If you’re planning out your next summer trip, but don’t want to leave your hound at home, you’re in luck. Most airlines in the US allow dogs, and many of them make it simple and easy to transport pets. Today we’re going to cover the top 8 most pet friendly airlines in the US. Some make it easier to bring your dog than others, so we’ll compare and contrast the best options.
Top Pet Friendly Airlines
Most major airlines allow some amount of pet travel, but the rules change with different airlines. Here are a few of the best options for going on vacation with your pooch.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines does not offer reservations for bringing pets, but allows them in both the cabin and as cargo. So if you have a small travel friendly dog breed, you’ll be allowed to take it into the cabin with you. The only requirement is that the carrier be able to fit under the seat. If it’s a larger dog, you’ll need to send it through cargo which requires a reservation. Fees per pet can vary based on location, so make sure to check out our list of fees for airline pet travel.
United Airlines
If you’re traveling with United Airlines, you’ll have to make a reservation between 5 and 30 days before your flight. They only allow 2 animals in the cabin, but they offer full pet cargo service. Fees will range from $125 for cabin travel to as high as $2500 for cargo travel, depending on the destination of the flight. Fortunately, United has partnered with American Humane to make sure that they offer a comfortable travel experience for animals. That way, you can rest at ease as you head to your destination with your hound in the cargo hold.
American Airlines
Pet travel with American Airlines is pretty easy, with a maximum of 7 kennels per flight. It’s all done on a first-come, first-served basis, but the odds of you having that much competition on a flight is pretty low. You can have a small pet in the cabin as long as it’s under 20 lbs, and the fee is $125 per kennel. They also allow carriers in checked baggage if the pet is too big, with a fee of $200.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the first carrier on this list to accommodate pet travel through the cabin, checked baggage, and through cargo. So they give you plenty of options to ensure that you’re arriving at that dog friendly city for a relaxing vacation with your puppy. Fees start at $100 each way, and require reservations beforehand. If you plan on using cargo to travel with your dog, you’ll have to contact the cargo department directly.
JetBlue
JetBlue is a small, affordable airline, but they do try to accommodate pets as much as possible. They allow small dogs in the cabin, but they only allow 4 per flight, so make sure you book ahead of time. The fee is a flat $100 each way, and there is no option for shipping pets in cargo or through checked baggage.
Allegiant Air
Just like JetBlue, Allegiant Air is a low-cost airline that makes room for dogs in the cabin. So you can’t travel with your pet in checked baggage or through cargo, but you can take a small dog into the cabin. As long as it weighs under 20 lbs, fees are $125 per carrier per flight.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows up to 6 kennels per flight on a first-come first-served basis. You can reserve space for your hound, and all pet travel options are for travelling in the cabin. So if you have a larger dog, you may want to look to a different airline for your flight. Otherwise, you’ll easily be able to travel with a small dog or cat.
Frontier Airlines
While they used to accept pets in cargo and checked baggage, now Frontier Airlines only allows pets to travel in the cabin. This airline has the lowest fee for pet travel, starting at $75 per kennel. The catch is that it’s charged per flight, so if you have multiple segments in your trip, expect prices to rise.
Going on Vacation With Your Dog
When you’re planning your next big trip with your pooch, you want to make sure that they’re as comfortable as possible on the flight. Most airlines try to allow some pet travel, and some go the extra mile. Larger airlines make more effort to accommodate dogs and other pets, and even smaller airlines make pet travel easy. Just make sure that your beloved pet is fit for travel with your airline, and enjoy your next vacation with your puppy.
At Woofjet, we have all of the information you need to have a successful vacation with your pet. From airline info to step-by-step instructions to travel supplies, we’ve got you covered.