*Updated Summer 2022*

We love our dogs and much like us, our dogs love adventure and the chance to explore.  Some might say they have wanderlust worst than me (hard to believe, I know)! So, in order to be with our dogs as much as possible, we fly with our dogs a lot. And, needless to say, we’ve spent a ton of time researching the safest and cheapest options for getting our doggies across the country in one piece.

Many pet requirements are the same from airline to airline:

• Cats and dogs (up to 20lbs.) are the most accepted animals allowed as a carry-on. Sorry fish, snake or hamster lovers- you are out of luck!
• The pet has to be in a regulation sized carrier for the entire flight.
• The pet has to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. (most of the time the airline will check this at the ticket window – some people are super strict.)
• No curbside or self check-in allowed when traveling with a pet.

Flying with a pet is expensive– flat out. It can cost anywhere from $75 to 150 each way to bring your favorite companion along on your travels. The main difference lies in the price and how many pets are allowed on each flight.  Hands down, Southwest has the cheapest pet policy.  That, along with their two free checked bags, is hard to beat when traveling domestic. I know it’s not every-one’s first choice for comfort, but if you are thinking about price- Southwest is your best option.

Check out how each Domestic Airline stacks up:

*These prices and regulations are accurate as posting, but these do change – click the link to see the most up-to-date info on the airline’s site*

Southwest:

• $95.00 one way
• Only allows pets as carry-ons
  • They do offer their own approved and branded pet travel bag.
• Checked pets are not allowed
• Reservation required prior to booking 800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
  • A total of only 5 pets allowed on each flight
  • They only let a limited number of pets on each flight, so call before booking your ticket.

American Airlines:

• $125.00 one way
• The combined weight of the carrier and your pet can’t exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs., weighed at check-in
• Allowed to fly to 48 continuous states
• Not allowed to Hawaii, Transatlantic, transpacific, Central or South America
• Prior Country approval to Canada or Mexico
• Checked Pets is another option ($150.00 each way)
• Reservation needed prior to bringing pet on board: 1-800-433-7300
  • Only 7 Pets are allowed on each flight

Jet Blue

• $125.00 each way
• The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.
• The allowed pet policy varies by ticket class – check your particular availability prior to booking.
• Allowed to fly Domestic and International
• Reservation required prior to booking: 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583)

Delta Airlines:

• $95.00 (domestic) $200 (international) each way
• Reservation required prior to bringing pet on board: 888-750-3284
• Checked Pets is another option & more types of pets are allowed ($200.00 each way)\

United Airlines

• $125.00 each way There’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.
• Depending on route, pets may or may not be allowed and the maximum number changes per flight.
• Reservation required prior to booking 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)
• In addition to cats and dogs, household birds are also accepted as a carry-on.

We’ve actually flown our dogs on Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines and have to say customer service was best with Southwest. However, we’ve been told by different flight attendants that service can vary depending on who is working that flight. Some flight attendants seem to be more relaxed about pets and others are very by the books.

Have you flown with your pet? What airline did you choose and why?