The Best Airlines for Pet-Friendly Travel

16 December 2025

Let’s face it—traveling with pets can be stressful. You’ve got airline restrictions, crate sizes, extra fees, and the endless worry over whether your furry companion will be comfortable (or even allowed) on the plane. If you’ve ever looked into bringing your dog, cat, or even your emotional support peacock along for the ride, then you know it’s not as simple as booking a basic economy ticket.

Luckily, not all airlines are created equal when it comes to pet policies. Some go the extra mile (no pun intended) to accommodate your four-legged travel buddy. So if you’re planning your next trip and want your pet right there with you, here’s your inside scoop on the best airlines for pet-friendly travel.

Why Pet-Friendly Airlines Matter More Than You Think

Before we break down the top pet-friendly airlines, let’s talk about why this actually matters. We’re not just talking about throwing a dog in cargo and hoping for the best. This is about minimizing stress—for both you and your pet—and ensuring their safety and comfort from takeoff to touchdown.

Some airlines treat pets like precious passengers. Others? Not so much. You want to choose an airline that views your pet as a valued guest, not as oversized luggage.

What Makes an Airline Pet-Friendly?

Airlines that are truly pet-friendly go beyond the bare minimum. Here’s what we look for:

- Cabin Access: Let’s be real, no one wants to send their fur baby to cargo unless it’s absolutely necessary. Cabin travel is always preferred.
- Clear and Reasonable Policies: No one has time to decode ridiculous pet regulations.
- Affordable Fees: Flying a pet shouldn't cost more than your own ticket.
- Air-Conditioned and Pressurized Cargo (if needed): For large pets that must fly in cargo, conditions matter. A lot.
- Great Customer Service: Ever tried calling some airlines about pet travel? Yeah, it can be a horror show.

Sound good? Let’s see which airlines check those boxes.

1. Alaska Airlines—Top Dog for Domestic Travel

If there were a gold medal for pet travel, Alaska Airlines would snag it. They consistently rank among the best for pet policies. Why?

- Cabin Travel Available: Small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds can fly in the cabin.
- Affordable Fees: At just around $100 (each way), they keep it reasonable.
- Great Cargo Option: For larger pets, Alaska’s Fur-st Class™ program ensures temp-controlled cargo and pet-friendly handling teams.
- Multiple Pets Welcome: Got two pups? As long as they’re small, you can bring both.

Alaska is also known for its customer service. Call them, and you’ll likely get someone helpful, not a bot handing you contradictory answers.

2. JetBlue—Luxury Experience for You and Your Pet

JetBlue doesn't just allow pets—they kind of celebrate them. They even have a loyalty program for animal companions called JetPaws. That’s right, your dog can earn points.

Here’s what sets JetBlue apart:

- In-Cabin Only: Only small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin, which limits who can fly, but it means a better experience.
- Pet Carrier Requirement: Your pet must remain in its carrier under the seat, and the combined weight has to be under 20 pounds.
- Comfort Kits: JetBlue offers a travel kit with treats, a blanket, and even “waste bags” for peace of mind.
- $125 Fee: Slightly pricier than Alaska, but the experience? Worth every penny.

Heads-up: JetBlue doesn’t fly pets in cargo. So if you’ve got a larger dog, you’ll need to consider other airlines.

3. American Airlines—A Wide Network, Great for Big Dogs

Planning a cross-country trip with a big dog? American Airlines might be your jam.

Here’s why:

- Cargo and Cabin Travel: Small pets can chill with you up front, and bigger dogs can fly in cargo.
- Pet Stowage in Business and First Class on Some Routes: A luxury perk few other airlines offer.
- Temperature Policy: They monitor outside temperatures to keep pets safe in cargo.
- Pet Fee: $125 for carry-on pets, and cargo fees vary based on size and route.

Tip: Always double-check their route availability. Not all aircraft can accommodate pets in cargo, depending on the destination and weather.

4. Delta Air Lines—A Solid All-Rounder

Delta is one of the biggest names in aviation, and luckily, they’ve got a fairly balanced pet policy to match.

- In-Cabin Travel: Dogs, cats, and household birds (domestic flights only) are allowed up front.
- Cargo Options: Delta Cargo handles pets through a separate program for safety.
- Global Reach: If you’re heading international, Delta offers more destinations than most.
- Pet Fee: Similar to others—around $125 for cabin pets.

Caution: Delta requires some advanced planning, especially if your pet is flying as cargo. Their check-in process for animals is strict, but that’s a good thing for your pet’s safety.

5. Air Canada—The Best North of the Border

If you're heading to Canada or beyond, Air Canada offers solid perks for pet lovers.

- In-Cabin and Cargo Travel Available: Similar to U.S. carriers, small pets ride with you, big ones go to cargo.
- Reasonable Fees: Cabin pet fees start around CAD $50–$100, depending on the route.
- Special Handling At Airports: Pet travel coordinators at major airports help ensure safe hand-offs.
- Frequent Flyer Points: Believe it or not, pets earn Aeroplan points too!

Pro Tip: If you’re flying within Europe via a connecting partner, double-check if they honor Air Canada’s pet-friendly policies. Not all do.

6. Lufthansa—Best International Experience

Flying across the pond with your pet? Lufthansa is one of the best international airlines for animal travel.

- In-Cabin and Cargo Options: Small pets under 8 kg (about 17 lbs) can fly in-cabin.
- Spacious Crates for Long Flights: Their cargo division is top-notch and pet-focused.
- Worldwide Support: Lufthansa’s global network makes pet travel smooth, even on connecting flights.
- Transparent Policies: Their site is like a pet air travel encyclopedia. No surprises.

Only downside? Fees can get a little steep, especially on intercontinental routes. But if you want peace of mind for long-haul flights, Lufthansa’s worth it.

7. Southwest Airlines—No-Frills But Pet-Friendly

If you’re all about budget travel but still want to bring your dog along, Southwest has your back.

- In-Cabin Only: Small pets only, but they’re welcomed with open arms.
- Lowest Fees Around: Just $95 per pet carrier, each way.
- Flexible Policy: No assigned seating = no awkward conversations about your pup.

Need a simple, fuss-free way to fly with your companion? You can’t really go wrong here, as long as your pet is tiny.

Airlines That Miss the Mark (And Why)

It’s not all rainbows in the skies of pet travel. Some airlines are, frankly, not great for flying with pets.

Take Spirit and Frontier, for example. Sure, they allow cabin pets, but their customer service, lack of pet-specific protocols, and overall experience leave something to be desired. Plus, their no-frills approach means less legroom—and less comfort for your pet.

And international heavy-hitters like Emirates or Qatar? Amazing airline experience for humans. Not so much for Fido, unless you’re shipping pets as cargo.

Tips for Traveling with Pets Like a Pro

Even if you pick the best airline in the sky, that doesn’t mean you can just show up at the gate.

Here’s a quick checklist to make your journey smoother:

- ✅ Check airline pet policies in advance
- ✅ Visit the vet for a health certificate (most airlines require it within 10 days of travel)
- ✅ Invest in an airline-approved carrier
- ✅ Bring familiar items (like blankets or toys) for comfort
- ✅ Limit food and water before flying
- ✅ Arrive early—like, really early

Pro traveler tip: Always call the airline. Yes, it’s old-fashioned. But policies change, and you want info straight from the horse’s mouth (not some outdated FAQ page).

Final Thoughts: The Right Choice for You & Your Pet

Finding the best airline for pet-friendly travel isn’t just about logistics—it’s about love. You wouldn’t leave your kid behind, so why leave your pet? Whether you're boarding a short domestic flight or crossing oceans, there’s a pet-friendly airline out there for you.

From Alaska Airlines’ all-around excellence to Lufthansa’s international pet-first approach, you’ve got options. So pack the treats, grab the leash, and book that seat. Your pet deserves a first-class experience (even if it’s under a seat in economy).