Traveling with a dog can be rewarding. It can also be stressful. Choosing the right airlines for dogs makes trips easier. Different carriers have varying pet policies, fees, and allowances. Some are more welcoming than others.
This article breaks down key airlines that allow dogs to travel either in the cabin or in checked/cargo space. We compare costs, rules, and comfort. The goal is to help you make informed decisions, not sell any brand.
Why Knowing Airlines for Dogs Matters
Flying with a dog is different from flying by yourself. You need to check:
- Whether your dog can fly with you in the cabin.
- The fee the airline charges.
- Rules for carrier size and weight.
- Whether the airline offers cargo or only cabin travel.
Knowing airline policies ahead of time avoids surprises at the airport. Policies vary widely across carriers, so planning is essential.
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What Pet Travel Typically Involves
Most mainstream airlines distinguish between two ways pets can travel:
- In-cabin travel: Small dogs in approved carriers stay with you under the seat.
- Cargo or checked baggage: Larger dogs go into a temperature-controlled hold, often called cargo.
Some airlines do not allow dogs in cargo at all. Others restrict large pets during certain times of the year for safety reasons.
Always check airline-specific rules before booking. They can differ by route, season, and destination.
1. Alaska Airlines – Top Choice Among Airlines for Dogs
Alaska Airlines is widely considered one of the best airlines for dogs who fly with their owners. It offers flexible policies and relatively low fees.
What Makes Alaska Great
- Cabin travel allowed: Small dogs can fly under the seat with you.
- Fees: Around $100 per kennel each way.
- Carrier limits: Each passenger may bring one pet carrier in the cabin. Up to two same‑species pets may share one carrier if they are comfortable and meet the size rules.
- Types of pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds are permitted.
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Moving Larger Dogs
Pets that are too large for the cabin may be flown in Alaska’s checked baggage option. This service uses climate-controlled spaces inside the aircraft.
Why It Stands Out
Alaska’s pet policy is flexible. It allows more kinds of animals than many competitors. You can bring more than one pet if they share a carrier and fit the airline’s size rules. These perks make Alaska a strong choice among airlines for dogs.
According to the latest updates, Alaska Airlines only allows dogs and cats in the cabin. Domesticated rabbits and birds will only be allowed through April 2026, but only if the tickets were purchased before June 5, 2025.
2. Delta Air Lines – Low Fee, Solid Policies
Delta Air Lines is also a popular option for dog owners. It ranks high among airlines for dogs because of its reasonable pricing and straightforward rules.
Key Features
- Pet fees: Typically from $95 to $200 depending on route.
- Cabin travel: Dogs must remain under the seat in a carrier.
- Limits: One pet per passenger; two if they are young (8–24 weeks) and share a carrier.
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Community Feedback
Users of Delta often highlight its pet policies as friendly. Many dog owners prefer Delta because of service and pricing. Reservations must be made early as airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Limitations
Delta’s rules vary by route. For example, in-cabin travel may not be available on all international trips. Always verify details with the airline before booking.
3. Frontier Airlines – Affordable and Friendly for Small Dogs
Frontier Airlines is another carrier included among airlines for dogs, especially small ones. It does not allow cargo travel for pets.
What You Should Know
- Pet fee: Around $99 per direction in-cabin.
- In-cabin rules: Dogs, cats, and small pets like rabbits and hamsters are allowed.
- No cargo option: Pets must fit under the seat and stay in the cabin.
Pros and Cons
Frontier’s policies make it a good choice for short trips with small dogs. But if your dog is too large, Frontier isn’t suitable since it does not offer cargo travel for animals.
4. JetBlue Airways – Good Choice for Cabin Dogs
This airline is known for its pet-friendly cabin policies and is often cited among airlines for dogs.
JetBlue Pet Policy
- Cabin only: Dogs must stay in approved carriers under the seat.
- Fee: Usually around $125 each way.
- Limits: Maximum of six pets per flight. You can book two pets but must pay for a second seat and fee.
JetBlue does not allow pets in cargo, so large dogs must be transported through other methods or airlines.
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5. Southwest Airlines – Simple Cabin Pet Policies
Southwest also welcomes dogs in the cabin. It’s another solid pick if you want simple rules.
Highlights
- Fee: Typically $125, refundable.
- Dogs allowed: Yes, only in cabin.
- Capacity: Up to six pets per flight, two per carrier if they fit.
Note that like several other airlines, Southwest doesn’t offer cargo space for pets.
6. United Airlines PetSafe – Large Dog Support
United Airlines used to offer a program called PetSafe for larger pets. This once set it apart from many airlines for dogs that only provide cabin travel.
What PetSafe Offers
- Cargo travel: Dogs that cannot fit under the seat may travel via PetSafe.
- Climate-controlled: The hold is temperature-controlled and monitored.
- Dedicated support: A special team manages pet transport.
However, United Airlines has suspended the PetSafe program.
Current Status (Important Update)
- As of the current update in 2026, United’s PetSafe program remains suspended and is not available for general consumer pet travel.
- Because of this suspension, larger dogs and pets that cannot fly in the cabin cannot presently be booked under PetSafe for most travelers.
- United still allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat.
- Some limited exceptions exist (for example, specific programs for active military or U.S. State Department personnel), but for the general public, PetSafe is not currently an option.
Always check United’s official pet policy details directly with the airline before booking, because these programs and rules can change.
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7. Hawaiian Airlines – Useful for Specific Routes
Hawaiian Airlines allows dogs and cats in the cabin for select routes. It is often included in lists of airlines for dogs.
Key Points
- Cabin travel: On many North American flights.
- Fee: Around $125.
- Limitations: Some major city routes don’t allow pets in the cabin.
Hawaiian also has strict animal health requirements and quarantine rules for entering Hawaii, which can add complexity.
International Airlines for Dogs
While most examples above focus on US carriers, some international airlines also offer pet travel options:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Offers both in-cabin and cargo dog travel on international flights with specific weight limits and carrier rules.
- Air France and Lufthansa: These European carriers allow pets in cabin if they meet weight and documentation requirements.
These carriers are worth considering if you travel beyond the US and want to take your dog with you.
Choosing Among Airlines for Dogs
When picking from airlines for dogs, focus on these factors:
- Size of your dog: Small dogs can stay in the cabin; large dogs may need cargo options.
- Route: Some airlines limit pet travel on select routes or international flights.
- Fees: Pet fees vary from about $95 to $200 or more.
- Carrier specs: Airlines set strict size and type rules for carriers.
Always check the official airline policy before booking. Policies can change, and exceptions may apply.
Conclusion on Airlines for Dogs
Flying with your dog is possible and growing easier as more airlines adjust policies. Some carriers offer robust pet travel options. Others are stricter but still workable for small dogs. Good planning and early reservations help ensure your trip goes smoothly.
With the right carrier and airline choice, your dog can travel safely and comfortably alongside you. Research policies in advance, confirm documentation, and always prioritize your pet’s comfort.
By understanding airlines for dogs and what each offers, you’ll make better travel decisions and enjoy the journey with your four-legged companion.
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