Are you planning a Travel with your pet? Or have you ever flown them before? If yes. Then you may know it can be challenging as you have to wait in a long queue with your pet as he is pulling you back and wants to go home. You will have to pay extra for the carry-on. And You might be forced to sit next to someone who doesn’t like pets (dogs). However, to help the passengers, there are some top pet friendly Airlines that make traveling easier with your Pet.
These Top US Airlines allow dogs, cats, birds, and even household pets to carry with you to your destination. Thus, let’s find out the list of the Airlines, restrictions, costs, and other related details.
List of the Top Pet-Friendly Airlines in the USA
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier
- United Airlines
Here is the Pet-Friendly Airlines Ratings:
The table will let you know about the pet-friendly airline ratings. And the rating will be discussed here on a scale of 5.
| Airlines | Ratings |
| American Airlines | 1.7 |
| Alaska Airlines | 5.0 |
| Delta Airlines | 2.7 |
| Frontier Airlines | 3.1 |
| United Airlines | 1.0 |
1. American Airlines
American Airlines allows travel with pets, and you can carry them in the cabin. Depending on the size of the breed and the size, the pets can carry on can fly through the AA Cargo. With American Airlines, Carry-on pets are only cats and dogs can fly if they meet the requirements.
The AA only accepts pets at the ticket counter for the Military who are traveling with official orders. The fully trained dogs may fly in the cabin at no cost if they meet the requirements.
American Airlines Pet Policy
- If the pet is too large to fly in a cabin, then it must travel in the Cargo.
- Up to 2 pets are allowed and must meet the size and age requirements.
- When checking the pet you have to inform the airline 48 hours before your travel.
- Provide the health Certificate when check-in in the pet.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
- Types of Pet Allowed: Cat and Dogs
- Carry-on Pet Cost: $125
- Weight Limit: 70 lbs/32 kgs
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 inches
- Breed Restrictions: AA does not accept the brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs
- Allowed in Cargo: Yes
2. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is one of those Airlines that allows the pet to travel in both Cabin and Cargo. It is one of the top pet friendly Airline and Provides flexibility to the owner based on their needs and Pet requirements. Alaska Airlines has a pet friendly policy that allows to travel cats and dogs on the plane.
Further, Alaska Airlines has a Pet-Friendly program that allows the passenger to travel with their pets and stay updated about their pet’s well-being. Here is more about Alaska Airlines ‘ Pet Policy.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy
- Pet in the Cabin has no limit on size and breed restrictions.
- Pets in the cargo hold no limit on the size and breed restrictions.
- Free for service Animals under 5 pounds.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
- Types of Pet Allowed: Dogs, Cats, household Birds, and Rabbits.
- Carry-on Pet Cost: $100 per pet in the cabin / $150 per pet traveling in the baggage compartment.
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″
- Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs and cats are not Allowed
- Allowed in Cargo: Yes
Note: Dogs and Cats are only allowed to Travel in the Cabin to international destinations and Hawaii.
3. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines consistently gets the best reviews and the top airline for pet Travel. Delta Airlines offers the pet in Both Cabin and Cargo. The airline offers the best comfort and environment for pets to travel safely. The small dogs can fit under the carrier. And the large dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment.
Delta Airlines has a Stringent pet travel Program, that helps passengers in providing the safety of their pet while Travelling. However, here is more about the Delta Airlines Policy:
Delta Airlines Pet Policy
- Your pet must be 8 Weeks old for the domestic flight.
- And for the International flights, the pet should be 16 weeks old.
- One pet is permitted in the kennel, and there is no limit on the number of Animals.
- Pets in Kennel will count as 1 carry-on item.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
- Types of Pet Allowed: Small Dogs, Cats, and Household Birds.
- Carry-on Pet Cost: $ 90
- Weight Limit: 20 Pounds
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions:18” x 11” x 11”
- Breed Restrictions: course snub-nosed breeds are not allowed
- Allowed in Cargo: Yes
4. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is known as the best Airline offering pet-friendly Travel. Frontier Airlines has a Pet Policy with a minimum fee. The airline also has clear communication, that allows the owner to clear things easily about the pet.
And for the safety concerns, Frontier allows the pet to travel in a Container. Your pet must fit in the container, as Frontier Airlines does not allow them to be checked as baggage. However, these are the related Policies that the owner should keep in mind before Travelling with Pets.
Frontier Airlines Pet Policy
- Domesticated dogs a minimum of 8 weeks of age are allowed in the Cabin.
- For international destinations, Domesticated dogs and cats are allowed.
- The Travel container must be large so that the pet can fit easily.
- In addition, to travel containers, passengers are allowed to carry personal items or carry-on bags.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
- Types of Pet Allowed: Small Dogs, Cats, Household Birds, Rabbits, and Guinea pigs.
- Carry-on Pet Cost: $ 99
- Weight Limit: 17 Pounds
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 18″ length x 14″ width x 8″
- Breed Restrictions: Large Birds (Parrots, Macaws)
- Allowed in Cargo: No
5. United Airlines
United Airlines is the best Airline if you are traveling with Pets. United Airlines has a Pet policy for both domestic and international flights. The airline allows passengers to carry dogs and cats if they meet the crate requirements. The size of the crate will depend on the size and where you are traveling.
However, there is no limit on how much baggage space you can take with your pets.
United Airlines Pet Policy
- Dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin as pets.
- Passengers can bring up to 2 pets.
- Both the hard and soft carriers must fit under the seat.
- You have to submit the medical documents before flying.
- To keep the pet calm on the flight, bring the pet’s toys.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
- Types of Pet Allowed: Service Dogs
- Carry-on Pet Cost: $ 125 each way
- Weight Limit: No limit
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions: Hard side carrier( 9×17.5×12) soft-sided Carrier( 11x181x11)
- Breed Restrictions: No Restriction
- Allowed in Cargo: No
Now that we have the idea of which are the best airlines for pets, let’s compare the ratings for the Airlines so that you can make the right decision.
What are the Rules Followed by Passengers when Travelling with a Pet?
There are multiple rules that should be followed by the passenger. These are as follows:
- Each airline has its pet policy and restrictions. So make sure you check all the Rules before.
- Passengers must have the proper documentation of the health Certificates.
- Few Airlines have limited space for pets, so try to book in advance.
- Passengers should carry the pet toys to entertain and calm the pet.
- Pack proper food, water, and medicine while Flying.
- Few of the destinations have specific rules and regulations regarding pet entry.
So, make sure to check all the related Rules and regulations before flying with the pet to avoid any hassle.
Last Words!
So there you have it! Our list of the top pet friendly airlines for travelling with your Pet. These Airlines have recognized the growing demand for pet travel. And taking substantial steps to ensure the comfort of the pet while traveling. However, We hope by using the above details and by reading the blog, all your queries have been resolved.
Know More also about – Best Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors
