Pet Travel by Airline

Most major US airlines allow small pets in the cabin for $95–$150 each way. Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Rules vary significantly by airline and breed.

In-Cabin Pet Policy (2026)

Delta: $95 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; pet + carrier must fit under seat; max carrier 18x11x11 in; max weight 20 lb (pet + carrier)
United: $125 each way; cats, dogs, and rabbits in cabin; carrier max 17.5x12x7.5 in; max weight 25 lb (pet + carrier)
American: $150 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; max carrier 19x13x9 in; max weight varies by carrier size
Southwest: $95 each way; cats and household birds in cabin; max carrier 18.5x8.5x13.5 in; no dogs in cabin on Southwest
Alaska: $100 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; max carrier 17x11x9.5 in; max combined weight 20 lb
JetBlue: $125 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; max carrier 17x12.5x8.5 in; max weight 20 lb
Frontier: $99 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; max carrier 18x14x8 in; max weight 20 lb
Spirit: $110 each way; cats and dogs in cabin; max carrier 18x14x8 in; max weight 40 lb

Breed Restrictions

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are banned or restricted on many airlines due to breathing concerns during air travel.

Banned from cargo on Delta/United/American: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Boxers and other flat-faced breeds
Cats: Persian cats (flat-faced) also restricted from cargo on some airlines
In-cabin: Flat-faced breeds may still travel in-cabin on most airlines since the risk is lower than cargo

Pets as Checked Baggage (Not Recommended)

Some airlines allow pets as checked baggage in temperature-controlled cargo holds. However, many major airlines (including Delta, United, American) have restricted or eliminated this option. Check directly with your airline before booking.

Alaska Airlines: Still accepts pets as checked baggage on some routes — call to confirm
Temperature limits: Most airlines won't accept pets as cargo if temperatures at origin, connection, or destination are outside 20–85°F
IATA-approved carrier: Pets in cargo must travel in IATA-approved hard-sided carriers with water access

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

As of 2021, US airlines are no longer required to accept emotional support animals as service animals. ESAs now travel under standard pet policies — in-cabin fee applies. Only trained service dogs (per ADA) are still accepted free of charge.