Flying with a Pet

Some airlines allow pets to travel on aircraft and allow you to choose between flying with your pet in the aircraft cabin or transporting your pet in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Pet policies vary amongst airlines, and it is important for you to check the airline’s policies before travel. A “pet” is separate and distinct from a “service animal.” For more information about traveling with a service animal, please visit our service animal webpage. Below are frequently asked questions related to traveling on an aircraft with a pet.

Will I be charged a fee for flying with my pet? 

• Many airlines charge a fee when a passenger chooses to fly with a pet. 

• While some airlines charge an applicable baggage fee for transporting a pet (or count a pet towards your baggage allowance), some airlines charge a separate “pet fee” to transport a pet onboard an aircraft. 

• Check with your airline to determine whether any applicable “pet fee" applies. U.S. and foreign air carriers that have websites marketed to U.S. consumers are required to maintain a webpage where all optional services (e.g., pet fees) are disclosed.

What types of restrictions may apply to flying with my pet?

• Dogs & Cats - Many airlines allow only cats and dogs to fly onboard their aircraft as pets and will not carry brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds due to breathing risks.

• Size & Weight - Many carriers place size and weight restrictions on pets flying in the aircraft cabin. In some instances, a pet may need to fit into a carrier and under the seat in front of you.

  • Additionally, some airlines may require you to use a ventilated or leak-proof case to transport your pet.

• Age - Some carriers place age restrictions on pets traveling on aircraft and will apply minimum age requirements (typically 8 weeks) for a pet to travel. 

• Behavior - Some airlines require pets to be well-mannered to travel and may make visual observations in the airport, during boarding, and during cargo loading to ensure the pet can safely fly on the aircraft. If an airline determines that your pet cannot safely travel on the aircraft, the airline may refuse to allow your pet to fly. 

• Weather - Some airlines place restrictions on transporting pets in the cargo hold of the aircraft for temperature related reasons and will not carry pets in the cargo hold during the summer and winter months due to hot and cold temperatures.

• Aircraft Seating - Many airlines place seating restrictions on traveling with a pet and prohibit pets from occupying bulkhead seats or emergency row seats.   

• Approved Kennel - Some airlines require pets traveling in the cargo hold of the aircraft to be secured in an approved travel kennel. 

Do I have to complete any paperwork or obtain records to fly with my pet?

• Before transporting your pet, some airlines require a certified health record issued within 10 days of travel.

• For additional information on traveling with a pet, visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Can I fly internationally with my pet?

• Many international destinations require health certificates to bring your pet into their country, and some locations have quarantine regulations. It is important for you to check the requirements of your destination before traveling internationally with a pet.