Every US airline handles pets a little differently - the fee, the carrier size, which animals ride in the cabin, and whether bigger pets can fly in the hold at all. Here are 9 major carriers in one place. Search or filter, then confirm the details on the airline's own page before you book.
About $100 each way
One of the few majors that still flies pets in the baggage/cargo hold, including to Hawaii. Up to two same-species pets may share a carrier.
Official Alaska Airlines pet policyAbout $150 each way
No carry-on pets on transatlantic or transpacific flights, and none arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Pay the fee at the airport.
Official American Airlines pet policyAbout $150 each way (US), ~$200 international
The US cabin fee is $150 for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 (it was $95 before). Cabin pet slots are limited per flight and first-come - book by calling Delta Reservations early. No pet cargo for the general public.
Official Delta Air Lines pet policy$150 each way
Cats and dogs only, in the cabin, and only if there is space on the flight. United no longer checks pets through its PetSafe program: pets fly in cargo only with certain active-duty military or State Department travelers.
Official United Airlines pet policyAbout $125 each way
The carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item. Up to two same-species pets may share one carrier. No pets in the hold.
Official Southwest Airlines pet policyAbout $150 each way
Up to two pets per traveler, each in its own carrier; the second pet needs a second seat and a second fee. Six pets per flight, so book early. No pets in the hold.
Official JetBlue pet policyAbout $149 each way
One of the widest lists of accepted small pets. You cannot sit in row one or an exit row with a pet. Cabin only - no checked pets.
Official Frontier Airlines pet policy$50 per segment
Among the cheapest cabin fees. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and you must check in with an agent at least an hour before departure.
Official Allegiant Air pet policyAbout $35 within Hawaii, $100 to/from the mainland
Shares its pet program and pet page with Alaska Airlines. Hawaii has strict rabies-quarantine rules - the paperwork can take months, so start early. Pets can also fly in the baggage compartment on many routes.
Official Hawaiian Airlines pet policyNo airline matches that search.
Service dogs and, on some airlines, trained emotional-support animals follow separate rules and are not included here. International trips add microchip, rabies and import-paperwork requirements that can take months - check the destination's rules and the USDA APHIS pet-travel site early. For getting there calmly, read flying with your dog and flying with your cat, and size the carrier with our crate size calculator.
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