Cheapest Airlines for Pet Travel in the USA (2026)
Find the most affordable airlines for flying with pets in the USA. Compare in-cabin pet fees from $35 to $200 across all major U.S. carriers.
Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
- Hawaiian Airlines: $35 one-way for intra-Hawaii flights (cheapest in the U.S.).
- Sun Country Airlines: $75–$125 one-way depending on route.
- Frontier Airlines: $99 flat fee for domestic flights.
- Alaska Airlines: $100 one-way with both cabin and cargo options.
- Southwest Airlines: $125 one-way with no breed restrictions.
Pet Fee Comparison — Cheapest to Most Expensive
* All fees are one-way, per carrier. Round trips cost double.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Tips to Save on Pet Travel
Fee Data
| airline | slug | fee | routes | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | hawaiian-airlines | $35 | Intra-Hawaii only | Cheapest in the U.S. |
| Sun Country Airlines | sun-country-airlines | $75–$125 | Domestic | Varies by route |
| Frontier Airlines | frontier-airlines | $99 | Domestic | Flat fee, no breed restrictions |
| Alaska Airlines | alaska-airlines | $100 | Domestic + some international | Cabin + cargo available |
| Southwest Airlines | southwest-airlines | $125 | Domestic | No breed restrictions |
| Spirit Airlines ⚠️ | spirit-airlines | $125 | Domestic + Caribbean | Ceased operations May 2026 |
| American Airlines | american-airlines | $150 | Domestic + international | Largest network |
| Delta Air Lines | delta-air-lines | $150 | Domestic + select international | Strict but reliable |
| United Airlines | united-airlines | $150 | Domestic + international | PetSafe cargo program |
| JetBlue | jetblue | $150 | Domestic + Caribbean | Most legroom |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cheapest airline for pet travel in the USA?
- Hawaiian Airlines at $35 for flights within Hawaii. For mainland routes, Sun Country ($75–$125) and Frontier ($99) offer the lowest fees.
- How much does it cost to fly with a pet on average?
- Most U.S. airlines charge between $95 and $150 one-way for in-cabin pets. The average is around $125.
- Are budget airlines cheaper for pet travel?
- Yes. Frontier ($149) and Sun Country ($75–$125) tend to be cheaper than legacy carriers like Delta and United ($150 each).
- Do any airlines let pets fly free?
- No U.S. airline allows pets to fly for free. The lowest fee is Hawaiian Airlines at $35 for intra-Hawaii routes.
- Is it cheaper to ship a pet as cargo?
- No. Cargo fees range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on pet size and route. In-cabin is almost always cheaper.