Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?

Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.



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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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For travelers bringing their pets in the cabin, she said, book a window seat, as the pets will be farther from commotion in the aisle. Those seats also may have more space underneath. Thompson said most airlines only allow dogs and cats in the cabin, though some allow birds.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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Most larger dogs aren't allowed in the cabin (with exceptions for trained service animals) and will have to fly in the cargo hold. Many air carriers have completely banned specific breeds—like pit bulls—from flying at all.

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So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds. Of course, that under-seat space can vary depending on the aircraft, and airlines typically restrict how many total pets are allowed per flight — which is why you should check with the airline.

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The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Window and Middle seats usually have wider space underneath the seat in front of you between their supports. Underneath the aisle seat is typically more narrow. If it were me I would recommend the window seat that way no one will jostle the dog if they get up to use the restroom during the flight.

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Exception: Working dogs on a leash. Working and service animals are allowed inside the passenger terminals as long as they are on a leash. All other animals must be in a kennel. Not all those traveling with pets adhere to these rules, and many can be seen walking their dogs on leashes throughout the airport.

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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements.

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Most airlines that allow a dog to fly in cabin have a weight limit of 8kg. There are some that allow a dog in cabin up to 10kg.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

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Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well. Strategies to reduce the stress of canine flights include: A Thundershirt® which swaddles the dog much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety. A pheromone calming collar to help lower anxiety.

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Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well. Strategies to reduce the stress of canine flights include: A Thundershirt® which swaddles the dog much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety. A pheromone calming collar to help lower anxiety.

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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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Yes. The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. A customer can have a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, provided that the adjacent seat is also part of their own booking.

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