How to Fly With a Pet: Complete Guide

The Short Answer

Small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin under your seat for $95-$150 each way on most major U.S. airlines. You'll need an airline-approved soft carrier, a health certificate from your vet, and a pet reservation booked directly with the airline. Larger pets fly as cargo. Call the airline early because in-cabin pet spots are limited to 4-6 per flight and fill up fast.

In-Cabin Pet Travel

Which Pets Can Fly in the Cabin?

Most airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. A few also permit small household birds or rabbits. That's basically it. No reptiles, rodents, ferrets, or exotic animals in the cabin on commercial flights.

Your pet plus its carrier must weigh under the airline's limit, typically 20 pounds (9 kg) combined. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet doesn't fit comfortably, the airline will deny boarding.

In-Cabin Pet Fees by Airline

• Alaska Airlines: $100 each way (one of the cheapest)
• Southwest Airlines: $125 each way (domestic mainland only)
• American Airlines: $150 each way
• Delta Air Lines: $150 each way
• United Airlines: $150 each way
• JetBlue: $125 each way

These fees are per carrier, per direction. So a round trip with one pet costs $200-$300 depending on the airline. The pet fee is in addition to your ticket price.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet carrier must be:

• Soft-sided (hard carriers rarely fit under seats)
• Leak-proof bottom
• Well-ventilated on at least two sides
• Small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (dimensions vary by airline and aircraft)
• Large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably

Typical maximum carrier dimensions are around 18" x 11" x 11", but this varies by airline and even by aircraft type. Check your specific airline's requirements before buying a carrier. Measure twice.

Your pet must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight. No holding them in your lap. No letting them poke their head out. The carrier stays zipped and under the seat.

Booking a Pet Reservation

You cannot book pet travel through most airline websites. You need to call the airline directly. Here's why this matters: airlines limit in-cabin pets to about 4-6 per flight. Those spots go fast, especially on popular routes.

Book your pet reservation as soon as you've purchased your ticket. Some airlines let you add a pet during booking, but most require a separate phone call. Don't wait until the week before your trip.

What you'll need when you call:

• Your flight confirmation number
• Type of pet (dog, cat, etc.)
• Weight of pet plus carrier
• Carrier dimensions

Health Requirements

Veterinary Health Certificate

Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Schedule your vet appointment accordingly, especially if you're traveling round trip and the return flight is more than 10 days after the initial certificate was issued. You may need a second certificate for the return.

The certificate must state that your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Your vet will examine your pet and issue the document. Costs typically run $50-$150 depending on your vet.

Vaccinations

Proof of current rabies vaccination is required by virtually every airline, especially for dogs. Some airlines also require proof of other core vaccinations. International travel has even stricter requirements that vary by destination country.

Age Requirements

Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights. For international travel, the minimum is often 12-16 weeks to ensure they've received core vaccinations including rabies.

Breed Restrictions

This catches a lot of pet owners off guard. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced or snub-nosed animals) are banned from flying on most airlines due to respiratory distress risks at altitude. This includes:

• Dogs: Bulldogs (English, French), Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Boxers (on some airlines)
• Cats: Persians, Himalayans, Burmese, Exotic Shorthairs

These breeds have compressed airways that make breathing difficult in the pressurized cabin environment. The restriction applies to both in-cabin and cargo travel on many airlines. Check your specific airline's breed restrictions before making plans.

Cargo Pet Travel

Pets that are too large for in-cabin travel must fly as cargo. This is a separate service from regular checked baggage.

Cargo pet fees are significantly higher, typically $250-$500+ depending on the airline, route, and pet size. You'll need an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down.

Not all airlines offer cargo pet transport. Delta, for instance, doesn't accept checked pets but handles cargo pets through Delta Cargo as a separate service. United's PetSafe program is one of the larger cargo pet operations.

Temperature restrictions apply to cargo travel. Most airlines won't transport pets when ground temperatures at origin, destination, or connection airports are below 45 degrees F or above 85 degrees F. This can ground your pet's travel plans during winter and summer months.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

Fully trained service dogs fly in the cabin at no charge and aren't subject to pet fees or carrier requirements. They can sit at your feet or on your lap. You'll need to fill out DOT service animal forms, which the airline provides.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer receive special treatment on U.S. airlines. Following DOT rule changes, airlines can treat ESAs as regular pets. That means carrier requirements, pet fees, and all the same restrictions apply. If your ESA is too large for an in-cabin carrier, it can't fly in the cabin as an ESA anymore.

International Pet Travel

Flying internationally with a pet adds layers of complexity. Each destination country has its own import requirements, which may include:

• Specific vaccinations and blood titer tests
• Microchipping (ISO standard 15-digit chip)
• Import permits
• Quarantine periods (some countries require weeks or months)
• USDA-endorsed health certificates

Start the process months in advance for international pet travel. Some countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have lengthy quarantine requirements. The USDA's APHIS website has country-specific pet import requirements.

Tips for a Smooth Flight With Your Pet

• Get your pet used to the carrier weeks before the flight. Leave it open at home so they associate it with comfort, not stress.
• Skip the sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends them. Sedation can cause breathing and heart problems at altitude.
• Freeze water in the carrier's dish before the flight. It won't spill during boarding but will melt and provide water during the flight.
• Exercise your pet before the airport. A tired pet is a calm pet. Take a long walk right before you leave for the airport.
• Line the carrier bottom with an absorbent pad in case of accidents.
• Book direct flights whenever possible. Fewer takeoffs and landings mean less stress for your pet and fewer chances for things to go wrong.
• Avoid peak summer and winter if your pet is flying cargo. Temperature restrictions could delay or cancel their transport.
• Bring familiar items. A small blanket or toy that smells like home can help calm an anxious pet.

What to Do at the Airport

At check-in, present your pet's health certificate and vaccination records. The airline agent will verify everything and collect the pet fee if you haven't already paid it.

At TSA security, you'll need to remove your pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. This is the one time your pet comes out. Hold them securely. If you're worried about your pet bolting, ask TSA for a private screening room.

At the gate, keep your pet in the carrier. Don't take them out in the terminal. Board when your group is called and stow the carrier under the seat in front of you.