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. Spirit ($125), Frontier ($99), 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.

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: June 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.

About This Guide

This guide compares the most affordable airlines for pet travel 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-$1,000+ for pets that cannot fly in cabin
International travel requires additional documentation (import permits, microchips, titer tests)

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. Spirit ($125), Frontier ($99), 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.