U.S. Airline Pet Policy Guide: Fly With Your Pets Stress-Free

ByKimberly Graner Updated on

Choosing the right airline for you and your pet isn’t always straightforward. Policies vary widely —  what works for one airline might not work for another. 

This guide breaks down the key differences among major airlines in the United States so you can compare your options. Airline policies can change at any time — it’s always smart to double-check prices and requirements directly with the airline before booking.

Pre-Flight Preparation

Thoughtful preparation can go a long way in making the journey smoother and less stressful. From crate training and packing essentials to gathering the proper health documents and understanding airline requirements. Planning now reduces the risk of issues at check-in.

Preparing Your Pet for the Flight

Preparing your pet for air travel ensures a smoother journey for both of you. Here are a few things to consider to get your pet comfortable, safe, and ready to fly:

  • Start crate training. No matter how your pet will travel, it’s important to help them get comfortable with their crate or carrier before the flight. Start introducing the crate a few weeks in advance, using treats and toys to make it more inviting.
  • Try test runs. Gradually increase the amount of time your pet spends inside the crate. Practice with short drives to mimic the movement of being in the air, especially if they’re an anxious pet. Play airport or airplane sounds at low volume during crate time.
  • Feed and hydrate your pet. Feed your pet 4–6 hours before the flight to prevent nausea. Give them water, but avoid overdoing it to prevent accidents. Check with the airline about attaching food to your pet’s crate for longer flights. 
  • Know the day-of essentials. Exercise your pet before leaving the airport. Attach clear ID tags to your pet’s collar, label the crate, and carry all your pet’s paperwork. Choose a comfort item with your scent to pack with your pet.
  • Avoid sedation. Sedating a pet is dangerous, as it can impact their self-regulating ability, especially in the cargo hold. Airlines won’t allow your pet to fly if it appears sedated.

Carrier Requirements & Packing Tips 

Most airlines require a soft-sided carrier for carry-on pets that fits completely under the seat in front of you. (Sizing varies by airline, but it’s generally around 18” x 11” x 11”.) The carrier must be well-ventilated and leak-proof. Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Pets must remain inside the carrier at all times during the flight.   

Your pet’s hard-sided kennel should meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards for cargo travel. That means the crate is secure, properly ventilated on at least three sides, and large enough for the pet to move freely. Crates should also have absorbent lining, food and water dishes, and clear labeling indicating a live animal. 

For more information, see our guide to choosing the right crate or carrier. You can also reference this detailed pet packing list to decide what to bring for pets traveling in-cabin or cargo. 

Essential Travel Documents

Most airlines require a recent health certificate issued within 10 days of travel from a licensed veterinarian stating your pet is fit to fly. You may need to provide additional documentation if you’re flying with a snub-nosed breed (and the airline allows it). 

Up-to-date vaccination records may also be requested for travel to certain states, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require them for domestic flights. 

It can become more complicated if you’re traveling to states or territories like Hawaii with strict rules around rabies or arriving in the U.S. from abroad. See our guide to importing a pet into the U.S. for entry requirements and required documents from international origin points.

Although airlines don’t require microchipping for domestic travel, it is strongly recommended to help keep your pet safe in the air and after landing.

Read Next: Australian ID Verification for Pet Import

Understanding Airline Breed Restrictions

Many airlines restrict specific dog and cat breeds from flying, particularly brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and Persian cats. These short-nosed or snub-nosed breeds are more prone to breathing difficulties, especially in a more stressful environment like air travel.

Airlines may also restrict strong-jawed breeds they believe are more dangerous than others. These breeds include American bully breeds, American pit bull terriers, and rottweilers. See our guide to commonly banned dog breeds.

Airlines may deny pet boarding, no matter the breed, if the weather at the departure or arrival city is outside 45-85 degrees. Exceptions may be possible with a certificate of acclimation from your vet, but that’s not guaranteed. 

Consider ground transportation if your pet can’t fly due to health, breed, or seasonal restrictions. Amtrak allows small cats and dogs weighing up to 20 pounds, including the carrier, on trips of up to 7 hours. At check-in, you’ll need to certify that your pet is current on all vaccinations.

For larger dog breeds, talk to a pet transport service. Tailwind specializes in finding the best way for your pet to travel, including often overlooked modes of transport. Ground transportation can also be arranged for pets who need it.

Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience

Traveling with pets can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at the airport can help ease your nerves. Here’s what to expect the day of your flight:

  • Airlines usually require you to check in at the ticket counter, not self-service kiosks. It’s best to arrive at least two hours early to allow time for paperwork and pet processing. (Your airline is your best resource for timing your arrival.)
  • At check-in, you may have to demonstrate that your pet can stand, lie down, and/or turn around comfortably in their crate or carrier. 
  • Most major airports offer pet relief areas before and after security, so traveling dogs have a chance to stretch and relieve themselves. 
  • For in-cabin pets, when you go through security, TSA guidelines state that you’ll need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry them through the metal detector. The empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. 
  • In-cabin pets must remain leashed or in your arms at security and the airport. 
  • Airlines are required to treat pets traveling in cargo with care, ensuring safe and humane transportation. Pets in cargo are kept in temperature-controlled, pressurized areas and handled by trained staff. 

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is one of the more pet-friendly U.S. airlines. All pets must be at least 8 weeks old to fly. You must make reservations for pets at least 24 hours before and up to 30 days in advance. As with all your options, space is limited in cargo and in-cabin, so don’t wait until the last minute to book your pet’s flight.

Dogs and cats traveling to Hawaii must meet additional requirements to avoid a lengthy quarantine period. Pet owners must provide proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations and show they’ve passed the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test.

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Alaska Airlines allows most pets to travel in their climate-controlled baggage compartment for a fee of $150 each way if booked as excess baggage. That includes cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. (Only cats and dogs are allowed as cargo on flights to Hawaii.)

Active duty U.S. military members, their dependents, and pets traveling within Alaska pay $100. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and cats are not allowed to fly.

Pets and their carriers can have a combined weight of up to 150 pounds and must fly on the same ticket as their owners when flying as excess baggage. All pets, even pets traveling domestically, need a current health certificate to show the airline ahead of travel. 

In-Cabin

Small dogs and cats may fly in-cabin for a fee of $100 per pet. (Rabbits and household birds are permitted until April 4, 2026, but only if you purchased tickets before June 5, 2025.) Pet carriers are limited in size to 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ and count toward your carry-on allowance. Space is limited, especially in the first-class cabin, so book your pets well before you get to the ticket counter.

This airline doesn’t require health certificates for pets traveling in-cabin, but pet import requirements can vary by state. Dogs and cats traveling to Hawaii in-cabin must meet the same requirements as those flying in cargo. 

Service Animals

Service dogs are allowed in-cabin at no charge with a valid U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (DOT Service Animal Form). The dog must fit in the space at your feet for the duration of the flight.

For additional information, visit the airline’s Pet Connect site.

Allegiant

Pets traveling on Allegiant must be at least 8 weeks old. You can make reservations online using a credit card. Confirm with customer service after booking. 

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Allegiant does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

In-Cabin

Small cats and dogs may travel in-cabin for a fee of $50 each segment. Carriers may not be larger than 18” x 14” x 8” and count toward your carry-on allowance. You can travel with up to 2 pets per carrier, but it must fully close. Health certificates are not required, but some states may have additional rules.

Service Animals

Service dogs fly at no charge if they complete a DOT Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before travel. 

For additional information, visit the airline’s Traveling With Pets page.

American Airlines

All pets must be at least 8 weeks old to fly on American Airlines. Additional requirements vary by destination. Generally, in-cabin pets are not permitted on transatlantic trips. 

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Checked pets flying as excess baggage are only allowed for active duty military and U.S. State Department foreign personnel traveling on official orders.

The airline offers its American PetEmbark service for pets that don’t meet these criteria. These pets may travel on a separate ticket in cargo. A trusted, legitimate pet shipper can help you navigate the intricacies of cargo travel for airlines like American that offer the option.

Breed and size restrictions for cargo pets may apply depending on the aircraft. Fees vary based on flight duration and pet size, but expect pet travel costs to start at $450 for smaller pets. (This includes a $150 Live Animal Processing Fee on top of all posted rates.)

In-Cabin

Small cats and dogs may travel in-cabin to select destinations for a fee of $150. (Household birds are no longer allowed in-cabin.) Soft-sided carriers, the recommended option, may not be larger than 18” x 11” x 11”. Hard-sided carrier limits depend on the aircraft. The combined weight of your pet and carrier should not exceed 20 lbs. You may bring one additional carry-on or personal item. Health certificates are not required.

Service Animals

Service dogs at least 4 months old fly free with a complete DOT Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before travel. The animal should fit at your feet or in your lap. 

For additional information, visit the airline’s pet information page.

Delta

Pets flying on Delta must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, and cats must be at least 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country. 

Excess Baggage/Cargo

As of November 2024, Delta has a temporary embargo on pets through Delta Cargo (including pets flying on their owner’s ticket as excess baggage). The only exception is for active U.S. military or U.S. diplomats with travel orders. Eligible pets must still meet health certificate and crate size requirements.

In-Cabin

Small cats, dogs, and birds may travel in-cabin to select destinations. Fees range from $150 to $200 each way. Carriers may not be larger than 18” x 11” x 11” and count toward your carry-on allowance.

Service Animals

Service dogs fly free on Delta with a complete DOT Service Animal Form completed at least 48 hours before travel. The animal should fit in the space at your feet.

For additional information, visit the airline’s Pet Travel on Delta page.

Frontier

Dogs and cats flying on Frontier must be at least 8 weeks old. Health certificates are not required, but requirements may vary depending on the destination.

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Frontier does not transport pets in the cargo hold as excess baggage or cargo.

In-Cabin

Small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds may travel in-cabin to destinations around the U.S. for $99 each way. Only dogs and cats are allowed in-cabin on international flights. Carriers are limited to 18” x 14” x 8” for hard-sided carriers and 18″ x 14″ x 11″ for soft-sided carriers. You may bring an additional carry-on.

Service Animals

Service dogs at least 4 months old fly free on Frontier, provided they complete DOT Service Animal Forms at least 48 hours before travel. 

For additional information, visit the airline’s Family & Pets page.

Hawaiian Airlines

Pets must have health certificates on most routes and be at least 8 weeks old to travel. Hawaii is rabies-free and has strict regulations for pets traveling to the state. 

All dogs and cats traveling to Hawaii must provide documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccinations. To avoid a lengthy quarantine, pets also need a passing result on the FAVN test. For more information, see the State of Hawaii’s Quarantine FAQs or our detailed guide to pets traveling to Hawaii.

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and household birds as checked baggage on select domestic flights for $225 each way. Fees within Hawaii start at $60 for each segment. 

Travel in the cargo hold is limited between April 15 and October 15 to/from warm-weather destinations. Kennels are limited to 36″ x 25” x 28″. For pets that don’t meet checked baggage requirements, Hawaiian Air Cargo is another option the airline offers.

In-Cabin

Small cats and dogs may travel in-cabin for a fee of $125 each way. (Household birds are no longer allowed in-cabin, but may be allowed as excess baggage.) Pets traveling within Hawaii may do so for a fee of $35 for each segment. Carriers may not be larger than 17” x 11” x 9.5”. You may bring an additional carry-on along with your pet carrier.

Service Animals

Service dogs fly free on Hawaiian with a complete DOT Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before travel. 

For more information, visit the airline’s Traveling With Animals page.

JetBlue

Travelers may bring up to 2 pets per booking on JetBlue flights. Health certificates and vaccine requirements vary by destination. JetBlue does not accept pets to/from Medellin, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Europe. 

Excess Baggage/Cargo

JetBlue does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

In-Cabin

Small dogs and cats may travel in-cabin for a fee of $125 each way. Carriers are limited to 17” x 12.5” x 8.5” and count toward your carry-on allowance. You can travel with up to 2 pets, each in their own carrier. In that case, you’ll need to purchase a second seat and pay a second pet fee.

Service Animals

Service dogs are welcome on JetBlue at no extra charge as long as DOT Service Animal Forms are completed at least 48 hours before travel. If you’re traveling with a dog that can’t fit comfortably in the space at your feet, you must purchase the adjacent seat.

For additional information, visit the airline’s Traveling With Pets page.

Spirit

Pets traveling on Spirit should be at least 8 weeks old. This airline only requires health certificates for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), but some states may have additional requirements. 

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Spirit does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

In-Cabin

Pets flying in-cabin are limited to U.S. destinations for $125 each way. Small dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits may fly to all but Puerto Rico and the USVI. Carriers are limited to 18” x 14” x 9” and count toward your carry-on allowance. 

Service Animals

Trained service dogs are welcome on JetBlue for free with completed DOT Service Animal Forms at least 48 hours before travel. Dogs may sit on your lap or at your feet. You’ll need to purchase the adjacent seat if they need additional space.

For more information, visit the airline’s pet information page.

Southwest Airlines

Pets at least 8 weeks old may travel domestically on Southwest. They are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii, but they may travel between Hawaiian islands.

Excess Baggage/Cargo

Southwest does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

In-Cabin

Small dogs and cats may travel in-cabin for a fee of $125 each way. (Southwest Airlines’ pet fees for pets traveling between Hawaiian islands are $35 per leg.) Carrier size is limited to 18.5” x 13.5” x 8.5” and counts toward your carry-on allowance. 

Southwest is phasing out its open-seating, first-come, first-served policy, but assume that until that happens, pets cannot sit in an emergency exit row or bulkhead seat.

Service Animals

Service dogs are welcome on Southwest without additional charge. Complete DOT Service Animal Forms at least 48 hours before travel. Dogs may sit on your lap or at your feet. 

For more information, visit the airline’s Pet Policy page.

United Airlines

United allows pets to travel in-cabin on United and United Express as long as destinations allow it. International travel bookings for pets must be made over the phone to confirm country restrictions. 

Note that United partners with several large airlines. If your itinerary includes segments that United doesn’t service, you’ll need to check the requirements with each one.

Excess Baggage/Cargo

United no longer flies pets in cargo through its PetSafe program, with the exception of active U.S. military personnel, their spouses, or State Department Foreign Service Personnel. Eligible pets must still meet health certificate and kennel requirements.

In-Cabin

Small dogs and cats may travel in the main cabin for a pet fee of $150 each way. There are no breed or weight limitations, but carriers are limited to 18” x 11” x 11” and count toward your carry-on allowance. 

Service Animals

Service dogs at least 4 months old fly free on United with a complete DOT Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before check-in. 

For additional information, explore the airline’s Traveling With Pets page.

FAQs

Generally, pets must remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. They’re required to stay inside that carrier for the entire flight, and you’re not allowed to take them out and hold them on your lap. Carry-on pets in the main cabin are generally not allowed in bulkhead or exit row seats.

If you’re traveling with a trained service dog, including a psychiatric service dog (PSD), it may sit on your lap if it’s small enough and doesn’t obstruct the aisle or other passengers. Larger service dogs are usually expected to lie on the floor in your foot space.

Unless a dog is a registered service animal, large dogs are not allowed in-cabin, even with the purchase of an extra seat. Airlines that allow large dogs do so in the cargo hold of the plane, and even so, there may be breed and size restrictions depending on the airline and aircraft type. 

Most airlines no longer offer special accommodations for emotional support animals (ESAs). This is in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) updating its Air Carrier Access Act regulations in 2021. 

These changes no longer require airlines to treat ESAs as service animals, giving airlines the right to reclassify them as regular pets. That means they must follow the same rules as any other traveling pet, complete with pet fees.

Service dogs with the appropriate documentation still fly free. Before travel, you’ll need to complete the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form to confirm your pet’s training and behavior standards.

It’s rare for a pet to get lost during air travel, but taking a few precautions can help you travel more confidently with your pet. 

  • Always use a sturdy, airline-approved carrier with secure closures. Depending on your dog’s breed or temperament, the airline may ask that they travel in a special reinforced crate to prevent escape attempts. 
  • Label the carrier clearly with your name, contact info, and pet name. 
  • Ensure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with ID tags. 
  • Arrive early, double-check all paperwork, and confirm flight details with airline staff. 
  • Try to book a flight as directly as possible to avoid long layovers.

Ready to Travel? Let Tailwind Help You Fly With Ease

Choosing an airline that will accommodate your pet and meet their needs can feel like a huge undertaking, especially if you want to fly your pet in cargo.

If you’re not sure of the best route for you and your pet, Tailwind can help. Our experts handle everything from booking the best itinerary with the fewest layovers to easing worries about anxious pets. Tailwind has experience handling domestic and international pet shipments, including destinations like Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Ready to get started? Each pet travel situation is different, so fill out a quote request to get an idea of the costs involved.

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