Traveling with dogs requires some prior research and planning but experience makes the process easier. Many airlines offer the option to bring your pet in cabin, which makes it less stressful for the dog and the owner. It is essential to comply with the airline’s instructions to make sure the boarding process and the time on board go smoothly.
In this post, we list the airlines that allow traveling with a dog in cabin. We include the fees and other information, such as the maximum dimensions and weight of the carrier, and if both domestic and international options are available. We provide the links to the pet policies of each airline for your review.
12 Airlines That Allow Small And Medium Dogs in Cabin
| Airline | Number of cats/ carriers allowed | Fee | Carrier dimensions | Maximum weight | International |
| Alaska Airlines | 2 dogs per carrier are allowed if they fit into the carrier comfortably; can bring 2 carriers if you buy a ticket for an adjacent seat | 95 USD per carrier within the U.S., 200 USD per carrier internationally | Hard-sided carrier 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″; soft-sided carrier 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ | No maximum | Yes |
| Delta | 1 adult dog per carrier; 2 puppies up to the age of 6 months; One female dog with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of age | 125 USD each way + 125 USD for any layover longer than 4 hours within the U.S. and longer than 24 hours internationally | 18” x 11” x 11” | No maximum | Yes |
| Southwest Airlines | Up to 2 dogs per carrier | 95 USD per carrier | 18.5” x 13.5” x 9.5” | No maximum | No |
| Spirit Airlines | 2 dogs in one carrier | 125 USD per container | 18″ x 14″ x 9″ (45.7cm x 35.5 cm x 22.8cm); only soft containers are allowed | 40 pounds (18.14 kg) | No |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Up to 2 animals per carrier | between Hawaiian islands 35 USD; within the US 125 USD | 16” x 10” x 9.5” | up to 25 lb (11 kg) | No |
| Frontier Airlines | 1 dog per carrier | 99 USD | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | no maximum | Yes |
| United Airlines | 1 dog per carrier | 125 USD each way + 125 USD for any layover longer than 4 hrs within the U.S. and longer than 24 hours internationally | Hard-sided: 7.5″ x 17.5″ x 12″/19 x 44 x 30 cm; soft-sided: 11 x 18 x 11 in/27 x 45 x 26 cm | no maximum | Yes |
| Lufthansa | 1-2 animals per carrier | Lufthansa fee calculator | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | Up to 8 kg | Yes |
| Turkish Airlines | Up to 2 dogs per carrier | Pet Carriage Fee Calculator | Turkish Airlines ® | 23 x 30 cm x 40 cm | Up to 8 kg | Yes |
| Tap Air Portugal | 2 dogs per carrier | intercontinental 185 USD, 88 USD within Europe and to several North African locations | carrier must be malleable, not hard, and has to fit into the following space: 45 x 30 x 23 cm | Up to 8 kg | Yes |
| Air Europa | 1 dog, the animal’s weight up to 8 kg | 52 USD within the US, fees vary for intercontinental travel | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | Maximum weight including carrier is 10kg | Yes |
| Aeroflot | Up to 3 animals of the same species if meet the weight requirement | 135 USD | 44 x 30 x 26 cm | Up to 8 kg | Yes |
Traveling with a Dog of a Flat-Faced Breed
Some breeds are either only allowed in cabin or cargo, or might not be allowed to fly at all, depending on the airline and the destinations. Among the breeds that are often not allowed on board, usually due to their brachycephalic features, are the following:
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pit Bull
- Pug
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
Check with the airline you are considering for your trip if your pet can be considered for flying in cabin.
Be Mindful of Any Temporary Restrictions Depending on Where Your Travel
This is especially relevant for international travelers: it is not uncommon for the U.S. or other countries to initiate a temporary ban on animals returning from a certain region. Usually, the restriction is due to an outbreak of rabies or another viral illness in a particular country or region.
As an example, there is a current ban on dogs returning from several countries due to an outbreak of rabies in those countries. The ban is temporary but has been in place for a couple of years.
14 General Rules and Expectations When You Fly with a Pet in Cabin
There is a variety of rules, regulations, and expectations that are specific to the airline. Rules change depending on the destination and, sometimes, your pet’s characteristics. The following are some rules that are common for most airlines.
It is crucial to explore the information provided by your particular airline after you choose a company.
1. Obtain a Health Certificate For Your Dog 10 Days Or Less Before The Flight
Make an appointment with a veterinarian to have your pet examined within 10 days of the trip.
The veterinarian will perform a standard health check and provide the necessary paperwork to certify that your pet is at least 8-10 weeks old, does not show any signs of acute illness, and received all the required vaccinations.
The majority of airlines will require this document in order to allow your dog on the plane.
2. Avoid Sedating Without A Recommendation From A Veterinarian But Address Your Pet’s Anxiety
Avoid sedating your pet, even if you are planning to take a long flight. There are many risks associated with sedatives for animals, especially in the new environment of an airplane trip.
If you know that your dog is prone to anxiety, or disruptive behaviors under stress, discuss your concern with your pet’s veterinarian. A veterinarian might prescribe a mild anxiolytic for your pet and offer advice in general.
If your dog has a medication that is prescribed or recommended by the animal’s veterinarian, then definitely give the medication as instructed.
Some dogs respond well to an anxiety relief vest. We have not had much success with oils or other products but some pet parents say they work for their cats and dogs.
Animals with severe anxiety or behavioral issues might not tolerate the trip and it is worth considering finding an alternative plan, including a pet sitter at home.
3. Make The Carrier Feel Like A Safe Spot Ahead Of Time
Of course, the need to travel might arise unexpectedly but in most cases, there is some time to allow pets to get used to the carrier in advance.
Get a carrier that is approved by airlines, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for your pup, being mindful of the maximum dimensions accepted by your airline. Many companies sell pet carriers on their websites if you want to be certain that a particular airline will accept your pet’s carrier.
Some carriers are leak-proof, which is important. Otherwise, plan to provide appropriate padding in case the dog soils the carrier. Put a comfort blanket, a toy, or other items your dog likes in order to keep your furry friend comfortable. Have a collapsible water bottle available for the trip.
Keep the carrier out in your home for some time, so that the dog can explore it as needed. If your pet loves to sit in the carrier, that will make him or her more comfortable while traveling.
4. Get A Permanent ID For Your Dog And Label The Carrier
Although your pet is less likely to get lost if he or she is traveling with you rather than in cargo, there is still some risk.
Have your dog microchipped, label the harness, or put an ID collar on your pet. Label the carrier just in case.
5. One Must Be 18 To Travel With A Pet In Cabin
This is a standard rule for the majority of airlines and, if applicable, countries: individuals younger than 18 years old are not allowed to travel with a pet without an adult.
6. No Pets In Cabin If You Are Also Traveling With An Infant
This is not necessarily true for every airline. However, most airlines do not allow bringing both an infant and a pet in cabin, unless another adult passenger is traveling with you.
7. Avoid Feeding Or Giving Water to Your Cat Four Hours Before Flight
A healthy animal that is not too young or too old should do just fine without food or water for several hours. Reducing the animal’s need to urinate and defecate will make it easier for you and your pet to get through the flight.
8. The Animal Should Be Older Than 8-10 Months And Young/Healthy Enough to Tolerate the Flight
As an example, your dog should be able to tolerate hours without food and water, as discussed in the section above. A very young puppy or a very old dog with multiple health issues might have a hard time fasting for several hours.
Some airlines allow puppies as young as 8 weeks but most require that the animal is at least 10 weeks old.
9. A Carrier Counts Toward Your Carry-on Bag Allowance
Almost always you should expect that you won’t be allowed to bring more than a personal item in addition to your pet carrier. You might still be able to check bags, depending on your airline but your dog in a carrier will count as your carry-on baggage.
10. No Pets In Business Class
We are not aware of any airlines that allow pets in cabin in the business class section. You and your dog have to travel in coach.
11. A Female Dog With Unweaned Litter Is Usually Allowed In Cabin
Even if an airline states that only one dog is allowed per passenger, it is worth checking if they will accept a female dog with unweaned litter. Most airlines will consider the request but almost always the puppies do have to be older than 8-10 weeks.
12. Fees Are Charged Separately For Each Way
When you consider the fees for bringing your dog on board, keep in mind that almost always you will have to pay separately for the trip back home.
13. The Dog Must Be Well-Behaved
If the animal is noisy or disruptive during boarding, you might not be allowed to board. If the dog begins to make a lot of noise during the flight, the crew might have to move the carrier to another area. Whatever the team decides to do to address the situation, it will not be a pleasant conversation for you.
14. Your Pet Must Remain in the Carrier the Entire Time
Even a remarkably well-behaved pet has to stay in the carrier. You will not be able to hold your pet on your lap or walk your pup between the seats to allow a break from the carrier.
To Conclude
Traveling with a pet is definitely an adventure but the first couple of times will require thorough preparation and research, mostly to make sure all the documentation is ready. It gets much easier over time.
It is good to make sure that your pet is at least familiar with the carrier ahead of time and has all the essentials (treats, toys, and so on) in the carrier at the time of the trip. Be prepared to respond to your dog’s cues. For example, if flying appears to cause great distress for your pet, consider an alternative plan next time.
