Not every airline lets you bring your dog in the cabin. Some don’t allow pets at all. Some only allow service animals. Some accept pets but only in cargo — which, for the record, I would never do with Sami and don’t recommend. The cabin is where your dog belongs, and finding an airline that agrees is the first step of the entire process.
Here’s what you need to know about pet-friendly airlines worldwide — the ones that actually allow your dog to fly in the cabin with you, under the seat in front of you, as a carry-on.
What “Pet-Friendly” Actually Means
When I say pet-friendly, I mean airlines that allow non-service dogs as carry-on passengers in the cabin. This is different from service animal policies (which are legally mandated) and different from cargo pet transport. We’re talking about regular pet dogs, in an airline-approved carrier bag, under your seat.
Every pet-friendly airline has its own specific policy covering: the maximum weight of the dog plus carrier, the maximum carrier dimensions, the pet fee, the number of pets allowed per flight, which routes allow pets, and what documents are required. None of this is standardized. You have to check each airline individually.
Major US Airlines
Delta Air Lines — Allows dogs in cabin. Weight limit varies by route (generally the dog must fit comfortably under the seat). Pet fee is $95 for domestic US flights, $200 for international flights. In the US, they focus on carrier fit rather than weight — they check that your dog can sit, stand, and turn around in the carrier. We flew Delta from Lisbon to New York and had a great experience.
United Airlines — Allows dogs in cabin. Carrier must fit under the seat. Pet fee around $125 domestic. United is generally pet-friendly but has had some controversies in the past, so always confirm current policies.
American Airlines — Allows dogs in cabin on most domestic flights and some international routes. Carrier dimensions max 19 x 13 x 9 inches. Pet fee around $150. They explicitly prohibit sedated pets — their website quotes the AVMA on the risks of sedation at altitude.
Southwest Airlines — Allows small dogs in cabin. Pet fee $125 each way. One carrier per customer. Southwest is known for being relatively pet-friendly and their staff tends to be accommodating.
JetBlue — Allows dogs in cabin. Pet fee around $125. Known for being pet-friendly with a straightforward booking process — you can actually add a pet online with JetBlue, which is rare.
Alaska Airlines — Allows dogs in cabin on most flights. Pet fee around $100.
European Airlines
Europe is generally more pet-friendly than the US when it comes to in-cabin flying. We have a dedicated guide to European airlines that allow dogs in cabin with detailed information on each carrier. The short version: most flag carriers (TAP, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, etc.) allow dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin. Budget airlines are mixed — Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air do NOT allow pets.
The biggest difference in Europe: they weigh your dog at check-in. If you’re over the weight limit, you may be denied boarding for the cabin. This is why weight management matters — see our tips on what to do if your dog is over the weight limit.
Airlines That Do NOT Allow Pets in Cabin
This is just as important as knowing which airlines do allow pets. Some major airlines you might consider booking with don’t allow dogs in the cabin at all. Notable ones include Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and some routes on other carriers. Always check before booking — assuming an airline is pet-friendly because others are can be a costly mistake.
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How to Check Any Airline’s Pet Policy
Every pet-friendly airline publishes their policy on their website. Here’s how to find it: go to the airline’s website and search for “traveling with pets,” “carry on pets,” or “pet policy.” You’ll find a dedicated page that lists everything — fees, carrier dimensions, weight limits, required documents, and any breed restrictions.
But don’t stop there. Before every flight, I call the airline directly and confirm. I ask three things: “Are my dog’s documents correct for this route?” “What is the maximum carrier size?” and “Can you confirm my pet reservation?” The person on the phone will have the most current information, and this 5-minute call has saved us from potential issues more than once.
Booking Tips
Reserve your pet spot immediately. The moment you book your ticket, call the airline and reserve a spot for your dog in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight — some allow as few as 4-6 animals. If you wait, the spots fill up and you’re out of luck.
You probably can’t check in online. With most airlines, traveling with a pet means you have to check in at the counter on the day of the flight. Arrive early — 3 hours before departure. The check-in agent needs to verify your documents, check the carrier, and process the pet fee.
The pet fee is paid separately. On most airlines, the pet fee is paid at the counter, not when you book your ticket. It’s a separate charge. Some airlines are starting to allow online pet booking (JetBlue is one), but the majority still handle it at the airport.
Check the specific aircraft. Some airlines allow pets on most routes but not on certain aircraft types. If you’re flying a regional jet with limited under-seat space, pets might not be allowed on that specific plane even though the airline generally permits them. The phone call when booking should catch this.
What You Need Ready for Check-In
Regardless of airline, you’ll need: an airline-approved carrier that meets their size requirements, your dog’s travel documents (varies by route — see our documents checklist), a current rabies vaccine recorded in your documentation, a microchip (verified by number in the documents), and money for the pet fee.
For a complete breakdown of what to bring, see our packing checklist for flying with your dog.
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