Before you book your flight to your next adventure, make sure your dog and your dog’s bag will work with their rules and restrictions. We also recommend letting your dog get used to the bag and make sure that they’ll be comfortable during their journey.
Check out our list of major airlines for their size and age restrictions, fees, recommended size-approved carriers, and locations available for flying with your pet in-cabin.
Air France
Restrictions:
- 15 weeks old
- 13.25 lbs (6kg)
- 18″ x 11″ x 9″ (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm)
Fees: $40-125 (In Cabin) depending on destination
Locations:
- EU (Excluding Ireland)
- North African Countries
- United States
- French Protectorates
- Caribbean Countries
Approved carriers:
KLM
Size Restrictions:
- 15 weeks old
- 6 kg (13.25 lbs)
- 18″ x 11″ x 9″ (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm)
Fees: $75-$400 (Euro)
Locations:
- EU (Excluding Ireland)
- North African Countries
- United States
Approved carriers:
British Airways
No longer allowing pets inside the cabin. We recommend flying with another airline if possible
Lufthansa
Restrictions:
- 12-16 weeks old depending on destination
- 17.37lbs (8kg)
- 47 in (22 in x 16 in x 9 in) or 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Fees:
- $50-$132
Locations:
- EU (Excluding Ireland)
- Asia
- Japan
- Africa
- Caribbean
- North America
Approved carriers:
X-ZONE Pet Carrier (medium or large)
United
Restrictions:
- 12 weeks old
- No official weight listed – must be able to stand up comfortably and turn around
- 18 in x 11 in x 11 in (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm)
Fees:
- $125 each way
Locations/Countries:
- EU (Excluding Ireland, Iceland)
- Canada
- Mexico
- Caribbean
- Africa
- South America
Approved carriers:
Delta
Restrictions:
- 16 weeks old
- No official weight listed – must be able to stand up comfortably and turn around
- 18” x 11” x 11”
Fees:
- $125-200 Each way ($75 for Brazil)
Locations/Countries:
- US
- Canada
- Puerto Rico
- Virgin Islands
- Caribbean*
- South America*
- Brazil*
- EU (Excluding Ireland and Iceland)
Approved carriers:
Southwest Airlines
Restrictions:
- No size restrictions
- 6 weeks old
- 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”
Fees:
- $95 each way
Locations/Countries:
- US
- Puerto Rico
Approved carriers:
- Southwest Pet Carrier (Strongly recommended)
- Out of Office Pet Carrier
JetBlue Airlines
Restrictions:
- Combined weight no more than 20 lbs
- 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H (43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 21.59 cm H)
Fees:
Countries:
Approved carriers:
American Airlines
Restrictions:
- 20 lbs max including the bag
- 18 x 11 x 11 in (46 x 28 x 28 cm)
Fees:
- $125 each way
Countries:
- 49 US states (excluding Hawaii). Not currently allowing in-cabin pets for EU destinations
- Canada
- Alaska
- Central America*
- Mexico*
- Puerto Rico
- St. Croix
- St. Thomas
Approved carriers:
Qantas
No pets allowed in cabin. Qantas has a climate controlled area for pets in cargo, which is nicer than other airline accommodations. While this might not be the best option for your pet should you want to have them with you in cabin, this could be a great option for larger dogs that could not fly in cabin with you.
Emirates
No pets allowed in cabin. Many restrictions so we recommend booking a different airline. For booking on Emirates: https://www.pettravel.com/airline_pet_rules/emirates.cfm
Qatar
No pets allowed in cabin. Many restrictions so we recommend booking a different airline. For booking on Qatar- please check their site: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/baggage/animals.html
Final Tips
Book your flights online to ensure that you aren’t charged a booking fee. Once your flight is booked, call the airline to add your pet to your ticket with no additional booking fee. We recommend that you call to add your pet to your ticket as soon as possible. Early pet booking can help you avoid needing to change your flight last minute should the flight have already filled their open pet availability.
*Due to changing regulations, airline policies and flight schedules, some exceptions can apply regarding bringing your pet to certain areas and countries. As mentioned before, always call in advance to add you pet to your flight.
And as always, airlines reserve the right to refuse an animal on board if the carrier is too small or the pet is too heavy. While some travelers report that they were able to board their larger dog in-cabin, we recommend that you don’t chance it. Pet tickets are non-refundable and change fees are applicable to human passenger tickets for missed flights due to non-compliance.
We’ve also personally witnessed customers being allowed to travel home with their too-large pet but their accounts were flagged and they were no longer able to fly on that airline with their pet. Bottom line: make sure you and your pet are safe, secure and happy by following the guidelines. 🙂