The Best Airlines for Flying with a Dog

When wanderlust calls, you’ve got to answer the call. But leaving your beloved four-legged pup behind is not an option—after all, there are plenty of dog-friendly cities on your bucket list. But it’s important to fly on an airline that will treat your dog well, and since every airline handles pet travel a little differently, we decided to break a bunch down for you. (You’re welcome.) Psst: Always double check with the airlines before you pack off and leave as their rules and regulations are subject to change.

American Airlines
Like most airlines, American requires puppies to be at least eight weeks old to fly. It charges $125 per flight for an in-cabin buddy and $175 to check a kennel. One thing to keep in mind: There’s only a handful of cities that support connecting American flights with pets aboard. Check the website if your itinerary includes a pit stop.

Pricing: $$$
In-Cabin: 1 dog ≤ 20 lbs.
Checked Kennel: Yes
Big Dog Friendly: Yes
International Travel: Yes
Health Certificate Required: Checked pets only
Overall Rating: 7/10

JetBlue
Is JetBlue Diane Lane? Because it must love dogs! The airline has a program called JetPaws designed specifically to cater to travelers with animals. Travelers paying the $100 pet fee per flight automatically earn 300 TrueBlue points for each leg of the trip. You can also read the Petiquette™ tips for safe puppy travel while stowing Snoopy in a JetBlue carrier designed specifically for in-cabin doggie guests.

Pricing: $$
In-Cabin: 1 dog ≤ 20 lbs.
Checked Kennel: No
Big Dog Friendly: No
International Travel: Yes
Health Certificate Required: International flights only
Overall Rating: 7/10

Pricing: $$
In-Cabin: 1 to 2 dogs ≤ 20 lbs.
Checked Kennels: No
Big Dog Friendly: No
International Travel: No
Health Certificate Required: Inquire for more information.
Overall Rating: 7/10

Frontier
Travelers looking for an international canine adventure on a strict budget should consider Frontier. At only $75 per carrier, per flight, your DBF (dog best friend) can tag along with you to Mexico and the Dominican Republic (or anywhere in the continental U.S.). 

Pricing: $
In-Cabin: 1 dog ≤ 20 lbs.
Checked Kennels: No
Big Dog Friendly: No
International Travel: Yes (Dominican Republic and Mexico only)
Health Certificate Required: International flights only
Overall Rating: 6/10

Pricing: $
In-Cabin: 1 dog in carrier under seat
Checked Kennel: Yes
Big Dog Friendly: Yes (≤ 100 lbs.)
International Travel: No
Health Certificate Required: Inquire for more information.
Overall Rating: 8/10

Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines understands separation anxiety. If you check your dog in a kennel, a flight attendant delivers a card to you once your dog has safely boarded the plane. It charges the same amount ($100) to carry on a pet or to check one, which is great news for dog owners with animals over 20 pounds. 

Pricing: $$
In-Cabin: 1 to 2 dogs ≤ 20 lbs.
Checked Kennels: Yes
Big Dog Friendly: Yes (≤ 150 lbs.)
Health Certificate Required: No
Overall Rating: 9/10