Our pets are part of the family, so naturally, we wouldn’t dream of leaving our furry companions behind when we fly!
The demand for pet travel is significantly growing, with an increasing number of U.S. airlines responding with pet-friendly policies to accommodate the needs of four-legged travelers. Whether in-cabin pet travel or a cargo option, pet owners now have a range of choices when booking flights. But which airline will care for you and your pet the most?
Playstar, the NJ real money online casino, reviewed pet policies, fees, and traveler reviews to find the best pet-friendly airlines in the US.
What is your go-to airline for pet travel? The results might surprise you!
The Most Expensive Airlines for Traveling with a Pet
When it comes to pet airlines, the US leads the way. We’re a nation that’s mad about our animals, and that’s reflected in the policies of our leading airlines. Whether you’re traveling with a cat, dog, or budgerigar, there are pet-friendly airline options to suit your needs.
While some airlines offer budget-friendly pet travel options, others charge significantly higher fees. American Airlines charges $150 per pet, making it the most expensive airline in our study. At the lower end of the price spectrum, Allegiant Air charges $50 per pet, while Southwest Airlines charges $58 per pet.
United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jet Blue, Spirit, and Avelo Airlines all charge $125, suggesting that many airlines align on prices to remain competitive. If you take the time to learn about the fees each airline charges, you can find a choice that fits your budget while also making sure your furry friend has a comfortable journey.
Best Pet Friendly Airlines in the US
Cost isn’t the only consideration when it comes to choosing the right airline for traveling with your pet. How long your pet will travel, the number of pets allowed, and what other facilities the airline provides will all impact your experience. Scoring on a range of pet-friendly factors, we scored each airline out of a hundred, and there was a clear winner.
1. Delta Airlines (Score: 99/100)
With an extensive range of travel options and reasonable fees, Delta ranks top among pet-friendly airlines. Delta Airlines’ pet policy allows up to four pets per passenger in the main cabin, provided they remain in a carrier – the most of any airline! With the third-highest positive reviews around pet travel, this airline is well-known for providing comfort and convenience for you and your pet’s journey.
2. Southwest Airlines (Score: 65/100)
Southwest Airlines pet policy allows for two pets in the cabin, and has a low fee for each of $58, making it an affordable choice. They don’t allow pets in cargo but are well-rated by travelers.
3. American Airlines (Score: 56/100)
American Airlines offers both in-cabin and cargo travel for pets and has a high number of positive pet reviews. The airline’s PetEmbark service is also available for pets that don’t qualify for in-cabin travel, providing a range of additional options for pet owners. However, the airline also has a significantly high travel fee of $150 – nearly triple that of second-placed Southwest Airlines.
4. Frontier Airlines (Score: 52/100)
Frontier Airlines’ pet policy allows the widest variety of pets onboard, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and even small household birds. This makes it one of the leading pet airlines for travelers with non-traditional pets.
5. Hawaiian Airlines (Score: 47/100)
Hawaiian Airlines allows pets in both the cabin and cargo hold but charges a relatively high pet fee of $125. With extensive routes to and from Hawaii, it’s a good option for pet owners who are island-bound.
Whatever your choice of airline, Playstar’s must-play slots for animal lovers are a great way to pass the time when traveling with your pet.
Methodology
To rank these pet-friendly airlines, we evaluated several key factors, including:
- Number of traveler reviews mentioning “pet-friendly.”
- Variety of pet types allowed onboard
- Cost of pet fees (lower is better)
- Maximum number of pets allowed per passenger
- Availability of in-cabin and cargo travel options
Each factor was weighted equally to create a fair and comprehensive ranking. Data sources include airline websites, Tripadvisor reviews, and Simple Flying’s list of major U.S. carriers.
