Flying with Pets: A Comprehensive Guide With Tips From a Former Airline Agent

Whether you're moving, visiting family, or planning a getaway, bringing your pet on the plane is easier than it sounds. The flight itself is the simple part. The planning is where people get caught out. Here's what you need to know.

Key takeaways

• Small pets can fly in the cabin if their carrier fits under the seat. For borderline pets, the check-in agent makes the final call.
• Soft-sided carriers give you the most flexibility, but your pet must still be able to stand and turn around.
• American, Delta, and United no longer fly pets in cargo except for military and State Department moves.
• Every dog entering the US, including American dogs coming home, needs a CDC Dog Import Form.
• RetrievAir lets dogs of any size fly in the cabin beside you on select US routes.

Can my pet fly in the cabin with me?

Yes, if your pet fits in a carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. Most US airlines don't set a weight limit, as long as the carrier fits under the seat. If your pet is borderline, though, the decision happens at check-in.

"If your dog is kind of borderline size-wise, it can all come down to the person checking you in on the day of travel to give the final yay or nay." —Alex, former airline industry employee

You can show your carrier at the counter before your trip, but Alex warns that a different agent may be working on the day you fly. That's also why airline staff tend to recommend soft-sided carriers: They give a little where a hard shell won't. Just don't treat that as a license to cram. Your pet still needs to be able to stand and turn around. 

Passengers on a recent Paris-to-Newark flight complained online about a dog barking nonstop for eight hours because its carrier was clearly too small. Gate agents can and do check.

How much does it cost to fly with a pet?

Pet fees climbed at most major airlines in 2026. Check your airline's pet page when you book, and remember you pay each way. A few costs catch people out:

• Long layovers: United adds a separate charge for layovers longer than four hours on domestic flights or 24 hours on international ones.
• Your bag allowance: On most airlines, the carrier counts as your personal item. On a basic economy fare that only includes a personal item, your pet is your only bag. Plan to check one or pack light.
• Emotional support animals: US airlines now treat them as ordinary pets, so the standard pet fee applies. Trained service dogs follow separate rules.

Which airline is best for flying with a dog or cat?

The best airline depends on your pet's size, where you're going, and how you like to travel. Here's how the main US options compare.

How do I book a flight for my pet?

Book your pet's spot at the same time as your own seat. Traditional airlines limit how many pets can travel in each cabin, so being eligible doesn't guarantee your pet a place. Even when an airline lets you add a pet online, call to confirm the under-seat space on your specific plane. If it doesn't work out, the 24-hour free cancellation window has you covered.

Choose your seat carefully, too. Exit rows and bulkheads are out, as there's no under-seat space, and premium cabins can be off-limits. A window seat in economy is often the sweet spot.

Can my dog fly in cargo?

On most major US airlines, no. American, Delta, and United have all restricted pet cargo to military and State Department relocations, so the old "just check the big dog" plan no longer works. If you have a snub-nosed breed like a pug, French bulldog, or Persian cat, cargo was often not a widespread option anyway, as several airlines ban these breeds from the hold for breathing safety.

How do I get my pet ready to fly?

Start weeks ahead. Leave the carrier open at home in your pet's favorite nap spot so it becomes theirs. Then take short car rides in it, ideally somewhere fun like the park. A pet who walks into the carrier on their own will handle the flight far better than one who sees it for the first time at the airport.

Skip sedatives. Most airlines won't accept a sedated pet, and vets generally advise against sedation at altitude. Talk to your vet about carrier training or other anxiety options instead.

What happens at airport security with a pet?

You'll take your pet out of the carrier and carry them through while the carrier goes through the X-ray. Use a snug harness to prevent escape, any struggles, or discomfort when taking them out of their carrier. If you have a connection, check whether your layover airport has a pet relief area past security before you book it. You can sometimes opt for a different layover airport that has a pet relief area. 

What do I need to fly internationally with a pet?

Start with your destination. It matters more than the airline. For example, the UK doesn't allow pets to arrive in the passenger cabin, so every pet entering the UK flies as manifest cargo.

Timing is the other big trap. For an EU trip, the rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days before travel, and the health certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before arrival. Getting the order of operations right is imperative as well: If a microchip comes after the rabies shot, many countries treat the vaccine as invalid.

Do research for your destination ahead of time as import and export requirements for countries vary. Checking ahead of booking any travel can save time, energy, and money. 

Do I need a form to bring my dog back to the US?

Yes, even if your dog is American and you’ve only traveled for a week. Every dog entering the US must be at least six months old, have an ISO-compliant microchip, appear healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt submitted before travel. The form is free, but you need a separate one for each dog and a new one for future entries from a different country or after six months.

Hawaii is its own case: It enforces its own quarantine rules, so check them separately even though it's a domestic flight.

What if my dog is too big to fly in the cabin?

Meet RetrievAir. Its flights leave from private aviation terminals, so you avoid crowded terminals and long security lines. Your dog can sit in the seat next to you or under the seat in front of you, on 30-seat jets with first-class-style legroom.

The network now covers about a dozen US cities, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Scottsdale, and Washington, DC.

It's an upgrade. Fares can feel similar to a first-class domestic ticket, but its founders put it at a fraction of what its main competitor, BARK Air, charges. Two things to plan around: Only one pet can fly per adult, and cross-country trips involve connections. Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, for example, stops in Denver and Chicago. For a big dog that would otherwise stay home, it's the first realistic in-cabin option in the US.