Airline Cat Policies

If you’re going to be traveling with your cat, it’s very important that you understand airline cat policies so you can travel safely with your feline friend. Many airlines allow pets like small dogs and cats.

However, it’s very important that know their full policies and fees that may be assessed. You also need to be sure you follow all the airline’s rules when bringing your cat along with you on your flight.

Airline Cat Policies

Here are some popular airlines and their pet policies. Always remember to call ahead and check, and note that the pet policies may have changed since this was published.

American Airlines: American Airlines accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin of the aircraft, but no other animals are allowed. The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $125 per carrier each way, and the pets must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position inside the carrier.

Adria Airlines: Adria Airways accepts small pets in cabin with a 50 EURO fee for each direction in Europe and a 100 EURO fee for each direction anywhere outside of Europe. Check weight restrictions before booking your flight.

Air Canada: Air Canada allows small cats and dogs (maximum 10 kg / 22 lbs combined weight for the pet and carrier) to travel with their owners in the passenger cabin of Air Canada and Jazz flights. The cost is $50 to $100 per flight based on itinerary on flights to Canada or between Canada and the U.S. Only 2 to 4 pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, so make sure your kitty is one of them, you need to make your pet reservations early to secure your spot.

Delta: Delta allows passengers to bring small pets in the cabin on most flights for a fee of $125 each way on flights within the United States, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Pets are not permitted on flights to Hawaii. Check Delta’s website for more information on transporting pets to Hawaii or international destinations. Pets permitted in the cabin include dogs, cats, and household birds. Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you.

JetBlue: JetBlue accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin of the aircraft on both domestic and international flights. The non-refundable fee for a pet is $100 each way, and the combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. Pets must remain completely in the carrier with the door closed and under the seat during the entire flight.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines allows customers to carry small pets (cats and dogs only) on board all domestic Southwest Airlines flights. All in-cabin pets must be carried in a pet carrier. The pet fee is $95 each way per pet carrier. Reservations for small cats or dogs can only be booked by calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). 

United Airlines: United allows domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits and birds (8 weeks and over) to travel accompanied in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S. An in-cabin pet may be carried in addition to a carry-on bag and is subject to a $125 service charge each way. 

With these tips in mind, you can help prepare for your next air travel trip with your cat. If you do not see your airline listed here, just check the airline’s website, or call for more information about their updated cat policies. Happy travels!

Looking for More Cat Content to Enjoy?

How to Travel When You Have a Cat – Perfect for those looking at taking a trip, but also want to make sure kitty is well-cared for!