Flying With a Pet? Which Airlines Allow Cats and Dogs?

Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air Canada allow eligible pets to travel, but their policies differ by animal size, carrier dimensions, route, and travel method. Some airlines accept pets only in the cabin, while others offer checked-pet or cargo transportation.

Traveling with a pet requires more planning than an ordinary flight reservation. Airlines limit the number of animals on each flight, impose carrier restrictions, and may prohibit certain breeds or destinations.

Understanding airline pet policies before booking helps travelers choose a suitable carrier, avoid unexpected charges, and prepare for a safer journey.

Which Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin or Cargo Hold?

Most major airlines accept small cats and dogs in the cabin on eligible routes, but transportation options for larger animals are more limited.

Airline	Pets in cabin	Checked hold or cargo	Important consideration
Delta Air Lines	Yes	Limited cargo arrangements	Advance pet reservations
American Airlines	Yes	Restricted checked-pet service and cargo	Route and eligibility restrictions
United Airlines	Yes	Limited cargo arrangements	Under-seat carrier requirements
Southwest Airlines	Yes	No	Cabin pets on eligible domestic routes
JetBlue	Yes	No	Combined pet and carrier weight limit
Alaska Airlines	Yes	Yes	Temperature and breed restrictions
Frontier Airlines	Yes	No	Certain small household pets accepted
Air Canada	Yes	Yes	Seasonal restrictions
Lufthansa	Yes	Yes	Cabin weight generally up to 8 kg
KLM	Yes	Yes	Cabin weight generally up to 8 kg
Turkish Airlines	Yes	Yes	Breed and route conditions
British Airways	No ordinary cabin pets	Cargo arrangements	Recognized assistance dogs follow separate rules
Emirates	No ordinary cabin cats or dogs	Cargo arrangements	Special exceptions may apply

Pet acceptance depends on the operating airline, aircraft, destination, and availability. Service animals follow separate rules.

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How Can Pets Travel on an Airplane?

Airlines generally offer three transportation methods for eligible animals.

Travel method	How it works	Suitable for
In cabin	Pet stays in an approved carrier under the seat	Small cats and dogs
Checked baggage	Pet travels in an approved crate in a suitable aircraft compartment	Eligible larger pets
Air cargo	Animal travels through a separate cargo booking	Large animals and certain international relocations

Not every airline offers all three options. Travelers should confirm acceptance before purchasing their tickets.

What Are the Weight Limits for Pets in the Cabin?

Cabin pet weight limits vary by airline, and many carriers calculate the combined weight of the animal and its carrier.

European airlines such as Lufthansa and KLM generally use an 8 kg combined limit. JetBlue generally permits up to 20 pounds, including the carrier.

Some U.S. airlines focus primarily on whether the carrier fits beneath the seat and allows the animal to move comfortably.

Travelers should measure and weigh the pet inside its carrier before booking.

Which Airlines Allow Larger Dogs to Travel?

Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, KLM, and Turkish Airlines are among the carriers offering checked-pet transportation on eligible routes.

Larger dogs may need to travel in the aircraft hold or through a dedicated cargo service.

However, acceptance depends on crate dimensions, animal weight, breed, aircraft type, and weather conditions.

Are Flat-Faced Dogs and Cats Allowed on Flights?

Flat-faced animals, including bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, face additional restrictions because their breathing anatomy can make air travel more challenging.

Many airlines restrict these animals from traveling in the cargo hold, while some also limit cabin transportation.

Owners should check the exact breed policy and consult a veterinarian before arranging travel.

How Much Do Airlines Charge to Fly With Pets?

Pet transportation fees depend on the airline, route, destination, and whether the animal travels in the cabin, hold, or cargo.

Cabin pet fees are generally charged separately from the passenger’s airfare. International transportation and cargo bookings may cost considerably more.

Travelers should compare the total cost, including approved carriers, veterinary documents, and destination-specific requirements.

What Documents Are Required to Fly With a Pet?

Required documents depend on the destination, animal species, and airline.

Common requirements include:

• Valid rabies vaccination records where required.
• Veterinary health certificates when applicable.
• Microchip identification for destinations that require it.
• Import permits or government-endorsed certificates.
• Airline pet reservation confirmation.
• Additional documentation for international travel.

Not every domestic flight requires a veterinary health certificate. International destinations may impose more extensive requirements, including waiting periods and laboratory tests.

How Early Should Travelers Book Flights With Pets?

Travelers should request pet space when arranging their own flight because airlines usually allow only a limited number of animals in the cabin.

For international travel, preparations may need to begin several months in advance, particularly when vaccination, microchip, import permits, or blood tests are required.

Read this blog: Can Pets Travel in Cargo on Aeromexico?

What Mistakes Should Pet Owners Avoid Before Flying?

The most common mistakes include booking a passenger ticket before confirming pet availability, purchasing an oversized carrier, and overlooking destination-specific animal entry requirements.

Owners should also avoid assuming that an airline accepting pets on one route will accept them on every route.

Sedating an animal without veterinary guidance is another important concern, as sedation can create additional risks during air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions