Pet Fee Comparison — Cheapest to Most Expensive
| Airline | In-Cabin Fee | Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | $35 | Intra-Hawaii only | Cheapest in the U.S. |
| Sun Country Airlines | $75–$125 | Domestic | Varies by route |
| Frontier Airlines | $99 | Domestic | Flat fee, no breed restrictions |
| Alaska Airlines | $100 | Domestic + some international | Cabin + cargo available |
| Southwest Airlines | $125 | Domestic | No breed restrictions |
| Spirit Airlines | $125 | Domestic + Caribbean | Highest weight limit (40 lbs) |
| American Airlines | $150 | Domestic + international | Largest network |
| Delta Air Lines | $150 | Domestic + select international | Strict but reliable |
| United Airlines | $150 | Domestic + international | PetSafe cargo program |
| JetBlue | $150 | Domestic + Caribbean | Most legroom |
* All fees are one-way, per carrier. Round trips cost double.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Health certificate: $50–$200 for a vet visit within 10 days of travel.
- Carrier purchase: $25–$80 for an airline-approved soft-sided carrier.
- International documentation: $50–$300 for import permits, microchips, and titer tests.
- Round trip doubles the fee: a $100 one-way fee becomes $200 round trip.
- Cargo fees are separate: $200–$1,000+ if your pet can't fly in cabin.
Tips to Save on Pet Travel
- Compare total cost (ticket + pet fee) — a cheaper airline ticket may offset a higher pet fee.
- Book early: some airlines charge more for last-minute pet additions.
- Fly one-way if possible — you can mix airlines to get the cheapest pet fee each direction.
- Use a carrier you already own — just verify it meets the airline's size requirements.
- Skip cargo if your pet qualifies for cabin — cargo fees are 2–10x higher.
- Check if your credit card travel insurance covers pet travel disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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