Planning to travel with your furry co-pilot? For many pet parents, leaving their dogs behind isn't an option. Whether you're relocating, vacationing, or visiting family, knowing which which airlines allow dogs in cabin and understanding their pet policies can make all the difference between a stress-free journey and a ruff time at the airport.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the pet policies of major airlines in the US, Canada, and Europe, helping you navigate the sometimes confusing world of flying with dogs. We've fetched all the important details about size restrictions, carrier requirements, fees, and which airlines truly roll out the red carpet for your canine companion.
Quick Reference: Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin
Source: Individual Airline Flying Details 2025
Can Service Dogs Fly in the Cabin?
Service dogs receive special treatment on virtually all airlines, as they should! These hardworking pups assist people with disabilities and perform essential tasks that their handlers cannot do independently. If you're wondering which airlines allow dogs in cabin that are working as a service pet, you're in luck. Here's what you need to know about flying with service animals:
- Service dogs fly free on most airlines, exempt from the pet fees other animals must pay
- No carrier required – properly trained service dogs can sit at their handler's feet or on their lap (if small enough)
- Size restrictions don't apply – airlines must accommodate service dogs regardless of breed or size
- Documentation requirements vary by airline and destination, but typically include: Verification of training/certification and veterinary health certificates
Important Note: Since 2021, most US airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. ESAs now generally fall under standard pet policies, including size restrictions and fees. Only dogs that have been specifically trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability qualify as service animals under Department of Transportation rules.
Documentation Timing: For international travel with service dogs, begin preparing documentation at least 30 days before your trip, as some countries have strict entry requirements and quarantine procedures.
Which US Airlines Allow Dogs in Cabin?
When it comes to flying with your furry friend domestically, US carriers offer a range of pet-friendly options. Most major airlines welcome small dogs in the cabin, though policies, prices, and restrictions vary significantly.
According to our Sniffspot research with real dog owners, 82% of respondents had no airline preference when traveling with dogs, suggesting that many pet parents either don't fly frequently with their dogs or find the experience similar across carriers. However, those who do fly with their pets shared some valuable insights about their preferred airlines.
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Dog-Friendly Airline Survey
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers one of the more pet-friendly policies among major carriers, though it does come with some limitations you should be aware of.
- Pet Fee: $100 each way
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds
- Cabin Limits: 3 pets in first class, 8 in coach
- Special Notes: Odorous or noisy animals must travel in the baggage compartment, so make sure to bathe your buddy beforehand
Our Sniffspot research shows Alaska Airlines is the third most popular airline among dog owners at 3.5%. One user shared: "Alaska Airlines is very friendly and experienced with dogs. They're always accommodating when traveling with my dog." Another mentioned they chose Alaska because it's "easy to board with my service dog."
American Airlines
Secondly, American Airlines keeps their pet policy fairly straightforward, though they're more limited in the types of animals permitted in the cabin.
- Pet Fee: $125 each way
- Allowed Pets: Only dogs and cats
- Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs
- Cabin Limits: 7 animals on American Airlines flights, 5 on American Eagle flights
- Destinations: Within the 48 contiguous US, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas
American Airlines was preferred by 2% of Sniffspot survey respondents who travel with their dogs. One traveler noted, "I've always used American Airlines - they're accommodating and make the process easy." Another mentioned that they chose American because they were "friendly and comfortable with my dog, which made us both feel welcome."
For more details on flying with your pup on American Airlines, review our full guide to American Airline’s pet policies.
Delta Airlines
Similarly, Delta offers some flexibility for pet parents, especially those with new litters or young animals traveling together.
- Pet Fee: $95 one-way (US/Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands/Canada) | $200 one-way (International)
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, household birds
- Age Requirements: At least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 16 weeks for international
- Special Accommodation: One female with an un-weaned litter can travel together, and two pets of the same breed between 10 weeks and 6 months may share a kennel
Delta Airlines ranked as the most popular airline for dog travel in our Sniffspot survey, with 4% of respondents choosing it as their preferred carrier. One frequent flyer commented, "Delta is always accommodating and seems to be a dog-friendly company." Another pet parent shared, "Delta provides comfort seating which makes traveling with my dog much easier," while a third noted they chose Delta because "They're very good with dogs when seated."
Frontier Airlines
Frontier might advertise that "kids fly free," but fur-babies will cost you a flat rate regardless of destination.
- Pet Fee: $99 one-way
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, household birds
- Carrier Size: Max dimensions 18" L x 14" W x 8" H
- Important Restriction: No pets allowed in cargo, meaning large dogs cannot fly Frontier
JetBlue
JetBlue keeps their pet policy simple, though they have stricter size limitations than some other carriers.
- Pet Fee: $125 each way
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs and cats only
- Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs
- Carrier Size: Max dimensions 17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H
- Cabin Limit: 6 pets per flight
- Restrictions: No pets allowed on flights to/from London or Trinidad and Tobago
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Southwest Airlines
Southwest keeps their pet policy as straightforward as their boarding process, though international travelers will need to make other arrangements.
- Pet Fee: $95 each way
- Allowed Pets: Small, vaccinated cats and dogs only
- Carrier Size: Max dimensions 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H
- Cabin Limit: 6 pet carriers per flight
- Restrictions: No pets on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii
Southwest Airlines was the second most popular choice among Sniffspot survey respondents at 3.6%. Travelers appreciate Southwest's straightforward approach, with one respondent noting, "Southwest offers easy seating when traveling with my dog." Another mentioned they chose Southwest because it was "friendly and America's most reliable for pet travel." The airline's simplified boarding process seems particularly appealing to those traveling with pets.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has one of the more generous weight allowances, making them a good option for medium-sized dogs.
- Pet Fee: $125 one-way
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, household birds, domestic rabbits
- Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and carrier up to 40 lbs
- Carrier Size: Soft containers only, max dimensions 18" L x 14" W x 9" H
- Restrictions:
Barking News: Spirit's 40 lb weight limit is significantly higher than most other airlines, making them a good option for larger small breeds.
United Airlines
United keeps their pet policy relatively simple, though they have extensive destination restrictions.
- Pet Fee: $125 one-way, plus an additional $125 for each layover longer than four hours
- Allowed Pets: Dogs and cats only
- Restrictions: Extensive list of countries where pets cannot fly in cabin (see below)
For more details on flying with your dog on United, review our full guide to United Airline’s pet policy.
Countries where United does not allow pets in cabin include: Australia, Barbados, Cuba, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, UK, and several others.
Which Canadian Airlines Allow Dogs in Cabin?
Heading north with your furry friend? Canadian carriers offer relatively straightforward pet policies for those crossing borders or traveling within the Great White North.
According to our Sniffspot research, most dog owners traveling to or within Canada report that they found the pet policies on Canadian airlines to be somewhat more difficult to navigate than traveling without dogs, but appreciated the clear guidelines provided by these carriers.
Air Canada
To begin, Air Canada welcomes the smallest members of your family, though you'll need to check in with an attendant rather than using self-service options.
- Pet Fee: $50 one-way (within Canada and US, except Hawaii) $100 one-way (international flights)
- Allowed Pets: Cats and small dogs
- Carrier Size: Hard case: 21.5" L x 15.5" W x 9" H | Soft case: 21.5" L x 15.5" W x 10.5" H
- Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old
WestJet
Next, WestJet stands out for their accommodation of "working dogs," offering the option to purchase an adjacent seat.
- Pet Fee: $50-$59 (within or between Canada and US) $100-$118 (international)
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds
- Carrier Size: Soft-sided only, max dimensions 16" L x 10" W x 8.5" H
- Special Accommodation: Working dogs (search and rescue, police, service animals) may have a second seat purchased beside them
Our survey showed that WestJet is particularly popular among owners of larger dogs, with one respondent specifically noting, "WestJet allows me to purchase a second seat for my working dog, which makes travel so much more comfortable for both of us." This airline also appears in our list of airlines that accommodate large dogs in-cabin, making it a versatile choice for many Canadian dog owners.
Which European Airlines Allow Dogs in Cabin?
Planning a European vacation with your canine companion? European airlines tend to have some distinct differences from their North American counterparts when it comes to pet travel.
Our Sniffspot research revealed that 88% of respondents found traveling with dogs to European destinations either "somewhat more difficult" or "much more difficult" than traveling without pets. The main challenges cited were documentation requirements and finding accommodations that accept pets once they arrived. However, many noted that European destinations tend to be more dog-friendly overall once you're there.
Aegean Airlines
To start, Greece's largest airline, Aegean, keeps their pet policy simple but restrictive.
- Pet Fee: $30 within Greece $60 internationally
- Allowed Pets: Dogs and cats only
- Weight Limit: Maximum 8 kg (about 17.5 lbs)
- Restrictions: You may not travel with both a pet and an infant
- Requirements: Pets must be microchipped and have received rabies vaccine within 21 weeks of flight
Air Europa
Conversely, Air Europa offers one of the more diverse pet-friendly policies among European carriers.
- Pet Fee: EUR 25/USD 27 (Mainland Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands) EUR 50/USD 55 (Europe and Africa)
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, small birds, fish, aquarium turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs, small rabbits
- Long-haul Restriction: Only dogs and cats permitted on long-haul flights
- Age Requirement: At least three months old and fully vaccinated
- Carrier Limits: Max dimensions 21.6" L x 13.7" W x 9.8" H, with total weight (pet + carrier) not exceeding 22 lbs
- Special Accommodation: Up to three animals of the same species are allowed in one carrier
Air France
Air France maintains consistent size restrictions but varies their fees based on destination.
- Pet Fee: $40 (Metropolitan France) $30 (The Caribbean, excluding flights from/to Miami which are $55)
- Allowed Pets: Dogs and cats only
- Weight Limit: Maximum 8 kg (17 lbs)
- Carrier Size: Max dimensions 18" L x 11" W x 9" H
- Requirements: Pets traveling within the EU must be microchipped and have passports that certify vaccination status
Lufthansa
Germany's largest airline, Lufthansa, keeps their policy streamlined but requires advance registration.
- Pet Fee: $72 within Europe $120 internationally
- Allowed Pets: Dogs and cats only
- Weight Limit: Maximum 8 kg (17 lbs) including carrier
- Registration Requirement: Must register pet at least 24 hours before takeoff
Vueling
Finally, the budget Spanish airline Vueling keeps their pet allowance limited but offers reasonable fees.
- Pet Fee: $40 (Domestic flights) $50 (International flights)
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, household birds, turtles, tortoises
- Carrier Limits: Max dimensions 17.7" L x 15.3" W x 8.2" H, with total weight (pet + carrier) not exceeding 22 lbs
- Cabin Limit: Only 3 pets allowed per flight
- Requirements: Dogs and cats must be microchipped with up-to-date rabies vaccines
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Airlines that Allow Large Dogs in Cabin
If your pup is on the larger side (generally over 17 lbs), your options are more limited when it comes to which airlines allow dogs in cabin. However, they're not non-existent. These airlines offer accommodations for larger dogs in the cabin:
Many of these carriers require purchasing an additional seat for your pet, with prices varying based on domestic vs. international travel and your dog's weight. For the largest breeds, cargo may still be the only option on many airlines.
According to our Sniffspot survey, 41% of respondents have large dogs, making this information particularly valuable. One large dog owner shared, "Finding an airline that would accommodate my 70-pound Lab was the most challenging part of trip planning. We eventually chose JSX and it was worth every penny to have her with us rather than in cargo."
Another respondent with a German Shepherd mentioned, "We specifically chose WestJet for our cross-country move because they were the only mainstream airline willing to work with us on accommodating our large dog in the cabin."
Alternatives to Flying Commercial Airlines
Not thrilled about navigating commercial airline pet policies or worried your furry friend is too large for the cabin but you don't want them in cargo?
There are several alternatives that might be more comfortable for both you and your dog—though they typically come with a higher price tag.
Charter Flights
Private charter flights offer the ultimate flexibility for flying with dogs of any size:
- No size or weight restrictions for your dog
- No carrier requirements – your dog can often sit with you or move around the cabin
- No sharing space with strangers who might be allergic or uncomfortable around dogs
- Custom scheduling that works with your timing, not an airline's fixed schedule
- Direct routes to your destination, minimizing travel time and stress
Charter companies like NetJets, VistaJet, and Wheels Up welcome pets aboard with minimal restrictions. While charter flights are significantly more expensive than commercial flights (typically starting at $5,000-$15,000 depending on distance), they offer an unparalleled experience for those who can afford it.
According to our Sniffspot survey, several respondents with large or reactive dogs mentioned charter options as their preferred method when cost wasn't a concern. One dog owner shared: "After a stressful experience trying to fly my Great Dane commercially, we saved up for a charter flight for our next vacation. It was expensive but absolutely worth it—he could sit next to me, get up and stretch, and there was zero stress for either of us."
Another respondent said: "My dog doesn't do well with crowds or loud noises, so we chartered a small plane through JSX for our family reunion. The pilot even let my dog visit the cockpit before takeoff, which made for an amazing experience."
Pet-Specific Airlines
A few companies specialize exclusively in pet transport:
- Pet Airways (currently not operating but planning to resume service)
- Pet Jets (charter service specifically for pet transport)
These services are designed with animal comfort as the priority, with staff trained in pet handling and care.
Other Transport Options
As you can see, it's not always clear which airlines allow dogs in cabin, and these policies are often restrictive. If flying isn't a necessity, consider these alternatives:
- Car travel – The most flexible option, allowing complete control over your schedule and frequent breaks for your dog
- Train travel – Amtrak allows small dogs (up to 20 pounds) for trips up to seven hours for a $26 fee
- Cruise ships – Select cruise lines like Cunard's Queen Mary 2 offer kennel facilities for transatlantic crossings
- Professional pet transport services – Companies that specialize in safely moving pets domestically or internationally
Our survey revealed that 15% of respondents cited transportation as their biggest challenge when traveling with dogs. For many, driving became the preferred option. "We've changed all our vacations to road trips since getting our dog," shared one Sniffspot user. "We can control the environment, take breaks when needed, and our Border Collie actually loves car rides now. We've discovered so many amazing places we would have never seen if we were flying everywhere."
Another respondent who frequently travels with their reactive dog mentioned: "After researching all options, we bought an RV specifically for traveling with our dogs. We're like home but traveling. They have their beds, toys, and routine, plus we never have to worry about pet policies or disrupting other travelers."
When to Consider Alternatives
Alternative transportation methods may be particularly worth considering if:
- Your dog is extremely large
- Your dog experiences severe anxiety when confined
- You're traveling with multiple pets
- You're concerned about cargo hold conditions
- Your dog has health issues that make traditional air travel risky
- You're relocating internationally with complex pet import requirements
"My best travel advice is to know your dog and be realistic about their needs," advised one dog owner from our survey. "We chose to drive 14 hours rather than fly 2 hours because our Aussie would have been miserable in a carrier under a seat. The drive was actually enjoyable for all of us."
A German Shepherd owner shared: "After calculating all the added costs of flying with my dog—the fees, the special carrier, potential hotel stays due to limited flight options—I realized that driving was actually less expensive and infinitely less stressful for both of us."
Remember that while these alternatives often provide a more comfortable experience for your pet, they typically require more planning, time, and financial investment than standard commercial flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline allows dogs in cabin with their owners?
Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are often considered one of the most pet-friendly major carriers, allowing a variety of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. For larger dogs, JSX and La Compagnie offer more accommodating policies.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog in cabin?
Fees range from $50 to $200 each way, depending on the airline and destination. International flights typically cost more than domestic routes.
Can large dogs fly in cabin?
Most major airlines restrict in-cabin pets to under 20 lbs (including carrier), but select airlines like JSX, La Compagnie, Elite Airways, and WestJet offer accommodations for larger dogs, usually requiring the purchase of an additional seat. For more info, review our guide to flying with large dogs.
Do airlines require health certificates for pets?
Health certificates are generally required for international travel and sometimes for domestic flights. Requirements vary by airline and destination, so check specific requirements when booking.
What type of pet carrier is best for airline travel?
Soft-sided carriers that comply with airline size restrictions are usually best, as they can compress slightly to fit under seats. Look for carriers with proper ventilation, waterproof bottoms, and comfortable padding.
Can I take my dog out of the carrier during the flight?
Generally, no. Most airlines require pets to remain in their carriers for the entire duration of the flight, except for service animals.
How should I prepare my dog for their first flight?
Start carrier training weeks in advance, visit your vet for a pre-travel checkup, exercise your dog before the flight, and bring familiar items from home to help keep them calm.
Resources for Dog Travelers
Are You Ready to Fly with Your Dog?
Traveling with your four-legged friend doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning and the right airline choice, you and your pup can have a pawsitively wonderful journey together.
Remember that airline policies can change, so always verify the most current information directly with your chosen carrier before booking. If you want to know which airlines allow dogs in cabin, you might have to clarify directly with each individual airline. Happy travels to you and your furry co-pilot!
Looking for a place to help your dog decompress after a long flight? Check out Sniffspot to find private, safe spaces where your dog can stretch their legs and enjoy some off-leash time after being cooped up in a carrier.
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