How to Pick The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines
There’s no one answer when it comes to the most dog-friendly airline. Instead, there are a number of factors to consider, like where you’re traveling, the size of your dog, how many dogs you’re traveling with, whether you want your dog in the cabin with you or checked as cargo, airline loyalty perks, and more.
Before we break down the individual airlines, here are a few key points to help you make the best desiscon for you and your pup.
Pet Policies
A dog-friendly airline will have clear and accommodating pet policies. They should have easy-to-understand guidelines on the requirements for bringing a dog on board, including information on size and weight restrictions, carrier specifications, policies for domestic travel and international travel, and necessary required documentation such as health certificates and vaccination records.
Cabin vs. Cargo
Traveling with a carry-on pet in the cabin allows your dog to stay with you during the entire journey. Airlines that prioritize cabin travel for pets typically have limited spaces available and require early booking.
For larger dogs unable to fit in the cabin, cargo travel can be a suitable option. However, it's crucial to choose a pet-friendly airline that ensures the safety and well-being of dogs traveling in cargo, with temperature-controlled, pressurized compartments, and experienced employees.
@mrpeanutspetcarriers on Instagram
Airport and In-Flight Amenities
A dog-friendly airline will go the extra mile in providing amenities to ensure your dog's comfort. Look to see if an airline provides pet relief areas in the airport or on the plane, or amenities such as blankets, water bowls, or toys to keep your furry friend entertained during the flight.
Pet Fees
Airlines will often charge different rates for bringing a pet on board versus checking them in the cargo section. Some airlines will allow you to bring two small pets in one carrier, and only charge you one rate for that. Others will allow you to bring two pets on board in separate carriers, as long as you buy a second seat as well. Make sure you know what you’ll need to pay for, in addition to your own ticket.
Trained Staff
An essential aspect of a dog-friendly airline is the presence of trained staff who understand the unique needs of traveling with dogs. These staff members should be knowledgeable about handling and caring for dogs during the flight, and should be available to provide assistance and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
@norby_bear on Instagram

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
The Most Dog-Friendly Airlines
1. Delta Air Lines
In-cabin policy: $95 to and from the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; $75 to and from Brazil; $200 for other international flights.
Cargo policy: Only available for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices (FSO) traveling with active permanent change of station orders.
Delta Air Lines ranked number one as the most preferred airline for Sniffspot members to fly with their dogs. They have slightly lower pet fees than other airlines, and customers appreciate their friendliness and attention to detail.
@heybaileydrew on Instagram
If you have two pets of the same breed and size between the ages of eight weeks and six months old, Delta allows them to travel as carry-on pets in one kennel together, and you’ll only be charged for one pet.
Once you book your flight on Delta, you need to call or chat with a representative to reserve your pet’s spot. They have a “first-come, first-serve” policy and can only have a limited number of pets on a flight, so give yourself enough time to make this booking in advance. Pro tip: be ready with your pet’s kennel dimensions when you call.
Community reviews:
“Delta is by far the most reasonable [for] checking in and flying with dogs.”
“They have been friendlier and more accommodating with my dog and several other airlines I’ve tried.”
“Their loyalty value and attention to detail is preferred over other airlines.”
View the full Delta Airlines pet policy.
2. Southwest Airlines
In-cabin policy: $125 between U.S. Mainland; $35 between Hawaiian Islands
Cargo policy: Unavailable
Sniffspot members love that Southwest allows you to pick your own seat with your pup, and find that employees are very consistent with enforcing rules. You can bring your dog with you in the cabin as long as they can rest comfortably in a natural position in carrier that’s no larger than 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5". Don't feel like digging up your tape measure? They offer a Southwest-specific pet carrier you can purchase.
Southwest Airlines allows one pet carrier per ticketed passenger, but the carrier may contain two dogs if they can both fit comfortably. And just like with human tickets, Southwest will refund your pet fair if your pup doesn’t end up flying.
Note: these guidelines only apply to domestic flights, as pets are not allowed on international flights.
Community reviews:
“Southwest lets you choose your seats so we can distance ourselves from others. Their under seat storage is also bigger allowing more room in a carrier.”
“Most predictable with enforcement of rules.”
“They’ve been the most accommodating and don’t make you jump through a bunch of hoops.”
View the full Southwest pet policy.
3. Alaska Airlines
In-cabin policy: $100 per kennel
Cargo policy: $150 per kennel
Alaska Airlines is one of the few airlines that still accepts dogs as cargo, as well as in the cabin. For smaller pups who want to fly up front, they just have to fit in a hard-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 17" x 11" x 7.5", or a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 17" x 11" x 9.5". You may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, only when you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.
For larger dogs who need to travel as cargo, Alaska provides specific guidelines for travel crate sizing, ventilation, and labeling to make sure your pet's journey is comfy and safe. Generally, the pet and carrier combined can weigh up to 150 pounds. They don’t allow brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs to travel as cargo, but they are allowed to travel in the main cabin with their owner.
When it comes to booking your pet, Alaska recommends doing it as soon as you can. On their website they state, “Reserve your pet’s travel early. There is limited capacity and pets are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.”
Community reviews:
“Excellent customer service from start to finish.”
“Provides notification that your dog is on board before the flight leaves.”
“We are a military family and lived in Alaska, they are most accommodating for large dogs compared to other airlines.”
“Best safety record for flying dogs.”
View the full Alaska Airlines pet policy.
@rumithewhirlingpuggle on Instagram
4. American Airlines
In-cabin policy: $150 per kennel
Cargo policy: Available via American PetEmbark, cost varies.
If you’re able to select a seat with extra leg room, Sniffspot members enjoy flying with American Airlines. Their carrier requirements are slightly larger than other airlines, too, coming in at 19" x 13" x 9”. However, due to a lack of under seat storage space, there are a few flights that don’t allow pets to travel in First or Business class.
When it comes to shipping dogs via cargo, American Airlines only allows active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel to check their dogs. However, anyone can use the American PetEmbark service. This is different than buying a plane ticket for your dog, but it still allows you to bring your pup on the plane as long as it follows their guidelines. The dog and crate combined may not exceed a 100 pounds, there are restrictions around the temperature of the departing and arrival destinations, and if you’re traveling on a connecting flight, checked pets are only allowed to travel through certain cities.
Community reviews:
“Usually has more leg room for Bowser to fit more comfortably under the seat in his carrier.”
“They always make sure both me and my dog are soothed and reassured of the flight ahead.”
“They allow extra space and accommodations for the pup.”
View the full American Airlines pet policy.
5. United Airlines
In-cabin policy: $125 per kennel
Cargo policy: Only available for active duty U.S. military, with restrictions. $150 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours for international travel.
United Airlines doesn’t have any weight restrictions or limitations on the breed of your dog. Any pup is welcome to join you in the cabin as long as they’re in a carrier that’s no larger than 18" x 11" x 11” for soft-sided carriers, or 17.5” x 12” x 9” for hard-sided carriers.
It’s pretty easy to add your pet to a flight. All you have to do is select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler during booking on united.com. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. The only catch is that you can’t add a pet to your trip on the United app. However, you can use the app to find pet relief areas in the airport.
One person can travel with up to two dogs at a time, as long as you buy two seats for the journey.
Community reviews:
“They are always accommodating us and making sure we are comfortable.”
“Very kind to me and my furry family member.”
"They care about my dog's well-being."
View the full United Airlines pet policy.
7. JetBlue
In-cabin policy: $125 per kennel
Cargo policy: Unavailable
JetBlue has a few more restrictions on pet travel compared to other airlines, but if their flights meet your needs, Sniffspot community members have still found it to be a dog-friendly airline.
Although JetBlue can’t accommodate larger dogs, they do allow customers to fly with one dog that fits in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat. Unlike other airlines, JetBlue only allows one pet per carrier, and it can’t exceed the dimensions of 17" x 12.5" x 8.5".
If you’re traveling on a Blue Basic fare, you can’t bring a carry-on bag. But, you are allowed to bring a personal item in addition to the pet carrier. However, pets are not allowed to travel in the Mint cabin, and they’re not permitted on flights to/from Trinidad & Tobago or to/from U.K./Europe.
Community reviews:
“Even though I have [an American Airlines] membership, I found it's more convenient to travel Jetblue with my pet as [the] staff are way nicer about it.”
“They have bigger seats, making it easier to travel with him.”
“Easy to book and have never had any surprises at the gate."
View the full JetBlue pet policy.
