Can I put my pet carrier on my lap during a flight?

The carrier containing your dog can only go completely under the seat in front of you. Carriers cannot be stored on your lap, in an overhead bin or anywhere else. Your dog must remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the trip.



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According to the Delta Airlines ESA policy guide and pet policy, your furry friend can join you in the aircraft cabin for a fee (see prices above). While in the aircraft cabin, they should be seated either on your lap or below your seat.

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There are no laws dictating the type of carrier to use, but remember that it must be small enough to fit under a standard airplane seat and should generally not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height), or roughly 21.5 by 15.5 by 9 inches. Depending on the airline, carrier size limits may be even smaller.

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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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Here are the minimum features that your carrier must have to be airline compliant: Your carrier must have a waterproof bottom. Your carrier must have adequate ventilation. Your pet must be securely fastened in the carrier. (no snaps, please, zippers are better)

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An animal no larger than a child under the age of two may sit on your lap, otherwise it must be positioned on the plane floor.

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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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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.

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Dogs must stay in their carriers while at the airport unless they are using a pet relief area. If the airport does not have pet relief areas, you and your dog will have to leave the airport and return through security.

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There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally. You cannot use travel credits to pay this fee.

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Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules.

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American Airlines offers one of the biggest carrier dimensions (19 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches), so your pup can enjoy a bit more space during the flight, though the total weight limit is half what Spirit allows.

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Choosing the Right Pet Carrier Allowed in Cabin 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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Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person's path to the main aisle of the airplane. Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.

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Animals count as carry-on items. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. The pet must remain inside their dog or cat travel crate (17-by-8.5-by-12.5 inches) while at the airport and in the aircraft for the entire flight.

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On by-the-seat flights, pets under 25 pounds can sit in a carrier on their owner's lap for a pet fee of $95. For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.

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Carriers and crates, especially hard-sided options, are safest because they keep your pet secure using your car's seat belt system or built-in anchors, according to our experts.

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