The Most Dog-Friendly Airlines For Flying With Your Pup

Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but what do you do when adventure calls you to a place that’s a bit too far for a drive? If you're a pet-owner who want to jetset with your pup, then you’ll want to find the best dog-friendly airlines.

At Sniffspot, we know how important it is to find an airline that prioritizes the comfort and safety of dogs on board. So we turned to our community to compile thousands of ratings from real customers to determine the best dog-friendly airlines in the USA.

We ranked the airlines based on their overall service, and then broke them down based on the best options for big dogs and reactive dogs. We also added some info on flying with service dogs, and a few tips on how to make your travel process as smooth as possible.

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Dog-Friendly Airlines: Our Rankings

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to their favorite airline, and even more so when they add their pup to the passenger list. Here's a look at which pet-friendly airlines Sniffspot members prefer to fly with when traveling with their dog.

Community Stats: What is your preferred airline for traveling with your dog?

Source: Sniffspot User Travel Survey 2024

Sniffspot users also evaluated Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. However, the ranked lower on the list, so we omitted them from this report.

How to Pick The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines

There’s no one answer when it comes to the most dog-friendly airline. Instead, there are a number of factors to consider, like where you’re traveling, the size of your dog, how many dogs you’re traveling with, whether you want your dog in the cabin with you or checked as cargo, airline loyalty perks, and more.

Before we break down the individual airlines, here are a few key points to help you make the best desiscon for you and your pup.

Pet Policies

A dog-friendly airline will have clear and accommodating pet policies. They should have easy-to-understand guidelines on the requirements for bringing a dog on board, including information on size and weight restrictions, carrier specifications, policies for domestic travel and international travel, and necessary required documentation such as health certificates and vaccination records. 

Cabin vs. Cargo

Traveling with a carry-on pet in the cabin allows your dog to stay with you during the entire journey. Airlines that prioritize cabin travel for pets typically have limited spaces available and require early booking.

For larger dogs unable to fit in the cabin, cargo travel can be a suitable option. However, it's crucial to choose a pet-friendly airline that ensures the safety and well-being of dogs traveling in cargo, with temperature-controlled, pressurized compartments, and experienced employees.

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Airport and In-Flight Amenities

A dog-friendly airline will go the extra mile in providing amenities to ensure your dog's comfort. Look to see if an airline provides pet relief areas in the airport or on the plane, or amenities such as blankets, water bowls, or toys to keep your furry friend entertained during the flight. 

Pet Fees

Airlines will often charge different rates for bringing a pet on board versus checking them in the cargo section. Some airlines will allow you to bring two small pets in one carrier, and only charge you one rate for that. Others will allow you to bring two pets on board in separate carriers, as long as you buy a second seat as well. Make sure you know what you’ll need to pay for, in addition to your own ticket.

Trained Staff

An essential aspect of a dog-friendly airline is the presence of trained staff who understand the unique needs of traveling with dogs. These staff members should be knowledgeable about handling and caring for dogs during the flight, and should be available to provide assistance and answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

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The Most Dog-Friendly Airlines

1. Delta Air Lines

In-cabin policy: $95 to and from the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; $75 to and from Brazil; $200 for other international flights.
Cargo policy: Only available for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices (FSO) traveling with active permanent change of station orders.

Delta Air Lines ranked number one as the most preferred airline for Sniffspot members to fly with their dogs. They have slightly lower pet fees than other airlines, and customers appreciate their friendliness and attention to detail.

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If you have two pets of the same breed and size between the ages of eight weeks and six months old, Delta allows them to travel as carry-on pets in one kennel together, and you’ll only be charged for one pet.

Once you book your flight on Delta, you need to call or chat with a representative to reserve your pet’s spot. They have a “first-come, first-serve” policy and can only have a limited number of pets on a flight, so give yourself enough time to make this booking in advance. Pro tip: be ready with your pet’s kennel dimensions when you call.

Community reviews:

“Delta is by far the most reasonable [for] checking in and flying with dogs.”

“They have been friendlier and more accommodating with my dog and several other airlines I’ve tried.”

“Their loyalty value and attention to detail is preferred over other airlines.”

View the full Delta Airlines pet policy. 

2. Southwest Airlines

In-cabin policy: $125 between U.S. Mainland; $35 between Hawaiian Islands
Cargo policy: Unavailable

Sniffspot members love that Southwest allows you to pick your own seat with your pup, and find that employees are very consistent with enforcing rules. You can bring your dog with you in the cabin as long as they can rest comfortably in a natural position in carrier that’s no larger than 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5". Don't feel like digging up your tape measure? They offer a Southwest-specific pet carrier you can purchase.

Southwest Airlines allows one pet carrier per ticketed passenger, but the carrier may contain two dogs if they can both fit comfortably. And just like with human tickets, Southwest will refund your pet fair if your pup doesn’t end up flying. 

Note: these guidelines only apply to domestic flights, as pets are not allowed on international flights.

Community reviews:

“Southwest lets you choose your seats so we can distance ourselves from others. Their under seat storage is also bigger allowing more room in a carrier.”

“Most predictable with enforcement of rules.”

“They’ve been the most accommodating and don’t make you jump through a bunch of hoops.”

View the full Southwest pet policy.

3. Alaska Airlines

In-cabin policy: $100 per kennel
Cargo policy: $150 per kennel

Alaska Airlines is one of the few airlines that still accepts dogs as cargo, as well as in the cabin. For smaller pups who want to fly up front, they just have to fit in a hard-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 17" x 11" x 7.5", or a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 17" x 11" x 9.5". You may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, only when you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.

For larger dogs who need to travel as cargo, Alaska provides specific guidelines for travel crate sizing, ventilation, and labeling to make sure your pet's journey is comfy and safe. Generally, the pet and carrier combined can weigh up to 150 pounds. They don’t allow brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs to travel as cargo, but they are allowed to travel in the main cabin with their owner. 

When it comes to booking your pet, Alaska recommends doing it as soon as you can. On their website they state, “Reserve your pet’s travel early. There is limited capacity and pets are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.”

Community reviews:

“Excellent customer service from start to finish.”

“Provides notification that your dog is on board before the flight leaves.”

“We are a military family and lived in Alaska, they are most accommodating for large dogs compared to other airlines.”

“Best safety record for flying dogs.”

View the full Alaska Airlines pet policy.

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4. American Airlines

In-cabin policy: $150 per kennel
Cargo policy: Available via American PetEmbark, cost varies.

If you’re able to select a seat with extra leg room, Sniffspot members enjoy flying with American Airlines. Their carrier requirements are slightly larger than other airlines, too, coming in at 19" x 13" x 9”. However, due to a lack of under seat storage space, there are a few flights that don’t allow pets to travel in First or Business class.

When it comes to shipping dogs via cargo, American Airlines only allows active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel to check their dogs. However, anyone can use the American PetEmbark service. This is different than buying a plane ticket for your dog, but it still allows you to bring your pup on the plane as long as it follows their guidelines. The dog and crate combined may not exceed a 100 pounds, there are restrictions around the temperature of the departing and arrival destinations, and if you’re traveling on a connecting flight, checked pets are only allowed to travel through certain cities.

Community reviews:

“Usually has more leg room for Bowser to fit more comfortably under the seat in his carrier.”

“They always make sure both me and my dog are soothed and reassured of the flight ahead.”

“They allow extra space and accommodations for the pup.”

View the full American Airlines pet policy.

5. United Airlines

In-cabin policy: $125 per kennel
Cargo policy: Only available for active duty U.S. military, with restrictions. $150 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours for international travel.

United Airlines doesn’t have any weight restrictions or limitations on the breed of your dog. Any pup is welcome to join you in the cabin as long as they’re in a carrier that’s no larger than 18" x 11" x 11” for soft-sided carriers, or 17.5” x 12” x 9” for hard-sided carriers.

It’s pretty easy to add your pet to a flight. All you have to do is select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler during booking on united.com. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. The only catch is that you can’t add a pet to your trip on the United app. However, you can use the app to find pet relief areas in the airport.

One person can travel with up to two dogs at a time, as long as you buy two seats for the journey.

Community reviews:

“They are always accommodating us and making sure we are comfortable.”

“Very kind to me and my furry family member.”

"They care about my dog's well-being."

View the full United Airlines pet policy.

7. JetBlue

In-cabin policy: $125 per kennel
Cargo policy: Unavailable

JetBlue has a few more restrictions on pet travel compared to other airlines, but if their flights meet your needs, Sniffspot community members have still found it to be a dog-friendly airline.

Although JetBlue can’t accommodate larger dogs, they do allow customers to fly with one dog that fits in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat. Unlike other airlines, JetBlue only allows one pet per carrier, and it can’t exceed the dimensions of  17" x 12.5" x 8.5".

If you’re traveling on a Blue Basic fare, you can’t bring a carry-on bag. But, you are allowed to bring a personal item in addition to the pet carrier. However, pets are not allowed to travel in the Mint cabin, and they’re not permitted on flights to/from Trinidad & Tobago or to/from U.K./Europe.

Community reviews:

“Even though I have [an American Airlines] membership, I found it's more convenient to travel Jetblue with my pet as [the] staff are way nicer about it.”

“They have bigger seats, making it easier to travel with him.”

“Easy to book and have never had any surprises at the gate."

View the full JetBlue pet policy.

The Best Airlines for Big Dogs

Many airlines have pet size restrictions, and if you need to fly with a big dog, chances are they won't fit in a carrier under your seat. In that case, you'll need to check them as baggage.

Here are two airlines who currently allow dogs to fly under the plane:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines

If you're an active-duty U.S. military, other airlines will allow you to check a bigger dog. These include:

• Delta
• Alaska
• American
• United

If you have any questions about size restrictions or weight limits for pet travel, it's always best to check the airline's website or call their customer service, as rules are subject to change.

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The Most Dog-Friendly Airlines for Reactive Dogs

Plenty of humans get stressed out when flying, so it's completely understandable that traveling through an airport and on a plane can be challenging for dogs too. And especially reactive dogs.

Luckily, plenty of Sniffspot members who have reactive dogs have found success in flying with these airlines, listed in order of preference:

• Delta Air Lines: "They’re very gentle with my dog and I have never had an incident with them."
• Alaska Airlines: "They make sure my dogs are completely comfortable and listen to what I say needs to be done with them."
• American Airlines: "They make it easy to travel with the dogs, and many of their terminals provide doggy potty areas."
• Southwest Airlines: "They love animals and they really do good work."

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Flying with Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), airlines are required to allow service animals and emotional support animals to travel in the cabin with passengers who have a disability. The listed airlines don't charge for service dogs or ESAs, but there are still rules you have to follow in order to bring them on board.

Each airline has their own set of rules regarding paperwork and general procedure for service animals. So, be sure to check their website or speak with someone in customer service. If you have any specific needs – for either you or your dog – it's always best to communicate with the airline in advance to make a plan that works for you and your pup.

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