Unpublished fares · Up to 70% off 1-855-919-6470
Pet Travel Guide 2026

Pet-Friendly Airlines
Complete Comparison Guide

Compare pet policies, fees, and restrictions for 30 major airlines. Find the best airline for traveling with your furry companion.

Quick Answer: Flying with Pets in 2026

  • Most U.S. airlines allow small pets in the cabin for $95–$200 one-way.
  • Cheapest options: Hawaiian ($35), Sun Country ($75), Frontier ($99).
  • Weight limits range from 16–40 lbs including carrier, depending on airline.
  • Emirates, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and 3 others do not allow cabin pets.
  • A vet health certificate within 10 days of travel is required by most airlines.

Airline Pet Policy Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of in-cabin pet fees, weight limits, and cargo options for 30 airlines.

AirlineCabinMax WeightCabin FeeCargoBest For
American AirlinesYes20 lbs$150YesDomestic travel with small pets in the cabin.
Delta Air LinesYesN/A$150LimitedFlexible in-cabin pet options
United AirlinesYesN/A$150LimitedIn-cabin travel for small pets on domestic flights
Southwest AirlinesYesN/A$125NoBudget domestic pet travel
JetBlueYes20 lbs$150NoDomestic travel with small pets
Alaska AirlinesYesN/A$100YesTravel with small pets in the cabin, especially within Alaska and Hawaii.
Spirit AirlinesYes40 lbs$125NoBudget domestic pet travel
Frontier AirlinesYesN/A$99NoBudget domestic pet travel
Hawaiian AirlinesYesNot specified$35 (within Hawaii), $125 (between Hawaii and North America)YesTravel to and from Hawaii with pets.
Sun Country AirlinesYes16 lbs$75-$125YesBudget domestic pet travel
Air CanadaYesN/A$50-$120YesFlexible in-cabin pet carrier options
WestJetYesN/A$50-$118YesBudget-friendly domestic pet travel in Canada
Air TransatYes17 lbs$50-$115YesBudget-conscious travel with small pets
Porter AirlinesYes20 lbs$50-$57.50NoIn-cabin travel for small pets on domestic and some international flights.
Flair AirlinesYes23 lbs$95NoBudget domestic pet travel within Canada
AeromexicoYes20 lbs$170-$176YesTransporting pets in the cabin on international flights.
VolarisYes26 lbs$99.99YesBudget travel with small pets in-cabin
Viva AerobusYes27 lbs$95YesBudget travel with smaller pets within Mexico.
EmiratesNoN/AN/AYesTransporting a wide variety of animals as cargo.
Qatar AirwaysLimitedN/AN/AYesTransporting falcons and service animals in the cabin
LufthansaYes17.6 lbs$135-$158YesTransporting pets within Europe with a dedicated animal lounge in Frankfurt.
British AirwaysNoN/AN/AYesInternational pet travel to/from the UK with specialized cargo handling.
Air FranceYes17.6 lbs$200-$250YesFlexible options for small pets in cabin and larger pets in hold.
KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesYes17.6 lbs$88 - $468YesTransporting snub-nosed breeds in the cabin
Turkish AirlinesYes17.6 lbs$75+YesComprehensive international pet travel with clear guidelines and online tools.
Singapore AirlinesNoN/AN/AYesChecked baggage transport of non-brachycephalic breeds on long-haul routes.
Etihad AirwaysYes18 lbs$1500 (Promotional fare of $399 available for booking and travel until May 31, 2026)YesLuxury travel with small pets
Cathay PacificNoN/AN/AYesCargo transport of non-restricted breeds
ANA All Nippon AirwaysNoN/AN/AYesInternational pet travel in cargo
Japan AirlinesNoN/AN/AYesInternational pet transport in cargo

Best Airlines by Category

Find the right airline for your specific pet travel needs.

Best for Small Pets

Most accommodating in-cabin policies for small cats and dogs, with reasonable fees and generous carrier dimensions.

Cheapest for Pet Travel

Lowest in-cabin pet fees, ideal for budget-conscious pet owners on domestic routes.

Best for International Travel

Established international pet programs with clear documentation requirements and multi-country coverage.

Pet Travel Guide

Booking Tips

  • Book early — most airlines limit cabin pets per flight.
  • Call the airline after booking to confirm your pet reservation.
  • Choose direct flights to minimize stress on your pet.
  • Fly during cooler hours if your pet travels in cargo.

Carrier Requirements

  • Soft-sided carriers preferred — they flex to fit under seats.
  • Must have ventilation on at least two sides.
  • Pet must stand, turn, and lie down comfortably inside.
  • Max size: typically 18" x 11" x 11" for in-cabin travel.

Health Requirements

  • Health certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel.
  • Minimum age: 8–16 weeks depending on airline.
  • Rabies vaccination required for domestic and international.
  • International: may need microchipping and extra vaccines.

Common Restrictions

  • Snub-nosed breeds restricted on many airlines (breathing risks).
  • No cargo when temps exceed 85°F or drop below 45°F.
  • Sedation prohibited by nearly all airlines.
  • Some destinations require quarantine or extra documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about flying with pets, answered by our travel experts.

Ready to Book a Pet-Friendly Flight?

Our travel experts can help you find the best fares on pet-friendly airlines. Call us or search online.