Only trained service dogs fly for free in the cabin on U.S. airlines, as they are not considered pets, but working animals assisting individuals with disabilities. Passengers must typically submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form 48 hours in advance. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are generally not considered service animals and usually require pet fees.

What type of dogs fly for free?

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

Do any airlines allow dogs for 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) Size restrictions don't apply – airlines must accommodate service dogs regardless of breed or size.

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

How can I get a service dog for free?

You can get a service dog for free or low cost through non-profit organizations like Canine Companions and Freedom Service Dogs that provide them to eligible individuals with disabilities, often partnering with veterans or focusing on specific needs like mobility or PTSD, with some programs requiring fundraising or community participation to cover significant costs, while also exploring grants and crowdfunding for financial help. 

What is considered a disability to have a service dog?

What is a Disability Under the ADA? The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or. Has a history or record of an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or.

Does an emotional support dog fly for free?

No more free emotional support animals in the cabin means you should expect fees when bringing your pet. Delta charges $95 each way. Alaska Airlines charges $100 each way. Traveling with an emotional support animal on JetBlue or American Airlines will cost you $125 each way.

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).
 

How to prove your dog is a service dog?

You don't "prove" a service dog's status by showing paperwork, as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits requiring certification, registration, or ID; instead, a business can only ask two questions: if the dog is a service animal required for a disability and what task it's trained to perform, with proof coming from the dog's well-behaved conduct and your ability to answer those specific questions.

What conditions qualify for an ESA?

You qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) if a licensed mental health professional diagnoses you with a mental or emotional disability, like severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD, that significantly limits major life activities and the animal provides therapeutic benefit to alleviate symptoms. There's no specific list, but common qualifying conditions include mood disorders, phobias, learning disabilities, and trauma-related conditions. The key is a professional assessment confirming the ESA helps manage your condition. 

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.

What dog breeds cannot fly?

The following breeds are restricted from flying even in those situations:

• Affenpinscher.
• American Bully.
• American Pit Bull Terrier.
• American Staffordshire Terrier.
• Boston Terrier.
• Boxer.
• Bull Terrier.
• Brussels Griffin.

Can I buy a plane seat for my dog?

Yes, some airlines allow you to buy an extra seat for your dog's carrier, but most require small pets to stay in their carrier under the seat in front of you for the whole flight, while a few niche options like JSX Airlines permit larger dogs in purchased seats, leashed on the floor. It's crucial to check your airline's specific pet policy as rules vary, but generally, if you buy a seat, the carrier goes on that seat for takeoff/landing and then into the foot space, though some (like Alaska Airlines or JetBlue) allow the carrier on the seat during flight.

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

At what age is a dog not trainable?

This question is a common one, and the short answer is simple: a dog is never not trainable. While the popular saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" might make you think otherwise, the truth is that a dog's age has no bearing on its capacity to learn.

What is the 2 1 rule for dogs?

“The 2:1 crate rule says that for every two hours a dog spends inside their crate, they should spend one hour out of the crate,” explains Lane. “For puppies, especially those still potty training, this is generally a good rule of thumb.

Can an airline refuse an emotional support animal?

Under federal law, airlines must allow people with disabilities to bring their assistance animals on planes. But airlines are now allowed to restrict service animals to dogs and to treat emotional support animals like pets.

Does Southwest allow dogs in cabins?

We welcome small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. Domestic cats and dogs must be at least (8) weeks old to travel.

How much is it to fly a dog on Delta?

Delta's dog fees for in-cabin travel are generally $150 USD/CAD each way for domestic flights (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025, and $200 USD/CAD/EUR each way for most international routes, charged per direction, with specific rules for Brazil and exceptions for trained service animals. Fees apply for each flight segment, and you must book early as space is limited, with pets needing to fit in a carrier under the seat.
 

Can my dog be a service dog if I don't have a disability?

Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person's disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

What are the 14 disabilities?

The 14 disability categories refer to the classifications under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), used to identify students eligible for special education services, including Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visual Impairment, and Developmental Delay, each covering specific conditions like ADHD (Other Health Impairment) or dyslexia (Specific Learning Disability).
 

---