Millions of pets travel by air each year. With the right preparation, flying with a pet can be smooth and safe. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
First Decision
In-Cabin vs. Cargo — Which Is Right for Your Pet?
How your pet travels depends primarily on their size. Small pets can often travel in the cabin with you. Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo.
In-cabin pet travel (small pets only)
Most U.S. airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Weight limits vary by airline but typically the pet plus carrier combined must weigh under 15–20 lbs. The carrier counts as your personal item allowance. In-cabin travel is strongly preferred over cargo whenever possible — your pet stays with you, you can monitor them throughout the flight, and the cabin environment is temperature-controlled and pressurized comfortably for animals.
Checked baggage / cargo (larger pets)
Pets too large for the cabin travel in the temperature-controlled, pressurized cargo hold as checked baggage or as accompanied air cargo. While the cargo hold is designed to be safe for animals, it is a more stressful environment — louder, darker, and without human contact during the flight. Many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations recommend avoiding cargo travel for pets whenever possible and exploring alternatives such as driving, pet-friendly ground transport, or pet relocation services for long moves.
Many airlines prohibit brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog and cat breeds — including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and similar breeds — from traveling in cargo due to respiratory risks. Some airlines also restrict these breeds in the cabin. Always check your specific airline’s breed restrictions before booking. These restrictions exist for your pet’s safety.
Airline Policies
What to Know About Airline Pet Policies
Pet fees
Airlines charge a separate pet fee on top of your ticket price. In-cabin fees typically range from $95–$125 each way per pet on major U.S. carriers. Cargo fees vary significantly based on the pet’s size, weight, and the route. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid separately — they cannot be covered by points or miles. Budget this cost into your total trip expense.
Limited pet spots per flight
Airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight — typically 4–6 pets total. These spots fill up fast on popular routes. Book your pet’s spot as early as possible — ideally at the same time you book your ticket. Call the airline directly to add a pet to your reservation, as not all online booking systems support pet reservations. Confirm the pet reservation is noted in your booking record.
Carrier size requirements
Your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you — dimensions vary by airline and aircraft type. Most airlines require carriers no larger than approximately 18″ x 11″ x 11″ (soft-sided) or 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″ (hard-sided). Soft-sided carriers are generally easier to fit under seats. Measure your specific aircraft’s under-seat space if possible — it varies significantly between aircraft types. Popular approved carriers: Sherpa, Sleepypod, and Petmate.
Temperature restrictions for cargo travel
Most airlines will not accept pets as checked baggage when temperatures at any point in the routing fall below 45°F or exceed 85°F. This means cargo pet travel may be restricted or unavailable during extreme summer and winter months depending on your route. Plan around these restrictions or consider driving during extreme weather seasons.
Before You Fly
Preparation Checklist for Pet Travel
Visit your veterinarian before the trip
Schedule a vet visit 10–14 days before your flight. Most airlines require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel — confirm your airline’s specific requirement. Discuss whether your pet is healthy enough to fly, whether any anxiety medication is appropriate (more on this below), and ensure all vaccinations are current. Get documentation of all vaccinations in case it’s requested.
Obtain a health certificate
A health certificate (also called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or CVI) is required by most airlines and by many states and countries for pet travel. It must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within a specified window before travel — typically 10 days for domestic flights, with shorter windows for some international destinations. Keep the original with you and bring a copy. International pet travel often requires additional documentation — USDA endorsement, microchipping, and sometimes country-specific import permits.
Acclimate your pet to the carrier before the trip
Don’t wait until travel day to introduce your pet to their carrier. Put the carrier out weeks in advance with a familiar blanket or item of your clothing inside. Feed your pet near or inside the carrier. Let them nap in it voluntarily. A pet that associates the carrier with comfort and safety will be significantly calmer during the actual flight than one encountering the carrier for the first time at the airport.
Manage food and water before the flight
Feed your pet a light meal 4–6 hours before the flight — not right before departure. A full stomach combined with motion and anxiety increases the risk of an upset stomach or accidents in the carrier. Offer water up until about 2 hours before the flight. Bring a collapsible travel bowl and offer water during long layovers. Freeze a small amount of water in a bowl the night before — it won’t spill during loading and melts during the flight.
Exercise your pet before heading to the airport
Give your pet a good walk or play session before leaving for the airport. A tired pet is a calmer pet. Take them for a bathroom break as late as possible before entering the airport. Bring waste bags and a portable pad for the carrier in case of accidents during the flight.
At the Airport & On the Plane
Getting Through the Airport with Your Pet
TSA screening with a pet
At security, you must remove your pet from the carrier — the carrier goes through the X-ray machine while you carry your pet through the metal detector or body scanner. Hold your pet securely during this process as airports are loud and stressful environments where even calm pets may react unexpectedly. Do not use a leash through the scanner — hold your pet directly. You may request a private screening room if you need more space or if your pet is anxious.
Keep your pet calm on the plane
Once seated, place the carrier under the seat in front of you and keep it there for the entire flight per airline rules. Talk to your pet softly and let them smell your fingers through the carrier mesh. A familiar-smelling item (an unwashed t-shirt) in the carrier provides comfort. Keep the carrier zipped at all times — do not open it during the flight even if your pet seems distressed. Most pets settle within 20–30 minutes once the ambient noise stabilizes.
A note on sedation
Most veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advise against sedating pets for air travel. Sedation affects a pet’s ability to balance and maintain equilibrium, which can cause injuries during turbulence. Sedated pets in cargo are at higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at altitude. If your pet has severe travel anxiety, discuss anxiety-reducing options (such as Trazodone or Gabapentin) with your vet — these are different from sedatives and may be appropriate in some cases.
International Pet Travel
Flying Internationally with Your Pet
Research destination requirements well in advance
International pet travel involves significantly more paperwork than domestic travel. Requirements vary dramatically by country — some require microchipping, rabies titers tests (blood tests proving immunity), specific waiting periods, import permits, and USDA-endorsed health certificates. Some countries (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and others) have strict quarantine requirements that may last weeks. Research your specific destination’s requirements at least 3–6 months before travel — some requirements have long lead times that cannot be rushed.
USDA endorsement for international certificates
Most countries require a USDA-endorsed health certificate in addition to the standard veterinary health certificate. Your vet issues the certificate, then you submit it to your regional USDA APHIS office for endorsement — this process takes 1–3 business days. Some USDA offices offer expedited service. Plan this step carefully — an unendorsed certificate will likely result in your pet being denied entry at the destination.
For shorter distances or pets that don’t travel well by air, consider driving, Amtrak (which allows small pets on many routes), or pet transportation services. Some pets are genuinely poor candidates for air travel due to age, health, or temperament — your vet is the best person to make this assessment honestly.
Disclaimer
Airline pet policies, fees, breed restrictions, health certificate requirements, and international entry requirements change frequently. Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always verify current policies directly with your airline and consult a licensed veterinarian before traveling with your pet. For international travel requirements, check the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel.