Top Airlines that allow pets in-cabin for free
Are you flying with your pet this year? 🐾 You’re in luck! In 2025, more airlines are embracing pet-friendly travel policies—and some special ones now accept pets in-cabin for free. Whether flying for business, vacation, or even moving, it can save you money 💸 and stress 😌 to know which airlines accept dogs or cats in-cabin for free.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify the best airlines for pet travel, how to get your pet ready for flying 🧳, and a safe, joyful flight from departure to arrival. 🛫🐶🐱
🐕🦺 Best Airlines That Allow Pets In-Cabin for Free
- ✨ JSX Airlines
JSX is revolutionizing pet air travel. JSX, a semi-private airline, allows small pets to fly in-cabin for free 🐩 if they remain in a soft-sided carrier beneath the seat. With fewer than half as many passengers per flight and streamlined boarding processes, JSX is an ideal choice for pet parents looking for a more tranquil, personalized flight experience.
👜 In-cabin pet weight limit: Up to 20 lbs (with carrier)
📏 Pet carrier size: Small enough to fit under the seat
🗺️ Best for: Domestic flights within the U.S.
- 🐶 BARK Air
BARK Air is a dog-focused airline designed from the ground up with canine comfort in mind 🛋️. Unlike most airlines, BARK Air prioritizes dog-friendly seating, in-flight treats 🍖 for dogs, and allows your dog to fly free in-cabin—no carrier needed. Not a low-cost airline, but the service is perfect for pet parents who want the ultimate luxury pet travel experience 💼🛫.
🎯 Focus: Dogs only
🪑 Carrier-free travel: Yes, pets can sit next to you
🌟 Best for: Special trips, VIP service, hassle-free flying of pets
- 🦮 Service Animals on Commercial Airlines
If you have a trained service animal, the majority of major U.S. and international airlines will allow your pet to travel in-cabin for free 🎟️. Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and United include service animals free of cost, as long as they are well-documented and well-behaved 🧾.
🐕 Pet types allowed: Service dogs (not emotional support animals)
🩺 Requirements: Medical records, behavior affidavit
❤️ Best for: People with disabilities or illnesses
🧳 How to Prepare Your Pet for In-Cabin Flying
Even if the flight is complimentary, preparation is necessary. Here’s how to get your furry flying companion ready:
✅ Choose the Right Carrier
Ensure the carrier is airline-approved ✈️, ventilated 🌬️, leak-proof 💦, and comfortable 🛏️. Pets must be able to stand, turn, and lie down inside. Use soft-sided carriers that can be stored under the seat.
✅ Visit the Vet
Your pet needs to be healthy enough to fly. Make a pre-flight visit 🏥 to the vet to get any vaccinations 💉 or health certificates 📋 that are required. Some destinations, especially international ones 🌍, will require documentation.
✅ Train Your Pet for Cabin Conditions
Practice at home 🏠 by leaving your pet in the carrier for a short period. Acclimatize them to airport noise 🔊, enclosed spaces 🧳, and people 👨👩👧👦.
✅ Pack a Pet Travel Kit
Add:
🧸 Favorite toy or blanket
🥣 Collapsible water bowl
🍪 Treats
💩 Waste bags
🪪 Pet ID tag and papers
😻 Stress-Free Pet Flying Travel Tips
Following are some further tips to help you and your precious pet 🐾 fly stress-free:
🛬 Locate Airport Pet Relief Areas
Most large airports have pet relief stations now 🚻. Check the airport map 🗺️ beforehand to plan accordingly.
⏱️ Minimize Layovers When Possible
Book non-stop flights to keep your pet out of a small space for as little time as possible and avoid anxiety 🐶💤.
💧 Hydrate Them
Provide your pet with access to water before boarding. Don’t overfeed 🍗 before the flight to avoid motion sickness 🤢.
🔇 Block Out Cabin Noise
For stressed animals, spraying a sedating pheromone 🌸 inside the carrier or wearing a vest 🦺 to calm the pet can de-stress.
🐾 More Low-Cost Pet Cabin Airlines
While not completely free, these carriers offer low or no pet charge 💲 as promotions or for high loyalty members:
🛩️ Alaska Airlines: Often waives pet fees for MVP Gold members ✨
✈️ JetBlue: Offers a “JetPaws” program where pets gain frequent flyer miles 🎁
📦 Southwest Airlines: Low pet fee and generous carry-on policy 🎒
These are worth mentioning if you are a frequent traveler or part of their frequent programs 💼.
📱 Mobile-Friendly Booking Tips
Most airlines allow online pet booking for 2025, but always good to call ☎️ customer service to confirm:
🕐 Book ahead: Airlines usually restrict in-cabin pet availability to 5 per flight
📲 Use the airline app: You can get real-time alerts 🔔 and upload pet documents 📤
🚫 Double-check seat arrangements: Avoid emergency exit rows 🚪 where pets are not allowed
❓ Do pets fly for free on any airline?
✅ Yes, there are some airlines that allow pets to travel in-cabin for free under specific conditions. JSX Airlines and BARK Air are leading the way for free in-cabin pet travel in 2025. JSX allows small pets in carriers under the seat for free, and BARK Air allows dogs to fly carrier-free with VIP-style seating—though strictly dog-only. Service animals travel for free on commercial airlines, but emotional support animals no longer qualify.
❓ Which airline is the most pet-friendly?
✈️ BARK Air is commonly considered the most pet-friendly airline of 2025. It’s dedicated to dogs, with upgraded seating, in-flight snacks, no carrier requirements, and low stress. Among commercial airlines, JSX Airlines is high for its low-stress, semi-private travel setup and in-cabin pet allowance at no cost. For service animals, Delta, United, and American Airlines are considerate if the proper documentation is provided.
❓ Are pets free on United Airlines?
🐾Trained service animals ride for free on United Airlines. Other animals, such as dogs and cats, must fit into carrier sizes and ride under the seat for a fee. As of 2025, United does not allow emotional support animals to ride for free. Search their pet travel policy online and book your pet’s space in advance—rooms are limited.
❓ Can I buy a seat for my pet on a plane?
🪑 Generally, you can’t buy an extra seat for your pet on standard commercial airlines. Pets must remain in an approved carrier in front of the seat. But BARK Air allows dogs to travel carrier-free in the cabin and sit beside you—no extra seat buying necessary. JSX has a more lenient policy, but still needs the pet to stay in a carrier. For luxurious travel with adjustable seating, semi-private or pet-exclusive airlines are your best option.
🐕 Why Pet-Friendly Airlines Matter
Travel can be stressful—for you and your pet 😿. Choosing airlines that allow pets to ride in the cabin for free saves you money 💰, keeps your pet by your side 🐕🦺, safe, and relaxed on the flight 🌤️.
As pet travel gains more popularity 🌎 and more people treat pets like family 👨👩👧👦, expect more airlines to do the same by 2026. Bringing your cat or dog with you is no longer a luxury—it’s an experience you’ve earned 🏆.
“Pets are family, and more travelers than ever are choosing accommodations that understand.” — Travel + Leisure
🌟 Last Thoughts
Airline operators who provide complimentary in-cabin travel for pets are revolutionizing the experience of traveling 💼✈️. With proper planning 📋, you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free, cost-effective experience 🐾.
🐶✈️ Planning your next adventure yet?
Begin by searching for flights with JSX or BARK Air, preparing your pet carrier, and making a paw-some 🐾 travel checklist ✅.
📲 Head to your airline’s pet policy page today and begin packing those paws! 🎒🐕