Flying with a dog for free is generally limited to trained service dogs, which fly at no charge on most major U.S. airlines. Other pets, such as emotional support animals or pets traveling in the cabin, typically incur fees, ranging from $100–$150+ each way. To fly free, the dog must be a task-trained service animal and you must submit a DOT form, usually 48 hours in advance.

Do any airlines allow dogs to fly free?

Service dogs fly free on most airlines, exempt from the pet fees other animals must pay. No carrier required – properly trained service dogs can sit at their handler's feet or on their lap (if small enough)

How to get your dog to fly for free?

We only allow trained service dogs flying with their owners on our flights for free. Please note that if your dog does not behave appropriately in public places, we do not consider them a trained service dog. Some international destinations require your service dog to be trained by a recognized accredited organization.

What is the cheapest way to fly with a dog?

Alaska has among the lowest pet fees for the main cabin, charging $100 each way per kennel or carrier. Since up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, that's just $50 per pet if traveling with two.

How long can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

Generally, pets must remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. They're required to stay inside that carrier for the entire flight, and you're not allowed to take them out and hold them on your lap.

How To Fly With Your Dog In The Cabin In 2025 | Our experience bringing our Westie puppy on a plane

What size dog can you fly with?

In-Cabin Rules

It's unlikely a gate agent will weigh your dog and pet carrier at check-in, but assume that your pet and their carrier should weigh no more than 15-20 pounds. Your pet's travel carrier should be a maximum of 17-18” in length, and many airlines count this as your carry-on.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

What airline has the cheapest pet fee?

Top 3 Cheapest Airlines for Dogs and Cats in 2026

• Alaska Airlines – Around $100 each way, flexible with small carriers.
• Southwest Airlines – Charges $95 flat for domestic pets; no cargo option.
• JetBlue – $125 per in-cabin pet plus a Pet Points loyalty discount.

What is the new dog friendly airline?

BARK Air began with a simple mission: make flying with dogs feel less like a hassle and more like a treat. Today, we're more than just an airline. We're a hospitality service with one goal: make every journey joyful for dogs and the people who love them.

What disabilities qualify for a service dog?

Although the ADA does not name every qualifying impairment, some disabilities that meet the requirements for a service dog include:

• Arthritis.
• Asthma.
• Cancer.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Seizures.

How do I add my dog to my flight?

To add a dog to your flight, book with a pet-friendly airline, reserve a spot for your dog (as there's a limit), ensure they meet size/health rules (under ~20lbs for cabin), get a vet health certificate & vaccination proof, and check in at the airport counter early, as you'll need to present documents and pay a fee. Your dog must stay in an approved carrier that fits under the seat for the entire journey.
 

How stressful is flying for dogs?

About 44% of dog owners report their dog experienced a drastic increase in stress and abnormal behaviors while traveling by plane — with 15% of them reporting that their dog experienced separation anxiety during and after the flight.

Can I put my dog to sleep for a flight?

According to major organisations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and most airlines, sedating pets before flights is not recommended.

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

How long does 2 weeks feel to a dog?

Dogs do not conceptualize time like humans. They cannot say two weeks or plan future moments. Yet they experience the passage of time through: Light changes across the day.

What breeds are restricted from flying?

The following breeds are restricted from flying in cargo:

• American Pit Bull.
• American Staffordshire Terrier.
• Boston Terrier.
• Boxer.
• Brussels Griffon.
• Mastiff (All Breeds)
• Bulldog.
• Bull Terrier.

What airline allows the largest dog in-cabin?

JSX: A Semi-Private Jet Service Option. JSX offers a compelling solution for pet parents traveling with larger dogs. This semi-private jet service allows pets up to 65 pounds to fly in the cabin with you—a much more generous allowance than most commercial airlines.

Should I sedate my dog for the flight?

Sedating cats or dogs during air travel can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedatives should not be dispensed for transporting animals except in rare circumstances.

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