Dogs that can fly as a carry-on are typically small, weighing roughly 20 pounds (9 kg) or less (including their carrier), and must fit comfortably inside a soft-sided kennel placed under the seat in front of you. Common restrictions include carrier dimensions around 18" x 11" x 11" and the requirement that the pet must stand up and turn around.

What size dog fits in an airline-approved carrier?

Airline dog carrier sizes vary by airline but generally need to fit under the seat in front of you, with common maximums around 18"L x 11"W x 11"H (soft-sided) for major carriers like American and United, though Southwest offers slightly larger options (e.g., 18.5"L x 13.5"W x 9.5"H), and smaller planes might have tighter restrictions, especially on height. Always check your specific airline's policy, as soft-sided carriers are usually recommended and must allow your pet to stand and turn comfortably.

Can small dogs sit on your lap on a plane?

Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight.

What size dog is considered a carry-on?

Carry-on pet limits by aircraft type and cabin

2 dedicated animal-friendly compartments at the front of the plane. No under seat stowage in First. Only smaller, soft-sided carriers will fit in Business. The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms).

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

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).
 

Is there an airline that allows dogs to sit in a seat?

Most major airlines restrict in-cabin pets to under 20 lbs (including carrier), but select airlines like JSX, La Compagnie, Elite Airways, and WestJet offer accommodations for larger dogs, usually requiring the purchase of an additional seat. For more info, review our guide to flying with large dogs.

What makes a dog carrier TSA approved?

A TSA-approved pet carrier meets the Transportation Security Administration's guidelines for traveling with pets in the cabin of an aircraft. These carriers typically have specific size restrictions, secure closures and adequate ventilation.

How much is Delta in-cabin pet fee?

In-Cabin Pet Fees

$95 USD/CAD for tickets issued before April 8, 2025. $150 USD/CAD* for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025. $75 USD for tickets issued before April 8, 2025.

How strict are airlines with dog size?

A 30-pound dog is likely too large to fit under an airplane seat. While many airlines won't weigh your pet at check-in, carrier size limits generally cover pets of about 15-20 pounds. Your pet should be able to fit comfortably in an appropriately sized carrier to get the OK from most airlines.

What are the TSA rules for dogs?

You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection. Contact the airline to determine your airline's policy on traveling with pets before arriving at the airport.

Is it stressful for dogs to fly?

Most of the time, dogs travel quite well, without needing medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well.

How to protect dogs' ears while flying?

Dogs have very sensitive hearing and, just like us humans, need noise protection while in flight. Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick.

How do dogs cope with flying?

As for some people, flying can be stressful for dogs. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do when flying with a dog that has travel anxiety. For example, crate training, calming pheromone collars, and pheromone spray applied to bedding in the crate can help them feel more at ease.

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 10 10 10 rule for dogs?

The "10 10 10 Rule" for dogs primarily refers to a puppy potty training method: 10 minutes outside in the designated spot, allowing 10 feet of space to sniff and circle, and staying for 10 minutes of supervision to reward them if they go, otherwise bringing them back inside to a crate for 10-20 minutes before trying again. It can also relate to nutrition (treats < 10% of calories) or general training discipline, but the potty training version is the most common interpretation.

What paperwork do I need to fly my pet?

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

Which airline has the cheapest pet fee?

Cat or dog. Airlines typically charge from $95 to $125 each way per pet, with the average being $118. Across the major airlines, you'll find the lowest pet fees at Delta ($95 each way), Frontier ($99 each way) and Alaska ($100 each way).

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