Best airlines for pet travel: Top picks for 2025

Planning a trip with a pet can feel like navigating a maze of rules, fees, and fine print. One wrong turn, and your carefully laid plans could be grounded before you even leave the house. Finding the best airlines for pet travel means looking closely at each company's policies, and the information isn't always easy to find or understand. This guide is your first-class ticket to a smoother journey.

We’ve done the legwork for you, creating a helpful roundup of top airlines. This isn't just a list; it's a detailed comparison designed to help you make the best decision for your furry, feathery, or scaled companion. We'll break down the important details for each airline, making sure you have a clear picture of what to expect.

Inside this article, you will find:

• Detailed Policy Summaries: Clear explanations of in-cabin vs. cargo rules, including size, weight, and breed restrictions.

• Cost Breakdowns: A look at the typical fees for traveling with your pet.

• Pros and Cons: A balanced view to help you weigh your options based on your needs.

• Safety and Reliability Notes: Information about each airline's track record and care for animals.

• A Practical Checklist: Simple tips for gathering needed documents, like international health certificates.

We'll also explore how services like Passpaw can make the often-tricky paperwork process easier, saving you and your veterinarian valuable time and stress. Consider this your co-pilot for navigating the world of pet-friendly air travel. Let's get this show on the road, or rather, in the air.

1. Alaska Airlines – Pet Travel

Alaska Airlines often ranks as one of the best airlines for pet travel, earning its spot with clear policies, special programs, and a refreshingly pet-forward attitude. Their website is a helpful hub, clearly outlining everything a pet parent needs to know, from booking to boarding. The airline has clearly put thought into making the process as "pawsitive" as possible for both pets and their owners.

What makes Alaska stand out is its clarity and ease of use. The website details three different travel options, ensuring there's a solution for nearly every situation. This openness helps people make smart decisions quickly, which is a major advantage when dealing with the sometimes-complex world of animal transport.

Travel Options & Policies

Alaska’s website provides clear guidance on its three main pet travel services:

• In-Cabin Travel: For small pets that can fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat. The site gives specific hard-sided and soft-sided kennel dimensions, removing guesswork.

• Checked Baggage: For pets that are too large for the cabin but are traveling on the same flight as their owner. This service is climate-controlled and has strict safety rules, including aircraft type and weather limits.

• Pet Connect™ (Cargo): This is Alaska Air Cargo's dedicated program for shipping animals, great for pets traveling alone, larger animals, or those going to places where checked baggage isn't an option (like Hawaii).

Pricing and Reservations

A big perk of flying with Alaska is the cost. The in-cabin pet fee is $100 each way, which is lower than many other major U.S. carriers. Fees for checked baggage and Pet Connect™ change based on the pet's weight and route.

Pro Tip: Alaska limits the number of pets allowed per flight (usually one in First Class and up to five in the main cabin). Always call Alaska Reservations at 1-800-252-7522 before booking your own ticket to confirm pet space is available. Don't book online first, as you might end up with a ticket but no spot for your furry friend.

Why Alaska Ranks High

Pros:

• Lower in-cabin fee compared to most major U.S. carriers.

• Very clear, easy-to-understand policies on their website.

• Dedicated cargo service (Pet Connect™) for pets traveling alone.

Cons:

• Space is limited and reservations are a must.

• Cargo and checked baggage options are subject to weather and temperature restrictions.

• Not all planes in their fleet can take pets in the baggage compartment.

Find all the official details and book your pet’s spot at the official Alaska Airlines Pet Travel page.

2. American Airlines – Pets

American Airlines offers a huge network for travelers, making it a reliable choice for those needing to fly with their furry companions. The airline’s website gives a detailed overview of its policies, which have been updated to be clearer for pet owners. This focus on clear communication, combined with many flight routes, makes American one of the best airlines for pet travel, especially for domestic trips.

What makes American Airlines a strong choice is its simple approach and recent passenger-friendly policy updates. The website clearly separates rules for pets in the cabin from those that must travel via cargo, and it provides specific rules for service animals. A major recent improvement is that passengers with an in-cabin pet can now also bring a full-size carry-on or a personal item, a big convenience that not all airlines offer.

Travel Options & Policies

American’s pet travel services are clearly defined on their website, focusing on two main methods for non-military travelers:

• In-Cabin Travel: For small cats and dogs that can fit in an approved carrier stored under the seat in front of you. The website gives carrier dimension guidelines, though it notes that final approval is up to the agents at the airport.

• American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark℠): This is the required service for pets that are too large for the cabin, are traveling alone, or are headed to certain international destinations. PetEmbark is a special cargo program designed for animal safety.

• Checked Baggage (Military Exception): While checked pets are not an option for most travelers, active-duty U.S. military personnel on orders can transport their pets as checked baggage, an important service for military families.

Pricing and Reservations

The fee for carrying on a pet in the cabin is $150 each way. For animals traveling via cargo, fees for the PetEmbark℠ service vary a lot based on the animal's size, weight, and travel route.

Pro Tip: American Airlines limits the number of pets per flight, typically allowing seven kennels on American flights, not including service animals. It is very important to call American Airlines Reservations at 800-433-7300 before you book your flight to make sure there is a spot available for your pet.

Why American Ranks High

Pros:

• Large U.S. network offers more nonstop flight choices, reducing travel stress for pets.

• Updated policy allowing a pet carrier plus a full-size carry-on is a major convenience.

• Dedicated cargo service (PetEmbark℠) and special exceptions for military personnel.

Cons:

• No general checked-pet option for non-military customers; cargo is the only choice for larger pets.

• Pet space in the cabin is very limited and must be reserved by phone well in advance.

• In-cabin fee is higher than some other domestic airlines.

You can find the official policies and contact information on the American Airlines Pets page.

3. Delta Air Lines – Pet Travel

Delta Air Lines is a major airline, and its pet travel program reflects its large network. The airline’s website is a key resource for pet owners, giving a detailed breakdown of rules that are important for both domestic and complex international trips. While its policies are stricter than some others, the clear online information helps travelers plan carefully, making it a reliable choice for those whose pets meet the requirements.

What makes Delta’s platform useful is how specific it is. The website doesn't just give general guidelines; it offers clear fee tables with dates, detailed carrier size requirements, and a long list of destination-specific restrictions. This level of detail is key to avoiding surprises at the airport and helps travelers be fully prepared.

Travel Options & Policies

Delta’s website clearly outlines its services, with a strong focus on in-cabin travel:

• In-Cabin Travel: For small dogs, cats, and household birds. The site provides specific soft-sided kennel dimensions and a hard-sided kennel height limit, making sure your pet’s carrier will fit under the seat.

• Checked Baggage: This option is not available for most travelers. It is limited almost entirely to U.S. military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers traveling on active orders.

• Delta Cargo: For animals that don't qualify for in-cabin travel, Delta Cargo is the required solution. This is a separate booking process for shipping animals safely in a pressurized, temperature-controlled environment.

Pricing and Reservations

Delta’s pet fees vary by destination. For travel within the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, the fee is $95 each way. For international flights, the cost is typically $200. The website’s fee schedule is clear, but it’s important to check the cost for your specific trip.

Pro Tip: Like other airlines, Delta has a strict limit on the number of pets allowed in each cabin. You must call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 to add your pet to your reservation after booking your flight. Call immediately, as spots are first-come, first-served.

Why Delta Ranks High

Pros:

• Very clear, up-to-date fee tables and restrictions to avoid surprises.

• Large global network good for complex trips (subject to pet rules).

• Lower in-cabin fee for domestic travel compared to some competitors.

Cons:

• No general checked-pet option for most people; cargo or in-cabin are the main choices.

• Fees and rules can change by the date your ticket is issued, so you need to check carefully.

• The cargo booking process is totally separate and can be more complex.

For an in-depth look at their rules, you can learn more about the Delta pet travel policy. To see the official guidelines, visit the Delta Air Lines Pet Travel page.

4. United Airlines – Pets

United Airlines is a big name in U.S. travel, and its huge network makes it a common choice for those flying with small pets. Their website offers a dedicated section for pet travel, outlining the rules for bringing a cat or dog along in the cabin. While they don't offer the same cargo or checked baggage programs as some others, United provides a reliable in-cabin option for many travelers.

What makes United a strong contender is its sheer availability. With many daily flights between major cities, travelers often have more flexibility in finding a flight that allows pets. The website clearly lays out the requirements for in-cabin carriers, though you may need to dig a bit to find all the specific policy details before booking.

Travel Options & Policies

United's website focuses almost entirely on one method for public pet travel, with clear rules:

• In-Cabin Travel: This is the main service offered to the general public for cats and dogs. The site specifies hard-sided and soft-sided carrier dimensions that must fit under the seat in front of you.

• PetSafe® (Cargo): United's PetSafe program is currently paused for new reservations and is not an option for most pet owners at this time. Always check the website for the most current status.

• Route Restrictions: The site is clear about important route-specific rules, such as the strict regulations for travel to and from Hawaii, where in-cabin pets are not allowed.

Pricing and Reservations

The fee for an in-cabin pet on a United flight is $125 each way. An additional $125 service charge applies for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours internationally. This is an important detail to note when planning your trip.

Pro Tip: Like other airlines, United has a strict limit on the number of pets allowed per flight. You should always confirm pet availability by calling United Reservations at 1-800-864-8331 before you purchase your ticket. Adding a pet to an existing reservation is possible, but it’s best to secure their spot first.

Why United Ranks High

Pros:

• Huge domestic network offers great availability and frequent flight options.

• Clear guidance on major route restrictions (e.g., Hawaii, Australia, UK).

• Straightforward in-cabin policy for small cats and dogs.

Cons:

• No checked baggage or public cargo program for pets is currently available.

• The $125 fee is higher than some competitors.

• Finding all policy details on the website can sometimes be less direct than other airlines.

For a complete breakdown of carrier sizes and rules, see the official United Airlines Pet Travel page. To simplify your preparation, you can also learn more about the complete United Airlines in-cabin pet policy.

5. JetBlue – Pets

JetBlue has a reputation for its user-friendly approach, and its pet travel program is no different. The airline’s website provides a simple, no-fuss experience for pet parents, focusing only on in-cabin travel. This straightforward approach makes JetBlue a great choice for those traveling with small pets who want an easy booking process without the complexities of cargo or checked baggage options. It's truly the cat's meow for simple trips.

What makes JetBlue stand out is its clarity and simple process. The pet policy is easy to find and understand, with a firm weight limit that leaves no room for confusion. Adding a pet to a reservation is built right into the online and in-app booking flow, making it one of the easiest processes among major airlines.

Travel Options & Policies

JetBlue simplifies the process by offering one clear option for pet travel:

• In-Cabin Travel: The program is designed for small dogs and cats that can fit in an FAA-approved carrier under the seat in front of you. JetBlue has a clear combined weight limit of 20 pounds for the pet and their carrier, which helps travelers plan with certainty. The pet carrier counts as your one personal item.

Pricing and Reservations

JetBlue’s pet fee is $125 each way, which is in line with the industry standard. The real advantage is how easy it is to book. You can add your pet to your booking directly on the website or via the JetBlue app under the "Extras" section for your trip.

Pro Tip: JetBlue limits the number of pets to six per flight. While you can book online, it’s still very important to do so as early as possible. Add your pet during your initial booking to secure their spot, as waiting could mean all available pet slots are taken.

Why JetBlue Ranks High

Pros:

• Extremely simple booking flow makes adding a pet easy.

• Consistently published weight and carrier size limits simplify planning.

• Pets can be added via the website or app, so you don't have to call to book.

Cons:

• Pets are not allowed in Mint (business class) seats or on flights to/from certain destinations.

• No options for pets that are too large to fly in the cabin.

• The strict per-flight limit means booking well in advance is a must.

For more information and to add your pet to your next flight, visit the official JetBlue Pets page.

6. Southwest Airlines – Pets

Southwest Airlines earns its spot for its incredibly simple and customer-friendly approach to pet travel, making it a top choice for domestic trips. Their policy is simple: small pets are welcome in the cabin on U.S. domestic flights. The website lays out these easy-to-understand rules, getting rid of the confusion and stress that often come with flying with a furry friend.

What makes Southwest a standout option is its simplicity and predictable pricing. The airline avoids complex rules for cargo or checked pets by not offering those services, focusing entirely on a safe and comfortable in-cabin experience. This focus makes their website and Help Center articles exceptionally clear and direct, a breath of fresh air for pet parents.

Travel Options & Policies

Southwest keeps things simple with one primary way for pets to fly:

• In-Cabin Travel: Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are welcome in an appropriate pet carrier under the seat in front of you. The website clearly states the maximum carrier dimensions (18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide) and notes that the pet must be able to stand up and move around comfortably inside.

Pricing and Reservations

Southwest's pet fee is among the most competitive and clear in the industry. The pet fare is $125 each way per pet carrier for U.S. mainland flights. A unique perk is that the pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your pet doesn't travel.

Pro Tip: Southwest limits flights to six pet carriers per flight, and it's strictly first-come, first-served. You must call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation after booking your own flight. Book early, especially during holidays, to secure a spot for your pet.

Why Southwest Ranks High

Pros:

• Straightforward, easy-to-understand rules.

• Refundable pet fee policy offers great flexibility.

• Strong domestic network with frequent flight options.

Cons:

• No international pet travel options are available.

• No cargo or checked baggage options for larger pets.

• Limited pet slots per flight require booking well in advance.

Find all the official details and book your pet’s spot at the official Southwest Airlines Pet Travel page.

7. BringFido – Airline Pet Policies

While not an airline itself, BringFido is a vital planning resource that earns its spot on any list of the best airlines for pet travel. It acts as a powerful comparison hub and traveler-review site, gathering the policies of many airlines into one easy-to-use platform. This makes it the perfect starting point for any pet parent trying to “unleash” the best travel options without visiting a dozen different airline websites.

What makes BringFido so valuable is its ability to provide a big-picture view of the pet travel landscape. The website presents airline policies in a side-by-side format, allowing users to quickly compare key details like fees, carrier dimensions, and in-cabin pet limits. This comparative approach saves time and helps travelers spot key differences that could affect their choice of airline.

Travel Options & Policies

BringFido collects and summarizes policies from a wide range of airlines, covering the essential parts of pet travel:

• In-Cabin Policies: The site clearly lists which airlines allow pets in the cabin, along with associated fees, carrier size requirements, and weight limits.

• Checked Baggage & Cargo: For larger pets, it details which airlines offer these services, outlining typical costs, breed restrictions, and important seasonal restrictions.

• Detailed Restrictions: It highlights important, often-overlooked rules like minimum pet age, specific route bans (e.g., to the UK), and health documentation requirements.

Pricing and Reservations

BringFido presents the latest reported fees for each airline, typically ranging from $95 to $125 each way for in-cabin travel. While it doesn't handle reservations directly, it provides direct links to the official airline pet policy pages and their reservation phone numbers, making the booking process easier.

Pro Tip: Use BringFido for your initial research to narrow down your top 2-3 airline choices. Always click through to the official airline website or call their reservation line to check the information and confirm space before booking your own ticket, as policies can change.

Why BringFido Ranks High

Pros:

• Excellent tool for quickly comparing key pet policies across different airlines.

• User-submitted reviews and photos provide valuable real-world context.

• Gathers hard-to-find details like breed restrictions and seasonal restrictions.

Cons:

• Information is a summary and may not be instantly updated when an airline changes its policy.

• User reports can sometimes differ from the airline's official, final rules.

• Always requires double-checking with the airline directly before booking.

Find all the comparative details and user reviews at the official BringFido Airline Pet Policies page.

Top 7 Airlines: Pet Travel Policy Comparison

Cleared for Landing: Your Adventure Awaits

Choosing the right airline for your pet is the first big step in planning a successful trip, but as we've seen, it's a decision with many moving parts. From Alaska Airlines' well-regarded care program to Delta's huge global network, the best airlines for pet travel offer unique advantages for different needs. Your best carrier depends on your pet's size, your destination, and your personal comfort level with in-cabin versus cargo transport.

Ultimately, a smooth travel day is less about finding one "perfect" airline and more about careful preparation. The most pet-friendly policies only work when you, the pet owner, have met every requirement correctly. This journey from booking to boarding is a shared responsibility between you and your chosen airline.

Your Final Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you head to the airport, let's review the most important takeaways. Think of this as your final pre-flight check to ensure a "pawsitively" perfect trip.

• Book Early, Confirm Directly: Pet spots in the cabin are very limited. Always book your pet’s reservation over the phone at the same time you book your own ticket. A few weeks before your flight, call the airline again to re-confirm their spot.

• Measure Twice, Crate Once: The single most common reason for being denied boarding at the gate is a carrier that's the wrong size. Carefully measure your pet and compare those dimensions to the airline's specific requirements for both soft-sided and hard-sided kennels. Remember, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Know Your Breed: Breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats, are strict and in place for safety reasons. Double-check your airline's restricted list, particularly if you are considering cargo travel.

• Documentation is Everything: For domestic travel, a recent health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or CVI) is standard. For international travel, the requirements become much more complex, involving specific timelines, potential government approvals, and exact wording.

Key Insight: The airline's job is transport; the owner's job is preparation. No airline can overlook incorrect paperwork or a wrongly sized carrier at the check-in counter. Your hard work in the weeks leading up to the flight is the most important factor for a stress-free experience.

From Domestic Hops to Global Adventures

As our guide has shown, domestic travel with pets has become fairly straightforward. Airlines like Southwest and JetBlue offer simple, cabin-only options that are perfect for smaller pets on shorter routes. However, when your journey crosses international borders, the complexity of a pet’s travel plans can feel overwhelming.

This is where the true challenge lies. Each country has its own unique, often strict, set of import rules. The health certificate is not just a form; it's a specific document that must be completed perfectly by an accredited veterinarian. A single mistake, a missed signature, or a date outside the required window can derail your entire trip.

Navigating this complex web of rules is why modern tools are becoming essential for both veterinarians and pet owners. While airlines get your pet from Point A to B, dedicated platforms help ensure the paperwork is flawless, preventing sad and costly problems. For any international traveler, using technology to manage this process is no longer a luxury; it’s a crucial part of responsible pet ownership and a key part of selecting the best airlines for pet travel, as it helps you meet their strict documentation standards. Your adventure is waiting, and with the right preparation, your furry co-pilot will be right there with you.

Ready to simplify the most complex part of your pet's travel plans? Passpaw is the intelligent platform that helps veterinarians generate error-free international health certificates, taking the guesswork and anxiety out of the paperwork. Ensure your documents are perfect for your chosen airline by visiting Passpaw to learn how we empower vets and owners for seamless global adventures.