Best Pet-Friendly Airlines in the USA — The Complete 2026 Ranking

How We Ranked These Airlines

We evaluated nine major US airlines across six criteria: in-cabin fee (lower is better), species accepted (more variety scores higher), carrier size allowance (larger is better), cargo/checked baggage availability for bigger pets, ease of booking (online booking beats phone-only), and route coverage (international pet travel options). Each airline was scored on these factors, with in-cabin fee and species variety weighted most heavily since those affect the most travelers.

All policy details were verified against official airline websites in April 2026. Where we found conflicting information between third-party sources and official sites, we used the airline's own published policy. Fees and policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your airline before booking.

The Complete 2026 Airline Pet Fee Comparison

Here's every major US airline's in-cabin pet fee, ranked from cheapest to most expensive:

**Hawaiian Airlines: $35–$125 each way.** Inter-island flights within Hawaii cost just $35 — the cheapest pet fare in US aviation. Transpacific flights between Hawaii and the mainland cost $125 each way. Hawaiian accepts dogs, cats, and household birds, making it one of the more species-friendly carriers.

**Alaska Airlines: $100 each way.** The lowest flat-rate fee among airlines with broad domestic coverage. Alaska accepts dogs, cats, and rabbits in-cabin. Two pets of the same species can share one carrier, and passengers can bring up to two carriers (with an adjacent seat for the second). Alaska eliminated its cabin seat baggage (CBBG) option for larger pets in June 2025, so in-cabin is now the only passenger-facing option.

**United Airlines: $125 each way.** United's fee is mid-range, but it offers a significant advantage: your pet carrier doesn't count against your carry-on allowance. You can bring a carry-on bag plus your pet carrier, while most other airlines force you to choose. United also allows online booking for pets — you can add a pet during the booking process or through Manage Reservations. Soft-sided carriers up to 18"L × 11"W × 11"H are accepted.

**Southwest Airlines: ~$125 each way.** Southwest's pet fare is listed on their Optional Travel Charges page and is subject to change. The fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter with a credit card — no online pet booking. Southwest allows up to two same-species small pets per carrier. Domestic flights only (no Hawaii, no international). The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation, which is unusual.

**Spirit Airlines: $125 each way.** Spirit accepts small dogs and cats on all domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. The fee is non-refundable. Spirit's base fares are often the lowest in the market, so the total cost (flight + pet fee) can still be very competitive despite the $125 charge. No cargo option available.

**Frontier Airlines: $149 each way.** Frontier recently increased its pet charge to $149 per direction (non-refundable), plus a potential Carrier Interface Charge of up to $23 per segment. However, Frontier accepts the widest range of species: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. If you're traveling with an exotic small pet, Frontier may be your only option. Online booking available.

**American Airlines: $150 each way.** American charges $150 per kennel for carry-on pets on flights within and between the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Checked pets are only accepted for active-duty US military and State Department personnel ($200 per kennel). For larger pets, American PetEmbark® cargo service is available at varying rates. One important restriction: your pet carrier plus one personal item OR one carry-on — not both.

**Delta Air Lines: $150 each way.** Delta's fee increased from $95 to $150 for tickets issued after April 8, 2025. Delta accepts dogs, cats, and household birds on domestic flights (dogs and cats only internationally). Carrier max is 18"L × 11"W × 11"H (soft-sided). Delta Cargo handles larger pets as a separate service. No in-cabin pets on flights to/from the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and several other destinations.

**JetBlue Airways: $150 each way.** JetBlue accepts small dogs and cats in the Core cabin only. The carrier counts as your personal item (17"L × 12.5"W × 8.5"H max). Maximum six pets per flight. No cargo service, no international pet travel. JetBlue does allow online pet booking, which is convenient.

Best Airlines by Category

**Cheapest overall: Hawaiian Airlines ($35 inter-island, $125 mainland).** If you're flying within Hawaii, no one comes close. For mainland routes, Alaska Airlines at $100 each way is the best value.

**Best for dogs and cats: Alaska Airlines.** Lowest mainland fee ($100), allows two pets per passenger, accepts rabbits too, and has broad domestic coverage. The only downside: you must call or use chat to book (no online pet booking).

**Best for exotic pets: Frontier Airlines.** The only major US airline accepting rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small birds alongside dogs and cats. The $149 fee is higher, but it's your only option for many species.

**Best for international travel: Delta Air Lines.** Despite the $150 fee, Delta offers the broadest international pet travel network. Delta Cargo handles larger pets on long-haul routes. American Airlines is a close second with PetEmbark® cargo service.

**Best booking experience: United Airlines.** Online pet booking, carrier doesn't count against carry-on allowance, and clear published policies. The $125 fee is reasonable for the convenience.

**Best for budget travelers: Spirit Airlines + low base fare.** Spirit's $125 pet fee combined with their often-lowest base fares means the total trip cost (flight + pet) can beat airlines with lower pet fees but higher ticket prices.

Carrier Size Limits — Will Your Pet Fit?

Carrier size is the most common reason pets are denied boarding. Every airline requires the carrier to fit under the seat in front of you, but the maximum dimensions vary:

**Largest allowed:** Frontier Airlines at 18"L × 14"W × 11"H (soft-sided) — the most generous dimensions of any US airline. Delta and United also allow 18"L × 11"W × 11"H for soft-sided carriers.

**Most restrictive:** JetBlue at 17"L × 12.5"W × 8.5"H — the shortest height limit, which can be problematic for cats that sit tall. United's hard-sided limit (17.5"L × 12"W × 7.5"H) is even more restrictive, but their soft-sided allowance is generous.

**Pro tip:** Always measure your carrier loaded (with your pet inside) and compare against the specific airline's limits. Soft-sided carriers are almost always better because they compress slightly to fit under seats. Buy a carrier rated for the smallest airline you might fly — that way you're covered everywhere.

**Weight limits:** Most airlines don't publish a specific weight limit — the rule is that the pet must fit comfortably in the carrier (able to stand, turn around, and lie down) and the carrier must fit under the seat. In practice, pets over 20 lbs rarely fit in approved cabin carriers.

The DOT Rule Change That Ended Emotional Support Animals

Since January 2021, the US Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) in the cabin for free. Only trained service dogs are recognized as service animals under the Air Carrier Access Act.

This means if you previously flew with an ESA letter, your pet now travels as a regular in-cabin pet — subject to the carrier size limits, species restrictions, and fees listed above. Airlines can require a DOT attestation form for service dogs, confirming the animal is trained to perform a specific task related to a disability.

The practical impact: if your pet doesn't fit in an under-seat carrier, your only options are cargo/checked baggage (where available) or driving. This has made carrier size limits more important than ever for pet owners.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Options for Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for an in-cabin carrier, options are limited but available:

**Delta Cargo:** The most established pet cargo service among US airlines. Handles dogs and cats of all sizes on domestic and international routes. Separate booking through Delta Cargo (not through passenger reservations). Climate-controlled holds with temperature monitoring.

**American PetEmbark®:** American Airlines' cargo pet service for animals that don't qualify for in-cabin or checked travel. Fees vary by route and animal size. Book through American Airlines Cargo.

**Alaska Airlines:** Eliminated cabin seat baggage (CBBG) in June 2025, but Alaska Air Cargo still handles larger pets as a separate freight service.

**Hawaiian Airlines:** One of the few airlines still offering checked baggage pet service on some routes, in addition to cargo.

**Airlines with NO cargo option:** Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue, and Frontier do not transport pets in cargo or checked baggage. If your pet can't fit in a cabin carrier, these airlines cannot accommodate them.

Cargo pet travel typically costs $200–$500+ each way depending on the animal's size, route, and airline. Book well in advance — cargo pet space is limited, especially during summer and holidays.

Tips for a Smooth Flight with Your Pet

**Book early.** Airlines limit the number of pets per flight (typically 3–8 in-cabin). Popular routes sell out pet spots weeks in advance, especially during holidays.

**Choose direct flights.** Connections add stress for your pet and increase the risk of delays or missed connections. A nonstop flight is always better, even if it costs slightly more.

**Freeze water in the carrier.** A small frozen water dish melts slowly during the flight, providing hydration without spilling during takeoff and landing.

**Skip the sedatives.** The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against sedating pets for air travel. Sedation can affect breathing and balance at altitude. Talk to your vet about anxiety alternatives like Thundershirts or calming treats.

**Arrive early.** If your airline requires check-in at the ticket counter for pets (Southwest, American, Delta), arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Pet check-in takes longer than standard check-in.

**Bring documentation.** Carry your pet's health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel for most airlines), vaccination records, and any destination-specific permits. International travel requires additional documentation — check both the airline and destination country requirements.

**Practice with the carrier.** Get your pet comfortable in the carrier weeks before the flight. Leave it open at home with treats inside. Take short car rides. A pet that's calm in its carrier makes the entire experience easier.

CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the US (2026)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new requirements in 2024 that affect all dogs entering the United States, including those returning from international trips:

All dogs must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible microchip. Dogs must be at least 6 months old. Owners must complete the CDC Dog Import Form online before arrival. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional requirements including blood titer tests.

These rules apply even if your dog is a US resident returning from a trip abroad. The microchip requirement is new and catches many travelers off guard. If your dog isn't microchipped, get it done well before any international travel.

For cats, there are currently no CDC import requirements, though individual airlines and destination countries may have their own rules.

How Camli Can Help with Pet-Friendly Travel

Camli's consolidator fares apply to flights where you're bringing a pet — the pet fee is separate from the ticket price, so saving 40–70% on the base fare means more budget for your pet's travel costs.

Our phone agents (1-855-919-6470, available 24/7) can help identify which airlines offer the best combination of low ticket price + low pet fee for your specific route. On some routes, a slightly more expensive airline with a lower pet fee results in a lower total cost.

For complex pet travel (international trips, cargo arrangements, multi-city itineraries with a pet), our agents handle the logistics across multiple airlines and ensure all documentation requirements are met before you arrive at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions