I’ve owned pets and traveled for seven years, so I know how stressful it can be to fly with them. Many years ago, I took my dogs on many flights with different companies and learned a lot about how they handle pets. If you want to take your furry friend on your next trip, this guide to the best airlines for pet travel will help you learn about their rules and limits before you leave. Read below about “Best Airlines for Pet Travel– Know the Policies Before You Fly.
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Best Airlines for Pet Travel- Know the Policies Before You Fly
I’ve put together a list of the top 5 airlines that are best for pet owners based on my own experiences and study. I’ll talk about their fees, the sizes they accept, how to board, and anything else you need to know. Let’s jump right in!
Alaska Air Line
There are now a lot of airlines in the US that allow pets. Alaska Airlines is one of them. On both domestic and foreign flights, they make it easy to bring cats and dogs in the cabin.
Alaska, unlike some other big companies, doesn’t have rules about what kinds of pets can fly or mix breeds. Your pet must be at least eight weeks old and have been weaned. Each person can bring up to two pets, each in its own carrier. The pet and cage together can’t weigh more than 20 pounds.
It costs $100 each way for each pet. There are no extra fees for layovers or transfers. They have a pet booking desk that you can call or book online for your pet.
During the whole trip, your pet has to stay in the carrier under the seat in front of you. Alaska offers priority boarding to make loading pets easy. In general, their rules are clear and don’t put many limits on you.
JetBlue
Known for its budget-friendly fares, JetBlue is another excellent choice for pet owners. They’ve consistently ranked among the most pet-friendly airlines thanks to their affordable fees and flexible size allowances.
You can fly with small cats and dogs in the cabin on JetBlue. The maximum combined weight for pet and carrier is 20 pounds. Unlike some competitors, JetBlue doesn’t enforce specific carrier dimensions as long as it fits under the seat. This gives you more flexibility with bag selection.
JetBlue charges just $100 each way for pets within the US. For international flights, fees range from $100-175 depending on destination. Service animals always fly free. You can book online or call their special pet desk to make arrangements.
One downside is that JetBlue doesn’t allow pets on flights longer than 12 hours. But for shorter domestic trips, they offer a seamless pet travel experience.
United Airlines
As one of the largest global carriers, United offers extensive pet travel options to destinations worldwide. They accommodate cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds in the cabin when following protocol.
United allows one pet carrier per passenger, limited to a maximum of two pets per flight. Accepted species include domestic dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. The combined weight of animal and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds for cabin travel.
For flights within North America, the pet fee is $125 each way. For international flights, expect to pay $200-300 each way depending on your destination. Be aware that additional charges, restrictions and paperwork may apply for international pet travel.
I’ve flown United with my dog several times and appreciate their streamlined online booking and check-in process. As long as you follow their guidelines, United makes it simple to jetset across the globe with your pet.
Delta Air Lines
While not as budget-friendly as some low-cost competitors, Delta offers unmatched pet amenities for a premium carrier. They accommodate up to 2 pets per passenger in the main cabin on most flights within the US.
Accepted in-cabin pets include dogs, cats and household birds. The maximum weight is 20 pounds including carrier. Delta charges $125 each way for domestic US pet travel. International fees range from $200-300 each way.
What sets Delta apart is their top-notch pet facilities at major hubs. The Delta Cargo Pet First facility at LAX offers a full-service animal resort with boarding, daycare and grooming services. No need to scramble for a pet sitter before your next flight from LA!
Delta also offers free VIP Platinum Pet Service for connecting flights at other hubs like ATL, MSP and DTW. Your pet will be hand-walked between planes by trained staff. It’s the ultimate door-to-door experience.
Southwest Airlines
Known for its customer-friendly approach, Southwest has some of the most liberal policies for flying with pets. You can bring up to 2 cats or dogs in the cabin per passenger as long as they fit in a carrier under the seat.
Southwest has no weight limits or size restrictions beyond fitting under the seat. Their flat rate pet fee is just $95 each way per pet. Service and emotional support animals fly free with proper documentation.
One thing to note is that Southwest does not allow pets on international flights or flights requiring connections. But for nonstop domestic travel within the US, they offer a seamless and affordable pet travel solution.
The boarding process is very straightforward. Just arrive at the gate early and notify the agent you have a pet. Overall, Southwest makes domestic pet travel hassle-free.
Tips for Flying with Pets
- Book direct flights without connections when possible. This reduces pet stress and chances of delays/issues.
- Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and has a current health certificate from your vet if required.
- Purchase an airline approved carrier and familiarize your pet with it before the trip. Soft-sided under seat bags work best.
- Attach a tag with your contact info to your pet’s collar and carrier in case you get separated.
- Pack collapsible food/water bowls and bottled water to keep your pet hydrated. Bring plastic bags and absorbent pads for accidents.
- Give your pet a mild sedative if they have anxiety. Always check with your vet first.
- Request a bulkhead seat with extra legroom if possible for more space.
- Attach your pet’s documents and medical records to the top of their carrier for easy access by staff.
The key is planning ahead and knowing your airline’s specific policies. I hope you like reading “Best Airlines for Pet Travel- Know the Policies Before You Fly”. With the proper carrier, paperwork and preparation, you can feel confident bringing your furry family members along on your next adventure. Safe travels!
Sophie Turner is the adventure travel writer behind AdventureTravelFam.com. With over 10 years of experience in travel writing and a Master’s degree in Tourism Management, Sophie shares her expertise in exploring unique destinations and providing family-friendly travel tips. Follow her adventures on Instagram @adventure_travelfamily.
