12 PET-FRIENDLY AIRLINES TO FLY IN 2025

Talk to any pet parent who loves to travel, and they’ll probably share the guilt and anxiety that comes with leaving their furry friend behind with a pet-sitter or a friend before heading to the airport. But it doesn’t have to be that way: many pet-friendly airlines allow you to bring along your dog, cat, bird, or other pets for the journey.

Traveling with your pets can be an exciting adventure for both of you, and more hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, airports, beaches, and tour operators are catering to travelers with four-legged companions. However, while pet-friendly vacations are becoming more popular, flying with your pets can still be a bit tricky. Each airline has its own set of rules, fees, paperwork, and requirements for flying with animals, which can be overwhelming—especially when you’re already juggling other travel challenges like new Real ID regulations and the CDC’s dog import policies.

Once your veterinarian has given the green light and you’ve secured an airline-approved pet carrier, it’s time to dive into the specific pet policies for each airline regarding non-emotional support and non-service animals. To help you get started, here’s an overview of some pet-friendly airlines that welcome animals aboard, along with a summary of their travel fees and rules. For more detailed information, check out our full guide to flying with a dog.

Which airline is the most pet-friendly?

Flying is statistically a safe way for pets to travel, with only a few incidents reported each year. In 2022, U.S. airlines transported 188,223 animals, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of those, seven animals passed away, one was injured, and one was lost, resulting in an overall incident rate of 0.48 per 10,000 animals. While this is a low level of risk, the decision of whether the benefits of flying with your pet outweigh the potential risks is ultimately up to you.

Choosing the right pet-friendly airline is a personal decision, influenced by factors such as your travel dates, departure and arrival destinations, the type and size of your pet, and your previous experiences. It may also depend on whether you prefer your pet to fly with you in the cabin or in the cargo hold as checked baggage.

LaDell Carter, a luxury travel advisor based in Baltimore and the founder of Royal Expression Travels, recommends flying private with pets whenever possible.

“If the budget allows, I always suggest flying private as the best option for both comfort and control,” she explains. “It removes any surprises upon arrival and ensures a stress-free experience for both the client and their pets.”

While some of her clients have had positive experiences with semi-private, pet-friendly airlines like Bark Air and K9 Jets, Carter notes that these options are generally much more expensive than commercial flights. Additionally, these airlines operate on limited routes, so they may not be suitable for every trip. She also advises that travelers with allergies keep in mind that, although they may not be allergic to their own pets, flying in an enclosed space with other people’s animals could trigger a reaction.

For travelers who need to fly commercial, Carter recommends carefully comparing each pet-friendly airline, with an emphasis on things like fees, pet size restrictions, customer service reputation, and the number of pets allowed per flight.

The calming treats, trusty pet carrier, and lightweight accessories we bring on every flight.

What airlines allow pets as carry-ons?

Many pet-friendly airlines allow small household animals to travel in the cabin as carry-ons. However, this usually doesn’t mean your pet can freely roam around the plane. Most commercial airlines require pets to remain in an enclosed carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. They also have strict guidelines about which types of animals are allowed, as well as rules regarding size and breed. Additionally, some airlines have specific requirements depending on the destination.

Semi-private and public charter airlines often offer more flexibility for pets traveling in the cabin. These airlines typically don’t impose size or breed restrictions and generally don’t require pets to stay inside a carrier under the seat, providing more freedom for both pets and their owners.

Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?

Most pet-friendly airlines do not allow travelers to purchase an extra seat for their dogs (or other pets). While small dogs can typically travel in the cabin, they must remain in a carrier and are generally not allowed on your lap, the seat next to you, or outside of their carrier during the flight.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, JetBlue allows passengers to buy an extra seat for a carry-on pet. The pet must stay inside the carrier and be stowed under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing. However, you can place the carrier on the empty seat next to you during the flight. If you’re bringing two pets, you’ll need to pay for two seats and a separate pet fee for each.

Similarly, Alaska Airlines permits travelers to bring up to two pets in the cabin, as long as they purchase two seats next to each other. Once onboard, pets must remain in their carriers for the entire flight, with the carrier stowed under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Bark Air

Bark Air positions itself as a “dog-first” airline, catering to pups and their humans. This new public charter airline launched its inaugural flight in May 2024 and has since been providing a unique flying experience for canine travelers.

Pet travel in the cabin: On Bark Air flights, dogs are allowed to roam freely throughout the cabin without the need to stay in a carrier. There are no breed or size restrictions, although the airline advises travelers flying internationally to check breed regulations at their destination. To book a flight, passengers must be at least 18 years old, and only children ages 10 and older are allowed on board.

The airline offers a range of amenities for dogs, including treats, blankets, toys, leashes, poop bags, and calming aids such as pheromones, music, and lavender-scented towels. Flight attendants also offer dogs a beverage of choice—such as water or bone broth—to help alleviate any pressure-related discomfort during takeoff and landing.

Bark Air flights typically carry seven to nine human passengers along with their dogs. Each ticket includes both a human and a dog—there’s no separate fee for the pet. Prices on Bark Air vary based on factors like demand, route, and timing. Currently, Bark Air offers flights between New York and destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, London, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Paris, with plans to expand to additional locations soon. The airline has also begun trial runs with larger planes to accommodate more pets and potentially lower ticket prices.

Pets in cargo: Bark Air does not offer a cargo or shipping service for pets.

K9 Jets

Founded in 2022, K9 Jets offers a pay-per-seat private jet service designed for both travelers and their pets.

Pet travel in the cabin: Both dogs and cats are welcome onboard, though cats must remain in a carrier for the entire flight. Dogs, however, can sit next to you or even on your lap.

K9 Jets has no size or breed restrictions, but travelers are encouraged to check the rules for their destination, especially since K9 Jets operates international flights to cities like Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Milan, Paris, Melbourne, Geneva, and Toronto. Each flight can accommodate up to 10 human passengers along with their pets.

Each ticket includes one human seat, along with either two pets weighing less than 50 pounds or one pet that weighs over 51 pounds. If both of your pets weigh more than 51 pounds, you’ll need to book two seats. Additionally, even if you’re bringing just one pet, you can purchase an extra seat for added comfort.

Pets in cargo: K9 Jets does not offer pet cargo or shipping services.

JSX

Travelers with pets have several different options for flying with public charter airline JSX, depending on the animal’s size.

Pet travel in the cabin: Small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin for a $100 pet fee each way. These pets must stay inside a carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Each passenger is allowed to bring one pet carrier, and only one pet is permitted per carrier. The pet carrier counts as your personal item, and JSX limits the total number of pets in the cabin to five per flight.

Additionally, medium or large dogs weighing up to 79 pounds are allowed in the cabin if you purchase an extra seat next to you and complete a liability form. Your dog must remain leashed at all times and can lay on the floor in front of the extra seat. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, the leash must be secured to the seat frame.

Pets in cargo: JSX does not offer pet cargo services.

Alaska Airlines

Pet travel in the cabin: For $100 each way, Alaska Airlines allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin. There are no breed restrictions, but pets must be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. Travelers must be at least 18 years old.

Each passenger may bring up to two pet carriers onboard, provided they purchase two adjacent seats. Up to two pets of the same species and size can share a carrier, as long as they fit comfortably.

Pets must remain in their carrier, with all doors and flaps securely closed, during the entire flight, as well as in the boarding area and the Alaska Lounge. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The pet carrier counts as part of your carry-on baggage, and passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in the emergency exit or bulkhead rows. Alaska Airlines limits the number of pet carriers per flight: three in first class and eight in the main cabin.

Pets in cargo: Alaska Airlines allows a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish, to travel in its climate-controlled cargo hold on many flights. The pet and carrier combined must weigh less than 150 pounds, and a valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required.

For flights to Hawaii or international destinations, only dogs and cats are permitted in the cargo hold. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats are not allowed to travel in cargo.

The pet fee is $100 each way for flights within Alaska, as well as for active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents traveling on orders. For all other flights, the fee is $150 each way.

Alaska Airlines permits only one dog or cat of any size, six months or older, to travel in a kennel. This rule also applies to pets that weigh over 20 pounds and are between eight weeks and six months old. However, two puppies or kittens under 20 pounds, between eight weeks and six months old, and similar in size, may share a kennel.

Pets may not be allowed in the cargo hold if temperatures are deemed too hot or cold by the airline. Additionally, Alaska Airlines has specific guidelines for flying pets to Hawaii, particularly due to strong headwinds during certain months.

The airline also offers a separate service called Pet Connect for shipping pets without an accompanying passenger.

Southwest Airlines

Pet travel in the cabin: Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated dogs and cats, at least eight weeks old, to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights. However, pets are not permitted in the cabin on international flights or flights to and from Hawaii (though they are allowed on flights between Hawaiian islands). The pet fee is $125 each way for flights within the mainland U.S. and $35 for flights between Hawaiian islands.

Passengers may bring one pet carrier into the cabin, with each carrier permitted to hold up to two pets of the same species. Pets must remain inside their carrier for the entire flight, with the carrier stored under the seat in front of you. This rule applies throughout the flight, including during boarding and deplaning, as well as in the gate area. The pet carrier will count as either your personal item or carry-on bag. Southwest also offers pet carriers for purchase at $58, or passengers can bring their own.

While Southwest has an open seating policy, travelers with pets cannot sit in the emergency exit rows or in rows without under-seat storage, such as the first row. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to bring pets onboard.

For travelers carrying the cremated remains of a recently deceased pet, they must be brought as a carry-on item, as Southwest does not allow cremated remains in checked luggage. The airline recommends using a temporary plastic or cardboard container for ease during security screening.

Pets in cargo: Southwest Airlines does not offer a pet cargo or shipping program.

United Airlines

Pet travel in the cabin: United Airlines only allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin. The United carry-on pet fee is $125 each way for tickets purchased before April 26, 2024. For tickets purchased after that date, the carry-on pet fee is $150 each way.

United Airlines doesn’t have any breed or weight limitations for pets flying in the cabin. However, the animal must be able to fit comfortably inside a carrier, with the door closed, and kept underneath the seat in front of you for the entire flight. On domestic flights, puppies and kittens must be at least two months old. On international flights, dogs must be at least six months old and kittens must be at least four months old.

On most flights, United allows each passenger to bring up two pets into the cabin. However, if you’re planning to bring two pets, you’ll need to buy an extra seat next to yours. On some types of aircraft, United only allows one pet per passenger because of limited space under the middle seat. The company also caps the total number of pets that can ride in each cabin (premium or economy) based on the type of plane.

Passengers traveling with a pet cannot sit in an emergency exit row, a United Premium Plus seat, or the front row of each cabin.

Pets in cargo: United does not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold, unless they are traveling with certain active-duty military or State Department employees.

American Airlines

Pet travel in the cabin: American Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most flights within the contiguous U.S., as well as to and from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. Pets can travel on flights up to 12 hours long or to specific destinations.

For tickets booked before February 19, 2024, the pet fee is $125 each way. After that date, the fee increases to $150 each way.

Pets must remain in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Due to limited under-seat storage, American Airlines does not allow carry-on pets in first or business class on certain planes.

American Airlines permits a total of seven carry-on pet carriers per flight, while American Eagle flights allow five, including one in first class. The pet carrier will count as either your carry-on or personal item.

Pets that have been tranquilized or sedated will not be accepted on American Airlines flights.

Pets in cargo: American Airlines only allows active-duty U.S. military service members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders to check their pets. The airline also offers a separate pet shipping program called American PetEmbark.

Delta Air Lines

Pet Travel in the Cabin: Delta Air Lines permits dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on select routes. Regardless of the animal type, it must fit in a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

For domestic flights, pets must be at least eight weeks old. For international flights to the U.S., dogs need to be at least six months old, while cats must be at least 16 weeks old. Pets flying to destinations in the European Union must be at least 15 weeks old.

Delta’s carry-on pet fee is $95 each way for flights to and from the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The carry-on pet fee for flights to and from Brazil is $75 each way; all other international flights are $200 each way.

Delta Air Lines only allows one pet per carrier, with a few exceptions. The airline allows two pets of the same size and breed between eight weeks and six months old to fly together in the same kennel (and charges them as one pet), so long as they get along and can fit into a single kennel. Additionally, travelers can bring one female dog or cat with her un-weaned litter, as long as the animals in the litter are eight weeks to six months old.

Your pet’s carrier counts as your carry-on, meaning you can only bring an additional small personal item. Travelers with carry-on pets cannot sit in certain areas, such as the emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats, as well as in specific rows on certain planes.

Pets in cargo: Delta only allows pets in cargo for active US military service members or US State Department Foreign Service Offices employees traveling on official orders.

JetBlue

Pet Travel in the Cabin: For $125 each way, passengers can bring small dogs and cats on all domestic JetBlue flights, as long as they are safely secured in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of them.

JetBlue allows a maximum of six pets per flight. Each passenger can bring up to two pets, each in its own carrier, but if you’re bringing two, you’ll need to pay for an additional seat and a second pet fee.

Pets must stay in their carrier for the entire flight. You may purchase an extra seat for your pet and place the carrier on your lap or the extra seat for most of the flight. However, during taxi, takeoff, and landing, the carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you.

Pets are not allowed in Mint, JetBlue’s premium cabin. Additionally, passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or other seats with restricted underseat storage.

Pets in Cargo: JetBlue does not accept pets in cargo.

Hawaiian Airlines

Pet Travel in the Cabin: Dogs and cats are welcome in the cabin on Hawaiian Airlines flights traveling between Hawaiian islands, as well as between Hawaii and most North American destinations. However, pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Pago Pago International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport.

The fee for bringing a pet in the cabin is $35 one-way for inter-Hawaii flights and $125 one-way for flights between Hawaii and North America. Additionally, bringing a pet does not count toward your carry-on allowance, so you can bring both a personal item and a bag in addition to your pet. Delta Air Lines

Hawaiian Airlines allows one adult dog or cat per carrier, or up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter between eight weeks and six months old. Each passenger is allowed to bring one carrier onboard.

When traveling between Hawaii and North America, you must obtain an animal health certificate from your veterinarian within 14 days of travel. Some routes also require a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Pets in Cargo: Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and household birds as checked baggage for $60 one-way on flights within Hawaii, and $225 one-way for flights between Hawaii and North America.

Pets are not permitted as checked baggage on flights to or from Pago Pago International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport. Additionally, pets cannot travel as checked baggage between April 15 and October 15 on flights to or from San Jose International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas), and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

While Hawaiian Airlines does not ban specific breeds, it strongly advises against checking short-nosed or brachycephalic pets.

For checked baggage travel, only one adult dog or cat is allowed per kennel, or up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter between eight weeks and six months old. Two adult household birds can share the same kennel, provided they are at least two weeks old. The combined weight of the pet and kennel cannot exceed 70 pounds.

Pets can only travel as checked baggage if the temperature along the route remains between 85 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are between 45 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you must provide an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel.

Spirit Airlines

Pet Travel in the Cabin: For a $125 one-way fee, passengers can bring dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits (at least eight weeks old) in the cabin on most Spirit Airlines flights.

Pets are not permitted on international flights, and birds and rabbits are not allowed to fly to or from Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. Dogs and cats traveling to the US Virgin Islands require a health certificate from a veterinarian, while pets traveling to Puerto Rico must have a rabies vaccination certificate.

Each passenger is allowed only one carrier, but up to two pets can be placed in the same carrier, provided they can stand up and move around comfortably.

Passengers flying with pets may sit anywhere on the plane, except in the first row or emergency exit rows. Pets must remain inside their carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier counts toward your carry-on allowance.

Spirit Airlines allows a maximum of six pet carriers per flight, so it’s recommended to add your pet to the reservation as early as possible.

Pets in Cargo: Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in cargo.

Frontier Airlines

Pet Travel in the Cabin: For $99 each way, passengers can bring pets in the cabin on Frontier Airlines flights. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds are permitted on domestic flights within the U.S. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old.

Passengers with pets cannot sit in the first row or emergency exit rows. Pets must stay inside their carrier for the duration of the flight. Frontier Airlines also advises not to provide food or water to your pet within four hours of departure or during the flight.

Pet carriers count toward your carry-on allowance, and must fit under the seat in front of you. Pets should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.

Pets in Cargo: Frontier Airlines does not transport pets as checked baggage.