The 10 best airlines for flying with pets

Sometimes, flying with our furry family is a must. To make sure our four-legged friends the most comfortable journey (as well as welcome), you need to know the best airlines for flying with pets. Come fly with us to discover the best international and domestic airlines with the best pet policies​.

The 10 best airlines for flying with pets

1. TAP Air Portugal
2. Alaska Airlines
3. Aegean Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Lufthansa
6. Delta Airlines
7. KLM
8. Frontier
9. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System)
10. JetBlue Airlines

1. TAP Air Portugal

According to a recent survey by AirAdvisor, the national Portuguese airline, TAP, has been rated the best airline for pet travel​ across Europe and South America. This accommodating airline allows you to take up to 5 pets with you, and either travel in the cabin or cargo hold depending on their size. Pets include emotional support animals, small pets, dogs, and cats. And to make it even sweeter, your traveling pets can earn air miles with their Miles&Go Pets program - fur real!

2. Alaska Airlines

Next up is Alaska Airlines comfortably cruising in 2nd place on our list. Allowing up to 2 pets per flight, you can add on another 2 if you purchase the seat next to you - aw! With room for dogs and cats as well as rabbits and small birds, this pet policy includes both international flights and US domestic journeys. 

3. Aegean Airlines

Coming in hot from Greece, Aegean Airlines is welcome to all types of pets in the cargo hold or they can travel in the cabin. However, there is a maximum of 1 pet per person, and if you’re traveling with a baby, unfortunately they count as your plus one. Other than these restrictions, you and your pet will receive a traditional Greek welcoming!

4. American Airlines

The staple airline of the USA, American Airlines allows 2 pets to travel in the cabin with you. Like the others, they’re pretty flexible on the kind of pet, so long as they’re small enough to fit under the seat in front of the booked seat next to you (meaning your pet will need their own boarding pass). 

5. Lufthansa

One of the most ​​pet friendly airlines in the world, the German based airline, Lufthansa, is known for their excellent hospitality onboard for both humans and fur-babies. Small dogs and cats can be added as hand luggage to stay with you during the flight in the cabin, while larger pets are welcome to count as luggage in the hold. Plus, small pets are even welcome into the airport longue! 

Trusted Tip: Our Premium membership includes 2 free airport longue passes in over 600 airports!

6. Delta Airlines

America’s Delta Airlines sits proudly in 6th as the airline with the cheapest charge per pet at about $99 (£80 or €85). Although they have a limit of 1 pet per person, two animals can travel in the same pet carrier if they are small and under 6 months old. Again, this would count as your cabin bag as pets can’t travel in the hold.

7. KLM

Arguably one of the most efficient airlines around, the Dutch company, KLM, accommodates most animals which can be kept in the hold or travel in the cabin. However, as KLM reaches almost all corners of the globe, their pet policies differ depending on each flight. Always check before you book, pet people!

8. Frontier

Considered to be one of the safest pet friendly airlines, America’s Frontier doesn’t allow animals in the cargo hold, only the cabin. They are also one of the few airlines which allow very small pets like guinea pigs, gerbals, and rats! While you are limited to only one pet at a time, this is still pretty handy for people moving across country with their beloved pet mouse.

9. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System)

Like KLM, SAS have varied pet policies depening on the type of flight you’re taking and where. However, some flights will allow a variety of pets to be checked in as a cabin bag or extra luggage for the cargo hold. Again, be sure to check with SAS before booking and have your pets details (including weight and breed) to hand when contacting them.

10. JetBlue Airlines

Finally, reliable JetBlue Airlines charges a flat $125 (£100 or €110) fee per pet regardless of where you’re flying to. They have a no cargo hold policy for pets, meaning they have to be small enough to travel in the cabin with you. However, they have a pet weight limit of 20 pounds (about 9kg) and they can only be stored under the seat in front of you.

Would your furry friend prefer to keep their paws on the ground? Find a loving, in-home sitter to care for your precious pets the next time you plan to jet set off.