Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog? (2023)

When You want to Buy a Seat for Extra Space on a Plane for Your Pets, you still have options.

If you still cannot find an airline that suits your route or other needs, here’s a list of Airlines that allow Dogs In-Cabin larger than the Standard for most commercial airlines.

Airlines that Allow You to Buy a Seat or Extra Space on a Plane for Your Pet

Airlines That Allow You to Buy Extra Seat or Extra Space Pet on a Plane
Extra Seat or Extra Space
JSX Airlines
Cost: Regular Seat Fare
Medium and Large DogsIn Cabin will Travel on

the Floor Space Next to Your Seat

Chartered Air Travel with Pets
Cost: Large Dog In Cabin: Average of 5k to 8k
You will have 1 luxury Humanseat plus one large dog or 1-2

small to medium sized dogs

United AirlinesExtra Seat Fare+125 per Dog or Cat

One-Way

Your Pet May Sit on Your lap 2ndPet Must Remainin a Carrier under the seat

in front of the extra Seat.

JetBlueExtra Seat Fare+$125 per Dog or Cat

One-Way

Your Pet & Carrier May Sit on Your LapYou Can Buy a Seat–Pet & Carrier Can

Be On the Seat

Alaska AirExtra Seat Fare+$100

One Way

2 Carriers Allowed. Carriers & PetsMust Remain in the Carrier under the

seat in front.

WestJet Airlines You can buy Extra Space for a“Working Dog”Working Dogs are Allowed In Cabin

in the Foot Space of your Seat or Buy an Extra Seat

Frenchbee
International Flights for $65 each way Pet Fee
International flights: US to Canada, Pet Can Be in the Foot Space of the Seat & Not under the seat in front. International Flights for $65 each way
Elite Airways Large Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat. You can purchase a seat for extra floor space
Etihad Airways Your Pet & Carrier May Sit on Your LapYou Can Buy a Seat–Pet & Carrier Can

Be On the Seat

Vueling Airlines Extra Space. Your Pet can travel on the floor, between your legs in their carrier

I have another chart of more airlines that fly larger Dogs In Cabin at the end of this article.

See My Favorite Pet Travel Finds, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

Can I Buy a Seat On a Plane for My Dog?

1. JSX Airlines

Your Pet Travel begins and ends at private terminals, so you and your large Dog bypass the usual hassle of airport traffic and crowded terminals. Getting through customs is easier with JSX too!

See Also, Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022

As The Points Guy said when he flew JSX Airlines: “Perks of departing from the private jet terminal include being able to show up just 20 minutes before your flight. … There are minimal lines, no putting stuff in bins and no taking shoes off.”

You can buy the seat adjacent to yours (all business class) and your Large Dog will Travel with you In-Cabin for the price of the seat. You’ll have even more leg room sharing two seats, too!

Pet Travel with JSX Airlines and Your Large Dog In-Cabin flights are limited to the US only. See Flight Route Map Below.

See Also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

(Video) ANIMALS on PLANES? Is your PET SAFE flying in CARGO??? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE

2. Chartered Air Travel with Pets

Pet Travel and Flying with Dogs In Cabin to and from Europe or the UK with Pets is complicated if cargo is not possible or not your preference.

Chartered private jets are expensive and only possible for most of us if shared with other travelers. This group coordinates flights for travelers so they can fly with large Dogs In-Cabin. Pet Travel costs are expensive. With Charted Air Travel with Pets, the cost is shared, chartered air transport a real possibility.

  • Cost Example: Expect to spend between $7K -$10K for a seat on a chartered jet from NY to Lisbon (shortest distance from US to EU).
  • Cost to Fly with a Large Dog In Cabin: Average of 5k to 8k
  • Your seat will usually include one luxury human seat plus one large dog or 1-2 small to medium sized dogs on a flight designed for 10-14 people.
  • Each flight is unique and the group on the flight will agree on the rules of the flight.
  • You Can Travel with Your Large Dog In-Cabin, You have a luxury seat with more space for you and your Pets.
  • Less Customs Hassle. Sometimes, the Customs Agent greets you onboard and checking your documents in comfort and without lines and waiting.
  • Little Wait at the Airport and fast, easy boarding
  • VIP experience for Pet Travel
  • The same or Less Expensive than hiring a Pet Shipper
  • No Cargo or Checked Baggage for Your precious Pet.

See Also, Can I Fly with 2 Pets In-Cabin?

CompanionPetTravel is a participant in Affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and ESA Doctors affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines allows with small Dogs, Cats and Rabbits In-Cabin. Pets must remain inside their pet carrier underneath the seat in front your seat You can buy the seat adjacent to yours and bring an additional carrier with another Dog, Cat or Rabbit. Only 1 adult cat or dog is allowed in each carrier. The fee for pets in the cabin is $125 each way on United Airlines flights.

See Also, Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets for all options to fly with your Dog or Cat.

4. Jet Blue Airlines

You may hold the carrier on your lap during the flight except for take off and landing. If you purchase an extra seat for your pet, the carrier may be placed on the additional purchased seat during the flight. This is better than flying with your Pet under the seat. You must purchase the extra seat at regular fare +$125 per Dog or Cat
One-Way.

5. Alaska Air

You Can travel with 2 Carriers and 2 Pets. Both Carriers and Pets Must Remain in the Carrier under the seats in front of them and cannot travel on the seat. There is no Weight Limit. You will have to buy the extra seat at regular fare, plus a +$100 pet fee each way.

See also, Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022

6. WestJet Airlines

WestJet is a Canadian Airline with routes to many cities in the US allows Dogs and Pets In Cabin.

WestJet offers a unique program, not offered by many air carriers.

WestJet allows Working Dogs to fly In Cabin and you can buy an adjacent seat if your Working Dog needs more space than your seat allows

(Video) DON’T FLY WITH YOUR DOG in airplane cargo before you see this

What is a Working Dog. A Working Dog is not considered a Service Dog so this policy allows large Dog to fly In Cabin and with additional space.

  • Working dogs do not provide a service to a person with a disability or provide personal assistance to their handler.
  • Working dogs are trained to perform tasks at the direction of their handler. These tasks may include:
  • locating people or items (search, rescue, avalanche, or tracking dogs)
  • performing specific tasks for the military or police (detection, scout, sentry)
  • other highly specialized skills. Working dogs will be charged the pet in cabin fee, and if the specialty dog requires additional floor space to ensure its comfort and safety on board, an additional seat must be purchased (based on availability).

Please note:WestJet offers this program, but this is not something offered by many air carriers. This is an opportunity to make flying with a pit bull easier. Pit Bulls, in addition to their loving nature, are naturally very strong and often trained for work. We strongly recommend that you confirm the policies for the acceptance of working dogs of our partner airlines or any other transportation service provider as their policies may be different from ours.

This program does not apply to WestJet Vacation package bookings.

You may interested in Should I Buy a Pet Stroller?

For International flights from US to Canada and US to France (LAX to Paris beginning April 2022), your Pet Can Be in the Foot Space of the Seat & Not under the seat in front. International Flights for $65 each way.

The Points Guy flew with a Dog and has this review: “Boarding was chaotic (although I’m hoping that will improve as the airline gets more flights under its belt), they didn’t serve dinner, the 3-4-3 seating configuration is pretty tight, there’s no TSA PreCheck and the Wi-Fi didn’t work on my flight. It isn’t my favorite way to travel (as seen by my purchases), but French Bee is an option for those wanting to go to Paris as cheaply as possible — especially if they manage to iron out the kinks.”

Great transatlantic pet travel option!

See also, Cool Pet Travel Gear for the Stylish Dog

Large Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat. You can purchase a seat for extra floor space. Dogs are not allowed on the seat or your lap but, being able to purchase an empty seat and have your large Dog in cabin on the floor space may be worth the extra seat price. (You’ll have a bit more room too!)

Pet reservations must be made at least 48-hours in advance of departure, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

(Video) How to Fly with Your Dog in a Carrier

Elite Airways is a smaller airline; however, if you are on the East coast, they are an option for Large Dogs In Cabin!

This also is an opportunity to make flying with a Pit Bull easier. Pit Bulls, in addition to their loving nature, are naturally very strong and finding a carrier to travel in cargo is problematic. If the Pit Bull were to fly in cargo, airlines often require the crate to be more especially stronger and therefore heavier.

Sometimes, this pushes the maximum weight beyond what is feasible for the Dog. Being able to purchase the seat next to you is a step forward–even if your furry friend has to remain on the floor space.

See also, Shared Private Charter Flights for Pets

You may like Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

Yes, these Airlines allow you to buy an extra seat, more space or allow your Pet to sit on your lap: JSX Airline, Chartered Air Travel with Pets, United Airlines, Alaska Air, JetBlue Airlines, WestJet Air, Elite Airways, JXS Airlines and Frenchbee Airlines.

Airlines that let you buy an extra seat on a Plane for your Pet(s) are: JSX Airline, Shared Charter Flights with Pets, United Airlines, Alaska Air and JetBlue and Frenchbee. For JXS and Chartered Air Travel with Pets, your Pet must remain in the footprint of the floor space adjacent to your seat. For Commercial planes, your Pets must be in a carrier under the seat.

Flying Internationally with your Dog or Cat? Chartered Air Travel with Pets, JXS airlines and Frenchbee Airlines fly larger Dogs In Cabin Aboard their Aircraft.

Airlines may deny your Pet to Fly if they violate Safety Requirements set be each airline. This usually applies to Dogs.

If the Dog is too big, too heavy, is ill-behaved (excessive barking, growling, jumping, lunging, nipping or biting) or appears unhealthy or unclean, the airline can deny you to board a plane at the gate or ticket counter.

Poorly behaved Pets is the primary reason ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) are now no longer given the same priority on planes as qualified Service Dogs. There are more reasons, but ill-behaved Dogs is the primary reason.

Your Dog must be well-socialized to be around people in crowded spaces. Airlines are allowed to observe your Pet in the Airport, particularly at the ticket counter and while waiting at the gate.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) of the United States recently issued a ruling prohibiting airlines from denying boarding to dogs based on their breed. This includes pitbulls or other pitbull-type breeds.

According to the ruling effective Jan 11th 2021, any breed of dog may accompany passengers on a plane.

(Video) Flying With Your Dog in Cabin (NON ESA) | My Experience Bringing My Corgi on a Plane in a Carrier

See Also, Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022

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You can’t buy an extra seat for your dog. Traveling with a dog this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.

How can I get my dog a seat on an airplane? ›

As far as we are aware, the only airlines that will allow passengers to buy plane tickets for their dogs to have a seat are United and Jet Blue. Jet Blue state that passengers are only permitted to fly with one dog in-cabin. You are able to purchase an additional seat next to you, to place your dog carrier.

Why cant I buy a seat for my dog on a plane? ›

Size and Weight

Even if you buy a dedicated seat for your dog, airlines have strict weight and size requirements. These restrictions ensure that the dog can fit under seats and in tight spots. Generally, the combined weight of the dog and its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.

Can a 20 pound dog fit under an airplane seat? ›

Dogs under 20 pounds are welcome to fly in-cabin on JetBlue domestic flights. There is a maximum of two pets per traveler and dogs must be secured in an appropriate carrier under the seat in front of you during your flight. JetBlue charges a $125 pet fee (each way) for dogs to travel.

Which airline is the most pet friendly? › Most pet-friendly U.S. airlines

  • American Airlines: Best for West Coast travel.
  • United Airlines: Best for East Coast travel.
  • Delta Airlines: Best for small pets.
  • Southwest Airlines: Best for cheap pet fees.
  • JetBlue: Best for pet amenities.
  • Allegiant Air: Best for pet check-in process.

Can I take a 25 lb dog on a plane? ›

As Carry-Ons: Many smaller dog breeds and puppies are allowed to travel in carry-on luggage. Unfortunately, if you have a large adult dog breed, you will need to make other plans! Dogs usually need to be 20 lbs or less to fly with you inside the plane.

What size dog can fly in-cabin? ›

While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. There can only be one pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside.

How do you fly with a 30 pound dog? ›

For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger. For a single passenger with more than one pet, an additional seat must be purchased for the second pet, regardless of the pet’s weight.

How stressful is flying for dogs? ›

Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn’t travel well.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane with a dog? ›

If you are in any other section, it’s best to get a middle seat. There is actually less room next to the window because of how the plane curves, and if you are in the aisle there’s a greater chance that your service dog’s tail might get stepped on or run over by one of the flight attendants’ carts.

Can a large dog fly in cabin? ›

Flying with a large dog in the cabin is currently not allowed by any airline, for obvious reasons. Dogs are only allowed to travel with you as carry-on luggage if they weigh not more than 20lbs. And still, they have to be carried inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.

Can I buy a first class seat for my dog? ›

Here’s how it works: First-class fliers will be able to put their small cat or dog in the ventilated compartment for takeoffs and landings. They are adjacent to the owner’s seat, so animals may sit in your lap or at your feet during the flight. It costs $125 in addition to a first-class ticket.

What airlines allow 30 lb dogs in cabin? › The following airlines allow flying with dogs in-cabin:

  • Aegean Airlines.
  • Air Canada.
  • Air Europa.
  • Air France.
  • Alaska Air.
  • American Airlines.
  • Delta.
  • French Bee.

How do you fly a medium dog on a plane? ›

Though rules vary from airline to airline, your dog can typically only fly in the cabin—a.k.a. as a carry-on—if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Any larger than that, and your pup will have to travel in the cargo hold, with the luggage and freight.

How heavy can a dog be on an airplane? ›

Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position (without touching any side or the top of the container) Must not exceed maximum size requirements of the aircraft you’re traveling on. Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs.

What size pet carrier fits under airline seat? ›

Like carry-on luggage, in-cabin pet carriers must follow size requirements. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided pet kennels are generally 17.5 inches long, 12 inches wide and 7.5 inches high. The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 x 11 x 11 inches.

Is flying dogs in cargo safe? ›

Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that’s an option. But only animals small enough to fit beneath the seat are allowed: A cat, a rabbit, or a Maltese is fine; a full-grown Labrador isn’t.

How can I take my dog on a plane for free? ›

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) allows people to fly with their animals free of charge. Airlines have been tightening their ESA policy though, so always be sure to check out the details of the policy before em-Barking, on your journey! If you want to bring your dog on a plane, read these 25 tips and tidbits.

What if your dog barks on an airplane? ›

Buy a calming collar or anxiety thundershirt

Chances are though, it might calm your dog enough to make them not bark once the flight starts. You can buy one on Amazon. Something that has great reviews as working to calm a dog, would be a Thundershirt, also known as an anxiety wrap.

Can a 30lb dog fly in cabin? ›

Yes, you can fly big dogs in cabin with these 8 Airlines that Fly 25lbs+ Dogs aboard are: La Compagnie Airlines, JSX Airlines, WestJet Air, Boutique Air, Eastern Air, iFly Air, Breeze Airlines and Shared Charter Flights. . All these airlines will accept a 25 lb and even larger Dogs In Cabin.

How strict are airlines with pet weight? ›

There are no strict weight restrictions on pets as long as they fit in this carrier. But, there is an exception to this rule if you’re flying business or first class, in which case the weight of your pet and carrier combined cannot exceed 20 pounds.

How big of a dog can fit under an airplane seat? ›

Since most carriers that abide by airline dimension requirements don’t exceed 3 pounds in weight, small dogs are all those that weigh less than 17 pounds and fit such a carrier comfortably. Of course, this is only relevant if there is a weight limit involved.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane with a dog? ›

If you are in any other section, it’s best to get a middle seat. There is actually less room next to the window because of how the plane curves, and if you are in the aisle there’s a greater chance that your service dog’s tail might get stepped on or run over by one of the flight attendants’ carts.

How much does it cost to bring a dog on a plane? ›

Airlines typically charge a $100 to $125 one-way fee to bring your dog in the cabin. And, if you want your pet to fly in the cabin, you’ll need to purchase an airline-compliant pet carrier, which can cost from $30 up to $250, according to Consumer Reports.

How do you fly with a 30 pound dog? ›

For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger. For a single passenger with more than one pet, an additional seat must be purchased for the second pet, regardless of the pet’s weight.

Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane? ›

Cabin vs.

Flying with a large dog in the cabin is currently not allowed by any airline, for obvious reasons. Dogs are only allowed to travel with you as carry-on luggage if they weigh not more than 20lbs. And still, they have to be carried inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.

What airlines allow 30 lb dogs in cabin? › The following airlines allow flying with dogs in-cabin:

  • Aegean Airlines.
  • Air Canada.
  • Air Europa.
  • Air France.
  • Alaska Air.
  • American Airlines.
  • Delta.
  • French Bee.

How do I fly with my dog 2022? ›

Only pets small enough to fit in a ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger are allowed in the cabin and only a certain number may be allowed per flight, so make your reservation early. Airline passengers must agree to keep the pet in its carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

How do I calm my dog on a plane? › What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying?

  1. A swaddling shirt, like the Thundershirt, can help reduce anxiety.
  2. A pheromone-calming collar may be able to reduce stress.
  3. Prescription anxiety medicine from your veterinarian can calm your dog’s nerves.
  4. A favorite toy or blanket to provide added comfort.

Is it better to sit aisle or window with a pet? ›

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.

How do medium sized dogs fly? ›

Large or medium sized dogs are generally not allowed in the cabin, even crated, if they are not service animals. Pups that cannot fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you will have to ride in cargo, which, though usually perfectly safe, can be more stressful for your pup.

How do dogs go to the bathroom on long flights? ›

Pee pads in the carrier or in the bathroom are pretty much your only solution for a dog who needs to go while on a flight.

Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo? ›

Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold

While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.

Can a 30lb dog fly in cabin? ›

Yes, you can fly big dogs in cabin with these 8 Airlines that Fly 25lbs+ Dogs aboard are: La Compagnie Airlines, JSX Airlines, WestJet Air, Boutique Air, Eastern Air, iFly Air, Breeze Airlines and Shared Charter Flights. . All these airlines will accept a 25 lb and even larger Dogs In Cabin.

Do airlines weigh dogs in the cabin? ›

It depends on the airline, the location, and the day. Some people travel regularly and never have their pet carriers measured, while others have their carriers measured and even weighed. There’s no way to know for sure how strict the airline will be until you’re already there, so it’s best not to risk it.

Can large dogs fly first class? ›

Even if you are willing to pay a first class fare for your pup, unfortunately the same rule applies: no large dogs. In fact, most airlines prohibit dogs in first class entirely. The only exception we are aware of is Lufthansa which allows small dogs and cats in business class on certain transatlantic flights.

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