These Major Airlines Let Your Pet Travel With You

<p> Shutterstock </p>
<p> Shutterstock </p>

For most animal lovers, the idea of putting a beloved pet into a carrier and inside the cargo hold of an airplane for a cross-country flight is a total nonstarter. Airplane travel is stressful enough for humans, let alone our furry family members who'd rather stay home and play in the backyard, given the choice.

But sometimes, air travel with an animal is necessary. So we researched which major U.S. airlines allow your pet in-cabin with you, a safer option for them and a less anxiety-producing choice for you.

Major U.S. Airlines That Allow Pets To Fly With You In The Cabin

American Airlines

Number of pets allowed: 2 (animals must be of the same species, weigh less than 20 lbs. each and be between the ages of 2 and 6 months old)

Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Age requirement for your pet: at least 8 weeks old Maximum kennel size: 19in x 13in x 9in Fee: $125 per kennel US Airways

Number of pets allowed: 2 (animals must be of the same species)

Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Age requirement for your pet: at least 8 weeks old Maximum kennel size: 19in x 13in x 9in Fee: $125 per kennel Air Canada

Number of pets allowed: 1 pet Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Weight limit of pet: 22 lbs.

Maximum kennel size: 21.5in x 15.5in x 9in (hard-sided); 21.5in x 15.5in x 10.5in (soft-sided)

Fee: $50 or $100 per direction, based on itinerary Alaska Airlines

Number of pets allowed: 4 pets (2 pets per carrier; 2 carriers allowed but 2 seats must be purchased)

Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Age requirement for your pet: at least 8 weeks old Maximum kennel size: 17in x 12in x 7.5in (hard-sided); 17n x 12in x 9.5in (soft-sided)

Fee: $100 per kennel Delta Airlines

Number of pets allowed: 2 (animals must be of the same species, between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months old)

Types of pets allowed: cats, dogs and birds Age requirement for your pet: at least 10 weeks old Fee: $125 per kennel Frontier Airlines

Number of pets allowed: 2 (animals must be of the same species, dogs and cats must be between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks old)

Types of pets allowed: cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and small household birds Maximum kennel size: 18in x 14in x 8in Fee: $75 per kennel JetBlue

Number of pets allowed: 1 Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Maximum kennel size: 17in x 12.5in x 8.5in Weight limit of pet: 20 lb. (including carrier)

Fee per kennel: $100 Southwest

Number of pets allowed: 2 (animals must be of the same species)

Types of pets allowed: cats and dogs Maximum kennel size: 18.5in x 8.5in x 13.5in Fee per kennel: $95

Here are some additional tips for a smoother flight for both you and your pets:

Exercise animals before the flight, because a tired pet is a calmer pet.

Sedation is not advised, unless under the recommendation of a vet. Stress from flights can cause health issues that can become exacerbated when animals are under the influence.

Make sure your pet has had fresh food and water within 4 hours of the flight time.

Tags and microchips should be up to date with your most recent contact information.

Call your airline well in advance of your trip, because most airlines limit the number of carriers that can be inside the cabin for each flight.