Traveling with pets has become a growing trend as more people view their cats and dogs as cherished members of the family. Leaving furry companions behind during a trip is no longer the only option, thanks to a rising number of airlines embracing pet-friendly policies. This shift highlights how pets have become more than companions, serving as vital sources of comfort and emotional support for many.
In this article, we’ll explore airlines that allow cats and dogs to fly in the cabin alongside their owners. From major carriers to budget-friendly options, there’s a growing range of choices to make traveling with your pet easier and more enjoyable. Plus, we’ll share important tips and insights to help ensure a smooth journey for you and your four-legged friend.
Pets on Planes: Then and Now
For years, pets flying on planes were transported as checked baggage or cargo. They were placed in carriers and kept in the luggage area under the plane. While fatalities were rare, many pet owners worried about their animals. The conditions in the cargo hold were loud, unfamiliar, and not very comfortable for pets.
Over time, people began advocating for better treatment of pets during air travel. For many, pets are more than just companions—they’re family members who offer comfort and, in some cases, life-saving support. Pets trained to detect low blood sugar, seizures, or heart issues showed the need for them to stay close to their owners during flights, prompting airlines to rethink their policies.
By 2023, more than 20 airlines allowed pets to travel in the cabin with their owners. Not all airlines have made this change yet, but it shows that people’s needs and the bond with their pets are being taken more seriously by airlines.
Airlines That Welcome Cats and Dogs in the Cabin
Flying with pets is becoming more accessible as many major airlines now allow cats and dogs in the cabin. In the U.S., airlines like American Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest permit small pets in carriers under the seat, with fees ranging from $95 to $150 each way. Alaska Airlines offers flexibility by allowing two pets in one carrier, while Delta allows two young pets of the same species to share a kennel.
International airlines like Lufthansa, Air France/KLM, and Turkish Airlines also provide pet-friendly options. These airlines typically have strict size and weight limits, with fees varying depending on the destination.
Lufthansa, for instance, allows pets under 8 kg/18 pounds (including the carrier) in the cabin, with fees starting at €50 for short-haul flights. For heavier pets, cargo transport is available, though it comes with higher costs.
Budget-conscious travelers can choose carriers like Frontier and Spirit Airlines, which offer lower pet fees. Frontier charges $99 per pet, while Spirit charges $100. These airlines are ideal for travelers with smaller pets that fit in a carrier under the seat.
Semi-private airlines like JSX and Tradewind Aviation provide a more relaxed experience for pet owners. JSX allows small pets in carriers under the seat for free and even permits larger dogs (up to 65 pounds) in the cabin if an extra seat is purchased. Tradewind Aviation also welcomes pets of all sizes in the cabin, with larger dogs requiring an extra seat if they weigh over 100 pounds. Both airlines limit the number of pets on each flight, ensuring a relaxed experience for everyone.
Flying with Pets: Know the Rules
Airlines typically have specific rules for pets traveling in the cabin. Most require pets to stay in a carrier that fits under the seat and meet size and weight limits, usually around 20 pounds (9 kg) including the carrier. Some airlines restrict certain breeds, like snub-nosed dogs and cats, due to potential breathing issues during flights. Pets also need to meet age requirements, with most airlines allowing animals that are at least 8 to 10 weeks old.
Documentation is an important part of traveling with pets. Airlines often require health certificates from a veterinarian, proof of vaccinations, and, for international flights, additional paperwork to meet destination-specific requirements. It’s a good idea to prepare these documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
Each airline has unique policies, so it’s important to check before booking. For example, Alaska Airlines allows two pets of the same species to share one carrier, while some international airlines restrict pets on certain routes due to local regulations. Always confirm the specific requirements of the airline to make sure you’re following the rules.
What Are the Rules for Service Pets vs. Emotional Support Pets?
Emotional support pets and service pets have different purposes, leading to distinct airline policies. Emotional support pets provide comfort to people with emotional or psychological challenges but are not trained to perform specific tasks.
In contrast, service pets are trained to assist individuals with disabilities by performing essential duties, such as guiding someone who is visually impaired or alerting them to medical emergencies.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation reclassified emotional support pets as regular pets. As a result, airlines no longer allow them to travel as service pets. Instead, they must stay in carriers that fit under the seat and owners must pay fees ranging from $95 to $150 per flight.
Service pets remain exempt from these rules. They can travel in the cabin without being confined to a carrier and are not charged fees. Their essential role in assisting their handlers ensures they receive special accommodations to travel comfortably and safely.
Prepping Your Pet for the Flight Ahead
Before you fly, it’s essential to help your pet get used to their carrier. Allow your pet to spend time inside the carrier at home, gradually increasing the duration so they feel comfortable. Placing their favorite toy or blanket inside can make the space feel more familiar and less stressful during the flight.
Packing the right essentials can also make the journey smoother. Bring toys to keep your pet entertained, treats to reward them for good behavior, waste bags for easy clean-up, and travel bowls for food and water. Keep your pet hydrated but avoid overfeeding them right before the flight to reduce the risk of motion sickness.
Book your pet’s spot in the cabin as early as possible, as airlines often have limited availability for in-cabin pets. On the day of travel, take advantage of airport amenities like pet relief areas, where your pet can stretch and take a bathroom break before boarding. These small preparations can make a big difference for both you and your pet.
The Future of Flying with Pets
As more people consider their pets part of the family, the travel industry is adapting to meet this demand. Virgin Australia is leading the way with plans to allow pets in the cabin on select routes by 2025, offering an alternative to cargo travel.
Meanwhile, boutique services like BARK Airlines are revolutionizing pet travel with flights designed entirely for dogs, ensuring comfort and convenience for both pets and their owners.
Despite these advancements, many airlines remain hesitant to change. UK-based carriers like Ryanair and Jet2.com, as well as Australian airlines like Qantas, continue to prohibit pets in the cabin. While these airlines prioritize safety and logistics, the growing popularity of pet-friendly policies elsewhere may encourage more widespread change in the future.
