Traveling with a pet can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you're taking your furry friend on a vacation or moving to a new city, you want to make sure they are safe, comfortable, and treated well on the trip. However, flying with a pet can also be expensive, complicated, and risky, especially if you don't do your research and plan ahead. 

This article is your boarding pass to stress-free pet travel. We'll unveil everything you need to know about airline pet fees, from carrier requirements to cabin class comparisons. Get ready to ditch the surprise fees and plan your pet's flight with confidence, transforming your next trip into a smooth and unforgettable experience for you and your furry companion!

Important  notice

First of all, it's important to note that not all airlines allow pets to travel onboard, and those that do often have different rules and fees depending on the size, breed, and destination of your pet. Moreover, some airlines have restrictions or bans on certain breeds or temperatures, and some don't allow pets to travel in the cargo hold due to safety concerns. 

Therefore, it's crucial to check each airline's pet policy and fees before you book your ticket and make a reservation for your pet, if necessary.

Here is a summary of the pet policies and fees of major airlines in the US, as of June 2021:

1. Delta Airlines 

charge 95 each way as carry-on fee for dogs, cats, and household birds in cabin. However, this is the only item that can be taken on board, meaning you will likely spend an extra 35 checking in your luggage, taking the total cost to $130. Pets must be at least eight weeks old (16 weeks for travel into the U.S from another country) and must be able to fit in a soft-sided carrier.

2. Alaska Airlines 

charges $100 each way for dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds traveling in the cabin. The carrier's kennel must not exceed 17 inches by 11 inches by 7.5 inches. Alaska Airlines permits you to carry two pets of the same species and size per carrier. An additional carry-on item can be packed. The airline doesn't charge for carry-on bags, so your total bill will be only $100. If you need to check-in your luggage, the standard baggage fee is $30, bringing the total fee to $130.

3. Southwest Airlines 

charges 125 per direction for pets above eight weeks old to fly in-cabin on domestic flights; two dogs or cats can travel in a single carrier. The carrier's size should measure less than 18.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 8.5 inches. Flyer's pet carrier is included in the baggage allocation; however, Southwest Airlines doesn't charge for the first two checked bags or carry-on bags. Therefore, you will only spend 125.

4. Frontier Airlines

 allows domestic dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and household birds on board for 99 and only dogs and cats on international flights. The carrier's maximum size is 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. Personal items or carry-on bags can also be brought aboard for a fee ranging from 50 to 100, and fees for checking bags are similar, meaning the total cost will be at least 150.

5. JetBlue Airways 

allows pets on all domestic flights at 125 per direction, while the size of the carrier should be no larger than 17 inches by 12.5 inches by 8.5 inches. Acceptance to bring pets on international flights is limited, and only one pet is allowed per carrier. Pet carriers are bundled as personal items, so travelers can bring carry-on bags without extra charges unless utilizing Basic Blue, since that only allows personal items. A checked bag costs 35–40 for Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Extra fares, meaning you could pay 160 or more in total.

6. American Airlines 

charges 150 one-way to carry a dog or a cat in a kennel measuring 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches or 19 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches (hard-sided) as a carry-on fee. Pets are allowed on domestic flights, with additional restrictions on international travel. American recently changed its policy to allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag in addition to their pet carrier, taking the base price to only $150, while one checked bag costs between $35 and $40.

7. United Airlines

 charges 125 per cat or dog each way, allowing pets that are at least eight weeks old and fitting carriers measuring 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches (soft-sided) or 17.5 inches by 9 inches by 12 inches (hard-sided). An extra 125 will be charged if the layover is longer than four hours, and the carrier's size counts as on-board luggage. If you need to check a bag, you'll pay $35 additionally, unless you are traveling on premium economy or above.

Keep in mind that these fees may change or vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, the type of fare, the number of pets, and the level of service you choose for your pet. Moreover, some airlines may require additional documentation or procedures, such as health certificates, crate training, or check-in time, so make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays or cancellations.