Flying with a cat is possible on most major airlines — but the rules, fees, and experience vary dramatically. Some airlines make it easy. Others make it miserable. This guide ranks every major US airline so you can book with confidence.
Quick Comparison: Airlines Ranked for Cat Owners
| Airline | Cats in Cabin | Fee (One Way) | Max Carrier Size | Owner Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | $100 | 17" x 11" x 9.5" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| American Airlines | Yes | $125 | 19" x 13" x 9" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Southwest | Yes | $95 | 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| United Airlines | Yes | $125 | 17.5" x 12" x 7.5" | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Delta Airlines | Yes | $125 | 18" x 11" x 11" | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| JetBlue | Yes | $125 | 17" x 12.5" x 8.5" | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spirit | Yes | $125 | 18" x 14" x 9" | ⭐⭐ |
| Frontier | Yes | $99 | 18" x 14" x 8" | ⭐⭐ |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Yes | $35 | 16" x 10" x 9" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Fees and dimensions current as of 2026. Always verify directly with the airline before booking.
The Best Airlines for Flying With a Cat
1. Alaska Airlines — Best Overall
Alaska consistently gets the highest marks from cat owners. Staff are generally well-trained on pet policies, the carrier size allowance is generous, and the $100 fee is reasonable. Cats travel in-cabin only — no cargo option, which is actually a plus for most owners.
What owners report: Smooth boarding process, staff rarely make a fuss about the carrier, cats arrive calm.
2. Hawaiian Airlines — Best Value
At $35 each way, Hawaiian is by far the cheapest option for cat owners. The carrier size is on the smaller side, so measure carefully. Excellent for inter-island travel or West Coast routes.
3. Southwest — Best Budget Mainland Option
$95 each way, no assigned seats (which can work in your favor — board early and grab a bulkhead seat with more foot room). Owners report inconsistent staff enforcement of carrier rules, which can go either way.
4. American Airlines
Reliable and consistent. The $125 fee is standard. Carrier size allowance is one of the more generous on the list. Owners report occasional gate agent issues but generally smooth flights.
Airlines to Approach With Caution
Spirit & Frontier
Budget carriers with budget service. The fees are comparable to mainline carriers but the experience is more variable. Owners report more gate agent inconsistency and less comfortable cabin conditions for pets. Not the worst option, but not the first choice.
Rules That Apply to Every Airline
- Cats must stay in the carrier for the entire flight — no exceptions, no matter how long
- The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you — measure your specific aircraft, not just the airline's general dimensions
- Only one pet carrier per passenger on most airlines
- Cats count as a carry-on on most airlines — you may not be able to bring a full-size carry-on bag
- Book your pet when you book your ticket — most airlines have a per-flight limit on pets in cabin (usually 4–6 total)
- International flights have different rules — see our guide on international cat travel
How to Prepare Your Cat for a Flight
- Get your cat comfortable in the carrier weeks before the flight. Leave it open at home with familiar bedding inside. See: How to Get a Cat Used to a Carrier
- Don't feed your cat 4–6 hours before the flight to reduce the chance of motion sickness or accidents in the carrier.
- Exercise your cat the morning of the flight — a tired cat is a calmer cat.
- Bring Feliway spray — spray the carrier 30 minutes before you leave, not at the airport.
- Talk to your vet about calming options if your cat is highly anxious. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for travel anxiety in cats.
What to Pack for a Flight With Your Cat
- Airline-approved carrier — soft-sided, fits under the seat
- Absorbent liner inside the carrier
- Small collapsible water bowl for layovers
- Familiar blanket or worn t-shirt inside the carrier
- Vaccination records and health certificate (required by most airlines)
- Any medications prescribed by your vet
Do You Need a Health Certificate to Fly With a Cat?
Most domestic US airlines require a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. Some don't enforce it strictly for domestic flights, but you should have one regardless — you may be asked for it at the gate.
For international travel, health certificates and additional documentation are almost always required. Requirements vary by destination country.
Flying With a Cat: What to Expect at the Airport
- Security: You'll need to take your cat out of the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Have a harness on your cat for this — it's a high-stress moment and cats can bolt.
- Boarding: Board early if possible. You want time to get settled before the cabin fills up.
- During the flight: Keep the carrier under the seat. You can unzip the top slightly to reach in and reassure your cat, but don't open it fully.
- Layovers: Find a quiet corner away from foot traffic. Offer water. Don't open the carrier in a busy terminal.
Gear for Flying With a Cat
- Best Airline-Approved Cat Carriers — soft-sided picks that fit under the seat
- Escape-proof harness — essential for the security checkpoint
- GPS tracker — attach before you leave home