Airline Pet Carrier Rules and Fees
Most major U.S. airlines classify pet carriers as either carry-on or checked baggage, with strict size and weight limits that vary by aircraft and cabin. The International Air Transport Association tracks member airline policies, and the U.S. Department of Transportation publishes monthly air travel consumer reports with pet incident data U.S. DOT. As of the latest available reports, airlines such as Delta, United, and American limit soft carriers to dimensions that typically fit under the seat in front of you, while hard-shell carriers often must be checked as cargo if they exceed cabin size limits.
Fees for pet travel range from $95 to $200 each way for cabin pets on many U.S. carriers, with additional charges for international routes or pets traveling as manifest cargo. Airlines including Alaska, Delta, and United publish their pet travel fees and carrier requirements on their official pages Delta Air Lines. Some carriers, such as Southwest, do not accept pets in the cabin except for service animals, while others like JetBlue and United allow small dogs and cats in the cabin under specific carrier size limits.
Types of Pet Flight Carriers
Soft-Sided Carriers
Soft-sided carriers are the most common choice for cabin travel because they flex to fit under airline seats and are typically made from durable nylon or polyester with mesh ventilation panels. Brands such as Sherpa, Sleepypod, and PetFusion design models that meet IATA and individual airline dimensions, with features like top-load zippers, shoulder straps, and removable absorbent pads.
Hard-Sided Carriers
Hard-sided carriers made from polycarbonate or ABS plastic are required or recommended for pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo because they provide greater protection and meet IATA crate standards for ventilation and secure latches. Manufacturers such as Gunner Kennels and Petmate produce hard crates that are crash-tested and labeled for air transport, and some models are approved for use in both cabin and cargo depending on the airline FAA.
Choosing the Right Carrier and Preparing for Travel
To select the correct carrier, measure your pet from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add height clearance for standing and turning, then match those dimensions to the specific airline's carrier size chart. IATA recommends that pets be able to stand without touching the top of the carrier, turn around, and lie down naturally, and airlines such as United and Delta publish exact carrier dimension tables on their pet travel pages Merlin Passenger.
Preparation steps include attaching a secure water bottle, labeling the carrier with the pet's name, owner contact info, and a current health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and acclimating your pet to the carrier at home for several days before travel. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides current health certificate requirements for interstate and international pet travel USDA APHIS.