Buying guides
Which Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin, and Can Large Dogs Fly?
Most major U.S. airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, as long as the dog fits in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Large dogs generally cannot fly in the cabin on U.S. airlines unless they are trained service dogs. Instead, they travel in the temperature-controlled hold in a crate, or not at all on some routes. Carrier size, fees, pet limits per flight and seasonal rules differ between airlines, so check each one.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read4 sources
How in-cabin pet rules work on U.S. airlines
The basic rule is the same almost everywhere: your dog travels inside a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and stays zipped in for the whole flight, as the AKC explains. The AKC says the combined weight of dog and carrier is usually under 20 pounds, though many airlines care more about whether the carrier fits than about the scale.
What differs is the detail. Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 by 11 by 11 inches, allows four pets in its main cabin on a flight and none in Delta One. Alaska Airlines sets a soft-sided carrier no larger than 17 by 11 by 9.5 inches. Each airline also limits where pets may sit, often excluding bulkhead and exit rows.
Examples of current airline policies
Delta allows small dogs, cats and household birds in the cabin and, for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025, charges $150 each way within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a minimum age of 8 weeks for domestic travel. Delta does not allow in-cabin pets to or from several destinations, including Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines charges $100 per carrier each way in the cabin and $200 per kennel in the baggage compartment, where the dog and crate together can weigh up to 150 pounds. It also runs a cargo service for dogs flying without their owner. Policies change often, so treat these as examples and confirm on the airline's own site before booking.
Can large dogs fly in the cabin?
Not as pets. The AKC is clear that only trained service dogs may travel openly in the cabin, and that larger pet dogs generally travel as checked pets or cargo in an airline-approved crate. Since 2021, emotional support animals are treated as pets under U.S. rules, so an emotional support letter does not get a large dog a seat.
If you have a large dog, your options are the hold on airlines that still carry pets there, a dedicated pet cargo service, a private or pet-focused charter, or driving. The AKC notes some pet-friendly private jets let dogs ride in the cabin, at a much higher cost. Many owners of big dogs simply choose a road trip.
Flying a large dog in the hold
Dogs in the hold travel in a pressurized, temperature-controlled area in a hard-sided crate. The crate must let your dog stand, sit, turn around and lie down, and Alaska notes the ears should not touch the top. The ASPCA recommends nonstop flights, a USDA-approved crate with absorbent bedding, Live Animal labels and a frozen water dish so it does not spill.
Weather rules apply. Airlines often refuse pets in the hold when it is above 85°F or below 45°F on the route, as Alaska Airlines describes, and the AKC reports American Airlines refuses snub-nosed breeds above 75°F. Many airlines restrict flat-faced breeds in the hold altogether because of breathing risk.
How to choose the right airline for your dog
Start with your dog's size. A small dog with a carrier that fits the tightest under-seat limit gives you the most choice. Then compare fees, how many pets are allowed per flight and in which cabins, and any route or seasonal restrictions. Call the airline to reserve your dog's place before you buy your own ticket.
For a large dog, find out which airlines still accept checked pets on your route, what crate sizes their aircraft can take, and their breed and temperature rules. Ask about connecting flights, because a nonstop is safer. If the only option is a long journey with connections in summer, consider driving instead.
Health checks before any flight
Ask your vet whether your dog is fit to fly, especially if they are flat-faced, older, overweight or have heart or breathing problems. The ASPCA suggests a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure for air travel. Do not give a sedative without your vet's advice, because the AKC warns sedatives can raise the risk of heart and breathing problems.
Carry your dog's vaccination records, and make sure their microchip details and ID tag are current. For the rest of the trip, such as the drive to the airport, see our dog travel range.
Related guides: flying with a dog, best airline-approved dog carrier and best dog carrier.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Do any airlines allow big dogs in the cabin?
Major U.S. airlines do not allow large pet dogs in the cabin. Trained service dogs are the exception. Some private and pet-focused charter flights let larger dogs ride in the cabin, at a much higher price.
What is the weight limit for dogs in the cabin?
There is no single limit. The AKC says dog and carrier together are usually under 20 pounds, but many airlines focus on whether the carrier fits under the seat, so check the carrier dimensions.
Can I buy a seat for my dog?
Not for a pet dog on major U.S. airlines: pets travel under the seat in a carrier or in the hold. If you want more space around you and the carrier, ask your airline what options it offers when you book.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
