Traveling with Pets: Planes
- Kerrin McMurdie
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Traveling by air with your dog? It’s doable—and we’ve done it—but it definitely comes with a few more steps (and stress) than just tossing a bone in the backseat and hitting the road. Whether you're flying with your pup under the seat or sending your big baby through the baggage compartment, there’s a lot to consider.
Let’s break it down. And yes, this post is dog-focused, but many of the same rules apply to other pets. Got a feline, ferret, or feathered friend? Reach out—we’re happy to help.
When You Have to Fly with a Big Dog
Sometimes, driving just isn’t an option. We once had to fly cross-country with an 80+ pound lab and a newborn baby. (Go ahead and picture that chaos.) We flew Marley in the baggage compartment—something we don’t recommend lightly, but when you need to do it, you need to do it.
Oh, and book direct flights whenever you can. Trust us on this one. Delta accidentally sent our labrador retriever to Chicago instead of San Diego. He was missing for six hours. Six. Hours. Major shoutout to Delta, though—they put Marley in a car and delivered him to our hotel at 4 a.m. That’s customer service. They have the reputation as the best airline when your pup needs to fly cargo.
Pro tip: Always talk to your vet before booking a flight. They can advise on how to keep your pup calm and help with any required paperwork. Pet-friendly cargo holds are pressurized and climate-controlled, but it’s still a loud, bumpy, and disorienting ride for most dogs.
Small Dogs in the Cabin = Way Easier
If your pup fits comfortably in a carrier under the seat, travel just got a whole lot simpler—and way less stressful. You’ll still need the right gear, paperwork, and to follow all the airline rules, but at least you get to keep your fur baby in sight the entire time.
Pro Tip: Don’t sedate your dog unless your vet specifically says it’s okay. Altitude can mess with how sedatives work, and a knocked-out pup isn’t always safer or calmer. Trust your vet’s advice on this one—it’s worth its weight in gold.
Every Airline is Different—And Some Are Better
Each airline has its own pet policy—fees, carrier sizes, breed restrictions, vaccination rules, you name it. And let’s be real: some airlines make it a whole lot easier than others.
We highly recommend checking out BringFido's website or app for an up-to-date list of links to every major carrier's pet policy.
NerdWallet ranked the top pet-friendly airlines in 2025 and crowned Alaska Airlines as the winner. Frontier and JetBlue also earned a shoutout. Delta? Known to be great for big dogs in cargo.
A Closer Look: Alaska Airlines
Let’s talk Alaska Airlines. We can’t possibly cover every airline’s pet policy (trust us, they’re all different and ever-changing), but we can dive into the best of the best. Alaska consistently ranks as one of the most pet-friendly airlines out there, so I’m sharing their in-cabin pet travel rules to give you a solid idea of what to expect when flying with a small dog as carry-on. Just know—if you’re flying with another airline, chances are the rules will be a bit stricter.
Here’s the scoop straight from their website about bringing a small dog onboard:
You’ve got to be 18 or older to travel with a pet in the cabin.
No sitting in emergency exit rows or bulkhead rows when you have your pet.
Your pet counts as one of your carry-ons—you can bring a pet carrier plus a personal item, or a pet carrier plus a standard carry-on bag.
First Class allows up to three pet carriers per flight; Main Cabin allows eight total.
You can have up to two pet carriers in the main cabin—but only if you buy a second seat right next to you.
Only dogs and cats are allowed in the passenger cabin.
Rabbits and household birds are allowed until April 4, 2026—but only for tickets bought before June 5, 2025.
Dogs and cats need to be at least eight weeks old, fully weaned, and eating solid food (no nursing) for at least five days before flying.
Your pet has to stay in their carrier (head, tail, and all) with the door or flap closed at all times while boarding, in the lounge, and onboard.
The carrier must fit under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
You can travel with two pets of the same species and size in one carrier—if no body parts stick out and both are comfortable.
If your pet doesn’t fit under the seat or in a soft carrier, they’ll need to be in a hard-sided kennel and follow Alaska’s other pet rules.
Pets with strong odors or that make noise need to fly in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
Traveling to Hawaii or international destinations? Extra paperwork and requirements apply.
As for carriers, they must be:
Soft-sided and no bigger than 17" x 11" x 9.5" (length x width x height)
Clean, leak-proof, and have safe, absorbent bedding
Fully enclosed and escape-proof
Well ventilated
Free of tears, cracks, or breaks
Final Thought
Air travel with pets is absolutely doable—it just takes solid planning and a bit of patience. Every airline has different rules, not all planes are equipped with pressurized cargo holds for pets, and every dog responds differently to the stress, sounds, and smells of flying. It is a complicated process, but when done right (and early), it can be a smooth and positive experience for everyone—pup included.
Always call the airline before booking. Confirm the pet policy, available space, and exact requirements.
Talk to your vet before flying with your pet—first time or not.
Need help navigating the airline maze? That’s what we’re here for.
Visit us anytime at www.sproutandgoosetravel.com and let us help you and your pup take off the right way. ✈️🐾
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