Quick Answer

• U.S. in-cabin pet fees range from $35 (Hawaiian intra-Hawaii) to $200 (international routes).
• Most domestic airlines charge $95–
  50 one-way for cabin pets.
• Cargo fees are significantly higher: $200–
  ,000+ depending on size and route.
• Pet fees are per carrier, per direction — round trips cost double.
• No U.S. airline includes pet travel in the ticket price.

About This Guide

This guide compares pet travel policies across major U.S. carriers. All fees and policies are verified against official airline sources and updated for 2026. Prices shown are one-way in-cabin pet fees unless otherwise noted.

When choosing an airline for pet travel, consider not just the pet fee but also the total ticket cost, carrier size requirements, weight limits, and route availability. A cheaper pet fee on a budget airline may be offset by fewer route options or stricter carrier dimensions.

Key Considerations for Pet Travel

• Health certificate required within 10 days of travel (cost: $50-$200)
• Airline-approved soft-sided carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
• Most airlines limit in-cabin pets to cats and dogs under 20 lbs (carrier included)
• Round trip pet fees are typically double the one-way fee
• Cargo fees range from $200-
  ,000+ for pets that cannot fly in cabin
• International travel requires additional documentation (import permits, microchips, titer tests)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fly with a pet in the USA?

In-cabin fees range from $35 to $200 one-way. Most major airlines charge

00–

50. The fee is per carrier, per direction.

Are pet fees one-way or round trip?

Pet fees are one-way (per direction). A round trip with your pet costs double the one-way fee.

Do pet fees include the carrier?

No. You must purchase your own airline-approved carrier separately. Carriers cost $25–$80 depending on size and brand.

Are there hidden fees for pet travel?

Watch for: health certificate costs ($50–$200 vet visit), carrier purchase, and international documentation fees. The airline fee itself has no hidden charges.

Can I use frequent flyer points to pay for pet fees?

No. U.S. airlines do not allow points or miles to cover pet travel fees. The fee must be paid in cash at check-in or when booking.

Quick Answer

• U.S. in-cabin pet fees range from $35 (Hawaiian intra-Hawaii) to $200 (international routes).
• Most domestic airlines charge $95–
  50 one-way for cabin pets.
• Cargo fees are significantly higher: $200–
  ,000+ depending on size and route.
• Pet fees are per carrier, per direction — round trips cost double.
• No U.S. airline includes pet travel in the ticket price.

About This Guide

This guide compares pet travel policies across major U.S. carriers. All fees and policies are verified against official airline sources and updated for 2026. Prices shown are one-way in-cabin pet fees unless otherwise noted.

When choosing an airline for pet travel, consider not just the pet fee but also the total ticket cost, carrier size requirements, weight limits, and route availability. A cheaper pet fee on a budget airline may be offset by fewer route options or stricter carrier dimensions.

Key Considerations for Pet Travel

• Health certificate required within 10 days of travel (cost: $50-$200)
• Airline-approved soft-sided carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
• Most airlines limit in-cabin pets to cats and dogs under 20 lbs (carrier included)
• Round trip pet fees are typically double the one-way fee
• Cargo fees range from $200-
  ,000+ for pets that cannot fly in cabin
• International travel requires additional documentation (import permits, microchips, titer tests)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fly with a pet in the USA?

In-cabin fees range from $35 to $200 one-way. Most major airlines charge

00–

50. The fee is per carrier, per direction.

Are pet fees one-way or round trip?

Pet fees are one-way (per direction). A round trip with your pet costs double the one-way fee.

Do pet fees include the carrier?

No. You must purchase your own airline-approved carrier separately. Carriers cost $25–$80 depending on size and brand.

Are there hidden fees for pet travel?

Watch for: health certificate costs ($50–$200 vet visit), carrier purchase, and international documentation fees. The airline fee itself has no hidden charges.

Can I use frequent flyer points to pay for pet fees?

No. U.S. airlines do not allow points or miles to cover pet travel fees. The fee must be paid in cash at check-in or when booking.