A new 2026 analysis by AirAdvisor offers useful insights for those flying with pets. It ranks Alaska Airlines as the most pet-friendly airline in the United States, based on the flexibility of its pet travel policies.
The study compared 10 major US airlines across three key categories:
- In-cabin pet travel
- Cargo transport options for larger animals
- Lounge access policies for travellers flying with pets
Airlines offering all three options scored the highest, while those limiting travel to small pets in the cabin ranked lower.
More than one million furry friends travel on commercial flights in the United States each year, and airline pet policies can make a significant difference for passengers and their animal companions.
#1 Alaska Airlines is the most pet-friendly US airline in 2026
According to the ranking, five airlines stand out for offering the widest range of options for passengers travelling with pets.
Alaska Airlines tops the list, earning 10/10 points for its pet policy. The airline permits travellers to travel with their dogs, cats or rabbits in the cabin (limited to cats and dogs on international flights) and is no longer allowing household birds as of April 4 of this year.
Carriers count toward the cabin baggage allowance, but passengers can bring a single personal item or a larger carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier.
AirAdvisor gave Alaska Airlines special recognition for its climate-controlled baggage compartment, which makes the cargo hold more comfortable for larger pets that can’t travel in a carrier under the seat.
The firm also noted that Alaska Airlines allows passengers to visit its branded lounges with pets, so long as they remain off the furniture, stay quiet in their carriers, and do not eat or drink using lounge dishware or supplies.
Fees for flying with pets on Alaska Airlines
- Cabin pet fee: $100 each way
- Cargo hold pet travel: $200 each way
- Cabin carrier size: soft-sided, 17” x 11” x 9.5” or less
#2 Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Air Group carrier Hawaiian Airlines ranks second, thanks to low fees and both cabin and cargo options. However, it does not allow pets in airport lounges and only transports them (either in the cabin or the cargo hold) on domestic flights.
Hawaiian Airlines also places some weather-related restrictions for pets in the cargo hold, with a pet carriage embargo running from April 15 to October 15, on flights to or from these destinations:
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- San Jose (SJC)
- Sacramento (SMF)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
Fees for flying with pets on Hawaiian Airlines:
- Cabin pet fee: $35 inter-island / $100 mainland each way.
- Cargo hold pet travel: $200 each way per kennel for the US mainland, $60 each way within Hawaii, and $100 each way within Alaska. Discounts for active military.
- Cabin carrier size: No larger than 7” x 11” x 9.5”
#3 Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers strong in-cabin policies and lounge access for passengers with pets. However, its cargo program is now restricted to U.S. military and government personnel, limiting availability to the general public.
Pet owners can bring a small cat, dog, or household bird in a carrier on domestic flights, and small cats and dogs on many international flights, though some destinations are restricted.
Delta counts the pet carrier as the larger of the two permitted carry-ons, so those travelling with pets will only be allowed to bring a personal item onboard along with the carrier.
Fees for flying with pets on Delta Air Lines:
- Cabin pet fee: $150 domestic & Canada; $200 international
- Cabin carrier size: Soft-sided, up to 18” x 11” x 11”
#4 American Airlines
American Airlines allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic and select international routes, on flights under 12 hours within the 48 contiguous United States, and to and from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
Passengers can bring pets in their carriers into the Admirals Club lounges. Like Delta, American limits pets travelling in the cargo hold to US military and State Department personnel.
Fees for flying with pets on American Airlines:
- Cabin pet fee: $150 each way
- Cabin carrier size: Soft-sided, 18” x 11” x 11” or less; American Mainline flights 19” x 13” x 9”; American Eagle flights 16” x 12” x 8”.
#5 United Airlines
United Airlines welcomes small dogs and cats in the cabin and offers a unique extra seat option that allows passengers to travel with pets more comfortably by booking adjacent seats. Pet owners can book up to two additional seats for two carriers.
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Pets are welcome in the airline’s lounges as long as they remain in the carrier. Like American and Delta, United does not carry pets as cargo except for those belonging to military and State Department personnel. The airline’s pet-in-cabin policy applies to domestic and international flights, with some limitations depending on the destination’s pet importation rules.
Fees for flying with pets on United Airlines:
- Cabin pet fee: $150 each way
- Cabin carrier size: Soft-sided, 18” x 11” x 11”; hard-sided 17.5” x 12” x 9”
US airlines with more restrictive pet policies
Other US carriers allow pets in the cabin but restrict travel to small animals that fit under the seat, with no cargo options available, even for military or State Department personnel.
These include:
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
Without cargo transport programs, these airlines limit travel options for those who want to fly with larger pets, even though their fees may be lower.
A quick guide to US airline pet policy
Here are the AirAdvisor findings on US airline pet policies at a glance.
The top 5 US pet-friendly airlines
| Airline | Fee | Allowed pets | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | $100 cabin / $200 cargo each way | Cats, dogs, rabbits, no birds | Top-ranked carrier; offers both in-cabin and cargo pet travel, giving passengers more flexibility for different pet sizes. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $35 inter-island / $100 mainland | Cats, dogs | Offers both cabin and cargo pet travel at relatively low prices, but ranks below Alaska because lounge access is not available. |
| Delta Air Lines | $150 domestic | Cats, dogs, household birds | Scores well for in-cabin travel and lounge access, but cargo pet transport is largely limited to military and government personnel. |
| American Airlines | $150 each way | Small cats and dogs | Stands out for broad international availability, allowing small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on a wide range of routes. |
| United Airlines | $150 each way | Small cats and dogs | Offers an extra-seat option for passengers traveling with pets, but ranks lower because cargo options for the general public are limited. |
The least pet-friendly airlines in the US
While the bottom five carriers only allow pets in the cabin, some have more flexible policies on the types of pets allowed.
| Airline | Fee | Allowed pets | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | $50 each way | Dogs, cats | Contiguous 48 states only; carrier up to 18” x 14” x 8”; one extra personal item or paid carry-on allowed. |
| Frontier Airlines | $99 each way | Dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits | Pet counts as luggage; hard carrier 18” x 14” x 8”; soft carrier 18” x 14” x 11”. |
| JetBlue | $150 one-way | Cats, dogs | One pet per carrier; carrier counts as personal item; BlueHouse lounges allow pets in carriers. |
| Southwest Airlines | $125 mainland / $35 Hawaii inter-island | Small cats, dogs | No cargo option; cabin only; Hawaii service limited to inter-island flights. |
| Spirit Airlines | $125 each way | Cats, dogs, rabbits, household birds | Up to two pets per carrier; carrier up to 18” x 14” x 9”; six carriers allowed per aircraft. |
What travellers should know before flying with pets
Anton Radchenko, passenger-rights advocate and CEO of AirAdvisor, says many travellers underestimate the preparation required to fly with animals.
“Most airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin, but strict requirements are often overlooked,” he says. “Pets must typically be at least eight weeks old and remain in an approved carrier that fits under the seat for the duration of the flight.”
Radchenko also advises travellers to check destination requirements in advance, including vaccination rules and documentation, which can vary widely.
Featured Image: nadisja | stock.adobe.com
