Which U.S. airline is best for flying with pets?

Alaska Airlines is widely considered the best for pet travel. It charges $100 one-way, allows both cabin and cargo pets, and has a straightforward booking process.

Can I bring my pet on Southwest Airlines?

Yes. Southwest allows small cats and dogs in the cabin for $125 one-way. Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat. Southwest does not offer cargo pet transport.

What is the maximum pet weight for cabin travel?

Weight limits vary by airline. Most U.S. carriers set the limit at 20 lbs including carrier. Before ceasing operations in May 2026, Spirit Airlines allowed up to 40 lbs — the highest in the industry.

Do all U.S. airlines allow pets in the cabin?

Most do. American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, Hawaiian, and Sun Country all allow in-cabin pets. Policies and fees vary.

Which airline has the cheapest pet fee?

Hawaiian Airlines charges $35 for flights within Hawaii. For mainland U.S. flights, Sun Country ($75–$125) and Frontier ($99) are the cheapest options.

Best Airlines for Pets in Cabin — USA (2026)

Ranked list of the best U.S. airlines for flying with pets in the cabin. Compare fees, weight limits, carrier rules, and pet-friendly policies for 2026.

Last updated: June 2026

Quick Answer

Alaska Airlines offers the best overall pet experience at $100 one-way with cargo options.
Southwest Airlines charges $125 with no breed restrictions and a simple booking process.
JetBlue allows pets on most routes for $150 with generous carrier dimensions.
Hawaiian Airlines is cheapest at $35 for intra-Hawaii flights.
All major U.S. carriers allow small cats and dogs in the cabin.

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Rankings

name	slug	fee	weight	cargo	highlight
Alaska Airlines	alaska-airlines	$100	20 lbs	Yes	Best overall — cabin + cargo, straightforward process
Southwest Airlines	southwest-airlines	$125	20 lbs	No	No breed restrictions, simple booking, no change fees
JetBlue	jetblue	$150	20 lbs	No	Generous carrier dimensions, most legroom in economy
Hawaiian Airlines	hawaiian-airlines	$35–$175	25 lbs	Yes	Cheapest at $35 for intra-Hawaii, cargo for inter-island
Sun Country Airlines	sun-country-airlines	$75–$125	20 lbs	No	Budget-friendly, good for domestic routes
Frontier Airlines	frontier-airlines	$99	20 lbs	No	Flat $99 fee, no breed restrictions
American Airlines	american-airlines	$150	20 lbs	Yes	Largest route network, PetEmbark cargo program
Delta Air Lines	delta-air-lines	$150	20 lbs	Limited	Reliable service, strict but clear policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Which U.S. airline is best for flying with pets?: Alaska Airlines is widely considered the best for pet travel. It charges $100 one-way, allows both cabin and cargo pets, and has a straightforward booking process.
Can I bring my pet on Southwest Airlines?: Yes. Southwest allows small cats and dogs in the cabin for $125 one-way. Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat. Southwest does not offer cargo pet transport.
What is the maximum pet weight for cabin travel?: Weight limits vary by airline. Most U.S. carriers set the limit at 20 lbs including carrier. Before ceasing operations in May 2026, Spirit Airlines allowed up to 40 lbs — the highest in the industry.
Do all U.S. airlines allow pets in the cabin?: Most do. American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, Hawaiian, and Sun Country all allow in-cabin pets. Policies and fees vary.
Which airline has the cheapest pet fee?: Hawaiian Airlines charges $35 for flights within Hawaii. For mainland U.S. flights, Sun Country ($75–$125) and Frontier ($99) are the cheapest options.