Flying with dogs
Can you fly with your dog in the cabin?
Only on certain routes with certain airlines, and only if your dog is small enough to fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front. In the US, most major airlines allow dogs in cabin on domestic flights, with breed and carrier restrictions. International routes are far more restricted. In Europe, policy varies sharply by airline.
US domestic flights
Most major US carriers including American, Delta, United and Southwest allow small dogs in the cabin on domestic routes for a fee, typically $95 to $125 each way. The dog must fit in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front, generally 18 by 11 by 11 inches or similar. Maximum pet weight in carrier is usually around 20 pounds. Snub-nosed breeds including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Bulldogs are often banned even in cabin because of breathing risks at altitude. Confirm the specific breed policy with your airline before booking.
US international flights
All major US carriers prohibit dogs in the cabin on international routes. Dogs travelling internationally fly in the cargo hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo. The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled, but conditions are more stressful than the cabin for most dogs. Some airlines have stopped taking dogs as cargo entirely. Check directly with your specific airline and route, as policies have changed frequently since 2020.
European airlines
Policy in Europe varies sharply by carrier. British Airways does not allow dogs in the cabin or as checked baggage on most routes. Ryanair and easyJet do not carry dogs at all. KLM, Transavia, Vueling and a number of other European carriers allow small dogs in the cabin on specific routes. IBERIA allows them on some European routes. For any European itinerary, check each carrier individually, because the rules are not standardised and change regularly.
What to check before you book
Before you buy a ticket, confirm four things with the airline directly: that dogs in cabin are permitted on your specific route, that your dog's breed is not on the restricted list, that your carrier dimensions are within the approved measurements, and that the cabin pet allocation for your flight has not already been filled. Most airlines limit the number of pets in cabin per flight. Book early and confirm the pet reservation separately from the passenger booking.