- Delta Air Lines Pet Policy
- American Airlines Pet Policy
- JetBlue Airways Pet Policy
- General Tips for Flying with Pets In-Cabin
- Final Thoughts
In-Cabin Pet Travel: Delta, American Airlines & JetBlue Complete Guide
Flying with your pet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding each airline’s specific requirements ensures a smooth journey for both you and your furry companion. This comprehensive guide breaks down the in-cabin pet policies for three major U.S. airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
Delta Air Lines Pet Policy
Eligible Pets & Basic Requirements
Delta permits small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on domestic U.S. flights, though household birds are only allowed on domestic flights within the contiguous U.S.
Age Requirements:
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel
- Dogs entering the U.S. from another country must be 6 months old, and cats must be at least 16 weeks old
- Pets must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union
Multiple Pets Per Carrier:
- One pet is permitted per kennel, with exceptions
- A female cat or dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 8 weeks and 6 months of age, with no limit on the number of animals in the litter as long as they fit safely
- Two pets of the same breed and size between 8 weeks and 6 months may travel in one kennel if they’re small enough and compatible
Carrier Requirements
Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions vary by flight and must be determined by contacting Delta Reservations. Common dimensions mentioned are approximately 18″ x 11″ x 11″.
Your kennel must:
- Allow your pet to be small enough to fit comfortably with the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides
- Fit completely under the seat in front of you
- Be leak-proof and secure
- Provide adequate ventilation
Fees
Fees for in-cabin pets are $150 for flights to/from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, and $200 for flights outside the U.S. and flights to Brazil. Fees are collected at check-in, not during online booking.
Booking Process
Pets aren’t automatically confirmed when you purchase a ticket; you must call Delta Reservations or the dedicated pet travel line to secure a spot. Delta has a first-come, first-serve policy for pets in the cabin, with a limit on the total number allowed on each flight.
Pet Limits Per Flight:
- Delta limits the number of pets per flight to two in first class, two in business class, and four in the main cabin
Seat Restrictions
Passengers with pets aren’t permitted to sit in bulkhead seats, emergency exit rows, seats designated as “no stowage,” flat-bed or Delta One seats, or specific rows on certain aircraft. Pets are not allowed in International Business Class, International Delta One, or Delta Premium Select on any flights.
International & Destination Restrictions
Delta does not accept pets in-cabin to or from numerous international destinations, including:
Australia, Barbados, Brazil (originating flights), Colombia (originating flights), Dakar, Dominican Republic (effective January 24, 2025), Dubai, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates
Important International Rules:
- When traveling to or from the United Kingdom, Delta will not accept any live animals as checked or carry-on baggage
- For travel outside the contiguous U.S. except Canada, live animals are generally prohibited
Check-In & Airport Process
- After checking in and receiving your cabin pet tag, you must remove your pet from the kennel at the security checkpoint
- After security, your pet must remain in their kennel while at the airport unless in a designated relief area
- If you visit a Delta Sky Club with your pet, they must stay in the kennel at all times
Health Documentation
For domestic flights, basic health requirements apply. For international travel, you’ll need vaccination records, health certificates, and potentially additional documentation based on your destination country’s requirements.
American Airlines Pet Policy
Eligible Pets & Basic Requirements
American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if they are at least 8 weeks old and the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 lbs.
Important Weight Limit: The 20-pound combined weight limit for pet and carrier is strictly enforced and is more restrictive than Delta or JetBlue.
Carrier Requirements
Size Specifications:
- Soft-sided carriers must not exceed 18″ x 11″ x 11″ and hard-sided carriers must not exceed 19″ x 13″ x 9″
- Animals must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in their carrier
- Soft-sided carriers should be water-repellent, made of padded nylon, and have ventilation on 2 or more sides
Fees
The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $150 for travel within and between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Payment is accepted at the airport or travel center with credit card or voucher.
Important Policy Update: American Airlines now allows passengers to bring a pet in the cabin and also bring either a regular carry-on bag or a personal item, though not both bags. Previously, the pet carrier counted as the passenger’s only carry-on item.
Booking Process
Reservations for your pet can be made online, through the American Airlines app, or by contacting customer service. Book early, as there are limits on the number of pets per flight.
Temperature Restrictions
American Airlines has strict temperature-based restrictions to protect pet safety:
Pets cannot travel if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85°F at any location on the itinerary, and pets cannot travel if the ground temperature is below 45°F at any location on the itinerary.
Extreme Cold: If the temperature is below 20°F, pets cannot be checked even with a letter from a veterinarian. Acclimation certificates from vets may waive some restrictions for cold weather.
International & Destination Restrictions
American Airlines has extensive destination restrictions for in-cabin pet travel:
American Airlines does not accept pets in the cabin to/from Hawaii, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, or on transatlantic flights. Apart from service animals, you can’t travel with a checked pet to the U.K. or Ireland.
Pets cannot travel on trans-Pacific trips in the cabin, though you can travel with a checked pet from Japan to LAX or DFW (for military personnel only).
Flight Duration Limits: Flights with carry-on pets must be 12 hours or less, and pets are permitted on most flights within the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and select Caribbean destinations.
Breed Restrictions
American Airlines restricts certain brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from traveling as checked baggage due to health risks, though these breeds can travel in-cabin if they meet size requirements. Restricted breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Persian/Himalayan cats, among others.
Health Documentation
No health certificate is required for pets traveling in the cabin on flights within the United States. However, international destinations require various documentation including vaccination records and health certificates.
Check-In Process
Visit the ticket counter or special services desk for pet check-in. The agent will inspect your carrier and collect the pet fee. At security, you’ll need to remove your pet from the carrier.
Service Animals
Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet requirements. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized and must travel as pets with all associated fees.
JetBlue Airways Pet Policy
Eligible Pets & Basic Requirements
JetBlue accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin on both domestic and international flights if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 lbs.
Age Requirements:
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks of age for domestic routes
- For international routes, pets must be old enough to conform to the import requirements of the destination country
Carrier Requirements
Size Specifications:
- Carriers must not exceed 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H
- Pets must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier with ease
- Carriers must have a leak-proof bottom and be well ventilated on at least 2 sides
- Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are acceptable
JetBlue offers convenient carrier options that can be purchased online or at the ticket counter for approximately $55.
Fees
The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $125 each way, which is slightly lower than Delta and American Airlines. The fee is non-refundable.
Booking Process
Pets can be booked online, through the mobile app, or over the phone. When booking your flight, the pet fee can be added in the “Extras” section. Once booked, call JetBlue customer service to confirm your pet by providing the pet’s name, breed, and weight.
Pet Limits: A total of six pets are allowed on each flight, so early booking is essential.
Multiple Pets Per Passenger
A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed, each in their own carrier. To bring a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid.
Cabin Restrictions
Pets are not accepted in the Mint cabin of JetBlue airplanes (JetBlue’s premium cabin offering). Pets are also restricted from emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats.
During the Flight
During taxi, takeoff, and landing, your pet must remain inside the carrier under the seat in front of you. During the rest of the flight, you may hold the carrier on your lap. If you purchased an additional seat for your pet, you may place the carrier on that seat while in the air.
International & Destination Restrictions
Pets are not permitted on flights to Trinidad & Tobago or to/from U.K./Europe. JetBlue accepts pets on all domestic flights.
CDC Requirements: In accordance with CDC guidelines on dog importation from certain countries, JetBlue will not accept dogs or cats on flights to or from specific high-risk countries. Dogs entering from certain cities must enter the U.S. through JFK only, as it’s a CDC-classified Point of Entry for vaccinated pets.
International Documentation:
- For travel within the U.S., vaccination requirements vary from state to state
- Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccination documentation for pets
- Customers traveling to Barbados, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, or St. Lucia should begin the import process at least 30 days before travel
Check-In & Airport Process
Once checked in, stop by a full-service JetBlue counter to obtain your special JetPaws® bag tag, which will be attached to your pet’s carrier. At security, you’ll need to take your pet out of the carrier. Pets are allowed in the TSA Pre-Check line with approved travelers.
Pet Strollers
If traveling with a pet stroller, it can be checked for no charge at the ticket counter or gate-checked if desired.
Health Documentation
You must provide a valid health certificate for your pet, issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of travel. For international flights with dogs over 12 weeks old, a valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.
Cargo Option
JetBlue does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo. In-cabin travel is the only option for pets on JetBlue.
General Tips for Flying with Pets In-Cabin
Before Booking:
- Call the airline directly to confirm pet space availability and specific carrier dimensions for your aircraft
- Book as early as possible, as pet spots are limited and fill quickly
- Verify your destination allows in-cabin pets and research local entry requirements
- Check temperature forecasts for all locations on your itinerary
Carrier Preparation:
- Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks before travel
- Line the carrier with absorbent pads in case of accidents
- Ensure proper ventilation and that your pet can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
- Label the carrier with your contact information and destination details
Day of Travel:
- Exercise your pet before heading to the airport
- Limit food 3-4 hours before departure to reduce bathroom needs
- Arrive early to allow time for check-in and security procedures
- Bring vaccination records and health certificates in both physical and digital formats
During the Flight:
- Keep your pet in the carrier at all times unless instructed otherwise by crew
- Stay calm to help your pet remain relaxed
- Avoid opening the carrier door unless absolutely necessary
- Have treats ready for after landing as a reward
International Travel Additional Considerations:
- Start planning months in advance for international trips
- Research quarantine requirements for your destination
- Ensure microchips are ISO-compliant for international travel
- Understand re-entry requirements for returning to the U.S.
- Factor in time zone changes when planning feeding schedules
Final Thoughts
Each airline has unique policies designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during air travel. Delta offers the broadest acceptance of pet types (including birds on domestic flights), American Airlines has the most restrictive weight limit at 20 pounds combined, and JetBlue provides the most affordable option at $125 per segment.
Regardless of which airline you choose, early booking is essential due to limited pet spots on each flight. Always call the airline directly to confirm your specific aircraft’s carrier dimensions and pet policies, as these can vary significantly between different planes and routes.
With proper planning and preparation, flying with your pet can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Your furry companion becomes part of your travel adventure rather than a barrier to exploration.
