Flying with dogs in-cabin isn’t uncommon nowadays as many airlines now allow dogs to travel in-cabin with their owners.

So, if you’re planning on relocating, or are going on holiday, you don’t always need to leave your beloved pooch behind! Additionally, you don’t need to worry about your dog flying in the cargo area of the plane all alone, which would be stressful for many dogs (and owners!).

The following airlines allow flying with dogs in-cabin:

1. Aegean Airlines
2. Air Canada
3. Air Europa
4. Air France
5. Alaska Air
6. American Airlines
7. Delta
8. French Bee
9. JetBlue
10. Lufthansa
11. Southwest
12. TAP Air Portugal
13. Turkish Airlines
14. United Airlines
15. Vueling

Different airlines have different prices* and policies, which we will list for you in this article.

* Please note many airlines have additional carry-on pet charges that you must pay upon check-in at the airport.

Aegean Airlines

• Maximum weight: 8 kg (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Cost: 30 EUR domestic and 60 EUR international (prices differ depending on time of year)
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• In case you are travelling with an infant, you are not allowed to travel with a dog in cabin as well.
• Each passenger is allowed to travel with only one (1) dog in cabin, carried within a special box/container.
• Dogs must have a valid anti-rabies vaccination and microchip.

Dog Age / Breed Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old.
• The following breeds are not permitted:
  • American Bully ▪ Cavalier king Charles Spaniel ▪ Pinscher ▪ Boston Terrier ▪ Affenpinscher ▪ Boxer (All breeds) ▪ Brussels Griffon ▪ Bulldog (All breeds) ▪ Cane Corso ▪ Chow Chow ▪ Dogue De Bordeaux ▪ English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel) ▪ Japanese Spaniel (Chin) ▪ Lhasa Apso ▪ Mastiff (All breeds) ▪ Pekingese ▪ Pit Bull ▪ Presa Canario ▪ Pug (All breeds) ▪ Staffordshire Bull Terrier ▪ Shar Pei ▪ Shih Tzu ▪ Tibetan Spaniel

Carrier Restrictions:

• Dogs must remain in their travel carriers at all times, with the door securely closed. 
• At no point are dogs allowed to sit on a seat itself. 
• If you do not have your own travel carrier, Aegean Airlines will give you a disposable one, available in domestic airports.
• The travel container must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated.
• The carrier must be free of tears, cracks or breaks.
• Up to 2 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• You may not occupy an exit or bulkhead row.
• You may not sit in the first row or the emergency exit row and the adjacent ones.
• Dogs are not permitted in the cabin on flights to the UK. 

Visit Aegean’s website for more information.

Air Canada

• Maximum weight: 22 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)
• Cost: $50-59 CAD within Canada & USA and $100-118 CAD international
• International allowed: Yes

Additional information:

• Your dog in its carrier will count as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
• Only one dog or small dog per passenger.
• Your dog cannot travel with you if you:
  • • Are an unaccompanied minor
    • Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
    • Require use of a medical device that will be stowed under the seat
    • Are travelling in Premium Economy

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and must be fully weaned.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Dogs must remain in their travel carriers at all times, with the door securely closed. 
• At no point are dogs allowed to sit on a seat itself. 
• Your dog’s travel carrier must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• The carrier must be free of tears, cracks or breaks.
• Up to 2 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• You may not occupy an exit or bulkhead row.
• On flights operated by their Aribus fleet, pets may not travel in the First Class cabin. 
• On Boeing 789 and 788 aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H20 x W40 x L43 cm
• On Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H21 x W38 x L43 cm

For more info, visit Air Canada’s website.

Air Europa

• Maximum weight: 8kg (10kg including carrier) or 6kg on flights operated by ATR
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
• Cost: 27-55 USD within Europe and 165 USD long-haul
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• Prices subjects to possible surcharges for taxes in certain countries.
• You must arrive at the airport early enough to complete the necessary paperwork.

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 3 months old to travel on medium and long haul flights.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Dogs must remain in their travel carriers at all times, with the door securely closed. 
• Your dog’s travel carrier must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and well ventilated.
• The carrier must be free of tears, cracks or breaks.
• Up to 3 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided they do not exceed the permitted dimension/weight restrictions.

Read more  How to Treat Dry Skin on Dogs

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Passengers are not permitted to bring pets in the Business cabin.
• Pets in the cabin may not fly in an emergency or XL seat.

Visit Air Europa’s website for more information.

Alaska Air

• Maximum weight: 9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft) / 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard)
• Cost: 100 USD each way
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• Passengers must be at least 18 years old to travel with a dog in the cabin.
• Your dog will count as your carry on item, so you aren’t permitted to carry any other item.
• A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 dog carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
• Dogs with offensive odours or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and must be fully weaned.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Dogs must remain in their travel carriers at all times, with the door securely closed. 
• At no point are dogs allowed to sit on a seat itself. 
• Your dog’s travel carrier must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• The carrier must be free of tears, cracks or breaks.
• Up to 2 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• You may not occupy an emergency exit row, or any seat with an airbag safety belt.
• On flights operated by their Aribus fleet, pets may not travel in the First Class cabin. 

Visit Alaska Air’s website for more information.

American Airlines

• Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (call the airline for specific restrictions)
• Cost: 125 USD each way
• International: Yes, but no in-cabin dogs on transatlantic flights or flights longer than 12 hours

Additional information:

• You won’t be permitted to bring on any additional items, as your dog and it’s carrier count as your one carry-on bag. 
• American Airlines will only accept 7 kennels on American flights, and 5 kennels on American Eagle flights.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Your dog’s travel carrier must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• Your dog must remain inside the travel carrier throughout your whole journey.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Due to the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on dogs are not permitted in First or Business on the following Boeing planes:
  • 777-200
  • 777-300
  • 787-8
  • 787-9

For more info on additional restrictions, visit AA’s website.

Air France

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 24 cm (soft carriers recommended)
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 30-125 EUR international
• International?: Yes, but note that this airline does not accept dogs in the business cabin on intercontinental flights. The dog must travel in the hold.

Additional information:

• Each passenger may travel with only 1 animal.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Under no circumstances may your animal leave its travel bag during the flight.
• Only 1 animal is permitted per container.
• The container must fit under the seat in front of you.
• The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.

• The following age restrictions apply:
  • Generally your dog must be at least 10 weeks old and have all required vaccines.
  • On flights within metropolitan France and between metropolitan France and Guadeloupe, Martinique and Reunion Island, the minimum age is 8 weeks.
  • On flights between metropolitan France and French Guiana, your dog must be at least 15 weeks old. 

Destination Restrictions:

• Passengers are not permitted to travel with dogs on intercontinental flights, if they are flying in the Business cabin.

For more info, visit Air France’s website.

Delta

• Maximum weight: No limit, but dog must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (check the under-seat dimensions on your aircraft here)
• Cost: 125 USD within North America, 200 USD international and 75 USD to Brazil
• International: Yes

Carrier Restrictions:

• The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• Your dog must remain inside the kennel while in a Delta boarding area, a Delta airport lounge and while onboard the aircraft.
• One adult is permitted per kennel, with the exception of a female dog traveling with her unweaned litter (as long as the litter is between 10 weeks and 6 months of age).
• Two puppies between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months, of the same breed are permitted in the same carrier.

• The following age restrictions apply:
  • Dogs must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel.
  • Dogs must be at least 16 weeks old for travel to/from the U.S.
  • Dogs must be at least 15 weeks old for travel to/from the EU.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Dogs are not permitted as carry-on on the following:
  • Bulkhead, emergency exit row
  • Seats designated as “no stowage”
  • Flat-bed seats
  • Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
  • Rows 30-43 on the A330 -300 aircraft
  • Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft

Destination Restrictions:

• For any travel to or from the following destinations, dogs are not permitted in the cabin:
  • Australia
  • Barbados
  • Dubai
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Jamaica  
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • United Arab Emirates

For more info on additional restrictions, visit Delta’s website.

French Bee

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size:43x35x20cm
• Cost: 50€ each way

Read more  Ultimate Guidelines to Flying with a Large Dog

Additional information:

• Only one dog is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions.

Dog Breed Restrictions:

• Sub-nosed animals are not permitted on their flights
  • Breeds include: pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekinese and shih tsus
• Category 1 (attack dogs) and Category 2 dogs (guard and defence dogs) are not permitted to be taken by any one under the age of 18, or by adults subject to guardianship. 
  • For more information on category 1 and 2 dogs check the French Bee website here. 

Carrier Restrictions:

• Your dog must remain underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be well ventilated.
• Only soft sided carriers are accepted.
• Only one pet per carrier is permitted.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Dogs are not permitted as carry-on on the following:
  • Bulkhead seat
  • Emergency exit row
  • Mint seat
  • Any seat that is restricted for under-seat storage
  • Maxi Leg Seat
• The airlines recommends that you sit in a window or an aisle seat.
• Only 4 pets are permitted per flight.

For more info, head to French Bee’s website.

JetBlue

• Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H
• Cost: 125 USD each way
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• Only one dog is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Your dog must remain underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
• You may hold your dog in your lap during the flight.
• You may purchase a ticket for the seat next to you, on which you can place your dog’s carrier.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be well ventilated.
• Both soft sided and hard sided carriers are accepted.
• Only one pet per carrier is permitted.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Dogs are not permitted as carry-on on the following:
  • Bulkhead seat
  • Emergency exit row
  • Mint seat
  • Any seat that is restricted for under-seat storage
• The airlines recommends that you sit in a window or an aisle seat.
• Only 4 pets are permitted per flight.

Destination Restrictions:

• For any travel to or from the following destinations, dogs are not permitted in the cabin:
  • London
  • Jamaica
  • Barbados
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • St. Lucia
  • Cayman Islands

For more info, head to JetBlue’s website.

Lufthansa

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Cost: 50 EUR domestic, 60 EUR international within Europe and 80-110 EUR international outside Europe
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• Each passenger is allowed to take a maximum of two animals with them.
• You must complete this form before boarding your flight.
• Dogs must be trained to be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in public. If your pet interrupts the flight, staff or other passengers, they may be sent to the cargo hold at extra cost. 

Carrier Restrictions:

• Only soft sided carriers are accepted.
• Your dog must remain underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.
• Only one pet per carrier is permitted. Unless:
  • You have two puppies of similar size and age, who are at least 12 weeks old. 
  • You have a mother dog who has a puppy who is dependent on her (0-6 weeks old).
  • 8kg restriction still applies.

Dog Age Restrictions:

• All dogs must be at least 12 weeks old, or 16 weeks old for journeys to/from the USA.

Visit Lufthansa’s website for more information.

Southwest

• Maximum weight: No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 34 x 21 cm
• Cost: 95 USD each way
• International: No (with the exception of trained assistance and emotional support animals, though no animals allowed to/from Jamaica)

Additional information:

• The dog carrier will count either as your carryon bag or personal item.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Passengers are permitted to bring 1 pet carrier only. Each pet carrier can contain no more than 2 of the same species of small dog.
• Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted. 
• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Passengers traveling with pets may not occupy the following spaces:
  • Exit seats
  • Seats with no under-seat stowage in front of them

For more info, visit Southwest’s website.

TAP Air Portugal

• Maximum weight: 8kg / 17Ib including pets and carrier.
• Maximum carrier size:40x33x17cm
• Cost: cost varies – check here
• International: yes 

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Passengers traveling with pets in the cabin may select seats that are not located in rows with emergency exit doors or infant stroller apparatus.
• Dogs are not permitted to be carried in Executive Class on long haul flights. 

Carrier Restrictions:

• More than one dog is permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.
• Only soft-sided carriers are permitted. 
• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.

Destination Restrictions:

• You are not able to fly into the UK. 

Dog Restrictions:

Visit TAP Air’s website for more info.

Turkish Airlines

• Maximum weight: 8kg, including pets and carrier.
• Maximum carrier size: 23 cm (height) x 30 cm (width) x 40 cm (length).
• Cost: check here
• International: depends on flight 

Additional information:

• Dogs are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional dog. The dog must remain on the floor underneath the additional seat. 

Read more  A Guide To Zinc Deficiency In Dogs

Carrier Restrictions:

• Two small dogs are permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.
• Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted. 
• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.

Dog Age Restrictions:

Breed Restrictions:

• Turkish Airlines do not permit transport the dangerous dog breeds such as American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Passengers traveling with pets in the cabin may select seats that are not located in rows with emergency exit doors or infant stroller apparatus.

Visit Turkish Airlines’ website for more info.

United Airlines

• Maximum weight: No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 28 cm (soft-sided) / 44 x 30 x 19 cm (hard-sided)
• Cost: 125 USD (+ 125 USD service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside the U.S)
• International: depends on flight (contact the United customer-contact center for info on specific flights)

Additional information:

• Dogs are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional dog. The dog must remain on the floor underneath the additional seat. 

Carrier Restrictions:

• Only one dog is permitted per carrier.
• Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted. 
• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 4 months / 16 weeks old.

Breed Restrictions:

• Pit Bull breed dogs aren’t allowed in cabin.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• Passengers traveling with pets may not occupy the following spaces:
  • Bulkhead seats
  • Emergency exit seats
  • United Premium Plus seat (the footrest limits storage space)
• Pets are not permitted in cabin on the following aircrafts:
  • Boeing 757-200
  • Boeing 767
  • Boeing 777
  • Boeing 778

Destination Restrictions:

• United doesn’t allow dogs to fly in-cabin on flights to and from:
  • Australia
  • Cuba
  • Guam
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Hawaii
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Marshall Islands
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Tahiti
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • UK

Visit United’s website for more info.

Vueling

• Maximum weight: 10 kg (including carrier) or 8kg on flights operated by Iberia
• Maximum carrier size: 45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 50 EUR international
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• Each passenger can only travel with 1 dog.
• Only 3 pets are permitted per flight, or 2 on flights operated by Iberia.

Carrier Restrictions:

• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• You must not take your dog out of the pet carrier until you have disembarked.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 3 months old.

Destination Restrictions:

• Vueling doesn’t allow dogs to fly in-cabin on flights to and from:
  • UK
  • Ireland

Visit Vueling’s website for more information.

Travel Tips for Taking Dogs In-Cabin

1. Train your dog to stay calm.

Your dog will need to stay calm on the flight otherwise they risk being sent into the cargo area of the plane. Being obedient to orders is a requirement when taking emotional support animals on international flights. 

2. Exhaust your dog before the flight.

Try to exhaust your dog a little by increasing the level of activity before your trip. A sleepy animal will be less prone to getting stressed out on the flight, and will likely be better behaved on the flight. 

3. Limit access to food and water before the flight.

Limit your dog’s access to food. Therefore, it’ll be less likely that they will need to ‘defecate or urinate’ on the flight.

Additionally, some animals may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. If you are flying in the morning, then feed them the night before.

Air Canada suggest feeding your dog four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel. 

4. Get your dog used to it’s travel carrier.

5. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.

Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.

Documents required to Fly with Dogs In-Cabin

The documents required to fly with a dog in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. Generally you will require the following:

They are normally valid for 10 days. 

Conclusion

Flying with your dog in the cabin is possible when flying with the airlines listed above.

Please note that airlines usually have different rules for different aircrafts, routes and destination countries. Furthermore, most airlines have a limit on the number of pets they allow per aircraft, so make sure you check availability before booking.

Always double check individual airline policies before booking, as these can change.

Hope you have found this helpful.

Happy travels!