If are looking for the best airline to choose when flying with a dog, you are spoilt for choice. However, some choices are better than others so we’ve identified Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue as the top options.
The Bottom Line
- What’s the best airline to fly with a dog? — There are many good options, but the best are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta.
- Is it safe to fly with my dog? — It is generally safe to fly with your dog. However, you should visit your vet before flying with your dog to make sure their health is in order.
- Can you fly with an emotional support animal? — If you plan on flying with your emotional support animal, you will likely have to pay pet fees as ESAs are no longer protected under law for airline travel.
- Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD) fly for free — If you have a mental or physical disability that your dog can help you with, training them as a service dog or psychiatric service dog will enable you to fly with your dog in the cabin for free on any flight.
Planned travel can be stressful for dogs, just as it is for some people. This can be further affected by factors like your pup’s age, any health conditions, and even their personality. All of these things can impact whether your dog has a good or bad experience on their flight but knowing what to expect from the airline of your choosing can help make experiences in the air more enjoyable for both your pup and yourself. These are the five best airlines to fly with dogs, based on factors we’ve identified through research and experience.
What is the Best Airline To Fly With Dogs?
Once you’re sure your dog won’t have trouble boarding a plane, you’ll want to think about your preferred carrier. Some airlines are more welcoming of dogs than others, so we’ve rounded up a list of the best airlines for when you need to travel but want to fly with your dog.
1. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines welcomes a whole range of pets, not just dogs. You can travel with cats, birds, rabbits, and other pets.
Cost per pet: $100-105
Allowed in Cabin: Yes
Allowed in Cargo: Yes
Size Restrictions: Hard carriers: (17” x 11″ x 7.5”), Soft carriers: (17” x 11” x 9.5”), Cargo: (30” x 27” x 40”)
Pricing can change, but the cost of a pet traveling via Alaska Airlines tends to be around $100-$105 each way, whether you’re taking your dog into the cabin or checking them into the hold.
If you take your pup into the cabin, remember that their carrier will be counted toward your carry-on allowance. What’s more, you can have two carriers with you if needed. If you’re tight on space, consider using a carrier close to the size limit that two small pets can share, as long as they’ll be comfortable and won’t squabble.
To travel, your pets must be at least 8 weeks old and must be kept inside their carrier(s) at all times.
If you choose to check your pet into the cargo hold instead, you’ll need a health certificate. This will form part of the “Pet Check” that you need to complete before flying. Bear in mind that if your transfer is more than four hours, you’ll need to submit a request to gain access to your beloved dog so that you can provide them with some water and food.
2. American Airlines
American Airlines welcomes cats and dogs on flights, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, they aren’t allowed to travel as cargo. We recommend routinely checking the policy, as this could change.
Cost per pet: $125
Allowed in Cabin: Yes
Allowed in Cargo: No
Size Restrictions: All carriers: (19”x 13” x 9”)
On domestic flights, traveling with a cat or dog will cost $125 per pet carrier; international flights are $200 each way. Again, due to COVID-19, the airline may only allow pets residing in the US.
Carriers do not count toward your luggage allowance, but they are considered personal items. For lucky first-class passengers, your dog will receive its very own compartment at the head of the aircraft during the takeoff and landing procedures.
However, there is a drawback. American Airlines only allows between five and seven pet carriers on their flights. Make sure you book well in advance and don’t rely on simply showing up at the airport with your pup.
3. Delta Airlines
Delta has long been known for having pet-friendly policies, though. Unfortunately, these have changed somewhat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dogs were banned from traveling into the US from other countries, so make sure you check the policies ahead of time.
Cost per pet: $75-$200, location dependent
Allowed in Cabin: Yes
Allowed in Cargo: No
Size Restrictions: All carriers: (21” x 15” x 16”)
To bring your pup aboard a Delta flight, you’ll pay around $95 each way. While one of the cheapest options we’ve seen, this is for domestic flights only. International flights charge $200 each way, and dogs can’t fly inside the cabin if traveling to a select list of international countries.
Your pet must remain in its carrier, even if it’s accompanying you in the cabin. You can’t use a single carrier for multiple pets in most cases, though two of the same animal may share a carrier if they’re between two and six months old. We recommend checking your specific circumstances with Delta ahead of time.
Delta classes your pet’s carrier like some other airlines as part of your carry-on luggage allowance. Specific rules will also apply to you if you’re bringing a dog. For example, you won’t be allowed in bulkhead seats, emergency exit seats, and certain other areas of the plane on specific aircraft.
4. Hawaiian Air
In most cases, you can travel with your dog on a Hawaiian Airlines flight between Hawaii and North America or between the Hawaiian islands. However, flights departing from or arriving at AUS, BOS, JFK, and MCO don’t permit dogs on board.
Cost per pet: $35-225, location dependent
Allowed in Cabin: Yes
Allowed in Cargo: Yes
Size Restrictions: Soft carriers: (16” x 10” x 9.5”), Cargo: (36” x 24” x 26”) or (40” x 27” x 30”) based on aircraft size
With the above airport exceptions, Hawaiian Air welcomes any cats, dogs, or household pet birds on board their flights, but only felines and canines can travel as cabin passengers.
Traveling with a dog on Hawaiian Air is $125 each way for cabin passengers. If you check your dog and their carrier into the hold, you will be charged a much higher $225 each way.
The weight allowance for this airline is more forgiving than many others, which is why we’ve named it one of our best airlines for flying with dogs. Your pet and carrier may weigh up to 70 pounds in total.
5. JetBlue
When you check in at the airport with your pup, JetBlue will tag them with a “JetPaws” tag. You can also buy a carrier if needed, assuming that stock is available.
Cost per pet: $125
Allowed in Cabin: Yes
Allowed in Cargo: No
Size Restrictions: All carriers: (17” x 12.5” x 8.5”)
JetBlue charges $125 for each pet, each way, regardless of your destination. You can travel with up to six dogs on this airline, though managing six carriers at once would be impressive!
JetBlue has some restrictions compared to the airlines mentioned above. First, your pet and its carrier can’t weigh more than 20 pounds if you bring them into the cabin. You’re also not allowed to save space by having more than one pet in each carrier.
During takeoff and landing, you’ll have to secure the carrier below the seat in front, much like carry-on luggage. Otherwise, JetBlue allows you to take your dog out and sit it on your lap while in transit.
This is a welcome change compared to some airlines, mainly as JetBlue does not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold.
Is it Safe to Travel With Your Dog?
The American Kennel Club recommends always scheduling a visit with your usual vet before planning an overseas or domestic flight with your dog. They also note that for safe and hassle-free travel, you’ll need to:
- Make sure that they’re up to date on vaccinations and have the necessary paperwork as proof
- Check that their health is suitable for traveling by plane
- Make sure that temperatures at your destination won’t cause your dog problems
- Remember to reserve space for your dog on your flight. Space is limited and usually offered on a first-come, first-served basis
Do I Have a Right to Fly With My Dog?
If you want your pet to ride in the cabin with you, it must be a psychiatric service dog who has completed PSD and basic obedience training. This type of pet is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all airlines must accept service dogs without charge or discrimination. You must assert this through paperwork given to you at the gate. A PSD letter or certificate will not be necessary. An emotional support animal is not.
The rules aren’t so friendly for people with emotional support animals (ESA). As of 2023, the ADA does not consider an emotional support dog a service dog. This means that the law is not on your side regarding taking an ESA with you on a flight, and they could be turned away or forced to travel in cargo, which means additional fees and potentially emotional distress for you and your animal.