These Airlines Let Your Pets Fly in the Cabin—Is Your Favorite on the List?

Traveling can be both fun and exhausting. When it comes to traveling with pets, opinions are divided. Some think it’s an extra hassle, while others need their pets for emotional or medical support. No matter the reason, it’s becoming more common to see pets like cats and dogs at airports.

Pets are more than just animals for many people; they are part of the family. Leaving them behind on vacations can feel heartbreaking. Some people even rely on their pets for support and can’t imagine traveling without them.

Pets in the Cabin
In the past, people traveling with pets had to place them in a cage and check them with luggage. Pets would ride in the luggage area under the plane and then be picked up at baggage claim. While serious accidents were rare, many pet owners still worried about their animals, imagining them feeling scared or confused.

Some people, however, rely on pets for medical reasons. For example, pets can alert them to low blood sugar, seizures, or even heart problems. Because of this, there’s been growing demand to allow pets to ride in the cabin with passengers. By the end of 2023, over 20 airlines around the world began allowing pets in the cabin.

Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin
Here are some airlines that let pets ride in the cabin:

JSX (semi-private)

Each airline has its own rules for pets, including size, breed, and age limits. For example, some airlines require puppies to be at least 8 or 12 weeks old. United Airlines has no weight or breed restrictions but does require pets to be in a carrier under the seat. Service animals, however, can sit in their own seat without a carrier.

Emotional support animals are treated differently. They are considered pets unless they provide a specific medical service. This means they need to meet the same requirements as pets to ride in the cabin.

Emotional Support vs. Service Animals
Emotional support animals help owners manage anxiety, including fear of flying, which affects about 25 million adults. However, they are not the same as service animals. Service animals are specially trained to assist with medical conditions and are focused on their owner’s safety. In most cases, service animals can fly for free.

While some people understand this distinction, others feel the rules are sometimes abused. A passenger once told a news outlet that a dog on his flight seemed more like a passenger’s pet than a service animal. He felt it was an excuse to bring the dog along for free.

On the other hand, some argue that airlines should also consider passengers with allergies or a fear of pets. Finding a balance that satisfies everyone is tough, but careful planning can make traveling with pets easier for everyone involved.

Things to Think About When Traveling With Pets
First, think about how your pet will handle traveling. Some animals get anxious, so it might be kinder to leave them at home. If that’s not possible, consider ways to help your pet feel calm, like giving them CBD or herbal treatments, bringing a favorite toy, or choosing shorter flights to allow bathroom breaks.

Second, think about the cost. Traveling with pets can be expensive. You’ll need to budget for vet visits, vaccinations, anxiety medications, food, waste bags, and more. One traveler shared that he and his wife spent a lot to travel with their cats, only for the cats to feel unhappy during the trip.

Finally, plan ahead. Look for pet-friendly hotels, parks, and other places at your destination. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, meet the airline’s requirements, and plan for potty breaks. The trip is as new for your pet as it is for you, so make it enjoyable for them too.