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Flying With Dogs: Airline Pet Policies & Travel Advice

Explore the pet policies of major airlines and learn how to ensure your dog's safety while flying, with links to airline pet policies and phone numbers.

Sam Robins

• 8 min read
Flying With Dogs: Airline Pet Policies & Travel Advice
Flying With Your Dog Can Be Stressful 

Flying with your dog can be really stressful, I have flown with my dog three times now, each time she flew as cargo, and while she came out fine the other end she didn't like the experience one bit. Always make sure that you choose the shortest routes, the shortest flights, and if can choose airlines with dedicated pet programs to ensure the safety of your dog when traveling.

This isn't always easy to do, but it gets easier the further ahead you plan.

Airlines have a wide range of pet policies that can significantly affect your travel experience, to ensure that both you and your dog have a smooth, comfortable, and safe journey, it's vital to speak with the airlines themselves.

The Challenges of Traveling with Pets on Airlines

Traveling with pets on airplanes can present several challenges, even with the most pet-friendly airlines. Each airline has its own set of restrictions based on pet size and whether pets must remain confined to a carrier throughout the flight.

One major obstacle is the limited availability of pet spots in the cabin and cargo holds. Even on top-rated airlines there is no guarantee that your pet will be able to fly, as airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed on each flight. To secure a spot for your pet, you'll need to contact the airline in advance, but availability can change quickly, so it's crucial to confirm space before booking your own seat.

Another challenge arose from the U.S. Department of Transportation's December 2020 ruling, which eliminated the recognition of emotional support animals as service animals. Before you could travel in the cabin with your emotional support dog, but too many people abused the privilege and it has been taken away.

Various reasons can lead airlines to reject your pet's travel plans. During peak holiday seasons, some airlines do not accept pets in the baggage or cargo compartments. Certain breeds, such as brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs may also face restrictions due to their breathing-related health concerns. Additionally, airlines may require proper paperwork, including a health certificate and up-to-date vaccinations, and may deny boarding to misbehaving pets. Having a backup plan in case of unpredictability is essential for a smoother pet travel experience.

Understanding Airline Pet Policies

When considering air travel with your pet, remember that airline policies vary significantly when it comes to flying with pets, and there are different things you need to think about before you choose a flight for you and your dog.

Cabin or Cargo: Some airlines allow pets in the cabin, provided they fit in a carrier. Others only allow pets to travel in the cargo hold.

Size and Weight Restrictions: Airlines often have specific restrictions based on the size and weight of your pet, and these vary across airlines.

Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds, especially or short-nosed breeds, may be restricted due to health concerns associated with air travel.

Temperature Restrictions: There might be temperature restrictions for when pets can be transported, especially in the cargo hold.

Costs: The cost of traveling with a pet can vary greatly from one airline to another, depending on the time of year, and how your dog flies.

It's important to research each airline's specific policies, and call the airlines to double check what their policies are, as this will help you choose the most suitable one for you and your dog. Below is a rundown of the pet policies of major airlines, with links to the airline pet policy pages and their helpline phone numbers so you can do your own research. Choose the shortest routes, drive some of the way both end if it means a shorter flight for your dogs sake.

If you must travel in the summer consider a night flight so the airline does not leave your dog in a crate on the tarmac beneath a hot sun. Lots of dogs die when flying with major airlines, so do everything you can to minimize the risk.

The Best Dog Friendly Airlines in 2023

In NerdWallet's comprehensive pet friendly airline rankings, they analyzed nine major U.S. airlines, taking into account various factors such as pet policies, average pet fees, and airline safety records to determine the best options for pet travel. While there are smaller airlines, like JSX, that may offer excellent services for pets, they were not included in these rankings due to their limited network, making them less relevant to most travelers.

Source: Nerdwallet

Major Airline Pet Policies

Airlines across the globe have placed paramount importance on ensuring your pet's journey is as snug as a bug in a rug! Even though certain protocols such as temperature embargoes, crate specifications, and breed limitations might initially appear complicated, but they are measures which have been put into place by airlines to protect your dog. Reliable dog friendly airlines prioritise your dogs safety by housing them in a special corner within the cargo hold. They mostly adhere to a golden rule - your pet boards last and disembarks first, and this rule is really a life saver because it stops your pet being left on the tarmac where temperatures can soar or plummet, a frequent cause of deaths in the past.

On the majority of pet-friendly flights, the ticket to board the airplane for your pet is an IATA-compliant crate. The crate should be nothing less than a comfortable little room where your pet can stand, lie down, and twirl around at ease. When you're globetrotting with your pet, choosing an airline that boasts a zero-harm policy is a big tick on the checklist. This one decision can make a world of difference to your pet's travel experience, turning it from a potential roller-coaster to a merry little jaunt. We prepped a list of dog friendly airlines:

Alaskan Airlines

Alaska Airlines welcomes dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin for a fee of $100 each way, and there are no breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. Passengers can bring up to two pet carriers in the cabin if they purchase two adjacent seats, and a pet carrier counts as part of your carry-on baggage allowance.
Website: Alaskan Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-252-7522

American Airlines

American Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin if their combined weight with the carrier is less than 20 pounds, and they can fit under the seat in front of you. They also permit pets to travel in cargo, though fees vary by destination.
Website: American Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-433-7300

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin, provided their carrier fits under the seat. They no longer accept pets in cargo, but they offer a Delta Cargo service for pet transportation.
Website: Delta Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-221-1212

United Airlines

United Airlines only allows trained service animals in the cabin. For other pets, they offer the PetSafe program for transportation in cargo, but certain breed restrictions apply.
Website: United Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-864-8331

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines permits small vaccinated dogs in the cabin. However, they do not transport pets as cargo.
Website: Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-435-9792

Air Canada

Air Canada allows pets in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier is less than 22 pounds. Larger dogs can be transported as checked baggage unless extreme temperatures prevent it.
Website: Air Canada Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-888-247-2262

Lufthansa

Lufthansa permits small dogs in the cabin if their weight doesn't exceed 17 pounds. Larger dogs are transported in the cargo hold.
Website: Lufthansa Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-645-3880

British Airways

British Airways only allows service dogs in the cabin, all other pets are transported through IAG World Cargo.
Website: British Airways Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-247-9297

Emirates

Emirates permits falcons and guide dogs in the cabin. Other pets can be transported as checked baggage or cargo.
Website: Emirates Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-777-3999

Qantas Airways

Qantas Airways only allows assistance dogs in the cabin. Other dogs can be transported as checked baggage or cargo.
Website: Qantas Airways Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-227-4500

Air France

Air France allows small dogs in the cabin, provided their weight doesn't exceed 17 pounds. Larger dogs are transported in the cargo hold.
Website: Air France Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-237-2747

JetBlue

JetBlue not only allows dogs in the cabin, they also have a JetPaws program that offers pet perks for canine travellers.
Website: JetBlue Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583).

Swiss International Airlines

Swiss International Airlines permits cats, dogs, hares, and rabbits in the cabin. They also transport pets in cargo.
Website: Swiss International Airlines Pet Policy
Customer Service: 1-877-359-7947.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines allows cats, dogs, birds, and service animals in the cabin. They also transport pets in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-874-8875
Website: Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines permits dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds in the cabin on domestic flights, and dogs and cats are allowed on international flights as well.
Customer Service: 1-801-401-9000
Website: Frontier Airlines Pet Policy

OpenSkies (British Airways)

OpenSkies, a subsidiary of British Airways, allows cats and dogs in the cabin based on their weight. They also transport pets in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-247-9297
Website: OpenSkies Pet Policy

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines permits cats, dogs, birds, and tortoises in the cabin. They also transport pets in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-618-0104
Website: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Policy

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus does not allow pets in the cabin but does transport them in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-474-7424
Website: Aer Lingus Pet Policy

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin but does transport them in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-525-3663
Website: Japan Airlines Pet Policy

Alitalia

Alitalia allows cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds in the cabin. They also transport pets in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-223-5730
Website: Alitalia Pet Policy

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines permits cats and dogs in the cabin and also transports pets in cargo. Customer Service: 1-800-359-2672
Website: Copa Airlines Pet Policy

Iberia

Iberia allows cats, dogs, birds, and tortoises in the cabin. They also transport pets in cargo.
Customer Service: 1-800-772-4642
Website: Iberia Pet Policy

Please note that each airline may have specific requirements and restrictions for pet travel. It is essential to review the airline's pet policy page or contact their customer service directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning your trip with your furry friend, always call to check with the airline before booking a flight.

Further Information & Resources

For further information, the following resources are immensely valuable:

Traveling with your beloved pet can be a fun and memorable experience if done right. With the necessary preparations, both you and your furry friend can have an enjoyable journey. If you feel we missed anything from this article, let us know in the comments below!