Flying with pets has become increasingly common, but navigating the complex web of airline fees and policies can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide compares pet travel costs across 50 major airlines for 2025, helping you make informed decisions about traveling with your furry companion. From cabin fees to cargo rates, we break down every expense you might encounter.
Basic Pet Travel Fee Categories
Airlines typically divide pet travel fees into three main categories: in-cabin transport, checked pets (traveling in the hold), and cargo shipping. As of 2025, these costs vary significantly between carriers. For example, American Airlines charges $125 one-way for in-cabin pets, while United Airlines' fee is $125 within the U.S. and $250 for international flights. Delta Air Lines maintains a $95 cabin pet fee for domestic routes.
Major U.S. Carriers' Pet Travel Costs (2025)
- American Airlines: In-cabin $125, Checked pets $200 (domestic)
- United Airlines: In-cabin $125 (domestic)/$250 (international), PetSafe cargo program varies by weight/distance
- Delta Air Lines: In-cabin $95 (domestic)/$200 (international), No checked pets accepted
- Southwest Airlines: In-cabin only $95 each way
- JetBlue: In-cabin only $125 each way
- Alaska Airlines: In-cabin $100, Checked pets $100
International Carriers' Pet Policies
International airlines often have more varied pet policies and higher fees. Air France charges €200 for in-cabin pets within Europe and €400 for international flights. Lufthansa's fees range from €50 to €400 depending on route and pet size. Emirates only accepts pets as cargo through their Emirates SkyCargo service, with rates starting at $300 for small pets on short routes.
Hidden Costs and Additional Fees
- Pet health certificates ($75-200 from veterinarians)
- Airline-approved carriers ($40-100 for cabin, $100-400 for cargo)
- Pet insurance during travel ($50-150 per trip)
- Quarantine fees for international travel ($100-1000 depending on country)
- Temperature check fees ($75 on American Airlines)
- Layover pet relief area access fees ($25-50 at some airports)
Money-Saving Strategies
Several airlines offer pet fee discounts through their loyalty programs. United MileagePlus members can save 20% on PetSafe cargo shipping. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members receive priority booking for pet spots. Consider booking direct flights to avoid multiple pet fees on connecting flights - for example, a Boston to Los Angeles trip could cost $250 in pet fees with a connection, versus $125 for a direct flight.
Cargo vs. Cabin Cost Comparison
Cargo shipping costs significantly more than cabin transport. For example, shipping a 50-pound dog from New York to Los Angeles typically costs: United Airlines PetSafe: $850-1000, American Airlines: $750-900, Delta Cargo: $800-950. In-cabin transport for small pets on the same route averages $125-250, making it the more economical choice when possible.
Pet Travel Insurance Requirements
Many airlines now require or strongly recommend pet travel insurance. AXA offers specialized pet flight coverage starting at $75, while Allianz's pet travel policies range from $100-200. Some credit cards, like the United Explorer Card, include pet travel insurance as a benefit when booking flights with the card.
Seasonal Price Variations
Pet travel costs often increase during peak seasons. Summer months see surcharges of 20-30% on cargo shipping due to required temperature controls. Holiday periods may include "peak travel surcharges" of $50-100 additional per pet. Some airlines, like American and United, restrict pet travel entirely during extreme temperature months.
Budget Airlines and Pet Travel
Budget carriers typically have limited pet policies. Frontier Airlines charges $99 for in-cabin pets but doesn't accept checked pets. Spirit Airlines allows small pets in-cabin for $110 each way. Allegiant Air charges $100 per segment for in-cabin pets, making multi-stop flights potentially expensive.
