5 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines In 2025: Shocking Fee Hikes And New Brachycephalic Bans
Planning air travel with your beloved cat or dog in 2025 requires more than just a quick check—it demands a deep dive into constantly changing rules and rising costs. As of December 2025, the landscape of pet travel has shifted dramatically, marked by significant fee increases and stricter limitations, especially concerning cargo transport and specific breeds. Navigating these new policies is crucial to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for your furry companion, whether they are a small in-cabin traveler or a larger pet requiring specialized cargo services. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest policies, fees, and essential warnings from the top US airlines.
The biggest update travelers must understand is the reclassification of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as standard pets, meaning they are now subject to all pet fees and size restrictions. Furthermore, pet fees have seen an average increase of 15–20% across the board since 2023, while critical restrictions on snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in cargo are becoming permanent across major carriers. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date information you need to book your next flight with confidence.
The 5 Most Pet-Friendly US Airlines (2025 Policies & Fees)
While no airline makes traveling with pets truly simple, a few US carriers stand out for their relatively consistent policies, lower fees, and better overall service for small pets traveling in the cabin. Remember that all in-cabin pets must fit comfortably in a carrier that stows under the seat in front of you.
1. Alaska Airlines: Best Overall for Pet Owners
Alaska Airlines consistently ranks as the most pet-friendly carrier, offering the most flexible policies and one of the lowest in-cabin fees among major airlines.
- In-Cabin Pet Fee (2025): $100–$150 each way.
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds.
- Carrier Dimensions: Soft-sided carriers are strongly recommended, with a maximum size of 17″ L x 11″ W x 9.5″ H.
- Key Advantage: Alaska is one of the few carriers that still offers a relatively affordable and reliable checked baggage option for larger pets on certain flights, though restrictions apply.
2. Southwest Airlines: Most Budget-Friendly Domestic Option
Southwest is a favorite for domestic travelers due to its simple, transparent fee structure, though its fee has seen a recent increase.
- In-Cabin Pet Fee (2025): $125 per carrier, each way (as of January 2025).
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs and cats only.
- Carrier Dimensions: Recommended soft-sided carriers up to 18.5″ L x 8.5″ H x 13.5″ W. The carrier must be able to fit under the seat.
- Key Restriction: Southwest only allows pets on domestic flights. They do not accept pets on international routes.
3. Delta Air Lines: Clear Carrier Guidelines
Delta is a reliable choice, particularly for those flying internationally, as they have a well-established cargo program.
- In-Cabin Pet Fee (2025): Typically $95–$150 each way, depending on the route.
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs, cats, and birds.
- Carrier Dimensions: Soft-sided carriers are recommended, typically no larger than 18″ L x 11″ W x 11″ H. Delta stresses that the maximum size is ultimately determined by the specific aircraft's under-seat space, which varies widely.
4. American Airlines (AA)
American Airlines is a major carrier with wide route availability, but their fees align with the higher industry standard for 2025.
- In-Cabin Pet Fee (2025): $150 per kennel, one-way, for domestic flights.
- Allowed Pets: Small cats and dogs.
- Flight Limits: AA has a strict limit of 20 pet carriers across all cabins per flight, making early booking essential.
5. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is known for its Pet Perks program, offering a pet carrier bag tag and a travel guide. They offer a good balance of service and price.
- In-Cabin Pet Fee (2025): Typically $125 each way.
- Pet Perks: Customers traveling with a pet earn 3 TrueBlue points per dollar spent on their flight.
Critical 2025 Pet Travel Policy Updates You Must Know
The most significant changes in the air travel industry involve the legal status of assistance animals and the safety regulations for certain breeds. Ignoring these updates can result in denied boarding or severe health risks for your pet.
The End of Free Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Travel
The era of flying with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for free has officially ended across nearly all US carriers, including United, American, and Delta.
- New ESA Status: ESAs are now classified as standard pets. They must travel in a carrier that fits under the seat and are subject to the standard in-cabin pet fee.
- Service Animals (SDs) Only: Only trained Service Dogs (SDs)—including Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs)—fly for free. These animals must be trained to perform a specific task or function for a person with a disability.
- Required Documentation: Airlines require passengers with Service Dogs to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Transportation Form (DOT Form) prior to the flight.
The Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Ban in Cargo
A major health and safety update for 2025 is the permanent prohibition of brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats in the aircraft’s cargo or baggage hold.
- Why the Ban? Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats have compromised respiratory systems. High-stress environments and temperature fluctuations in the cargo hold make them highly susceptible to fatal heatstroke and breathing difficulties.
- Airlines with Bans: United Airlines and several international carriers (like ITA Airways and LOT Polish Airlines) have completely banned these breeds from the hold.
- The Only Option: If you own a brachycephalic breed, your only safe and legal option is for your pet to travel in the cabin, provided they meet the carrier size and weight restrictions for in-cabin travel.
Navigating Large Pet and International Travel Logistics
Traveling with a large dog or flying across international borders introduces a completely different set of rules, often involving specialized cargo services and extensive veterinary documentation.
The Complexities of Cargo and Large Pet Travel
For pets too large to fit under the seat, the options are limited to either the checked baggage compartment (rarely available) or a dedicated air cargo service. Airlines are increasingly limiting or eliminating checked baggage pet transport due to safety and liability concerns.
- Cargo Programs: Major airlines like United (via the PetSafe program) and Delta (Delta Cargo) offer specialized, temperature-controlled cargo services for pets. However, these programs are expensive and often require booking through a third-party pet shipper.
- Key Warning: Even dedicated cargo programs have increased limitations. For example, United has significantly tightened its policies, and some routes may have "No public cargo option for large pets" at all. Always check the specific flight number directly with the cargo division, not just the main customer service line.
- Carrier Standards (LAR): All cargo kennels must adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR) standards, which dictate crate construction, ventilation, and size to ensure the pet can stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
International Travel and USDA-APHIS Requirements
Flying to a foreign country requires specific health certificates that go beyond a standard rabies tag. This process is mandatory and time-sensitive.
- USDA-APHIS: The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) oversees all pet exports from the US.
- Accredited Veterinarian: You must consult a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you plan your trip. They will help you determine the destination country’s exact entry requirements, which can include specific vaccinations, blood tests, and microchip requirements.
- Health Certificate Endorsement: The veterinarian-issued health certificate must then be officially endorsed by a USDA-APHIS veterinary services office, often within a very short window (e.g., 10 days) of the departure date. This strict timeline is the most common reason for international travel delays.
Final Pet Travel Entities and Checklist
To ensure a smooth journey, remember these final entities and logistical steps:
- Booking Early: Flights have strict limits on the number of in-cabin pets (e.g., 4 to 6 pets per flight). Book your pet's spot immediately after booking your own ticket.
- Carrier Type: Soft-sided carriers are generally preferred for in-cabin travel as they are more flexible and can fit into the varying under-seat dimensions of different aircraft.
- Water Access: For any pet traveling in the hold or cargo, the kennel must be equipped with water and food dishes accessible from the outside without opening the crate door.
- Required Entities: Always have proof of current rabies vaccination, a valid Health Certificate (issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel), and your airline's specific pet reservation confirmation.
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