Why airline pet policies matter

Every airline has its own rules for traveling with pets. The differences between carriers can mean your pet flies comfortably in the cabin, gets booked into a pressurized cargo hold, or cannot fly at all. Knowing the policies before you book saves time, money, and the stress of a last-minute surprise at the airport.

Here is an overview of the major US airline pet policies as of 2026. Policies change, so always verify directly with the airline before booking. We keep current with every carrier we work with, and we can help you find the best fit for your pet and route.

Delta Air Lines

In-cabin: Small dogs, cats, and household birds in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Pet plus carrier must weigh under 20 pounds on some routes. Fee: approximately $95 to $200 each way (varies by route).

Cargo (Delta Cargo Live Animals): Available for larger pets. Accepts dogs and cats. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during hot months. Temperature limits enforced: will not ship when ground temps exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees for snub-nosed breeds) or drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

International: In-cabin available on most international routes. Cargo available with additional documentation requirements.

United Airlines

In-cabin: Dogs, cats, and rabbits in a carrier under the seat. Fee: approximately $125 each way for domestic, higher for international.

Cargo (United PetSafe): Available for dogs and cats too large for in-cabin. PetSafe requires advance booking, an airline-approved crate, and a health certificate. Breed restrictions apply. Temperature embargoes enforced.

Notable: United is one of the larger cargo pet programs among US airlines, with a dedicated PetSafe team that handles check-in and tracking.

American Airlines

In-cabin: Dogs and cats in an approved carrier under the seat. Fee: approximately $150 each way. Limited to one pet per passenger, and some aircraft have limits on total pets per cabin.

Cargo: American Airlines does not accept brachycephalic breeds in cargo at all. Other breeds are accepted through the cargo program with standard documentation and temperature restrictions.

Notable: American is stricter than most on breed restrictions. If you have a flat-faced breed and need cargo, consider other carriers.

Alaska Airlines

In-cabin: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds. Fee: approximately $100 each way. Carrier must fit under the seat.

Cargo: Available for dogs and cats. Alaska accepts some brachycephalic breeds with conditions and has seasonal temperature restrictions. Their cargo program serves routes primarily in the western US and Hawaii.

Notable: Alaska Airlines is one of the more pet-accommodating carriers, with a relatively broad acceptance policy and good West Coast coverage.

Southwest Airlines

In-cabin only: Small dogs and cats in a carrier under the seat. Fee: approximately $95 each way.

No cargo program. Southwest does not transport pets in cargo. If your pet is too large for an in-cabin carrier, Southwest is not an option.

JetBlue

In-cabin only: Dogs and cats in an approved carrier under the seat. Fee: approximately $125 each way.

No cargo program. Like Southwest, JetBlue only offers in-cabin pet travel. Good for small pets on East Coast and Caribbean routes.

Hawaiian Airlines

In-cabin: Small dogs and cats. Fee varies by route.

Cargo: Available for inter-island and some mainland routes. If you are moving a pet to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is a key carrier to consider. Hawaii’s strict rabies-free import rules apply regardless of airline.

Key things every airline requires

Regardless of which airline you choose, expect these common requirements:

  • A health certificate from your vet (typically issued within 10 days of travel for domestic, and USDA-endorsed for international)
  • Current rabies vaccination
  • An IATA-compliant crate for cargo travel (sized so your pet can stand, turn, and lie down)
  • Proper labeling on the crate (“Live Animal” stickers, your contact info, feeding and watering instructions)
  • No sedation (most airlines prohibit sedated animals)

How to choose the right airline for your pet

The best airline depends on your pet’s size, breed, route, and season. Here is a quick decision framework:

Small pet (under 20 lbs with carrier): Almost any airline works for in-cabin. Choose based on route and price.

Large pet, standard breed: Delta, United, American, or Alaska cargo programs. Compare routes and pricing.

Brachycephalic breed, any size: In-cabin if small enough. For larger flat-faced breeds, Alaska may work with conditions. Otherwise, ground transport may be the safest option.

Summer travel: Early morning flights on airlines with cooler routing options. See our summer shipping guide.

International route: Check whether the airline offers cargo service to your destination country. Not all do.

We do the airline research for you

Comparing airline policies, checking breed acceptance, finding temperature-safe routing, and booking cargo space is a significant part of what we do at Pet Travel Advisors. We know which airlines serve which routes, which accept your breed, and which have space available on your travel dates.

Ready to start planning your pet’s move?

Request a quote and we will put together a detailed plan and price for your specific route.

Prefer to talk? Give us a call at 1-877-540-0555.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book my pet on any flight?

Not necessarily. Cargo pet programs have limited space per flight, and not every aircraft type accepts pets. In-cabin also has per-flight limits (usually 2 to 4 pets total in the cabin). Book early, especially for popular routes.

Do airline pet fees count toward baggage allowances?

No. Pet fees are separate from baggage fees. An in-cabin pet carrier counts as one of your carry-on items on most airlines.

Can I fly with multiple pets?

Most airlines allow only one pet per passenger in-cabin. If you have multiple pets, you may need multiple passengers or a combination of in-cabin and cargo bookings. We coordinate multi-pet moves regularly.

What happens if my pet’s flight is delayed?

For in-cabin, your pet is with you and experiences the same delay. For cargo, airlines have holding areas with climate control where pets wait during delays. If a delay is extended, the airline may offload the pet for safety.

Are emotional support animals treated differently?

Most US airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals for free in-cabin travel. ESAs are treated the same as standard pets and must meet the same size, carrier, and fee requirements. Service animals (trained to perform specific tasks for a disability) fly free under DOT rules.