Italy just made big news for pet lovers. ENAC, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, announced that pets no longer need to meet strict weight limits to fly in the cabin. If a pet doesn’t fit under the seat, owners can now buy a second seat and place the pet in an IATA-compliant crate beside them. Revolutionary, right?
But here in the U.S.? We’re still flying with more rules and fewer paw-ssibilities. Here’s how the major U.S. airlines handle pet travel.
United Airlines: The Corporate Pet Parent
• Pets allowed: Small dogs and cats
• Carrier requirements: Must fit under the seat
• Weight limits: No published limit, but size matters
• Fee: $125 each way
Note: United’s PetSafe program for larger pets is currently suspended. It’s carry-on or stay home for now.
American Airlines: The Pet Middle Ground
• Pets allowed: Dogs and cats, 8 weeks or older
• Carrier + Pet: Must weigh 20 lbs or less
• Under-seat carrier required
• Fee: $125 each way
Some aircraft offer climate-controlled cargo, but no option to buy a seat for a larger pet in cabin.
Delta Airlines: Slightly More Flexible
• Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, and household birds (birds on domestic flights only)
• Carrier requirements: Must fit under the seat
• No strict weight limit, but pet must be small enough to fit comfortably
• Fee: $95–$200 depending on destination
Delta allows slightly larger pets than others, but they still must fit under the sea
JetBlue: The Space-Conscious Option
• Pets allowed: Dogs and cats, 8 weeks or older
• Carrier requirements: 17” x 12.5” x 8.5” max dimensions
• Weight limit: 20 lbs combined pet + carrier
• Fee: $125 each way
• Limit: Six pets per flight, one per traveler
You can bring two pets if you buy a second seat, but both must still fit under the seat.
Alaska Airlines: The Well-Rounded Choice
• Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds (with limitations after April 2026)
• Carrier rules: One per seat, but two pets OK in one carrier if they fit
• Fee: $100 each way in the cabin
• Limit: One pet per person unless you buy an extra seat
Cargo options are also available for larger pets.
Southwest Airlines: Budget-Friendly and Pet-Friendly
• Pets allowed: Dogs and cats (vaccinated and 8+ weeks old)
• Carrier size: Up to 18.5” L x 13.5” W x 9.5” H
• Fee: $125 each way (or $35 on inter-island Hawaii flights)
• Limit: Typically six pets per flight
Pets fly only on domestic routes. Soft carriers are encouraged.
What Can the U.S. Learn From Italy?
While Italy is paving the way for a more pet-inclusive cabin policy, U.S. airlines are still cautious. Safety, logistics, and aircraft layouts make it hard to follow Italy’s lead—at least for now. But with growing demand for pet travel flexibility, change could be on the horizon.
Tips for Traveling with Pets in the U.S.
• Book early — cabin space for pets is limited
• Use soft carriers — they offer more flexibility
• Measure carefully — under-seat sizes vary by plane
• Avoid sedation — most airlines prohibit sedated animals
• Have paperwork ready — health certificates may be required
• Plan comfort — bring treats, water, and a toy