The Best Airline to Travel with a Dog: A Guide for Pet Owners
Finding the best airline for traveling with your dog is tough, but companies are doing their part. Here's what you need to know.
When searching for the best airline to travel with a dog, pet owners must consider the airline's safety record, policies, and customer experiences.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), small pets are allowed through checkpoint security, and approximately 2 million pets and live animals travel by air in the US per year. The demand for pet-friendly travel options has surged dramatically over the past five years, with 78% of American pet owners now traveling with their pets each year.
The best airline to travel with a dog: top Pet-Friendly Airlines Comparison
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines transported over 730,000 animals between January 2015 and December 2020 (the highest number among all airlines), while maintaining an average incident rate, making it a standout choice for pet transportation. Many travelers rate the company as the best airline to travel with a dog.
Of the nine airlines rated on a five-point scale, only Alaska Airlines really stands out as good. They offer comprehensive pet services with transparent policies and excellent safety records.
Requirements:
- A health certificate within 10 days of travel.
- Current rabies vaccination.
- Carrier must fit under the seat (soft-sided preferred 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters).
- Maximum weight: 20 lbs including carrier.
Fees: $100 each way for in-cabin pets.
Additional pets accepted: Cats, rabbits, birds.
American Airlines
American Airlines is a canine-friendly carrier for most people looking to travel with a dog, clearly spelling out their requirements for pets. Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are often considered one of the most pet-friendly major carriers, allowing a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
Key Features:
- Clear documentation requirements.
- Extensive route network.
- Consistent pet policies.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for pet owners due to its affordable fares and relaxed pet policy. They allow one small pet in a carrier in the cabin per passenger, and they have no weight or size restrictions.
Advantages:
- No breed restrictions.
- Flexible size policies.
- Budget-friendly option.
Documentation and Requirements
To ensure your dog can travel as well as the best airline to travel with a dog requires, prepare these documents:
Owner Requirements:
- Valid photo ID.
- Pet health certificate (issued within 10 days).
- Current rabies vaccination records.
- Proof of pet insurance (recommended).
Airline-Specific Restrictions:
- Service animals vs. emotional support animals (policies vary).
- Breed restrictions (some airlines ban brachycephalic breeds).
- Age requirements (puppies must be 8+ weeks old).
- Carrier specifications and size limits.
In-Cabin Travel Guidelines
Most airlines that allow dogs in-cabin require:
- Carriers that fit completely under the seat are 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters.
- Pet must remain in carrier throughout flight.
- The maximum combined weight is typically 20 lbs.
- No seat purchases for pets (except JSX and La Compagnie for larger dogs).
Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals
Since the Department of Transportation's 2021 rule changes, airlines no longer consider emotional support animals to be service animals, fundamentally changing how pets travel.
Alaska Airlines Service Dog Policy
Alaska Airlines accepts service dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for qualified individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric service animals. Key features:
- Free travel for legitimate service dogs.
- Maximum two service dogs per passenger.
- Accepts psychiatric service dogs for anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
- No breed or size restrictions for service dogs.
- ESA Policy: Does not accept ESA letters; emotional support animals must follow pet guidelines.
American Airlines Service Dog Policy
Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted. Features:
- Complies with federal ADA requirements.
- Free cabin travel for service dogs.
- Psychiatric service dogs are treated equally.
- ESAs must travel as regular pets with fees.
Southwest Airlines Service Dog Policy
Southwest follows federal guidelines:
- Service dogs travel free in the cabin.
- No advance notice required (though recommended).
- Psychiatric service dogs accepted.
- ESAs are treated as pets with standard fees and restrictions.
Costs and Extra Information
Pet fees range from $95-$200 per flight segment. Emotional support animals don't have the same travel rights as trained service dogs; they are treated as pets. Some airlines offer:
- Military discounts for pet travel.
- Frequent flyer benefits for pet fees.
- Cargo services for larger dogs.
I'm so glad you made it this far. Plan V is an independent magazine, and your donation allows me to continue doing this.
See you soon.
Thank you!
FAQS
What airline is the most dog-friendly?
Alaska Airlines stands out as the best airline to travel with a dog among nine airlines rated on pet-friendliness, accepting both service dogs and psychiatric service animals while offering the best combination of safety records, clear policies, and customer satisfaction.
What is the best airline to transport pets?
Alaska Airlines leads in pet transportation, having safely transported over 730,000 animals with excellent safety records and comprehensive service dog policies, followed by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines for different travel needs.
Which airline will let me buy a seat for my dog?
JSX and La Compagnie offer more accommodating policies for larger dogs, allowing seat purchases, while most major carriers require pets to travel in carriers under seats. Service dogs, however, can travel free in the cabin on Alaska Airlines and other major carriers regardless of size.
What airline charges the least for dogs?
Southwest Airlines typically offers the most budget-friendly pet travel options with relaxed policies and competitive fees. However, service dogs travel free on all major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, making them cost-free for qualified passengers.
Pamela Herrera
