How Much Does it Cost to Fly a Dog?
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When you are traveling with your pet, the in-cabin pet fee could be as much as your ticket. But some airlines offer affordable options for traveling with your furry friends.
No matter which airline you choose, confirm availability of pet space before booking tickets. It’s common to limit the number of pets per plane.
Here are what some of the major U.S. and airlines charge for in-cabin pets.
The cost to fly a dog
Based on NerdWallet's annual analysis of the most pet-friendly airlines, the average cost to fly a dog or other small pet is $118. Four airlines charge less than average: Alaska, Delta, Frontier and Hawaiian.
Keep in mind that policies vary as to whether you need to a book a separate seat in addition to paying a pet fee. Here are the dog plane ticket costs you can expect.
Airline | Cost for main cabin | Number of pets allowed per passenger | Maximum size (main cabin) | Types of animals allowed in main cabin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alaska | $100. | 4 (if you purchase adjacent seat, otherwise 2). | Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a kennel under the seat. | Dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. |
American | $125. | 2. | Pets must be able to stand and sit erect, turn around normally and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container) | Cat or dog. |
Delta | $95. | 1 (2 if young). | Must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you | Dogs, cats and household birds. |
Frontier | $99. | 1. | 40 in linear dimensions (length + width + height). | Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds. |
Hawaiian | $99. | 1 (2 if young). | 121 pounds (including kennel) and 35 inches in linear dimensions (length + width + height). | Cat or dog. |
JetBlue | $125. | 2 (Only one pet per carrier. You can travel with two pets, but you must book the second seat AND pay a pet fee). | Fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. Max 20 pounds between pet and carrier. | Cat or dog. |
Southwest | $125. | 2 (if in same carrier). | 40.5 in linear dimensions (length + width + height). Counts as a carry on. | Cat or dog. |
Spirit | $125. | 2 (if in same carrier). | Must fit under seat. | Dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. |
United | $125 for tickets purchased before April 26, 2024. $150 for tickets purchased on or after April 26, 2024. | 2 (but you'll need to buy a second ticket). | Must fit under seat. | Cat or dog. |
Flying pets in cargo
Some airlines allow you to fly with your pet in the belly of the plane. Airlines that fly dogs in cargo include:
Alaska.
American.
Delta.
Hawaiian.
The cost to fly your pet in cargo is significantly more expensive than bringing them onboard. The cheapest cargo option is Alaska, whose pricing starts at $150 per pet.
Airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United do not allow animals to fly cargo.
Airline pet policies, broken down by brand
Different carriers require passengers to bring different paperwork. Read the fine print ahead of your travels to make sure you and your dog(s) are prepared as possible for the airport and airplane experience.
Here are the NerdWallet guides to specific pet policies.
The most pet-friendly airlines
In our most recent analysis on flying with pets, we ranked the major U.S. airlines on various factors including fees, types of animals allowed, whether you can bring pets in cargo and number of pets allowed per passenger, among other factors.
Here's how they stacked up:
Best credit cards for flying with pets
Though no travel credit card includes specific benefits for flying with Fido, several offer airline incidental credits that can be put towards any fees charged for pet travel.
on Bank of America's website
$695.
$695.
$550
$95.
Up to $200 annually with your preferred airline. Enrollment required.
Up to $200 annually with your preferred airline. Enrollment required.
Up to $250 annually with your preferred airline. Enrollment required.
Up to $100 annually.
Terms apply.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
