Quick Answer

• Alaska Airlines offers the best overall pet experience at
  00 one-way with cargo options.
• Southwest Airlines charges
  25 with no breed restrictions and a simple booking process.
• JetBlue allows pets on most routes for
  50 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.

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

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

Alaska Airlines is widely considered the best for pet travel. It charges

00 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

25 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. Spirit Airlines allows up to 40 lbs.

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

Most do. American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, 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–

25) and Frontier ($99) are the cheapest options.

Quick Answer

• Alaska Airlines offers the best overall pet experience at
  00 one-way with cargo options.
• Southwest Airlines charges
  25 with no breed restrictions and a simple booking process.
• JetBlue allows pets on most routes for
  50 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.

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

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

Alaska Airlines is widely considered the best for pet travel. It charges

00 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

25 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. Spirit Airlines allows up to 40 lbs.

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

Most do. American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, 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–

25) and Frontier ($99) are the cheapest options.