7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Southwest Airlines Pet Policy and Fees
Southwest Airlines' pet policy allows small domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, with a fee of $125 each way per pet carrier for mainland US flights and $35 for inter-island Hawaiian flights.
The airline's approach to pet travel is fairly standard among major carriers, with similar restrictions on carrier size, pet behavior, and age requirements.
While Southwest's policy is generally pet-friendly, it's worth noting that they don't allow pets to travel as cargo, limiting options for larger animals or those unable to fit comfortably under a seat.
Southwest Airlines limits pet carriers to six per flight, but this rule is flexible and can be adjusted based on demand and flight conditions.
The airline allows customers to check a pet stroller or crate for free, in addition to their regular free baggage allowance, providing extra convenience for pet owners.
Southwest's pet fee of $95 per one-way trip is refundable if travel plans change or a flight is canceled, offering a level of financial protection for pet owners.
Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not allow pets to travel as cargo, restricting pet transportation exclusively to in-cabin travel.
Southwest's pet policy extends to inter-island Hawaiian flights, with a reduced fee of $35 each way per pet carrier, making island hopping with pets more affordable.
While pets are welcome on Southwest flights, they do not earn Rapid Rewards points, which might disappoint frequent flyers looking to maximize their loyalty program benefits.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Southwest Airlines Pet Policy and Fees
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Delta Air Lines Cabin Pet Regulations
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Travel Guidelines
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - JetBlue Airways Pet-Friendly Accommodations
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Requirements
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - American Airlines Pet Carrier Restrictions
- 7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Options
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Delta Air Lines Cabin Pet Regulations
Delta Air Lines has a relatively pet-friendly policy, allowing small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin for a fee.
The airline limits the number of pets per flight and has some additional restrictions, such as not permitting pets on flights to Hawaii.
While Delta's pet policy is reasonable, travelers should carefully review the specific requirements and fees before booking their flights with their furry companions.
Delta Air Lines allows passengers to bring up to two pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months in a single kennel, as long as they are small enough to fit into the kennel and are compatible.
Pets in kennels will count as the passenger's one carry-on item on Delta flights.
Delta has a reputation as one of the most pet-friendly airlines, with a reasonable policy for in-cabin pets, allowing dogs and cats to remain in FAA-approved carriers under the seat.
Delta charges a non-refundable fee of $125 each way for domestic flights or $200 each way for international flights for in-cabin pets.
Delta limits the number of pets per flight to 2 in first class, 2 in business class, and 4 in the main cabin.
Several other major airlines also allow pets in the cabin on international flights, with varying size, weight, and breed restrictions, as well as common requirements like a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate.
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Travel Guidelines
United Airlines' in-cabin pet travel policy offers a balance of convenience and responsibility for pet owners.
The airline allows cats and dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin, subject to size restrictions and a $125 fee each way.
While United's policy is generally accommodating, it's worth noting that they no longer allow pets in the cargo hold, which may limit options for those with larger animals.
Interestingly, United places no ban on sub-nose breed dogs, setting them apart from some other carriers.
United Airlines allows select in-cabin pets on flights up to 3,000 miles in length, which covers most domestic routes and even some international destinations like Canada and parts of Central America.
The airline's pet policy includes an unusual provision for birds, permitting small household birds in addition to cats and dogs for in-cabin travel.
United's pet carrier weight limit is surprisingly generous at 20 pounds total (including the pet and carrier), which is higher than many competitors' restrictions.
The airline has a unique "PetSafe" program for animals traveling in the cargo hold, which includes temperature-controlled vehicles and designated cargo areas.
United allows service animals to fly for free in the cabin, but as of 2024, they've implemented stricter documentation requirements to prevent abuse of this policy.
Interestingly, United Airlines does not allow pets in their Polaris business class cabins on international flights, despite permitting them in other premium cabins.
The airline has a little-known policy that allows military personnel on active duty to transport up to two pets in-cabin at no additional charge.
United's pet policy includes a unique clause allowing for the transportation of falcons to select Middle Eastern countries, catering to the region's falconry tradition.
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - JetBlue Airways Pet-Friendly Accommodations
JetBlue Airways offers a relatively pet-friendly policy, allowing small cats and dogs in the cabin for a fee of $125 each way.
While the airline limits passengers to one pet per customer, their accommodations are competitive with other major carriers.
However, JetBlue's restriction of six pets per flight may pose challenges for travelers during peak periods, potentially necessitating early booking to secure a spot for your furry companion.
JetBlue's "JetPaws" program offers a unique pet carrier tag and Travel Petiquette guide, educating owners on responsible pet travel.
Unlike many airlines, JetBlue allows pet carriers to count as a personal item rather than a carry-on bag, giving passengers more luggage flexibility.
JetBlue's pet policy extends to their Mint premium cabin, allowing small pets in this luxurious space for the same fee as economy.
The airline's "Wooftop" at JFK's Terminal 5 provides a 4,000 square foot outdoor rooftop lounge for pets to stretch their legs before flights.
JetBlue partners with ARK at JFK, a 24/7 animal reception center, offering services like microchipping and health certificate processing for international pet travel.
The airline's TrueBlue loyalty program allows members to earn points when paying pet fees, a unique feature among major carriers.
JetBlue's pet policy includes an unusual provision for fish travel, permitting small fish in water-filled containers that meet carry-on size requirements.
The airline offers a "PetSafe Promise," guaranteeing a full refund of the pet fee if the flight is delayed by more than 3 hours.
JetBlue has implemented a novel "Quiet Cabin" policy on some routes, designating certain rows as pet-free zones for passengers with allergies or sensitivities.
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Requirements
Alaska Airlines allows a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, and even rabbits, to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, with a weight limit of 150 lbs for the combined pet and carrier.
Pets in the cabin have a $100 one-way fee, while those in the baggage compartment have a $150 one-way fee, except for active duty US military who pay $100.
Pets must be kept in their carriers at all times and cannot create disturbances, and a health certificate is required for pets traveling in the cargo compartment.
Alaska Airlines allows a wide range of pets to travel in the cabin, including not just dogs and cats, but also ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and even pot-bellied pigs.
The combined weight limit for the pet and its carrier is an impressive 150 lbs, much higher than many other airlines.
Active duty US military members can transport pets in the cargo hold for a discounted fee of $100 each way, compared to the standard $150 fee for other passengers.
Alaska Airlines has a unique "Pet Connect" service that allows customers to ship their pets as cargo, providing an alternative to in-cabin travel.
The airline's pet policy includes specific temperature requirements for the cargo hold to ensure the comfort and safety of the animals.
Alaska Airlines is one of the few carriers that permits the transport of non-poisonous reptiles, such as certain species of snakes and lizards, in the cabin.
Interestingly, Alaska Airlines does not have any restrictions on the breeds of dogs allowed to travel, unlike some airlines that ban short-nosed breeds.
Passengers are allowed to bring a maximum of two pets per flight, as long as they purchase two seats to accommodate the animal carriers.
Alaska Airlines' pet fees are relatively low compared to some competitors, with a $100 one-way charge for in-cabin pets and a $150 fee for those traveling in the cargo hold.
The airline's "Pet Purse" program provides a special tag for pet carriers, allowing staff to easily identify and assist animals during the boarding process.
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - American Airlines Pet Carrier Restrictions
American Airlines allows passengers to carry on cats and dogs in the cabin, with a maximum combined weight of pet and carrier of 20 lbs.
The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger, and American Airlines charges a pet transport fee of $125 per kennel for tickets issued on or before February 19, 2024, and $150 per kennel for tickets issued after February 20, 2024.
Additionally, passengers are limited to one pet carrier per flight and there are restrictions on the size, age, and breed of pets allowed in the cabin.
American Airlines allows passengers to carry a maximum of two pets per flight, with a combined weight of pet and carrier not exceeding 20 lbs.
The airline charges a pet transport fee of $125 per kennel for tickets issued on or before February 19, 2024, and $150 per kennel for tickets issued after February 20,
American Airlines' pet carrier size restrictions are stricter than some competitors, requiring the carrier to fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger.
Unlike other major airlines, American does not offer a pet stroller or crate check-in option, limiting the transportation options for larger pets.
American Airlines has a unique policy that prohibits the transport of certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls and bull terriers, in the cabin due to safety concerns.
The airline requires all in-cabin pets to be at least 10 weeks old, older than the 8-week minimum of some other carriers.
American Airlines does not allow pets to travel in the first-class or business-class cabins, unlike some competitors who permit pets in premium seating.
The airline's pet policy includes a provision for the transportation of falcons, catering to the Middle Eastern tradition of falconry.
American Airlines' pet fees are generally higher than those of budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit, which charge around $100 per pet.
Unlike Southwest, American Airlines does not offer a refundable pet fee, potentially adding financial risk for last-minute travel plan changes.
American Airlines' strict size and weight restrictions for in-cabin pets may make it challenging for some travelers with larger breed dogs or multiple pets to fly with their furry companions.
7 Dog-Friendly Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin A Comparative Analysis - Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Options
Frontier Airlines allows domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds to travel in the cabin on all domestic flights within the United States.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and must remain in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger, with a $99 one-way fee.
Frontier Airlines only permits pets to travel in the cabin, not in the cargo hold, and this policy extends to flights to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, but pets are not allowed on other international Frontier flights.
Frontier Airlines is one of the few airlines that allows domesticated rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters to travel in the cabin alongside cats and dogs.
The airline's $99 one-way pet fee is relatively affordable compared to some competitors, making it a more budget-friendly option for pet owners.
Frontier's policy extends to international flights to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, although pets are not permitted on other international routes.
Unlike many airlines, Frontier does not impose any breed restrictions, allowing passengers to bring short-nosed dog breeds like pugs and French bulldogs.
The airline recommends avoiding feeding pets within 4 hours of a flight to prevent motion sickness and stress, a unique consideration for in-cabin pet travel.
Frontier Airlines is one of the few carriers that does not charge a higher premium for pets in the cabin on premium class flights, maintaining a consistent fee structure.
The airline's policy of limiting passengers to a single pet per person is stricter than some competitors, which may pose challenges for families or groups traveling with multiple pets.
Frontier's decision to prohibit pets from being checked as cargo, unlike some other airlines, reflects a focus on in-cabin pet transportation.
The airline's requirement for pets to be at least 8 weeks old is on the younger end of the spectrum compared to other carriers, which may appeal to owners of very young animals.
Frontier's cabin pet policy applies to all domestic flights within the United States, providing a consistent experience for pet owners across their route network.
The airline's lack of a "quiet cabin" or pet-free zones on flights may be a consideration for passengers with allergies or sensitivities, unlike some competitors.
Frontier's policy of not earning loyalty program points for pet travel fees may disappoint frequent flyers who were hoping to maximize their rewards.