You need to think about many details before flying with a small dog. Every airline has slightly different in-cabin pet policies, but all require that dogs be harmless, quiet, and free of odor. The most significant differences in airline pet policies relate to maximum weight and carrier size. I’ve compiled a chart for your quick reference:
Pet Policies – Domestic US Flights
This information is based on airline websites as of January 2020. Before booking, please contact the airline to ensure their in-cabin pet policy hasn’t changed.
| Airline | Max Weight of Pet + Bag | Soft Carrier Size H” x L” x W” | Pet Fee Each Way |
| ALASKAN Call: 800-252-7522 | 20 lbs. total | 9½ x 17 x 11 | $100 |
| AMERICAN Call: 800-433-7300 | 20 lbs. total | Depends on aircraft | $125 |
| DELTA Call: 800-221-1212 | 20 lbs. total | Depends on aircraft | $125 |
| FRONTIER Call: 800-401-9000 | None listed | 8 x 18 x 14 | $99 |
| JETBLUE Call: 800- 538-2583 or book online | 20 lbs. total | 8½ x 17 x 12½ | $125 |
| SOUTHWEST Call: 800-435-9792 | None listed | 8½ x 18½ x 13½ | $95 |
| UNITED Call: 800-864-8331 or book online | None listed | 11 x 18 x 11 | $125 |
Carriers
The chart above indicates the maximum carrier size for several US airlines. Delta and American Airlines say their size policy depends on the aircraft type. Although you may see in-cabin pet carriers advertised as “airline approved,” that may not apply to every airline or aircraft.
All airlines do require that carriers:
- Be clean and leak-proof with bedding made of absorbent material
- Fully enclose the animal and be escape-proof
- Have adequate air ventilation
- Be big enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down
My favorite in-cabin pet carrier is the large-size Sturdibag. It is incredibly lightweight and flexible enough to fit under the seat in front of you. At 12″ x 18″ x 12″, the large is technically above most airline size policies. Due to the flexible structure, I have never found this to be an issue.
Disclosure – As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small fee if you purchase through the link above. There is no additional cost to you.
Booking
Although some airlines allow online booking of dogs, it’s a good idea to call and confirm their in-cabin pet policy. I also recommend booking as early as possible, as a maximum number of animals is allowed on each aircraft. No matter how you make your booking, you must check in at the airline counter.
At check-in, the agent may want to weigh your carrier with the pet inside to be sure it conforms with the in-cabin airline policy. In my experience, this rarely happens; the agents are generally more interested in seeing that your dog can comfortably stand and turn around in the carrier.
Want to fly with a larger dog in the cabin? Find out about JSX Airline’s unique in-cabin pet policy by clicking here!
Super helpful info! I wish I had such an informative overview when I had my tiny dog. It was so stressful trying to make sure I was following all the rules when I brought her along with me. This is a great resource!
Would love to take our pup across America! Really useful info 🇺🇸🐾
What a useful post. I have never flown with my dogs but those that do will find this so informative.
Bella is 100 pounds. We take road trips 😀
Great post and love learning more about travelling with pets, I have two carriers here which can be used on an airline as I have always made sure of that when getting them. Now I need to win the lottery so I can go on a long long trip LOL
Thank you, thank you for writing this post. I want to fly with my little dog but didn’t know where to begin looking for the information. This makes it so much easier.
This is great! I don’t currently have a dog but I’ve always wondered about policies since I’d love to travel with my dog one day. I’ll be saving this and sharing to my friends with pets. 🙂
We flew our pup home from CA to VA at 3 months on United in late 2019. She was required to stay in carrier, under seat in front of us for the $125, just as you describe. She is now 25 pounds ( frenchie) and we would love to fly with her again but she would never fit under the seat. We are taking a road trip now and had to leave her behind because, oddly, none of the hotels in the area we are headed to accept pets. I was shocked at the difficulty I had searching for a hotel that would accept pets and am already disappointed that we had to leave her behind.
I’m sorry to hear you had trouble finding dog friendly hotels. Did you try a pet-specific site like BringFido.com. I find they are really helpful even if you end up booking directly with the hotel.
when you say stand comfortably in the carrier, do they want the head up? I don’t think many dogs ( even small ones) can easily put their heads up in the carriers without touching the top?
I think they primarily want to see if the dog can fully extend their legs to turn around.
Can someone call me on my cell to discuss. Looking to fly my 45 pound dog from Westchester NY to West Palm Beach Florida.
I’m sorry, but you will need to contact the airline directly.