Airline Pet Policies & Fees Compared
Compare airline pet policies and in-cabin pet fees for six major US carriers — Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue. Cabin rules, carrier size limits, and cargo options are listed side by side so you can see what each airline currently publishes.
Figures below were last checked against each airline’s official policy page on July 28, 2026. Policies change by aircraft, cabin class, and route — always confirm with the airline before you book.
Cabin pet fees at a glance
Published in-cabin fees currently range from $95 to $125 each way. Soft-sided cabin carrier maximums are shown as length × width × height. Hard-sided limits are often tighter — open the full policy for both.
| Airline | Cabin pet fee | Soft carrier max | Travel options | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | $95 each way | 18 × 11 × 11 in | Cabin · Cargo | 2026-07-28 |
| United Airlines | $125 each way | 18 × 11 × 11 in | Cabin · Cargo | 2026-07-28 |
| American Airlines | $125 each way | 18 × 11 × 11 in | Cabin · Cargo | 2026-07-28 |
| Southwest Airlines | $125 each way | 18.5 × 13.5 × 9.5 in | Cabin | 2026-07-28 |
| Alaska Airlines | $100 each way | 17 × 11 × 9.5 in | Cabin · Cargo · Checked | 2026-07-28 |
| JetBlue | $125 each way | 17 × 12.5 × 8.5 in | Cabin | 2026-07-28 |
Policies by airline
Delta Air Lines
Verified July 28, 2026Delta allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on most domestic flights within the US and select international routes. The pet must remain in an FAA-approved carrier under the seat for the entire flight. Delta Cargo offers a separate program for larger pets, with temperature-controlled holds and dedicated pet shipping specialists.
United Airlines
Verified July 28, 2026United accepts small dogs and cats in the cabin on most US domestic flights for a $125 fee each way. The carrier must fit entirely under the seat and the pet must remain inside for the duration of the flight. United PetSafe is the cargo program for larger animals, but breed restrictions apply, especially for brachycephalic breeds.
American Airlines
Verified July 28, 2026American Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most US domestic flights for a $125 carry-on pet fee each way. The pet carrier counts as your carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you. American Airlines Cargo handles larger pets, though many international routes have embargoes.
Southwest Airlines
Verified July 28, 2026Southwest Airlines is cabin-only for pets, accepting small vaccinated dogs and cats on all domestic flights for a $125 fee each way. There is no cargo or checked baggage option, so larger pets cannot fly on Southwest. Carriers must fit under the seat, and reservations are highly recommended as space is limited to 6 pets per flight.
Alaska Airlines
Verified July 28, 2026Alaska Airlines offers the most flexible pet travel policy among major US carriers, with cabin, checked baggage, and cargo options available. Dogs and cats can fly in-cabin for $100 each way or travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment on most Alaska flights. Only Alaska allows pets in checked baggage among major US airlines, making it a top choice for medium-sized pets.
JetBlue
Verified July 28, 2026JetBlue accepts small dogs and cats in the cabin only, with no cargo or checked baggage option available. The combined weight of pet and carrier must stay under 20 lbs, and the carrier must fit under the seat for the entire flight. JetBlue awards TrueBlue points for pet travel and limits the total number of pets to 6 per flight.
Check if your carrier fits
Enter your carrier’s length, width, and height and match them against each airline’s published under-seat limits. No signup required.
Open Carrier Size CheckerEstimate airline pet fees
Add cabin pet fees, extra flight segments, and hotel pet charges to see a trip total. Use the published each-way rates above as a starting point, then confirm with the airline.
Open Cost CalculatorAirline pet policy FAQs
What are typical airline pet fees in the US?
Among the six major US airlines we track, published in-cabin pet fees currently range from $95 to $125 each way. Cargo and checked-baggage fees can differ, and airlines change published rates. Confirm the current fee on the airline’s official pet policy page before you book.
Which US airlines allow pets in the cabin?
Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue all publish in-cabin pet policies for small dogs and cats traveling in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Space, aircraft type, cabin class, and route can still restrict availability. Read the airline policy page and confirm when you book.
How do I check if my pet carrier meets airline size limits?
Compare your carrier’s external dimensions with each airline’s published under-seat limits, or use the Carrier Size Checker. Soft-sided and hard-sided limits often differ. These figures are general published guidance — a carrier that does not fit the specific aircraft can still be refused at the gate.