8 Best Airlines for Dogs

Traveling with dogs can be stressful and at times overwhelming too so you must be wondering about the best airlines for dogs. There were certain major airlines that used to offer cargo services for pets but now have confined their service to in-cabin travel only, and post COVID-19, most airlines have barred Emotional Support Animals from traveling for free.

In this blog, we will uncover the 8 best airlines for dogs, which airlines allow Emotional Support Animals and everything you need to know before flying with your pets.

List of 8 Best Airlines For Dogs

Once you’re assured that your pet won’t cause any trouble onboard, you need to select your preferred carrier. Certain airlines are more sensitive towards dogs, so below is the list of 8 best Flights for dogs, when you want to accompany your dog.

Delta Airlines To Fly With Pets

Delta Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. Pets must be kept in a carrier on board and must be at least 10 weeks of age. The other highlights include –

• The delta pet fee is 95 USD each way.
• The airline allows two pets of the same breed in a kennel.
• Your pet counts as carry-on baggage. Besides that, you’re allowed to bring one small personal item.
• Passengers with pets are not allowed to take emergency exit seats, and must not occupy the aisle.
• The size of the carrier must not exceed 18*11*11 inches.
• Delta does not allow pets as cargo.

Read More: The complete guidelines of Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Carrying Pets With American Airlines

The US-based international carriers only allow small cats or dogs for domestic and international travel. Add to that –

• Pets can travel on flight duration no more than 12 hours.
• The pet carriers must be kept beneath the seat.
• The storage is not available on the seats of Business Class. Pets are not allowed to travel in the Business Class cabin.
• The kennel size must be within 19 x 13 x 9 inches.
• The combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 20 pounds.
• The airline allows cargo travel for active US military passengers, as they can check up to 2 pets in the cargo hold.

Read More: The complete guidelines of American Airlines Pet Travel Guidelines

Travelling with pets on Alaska Airlines

Alaska charges 100 USD each way for in-cabin travel, as only small cats and dogs are allowed. In addition –

• The airline does not have any breed restrictions for in-cabin travel.
• The in-cabin pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Passengers traveling with pets must be at least 18 years old.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with pets inside the cabin.
• Each traveler may carry up to 2 pet carriers, provided they must book two adjacent seats.
• Pets must stay in the kennel all the time.
• Alaska allows no more than 3 pets in the first class, and 8 in the main economy cabin.
• The airline does not allow cargo travel during the holiday season due to outdoor temperature restrictions.

Read More: The complete guidelines of Alaska Airlines Information On Travelling with Pets.

Pet Travel with Southwest Airlines

The airline allows small vaccinated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. In addition –

• The fee would be 95 USD per pet per direction.
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Passengers must make a pet reservation over the phone, up to 24 hours before departure.
• The airline also offers Southwest-approved pet carriers for 58 USD.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with pets.
• Southwest has an open-seating policy. However, passengers traveling with pets are not allowed to occupy emergency exit rows.

Read More: Complete guidelines of Southwest Airlines Pet Policy.

Hawaiian Airlines To Travel With Dogs

The carry-on fee for pets is 35 USD each way for travel within Hawaii, and 125 USD each way for travel between Hawaii and the United States. Besides –

• The airline allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin.
• Pets are restricted to flying to/from certain airports in the United States – John F Kennedy International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport.
• The combined weight of the pet and kennel must be within 25 lbs.
• The airline allows 1 adult dog or cat in the carriers. If there are 2 small pups of the same breed, they are allowed.
• An animal health certificate is required from a licensed veterinarian, and must be submitted at the Hawaiian Airlines check-in counter. It must be issued within 2 weeks from the day of departure.

Read More: The complete overview of Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy.

Travel With Dogs On Spirit Airlines

The airline levies 125 USD each way pet fee for in-cabin travel. The other guidelines include –

• Passengers can bring up to 2 pet carriers. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must be within 40 lbs.
• Dimension of pet carrier: 18 x 15 x 9 inches.
• Passengers traveling with pets are restricted to select first row and emergency exit seats.
• Pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire trip.
• Pets are not permitted to travel on flights to/from Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.
• Spirit Airlines does not offer pets in cargo service.

Read More: The pet travel guidelines as per Spirit Airlines Pet Policy.

JetBlue Pet Travel Service

The airline charges 125 USD each way for in-cabin pet travel. Add to that –

• This is also considered as the best pet friendly international airlines.
• Pets must be carried in the carrier.
• The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 lbs.
• Pets are not permitted for premium fares like Mint.

Read More: The complete overview of JetBlue Pet Policy.

Frontier Airlines To Travel With Pets

You can travel with pets inside a cabin for a fee of 99 USD each way. Additionally –

• Dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are permitted inside the cabin.
• They must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Seating is not permitted in emergency exit rows or the first row of the plane.
• The carrier must be fit under the seat and the size must remain within 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• Pet carriers are considered carry-on bags.
• The airline does not allow pets as checked baggage.

Read More: The guidelines as per Frontier Airlines Pet Policy.

What Airlines allow pets in-cabin on international flights?

If you are looking for best airline for pets international travel, here are some of the best airline to fly with dog for for in-cabin travel for international destinations – 

• Air Canada
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Alaska Air
• Aegean Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta
• French Bee
• JetBlue
• Lufthansa
• TAP Air Portugal
• TUI Fly
• United Airlines

Also Read: Is Play Airlines Safe?

What airlines allow Emotional Support Animals?

Since most airlines do not consider ESA as a service animal. There are certain best airlines for dogs that support small physical or psychiatric service dogs to accompany passengers for in-cabin travel.

The best airline to fly with service dog that allows ESA for free –

• LATAM Airlines
• Volaris
• Aeromexico

Certain airlines allow ESA for a fee. These include – 

• United Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

What airlines allow large dogs in cargo?

Here are some of the best airlines to ship pets or to fly with large dogs –

• Air Canada
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Alaska Air
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta
• Lufthansa
• KLM
• Singapore Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• TUI Fly
• United / PetSafe Programme
• WestJet
• Aegean Air

Overview of the Pet Travel Guidelines for Airlines

Below is the overview of costs associated with pet travel with the best airlines for dogs, whether they permit dogs in the cabin, and the number of pets permitted onboard.

Traveling with pets requires careful consideration of the airline’s policy, fees, and the types of pets allowed to travel. We have covered 8 major airlines which are considered the best airlines for dogs. When looking for the best carrier, there is no doubt that Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines are the top favorable choices for the passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Uncategorized

Tags: Airline pet policy, Best Airlines for Dogs