Guide · Updated 2026
Flying with your pet? Every US airline's rules, in plain English.
Every airline calls their pet policy "simple" — and every airline's policy is a different puzzle. We pulled the fees, carrier sizes, and cabin rules from seven major US carriers and laid them side-by-side, so you can pick a flight that actually fits your dog or cat.
Pet policy comparison
Fees and rules change often — always confirm with the airline before booking.
| Airline | Cabin fee | Cargo | Max carrier size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | $150 each way | Cargo (PetSafe) suspended for most pets; service animals only | Soft: 18 × 11 × 11 in · Hard: 17.5 × 12 × 7.5 in | Pet + carrier must fit under the seat |
| American Airlines | $150 each way | Cargo limited to active-duty military & State Dept. employees | 19 × 13 × 9 in (soft-sided) | Pet + carrier ≤ 20 lb combined |
| Delta Air Lines | $95 within US · $200 international | Cargo via Delta Cargo (separate booking, breed restrictions apply) | Soft-sided, must fit under the seat in front of you | No published weight cap — must fit comfortably in carrier |
| Southwest Airlines | $125 each way | No cargo program for pets | 18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 in | Pet + carrier must fit under the seat |
| JetBlue | $125 each way | No cargo program for pets | 17 × 12.5 × 8.5 in | Pet + carrier ≤ 20 lb combined |
| Alaska Airlines | $100 each way | Cargo available (most pets) — $150+ depending on size & route | Soft: 17 × 11 × 9.5 in · Hard: 17 × 11 × 7.5 in | Pet + carrier must fit under the seat |
| Frontier Airlines | $99 each way | No cargo program for pets | 18 × 14 × 8 in | Pet + carrier must fit under the seat |
The fine print, airline by airline
United Airlines
One pet per ticket; a second pet means a second seat. No pets to/from Hawaii, Australia, or the UK in cabin.
American Airlines
Max 7 pets per flight, first-come basis. Not allowed on most international routes or transatlantic flights.
Delta Air Lines
Pets count as your carry-on. Not allowed to Hawaii, UK, Australia, or in Delta One on most routes.
Southwest Airlines
Six pet carriers per flight, first-come basis. Domestic flights only.
JetBlue
Earn 300 TrueBlue points per segment with JetPaws. Not allowed to/from the UK or Jamaica.
Alaska Airlines
One of the few US carriers still flying pets in cargo. Two pets allowed per carrier if same species & ≤ 20 lb each.
Frontier Airlines
Domestic flights and selected nearshore international. No pets to/from the Dominican Republic.
Pet travel requirements before you fly
Whether you're flying United from Newark or Southwest out of Dallas, most carriers want to see the same three things at the gate:
- A health certificate from a licensed vet, usually issued within 10 days of travel.
- Proof of rabies vaccination (most US carriers require pets to be at least 8 weeks old).
- An airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, with your pet able to stand and turn around inside.
Traveling internationally adds a layer: most countries require an USDA-endorsed health certificate, and the EU, UK, and Australia have additional rabies titer and microchip rules. Start the paperwork at least 30 days before you fly.
Stop reading fine print. Start traveling with your pet.
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