How much does it cost to fly with a dog? 

The cost of flying with a dog varies based on a few factors. First off, you need to decide if your dog will be sitting in the cabin with you or in their crates as checked baggage. 

On the best airlines for dogs, small or medium pups that fit in pet carriers can be carried on to a flight and stowed underneath the seat. It costs around $90+ to carry on dogs for domestic US flights and upwards of $200+ for international flights. Airlines may also charge different fees based on a dog’s breed or size. 

How much does it cost to fly with a dog that can’t fit in a carrier? It’s hard to learn how to fly with a large dog since many airlines won’t even allow them on their flights. Large dogs that can’t sit in the cabin can travel in their crates as checked baggage. You can expect to pay around $100 to $250 per flight to check their crates. 

Of course, there are exceptions for service dogs and emotional support animals. Airlines typically won’t charge extra fees when you travel with trained service dogs. They commonly allow service animals to either sit in your lap or sit in the space underneath your seat. 

Top 5 Pet-Friendly Airlines

JSX

Carry-on Dog Cost: Free for small dogs

Checked Crate Cost: N/A

Weight Limit: 79 lbs 

Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 17”(L) x 13”(W) x 11”(H)

Breed Restrictions: No

If you are looking for a more luxurious way to fly with a dog, book your next flight with JSX. This air carrier only operates E-135 and E-145 jets for a less-crowded flying experience. Leave behind long boarding group lines and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers – JSX flights only have 30 spacious leather seats. 

With JSX, it only takes about 20 minutes to check in and go through security. You and your pup can wait in a quiet, comfortable private lounge with free WiFi before taking off. Each flight also includes Starlink WiFi, complimentary snacks, and full beverage service. 

JSX is one of the best airlines for dogs because it is so pet-friendly. Many airlines restrict pets on flights unless they are trained as service animals. But with JSX, small pups that fit in a pet carrier can fly in the cabin with you for free. Larger dogs that are under 79 lbs can also fly in the cabin at the cost of an additional seat. 

Emotional support and trained service dogs are also welcomed on JSX flights. As long as service dogs are leashed, they don’t need a carrier or extra seat. Service animals can sit on the floor under your seat or even in your lap if they are small enough. For more information about how to fly with a dog on JSX, read their full pet policy. 

JSX operates out of private terminals at regional and major airports across the US. Choose from destinations like Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, or even Cabo San Lucas when you and your pup fly JSX. 

Alaska Airlines 

Carry-on Dog Cost: $100

Checked Crate Cost: $100-$150

Weight Limit: 150 lbs (crate and dog weight combined)

Maximum Carrier Dimensions: Hard-sided: 17”(L) x 11”(W) x 7.5”(H), soft-sided: 17”(L) x 11”(W) x 9.5”(H)

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs 

Alaska Airlines is one of the best airlines for dogs because they have a high weight limit for pups traveling in the baggage compartment. The combined weight of the crate and dog can be up to 150 pounds, which allows larger dogs to travel with their pet parents. You can expect to pay $100 to $150 for your dog to fly in the baggage compartment. 

Keep in mind that brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers are not able to travel in the baggage compartment on Alaska Airlines flights. Short-nosed breeds are more prone to breathing problems that can be exacerbated by baggage compartment conditions. Read the full Alaska Airlines pet policy here. 

Small dogs that fit in a carrier can fly in the cabin for a fee of $100 per flight. There are no weight limits for this options as long as your pup fits in a carrier. Your dog’s carrier does count as a carry-on bag and needs to be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. 

If your pup doesn’t meet the requirements to fly with you, Alaska Airlines offers a $30 credit for Rover pet care services so you can feel confident leaving them at home. You’ll even earn 3 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles per dollar spent on your first Rover booking. 

Delta 

Carry-on Dog Cost: $95 domestic, $200 international

Checked Crate Cost: N/A

Weight Limit: 20 lbs

Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 18”(L) x 11”(W) x 11”(H)

Breed Restrictions: None

Delta is one of the best airlines for dogs because they allow carry-on pets on both domestic and international flights. Small dogs that fit in a carrier can be carried on for only $95 on domestic flights and $200 on international flights. Your pup must stay inside the carrier during the flight and stowed under the seat. 

The maximum size of the carrier depends on the aircraft dimensions, but Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18”(L) x 11”(W) x 11”(H). Delta even allows two puppies to travel in one carrier, as long as they are the same breed and between 10 weeks and 6 months old. Read Delta’s full pet policy for more information. 

Unfortunately, large dogs can not travel in the baggage compartment on Delta Airlines flights. Trained service animals of any size, however, can sit in the space below your seat or in your lap. If your dog is not an approved service animal or can’t fit in a carrier, then Delta may not be the best choice for you. 

American Airlines

Carry-on Dog Cost: $125 per carrier

Checked Crate Cost: Fee varies based on booking

Weight Limit: 100 pounds (crate and dog weight combined) 

Maximum Carrier Dimensions: Hard-sided: 19”(L) x 13”(W) x 9”(H), soft-sided: 18”(L) x 11”(W) x 11”(H)

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs

American Airlines is one of the best airlines for dogs because pups can be both carried onboard or checked as baggage. Unless you plan to sit in business or first class seats, there are no weight restrictions for carry-on pets that fit inside an approved carrier. You can expect to pay $125 per carrier when your dog flies in-cabin with you on American Airlines. 

Curious how to fly with large dog on American Airlines? Bigger dogs can also travel in their crates as checked baggage when their combined weight is below 100 pounds. Two dogs can even travel in the same crate as long as they weigh less than 20 pounds each. Fees for checking your pet vary based on your booking. 

Shih Tzus, Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, and other short-nosed dog breeds are not allowed to be checked, but can be carried on the flight if they are small enough. Whether you decide to check or carry on your pup, all dogs traveling on American Airlines need to be at least 8 weeks old with up-to-date vaccinations. Read more about American Airlines pet policy here. 

Southwest Airlines

Carry-on Dog Cost: $95

Checked Crate Cost: N/A

Weight Limit: None

Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 18.5”(L) x 13.5”(W) x 9.5”(H)

Breed Restrictions: None

If you need to book a domestic flight, Southwest is one of the best airlines for dogs traveling with their humans. The airline only charges $95 for your dog to be carried on the flight. While large dogs can’t be stowed in the baggage compartment, Southwest allows customers to check a pet stroller or empty crate for free. 

Southwest has no size or breed restrictions – as long as your pup fits comfortably inside an approved carrier, you’re ready for takeoff. You can purchase an approved carrier straight from Southwest for $58. The carrier is 17”(L) x 9.5”(H) x 11” (W) and is guarnteed to fit comfortably under your seat. Other carriers are welcome onboard, as well, just as long as they don’t exceed 18.5”(L) x 13.5”(W) x 9.5”(H). Read the full Southwest Airlines pet policy for more details on how to fly with a dog.