How much does it cost to fly with a pet?
Most US airlines charge a flat fee each way for a small dog or cat in a carrier under the seat. Here's what each one charges, and what else to budget for.
Last updated: October 2026 · US prices · 12 sources · see sources
Prices at a glance
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest, in cabin | $125 each way | [1] |
| Frontier, in cabin | $149 each way | [2] |
| Delta, American or United, in cabin | $150 each way | [3] [4] [5] |
| Alaska or Hawaiian | $100–$200 each way | [6] |
| Delta, international | $200 each way | [3] |
| Round trip, typical in-cabin fees | $250–$300 (two one-way fees) | [1] [3] |
| Health certificate from a vet (U.S. only, two California clinics) | $100–$170 | [7] [8] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each measures something a little different (store prices, surveys or budgets). Prices vary by area, so check locally before you commit.
Pet fees by airline
Fees are charged each way, so a round trip costs double. Space is limited on most flights, so reserve your pet's spot when you book.
| Airline | In-cabin pet fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | $150 each way (US, Canada, Puerto Rico, USVI); $200 international [3] | Fee applies to tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 ($95 before that). Brazil is $200. Pets aren't allowed in the cabin to or from some destinations, such as Australia. |
| American Airlines | $150 per kennel, carry-on [4] | Checked pets ($200) are only for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department travelers on orders. Cargo fees vary. Service animals fly free. |
| United | $150 each way [5] | In-cabin only, and only cats and dogs. Pets can't fly in the cabin to or from Hawaii. |
| Southwest | $125 per carrier (US mainland); $35 between Hawaiian islands [1] [9] | Up to two pets of the same species can share a carrier. No cargo or checked pets. The pet fee is refunded if you cancel. Southwest sells a pet carrier for $58. |
| Alaska and Hawaiian | $100–$200 each way, per kennel [6] | The price depends on the type of travel (cabin or baggage compartment) and route. Trained service animals fly free. |
| Frontier | $149 per pet, each way [2] | Non-refundable. Frontier doesn't accept checked pets. |
| JetBlue | Not listed on its pet page [10] | Small cats and dogs in the cabin only, carrier up to 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches. JetBlue sells a carrier for $55. Check the fee when you book. |
Other costs to plan for
- Health certificate Many airlines and states ask for a health certificate, and pets crossing state lines usually need one even by car [11]. One California clinic charges $100 for a U.S.-only certificate, and another charges $170 [7] [8]. See health certificate costs.
- Carrier It has to fit under the seat. Southwest sells one for $58 and JetBlue for $55 [1] [10].
- Flying internationally USDA endorsement of an international health certificate starts at $101 [12].
Common questions
How much does it cost to fly a dog?
For a small dog in the cabin, about $125–$150 each way on most major US airlines: $125 on Southwest, $149 on Frontier and $150 on Delta, American and United.
How much does it cost to fly a cat?
The same as a small dog: $100–$200 each way, depending on the airline.
Is the pet fee each way?
Yes. Airlines charge the pet fee each way, so a round trip costs twice the fee.
Do I need a health certificate to fly with my pet?
Often, yes. Check your airline and destination. A U.S.-only certificate cost $100–$170 at two California clinics.
Related guides
Sources (12) — tap to show
- Southwest Airlines – Travel fees
- Frontier Airlines – Optional services and fees
- Delta – Traveling with pets (in-cabin pet fees)
- American Airlines – Traveling with pets
- United Airlines – Traveling with pets
- Alaska Airlines – Traveling with pets
- South Pasadena Animal Hospital (Alhambra, CA) – Published prices
- Southpaw Vets (Los Angeles) – Pricing
- Southwest Airlines – Pet policy
- JetBlue – Traveling with pets
- AVMA – Holiday pet safety (travel)
- USDA APHIS – Cost to endorse your pet's health certificate