Every Major Airline Pet Policy Compared (2026)

Flying with your dog is entirely doable, but every airline has different rules. Some are genuinely accommodating. Others make it so difficult you might as well drive. This guide breaks down the pet policies of 12 major airlines so you can find the best option for you and your dog.

Quick Comparison Table

Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview:

Airline	In-Cabin	Cargo	Fee (Each Way)	Max Weight (Cabin)	Brachycephalic Breeds
Delta	Yes	Yes	$150 domestic / $200 intl	No limit (must fit under seat)	Restricted in cargo
United	Yes	Military/State Dept only	$150	No limit (must fit under seat)	Banned from cargo
American	Yes	Yes (AA Cargo)	$150	No limit (must fit under seat)	Banned from cargo
Southwest	Yes	No	$125	Must fit in carrier under seat	N/A
JetBlue	Yes	No	$125	20 lbs	Not specified
Alaska	Yes	Yes	$100	No limit (must fit under seat)	Restricted in cargo
Air Canada	Yes	Yes	$50-118 CAD	10 kg	Banned from cargo
British Airways	No (cargo only)	Yes	Varies	N/A	Banned from cargo
Lufthansa	Yes	Yes	$70-200	8 kg (with carrier)	Restricted in cargo
KLM	Yes	Yes	$60-200	8 kg (with carrier)	Restricted
Turkish Airlines	Yes	Yes	$70-200	8 kg (with carrier)	Not specified
Qantas	No	Yes	Varies	N/A	Restricted

Delta Air Lines

Delta is one of the more straightforward US airlines for pet travel, though fees increased significantly in 2025.

In-Cabin: Dogs are allowed in-cabin on domestic flights and select international routes. Your dog must fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Delta does not impose a specific weight limit — if the dog and carrier fit, you are good. The fee is $150 each way for domestic flights (up from $95 before April 2025) and $200 for international.

Cargo: Delta Cargo accepts dogs on many routes. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers are restricted from cargo travel due to breathing risks. Cargo availability is seasonal — Delta suspends cargo pet transport during extreme heat and cold.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided carriers that fit under the seat. Maximum dimensions vary by aircraft but are approximately 18” x 11” x 11” for most domestic flights.

Breed Restrictions: Pit bull type dogs are banned entirely from Delta flights (cabin and cargo). Snub-nosed breeds are restricted from cargo.

Booking: Pet reservations must be made by calling Delta directly. You cannot add a pet online.

United Airlines

United has made improvements to its in-cabin pet program, but its cargo options have changed dramatically.

In-Cabin: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on most domestic and some international flights. The fee is $150 each way (increased from $125). No specific weight limit — the carrier must fit under the seat. United also charges an additional $125 layover fee if your journey includes a layover longer than 4 hours domestic or 24 hours international.

Cargo (PetSafe — Discontinued for General Public): United’s PetSafe program is no longer available for the general public. As of 2026, cargo pet transport through United is limited to active-duty U.S. military with PCS orders and U.S. State Department employees with Foreign Service orders. Civilian pet owners who need cargo transport must use licensed pet relocation companies that follow IATA Live Animals Regulations.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided, leak-proof carrier. Must fit under the seat, approximately 17.5” x 12” x 7.5” for most aircraft.

Breed Restrictions: Snub-nosed breeds are banned from cargo. No breed restrictions for in-cabin travel as long as the dog fits in the carrier.

Booking: You can add a pet to your reservation online through United’s website, which is more convenient than most airlines.

American Airlines

American has a solid in-cabin program but has scaled back its cargo pet service.

In-Cabin: Dogs are welcome in-cabin on domestic and select international flights. The fee is $150 each way — the most expensive of the major US carriers. No weight limit, but the carrier must fit under the seat.

Cargo: American Airlines suspended its general cargo pet program in 2023 and now only offers cargo pet transport on select routes. Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo entirely.

Carrier Requirements: Hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Maximum dimensions approximately 19” x 13” x 9” (varies by aircraft).

Breed Restrictions: Snub-nosed breeds banned from cargo. No specific breed restrictions for cabin travel.

Booking: Call American Airlines to add a pet. Capacity is limited to a set number of pets per flight.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest allows small vaccinated dogs and cats in the cabin on most domestic flights.

In-Cabin: Dogs are allowed in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. The fee is $125 each way. Southwest limits cabin pets to 6 carriers per flight, and each passenger may bring one carrier with up to 2 pets of the same species. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.

Cargo: Southwest does not offer cargo pet transport.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided or hard-sided carrier, maximum 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”. The carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item.

Route Restrictions: Pets are not permitted on flights to or from Hawaii (except inter-island flights within Hawaii for $35 each way). International flights are not available.

Booking: Add a pet to your reservation by calling Southwest or at the airport ticket counter. Pet spots are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved online in advance.

Important Note: Dogs exhibiting disruptive behavior (excessive barking, aggression) can be denied boarding at the gate agent’s discretion.

JetBlue

JetBlue offers a program called JetPaws for in-cabin pets.

In-Cabin: Small dogs are allowed in-cabin on all JetBlue flights. The fee is $125 each way. JetBlue imposes a 20-pound weight limit (combined weight of pet and carrier).

Cargo: JetBlue does not offer cargo pet transport.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided carrier, maximum 17” x 12.5” x 8.5”. The carrier counts as your personal item.

Breed Restrictions: No specific breed restrictions for in-cabin travel.

Booking: Add a pet during the booking process on JetBlue’s website or by calling their support line.

Notable Perk: JetBlue’s JetPaws kit includes a pet travel carrier tag, a bag of treats, and airline crew stickers. It is a small touch that shows they actually thought about the pet travel experience.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has one of the best pet programs among US carriers.

In-Cabin: Dogs are allowed on all Alaska-operated flights. The fee is $100 each way — reasonable for a major carrier. No specific weight limit, but the carrier must fit under the seat.

Cargo: Alaska offers cargo pet transport with temperature monitoring and live animal handling specialists. They have historically been one of the most reliable airlines for cargo pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds face restrictions in cargo during summer months.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided or hard-sided carrier (hard-sided for cargo). Cabin carrier must not exceed 17” x 11” x 7.5”.

Breed Restrictions: No breed restrictions for cabin travel. Select brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo during warm months.

Booking: Call Alaska Airlines to add a pet. They limit the number of pets per flight.

Why Alaska Stands Out: Alaska has a strong track record for safe pet cargo transport. Their pet-specific handling procedures are among the most detailed in the industry.

Air Canada

Air Canada is the best option for pet travel in Canada.

In-Cabin: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on most domestic and US flights. The fee is $50 CAD for domestic flights and $118 CAD for US/international. The pet and carrier must weigh under 10 kg combined.

Cargo: Air Canada Cargo transports dogs on most routes. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo.

Carrier Requirements: Soft-sided carrier for cabin, maximum 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm. Hard-sided kennel required for cargo.

Breed Restrictions: Snub-nosed breeds banned from cargo.

Booking: Add a pet to your booking by calling Air Canada.

British Airways

British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin under any circumstances (service animals excepted).

Cargo Only: All pets travel as cargo through British Airways’ partner, IAG Cargo. This is a separate booking from your passenger ticket. Costs vary by route and animal size but expect GBP 150-300+ for a medium-sized dog. Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo.

Carrier Requirements: IATA-compliant hard-sided kennel required for cargo.

Booking: Book through IAG Cargo directly. Allow at least 10 business days for processing.

Workaround: If you need to fly to the UK with your pet in-cabin, consider flying into a European hub (Amsterdam, Paris) on a pet-cabin-friendly airline and taking the Eurotunnel or ferry to the UK with your pet.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has one of Europe’s more established pet travel programs.

In-Cabin: Small dogs are allowed in-cabin on most routes. The combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Fees range from EUR 50 for short-haul flights to EUR 150 for long-haul.

Cargo: Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Lufthansa uses specialized animal transport containers and has trained animal handling staff. Fees are based on crate size and route, typically EUR 100-300.

Carrier Requirements: Cabin: waterproof, well-ventilated soft carrier, max 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Cargo: IATA-compliant kennel.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo. Specific dangerous breed restrictions apply for dogs entering Germany.

Booking: Call Lufthansa to add a pet. Cabin pet spots are limited to one or two per flight.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM is one of the more pet-accommodating European carriers.

In-Cabin: Small dogs allowed on most routes. Pet and carrier must weigh under 8 kg. Fees range from EUR 45 (short European flights) to EUR 150+ (intercontinental).

Cargo: KLM handles pet cargo transport through its dedicated animal transport division. They have excellent facilities at Schiphol Airport, including the KLM Animal Hotel for transit pets.

Carrier Requirements: Cabin: waterproof soft bag, max 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Cargo: IATA-compliant kennel.

Breed Restrictions: Snub-nosed breeds restricted from cargo. Dutch banned breed list applies for dogs entering the Netherlands.

Booking: Add a pet through KLM’s customer service. Online booking not available for pets.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines stands out for allowing pets on a wide range of international routes.

In-Cabin: Dogs allowed in-cabin on most domestic and international flights. Pet and carrier must weigh under 8 kg. Fees range from USD 70 (domestic) to USD 200 (long-haul international).

Cargo: Turkish Airlines Cargo has a well-regarded live animal transport service. They fly to over 300 destinations, making them one of the best options for transporting pets to more remote destinations.

Carrier Requirements: Cabin: soft-sided carrier, max 23 x 30 x 40 cm. Cargo: IATA-compliant kennel.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds face restrictions on select routes.

Booking: Call Turkish Airlines or visit a ticket office to add a pet.

Qantas

Australia’s flag carrier is restrictive about pets due to Australia’s strict biosecurity laws.

In-Cabin: Qantas does not allow pets in the cabin (service animals only).

Cargo: Dogs travel as cargo through Qantas Freight. Domestic routes are generally available. International routes are extremely limited due to Australia’s quarantine laws. Brachycephalic breeds are restricted.

Carrier Requirements: IATA-compliant kennel, properly sized for the animal with adequate ventilation.

Booking: Book through Qantas Freight. For international pet transport to or from Australia, most travelers use a specialized pet transport company due to the complex quarantine requirements.

How to Choose the Right Airline

When selecting an airline for pet travel, prioritize these factors:

1. Route availability — Not every airline flies to every destination. Start with airlines that serve your route.
2. Cabin vs. cargo — If your dog can fly in-cabin, strongly prefer that option. It is safer and less stressful.
3. Your dog’s size and breed — If you have a brachycephalic breed, your options narrow significantly. If your dog is over 20 pounds, you are likely looking at cargo.
4. Cost — Fees range from $50 to $200+ each way. For frequent flyers, this adds up.
5. Safety record — Look into the airline’s pet incident reports, which US airlines are required to file with the Department of Transportation.

Booking Tips

• Book early. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight. Popular routes sell out pet spots fast.
• Fly direct whenever possible. Layovers add stress and risk, especially for cargo pets.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Many airlines suspend cargo pet transport when temperatures exceed 85 degrees or drop below 45 degrees at any point in the journey.
• Get the right carrier. Buy your carrier well before the trip and let your dog get comfortable in it at home. An airline-approved carrier is non-negotiable. The Sherpa Original Deluxe carrier is Guaranteed On Board with most major airlines and accommodates dogs up to 16 lbs — a solid choice for frequent flyers. See our best airline dog carriers guide for tested options, or browse our top-rated airline-approved carriers with hands-on scores for a deeper comparison across fit, ventilation, and gate compliance.
• Arrive early. Airlines typically require you to check in at the ticket counter (not online) when traveling with a pet.
• Carry documentation. Have your dog’s health certificate, vaccination records, and airline pet booking confirmation easily accessible.

If your dog tends to get anxious during travel, Zesty Paws Calming Chews are a popular choice among frequent pet travelers — give them 30 minutes before heading to the airport.

Flying with your dog requires more planning than a solo trip, but it is entirely manageable once you know the rules. If your dog is too large for in-cabin travel on commercial airlines, dedicated pet airlines like BARK Air and RetrievAir now offer cabin seating for dogs of all sizes. For dogs that need cargo transport, our flying large dogs in cargo guide covers the process in detail. And if you are considering a health certificate for the first time, start the process at least two weeks before your trip. Choose the right airline, prepare your documentation, and practice with the carrier at home — and you will both be ready for takeoff.

Emotional Support Animals: 2026 Rules

A major policy change took effect across all US airlines: emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as a separate category. ESAs now travel as regular pets subject to standard pet fees, carrier requirements, and size restrictions. Only trained psychiatric service dogs with proper documentation are exempt from pet fees. This change aligns with the DOT’s final rule on service animals.

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Related Reading

• Best Airline Dog Carriers and Backpacks 2026
• BARK Air vs RetrievAir: Pet Airlines Compared
• Dog Health Certificate Travel Guide
• Flying Large Dogs in Cargo Guide
• Traveling with Cats Guide