support Animals (these are not the same as service animals) are NO LONGER recognized with airlines. Passengers must pay the pet fee and keep them in a carrier.

Passengers flying with a pet are not permitted to sit in the emergency row or the bulkhead (the first row on an airplane).
Pets are not permitted to be out of the carrier during flights. If a problem occurs, speak to the flight attendant prior to taking them out (if absolutely necessary).