Top 10 Cat-Friendly Domestic Airlines

Flying by yourself can be stressful, so why not bring your feline friend the next time you visit another destination around the US? Taking your cat with you can make your trip more fun and memorable. Plus, it allows you to bond together and strengthen your relationship.

Contrary to popular belief, flying with your cat doesn’t have to be difficult, as there are plenty of cat-friendly domestic airlines today. These airlines go out of their way to ensure that you and your pet experience the most comfortable, safe, and convenient flight.

1. American Airlines

Without a doubt, American Airlines is the biggest and most cat-friendly airline in the world. Pets and pet parents are welcome to fly together as long as the pets are kept inside an airline-approved cat carrier under the seat. Just make sure to contact the airline after booking your flight to reserve a spot for your furry friend. 

• Price one-way: $125 (but you’ll have to pay an additional $125 for flights with more than a four-hour voluntary connection or stopover).
• Things you should know: You can only bring your cat to select locations.

2. Delta Airlines

To travel with your cat on Delta Airlines, they should fit in a ventilated airline-approved pet carrier with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11”. Your cat should also be at least ten weeks old for domestic travel and 16 weeks old if you’re traveling to the US from another country. 

• Price one-way: Ranges from $75 to $200, depending on your destination. 
• Things you should know: Pets aren’t allowed to travel to the UK, Hawaii, and Ireland. They’re also not allowed to travel to and from South Africa, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia.

3. United Airlines

You can take your cat with you in the cabin, as long as they’re inside an airline-approved cat carrier and then stowed under the seat in front. Your cat should be able to move freely while inside their carrier. Besides military dogs, pets are not allowed to fly in the hold as checked baggage. 

• Price one-way: $125 (but you’ll have to pay an additional $125 for flights with more than a four-hour voluntary connection or stopover).
• Things you should know: Pets are also allowed to fly to and from many international destinations. 

4. Alaska Airlines

Aside from cats, other pets, such as dogs, rabbits, and household birds, are allowed in the cabin. The airline also accepts many small and domesticated pets in the cargo and baggage compartments, as well. Pets traveling with the airline should be at least eight weeks old.

• Price one-way: $100 per pet or $105 for flights from Canada
• Things you should know: If you want to travel with unique pets but can’t take them with you in the main cabin, inquire about Alaska Airline’s Fur-st Class Care Program. Under this program, you’ll receive a notification confirming your pet has made it safely aboard the aircraft. 

5. Hawaiian Airlines

Planning to visit Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Seattle with your feline friend? Then book a flight with Hawaiian Airlines. The airline allows cats and dogs in the passenger cabin as long as they don’t weigh more than 25 pounds while inside an airline-approved pet carrier. 

• Price one-way: Ranges from $35 to $225 depending on the destination. 
• Things you should know: Each passenger can only travel with one pet carrier, and only cats and dogs are permitted to board the airline. 

6. Southwest Airlines

As long as your cat is up-to-date with their vaccinations, you can take them with you the next time you board Southwest Airlines. Pets are allowed in the cabin during domestic flights only. The combined weight of your cat inside their airline-approved pet carrier should not exceed 20 pounds. 

• Price one-way: $95
• Things you should know: Pets aren’t allowed when traveling to or from Hawaii but are allowed on intra-Hawaii flights.

7. Breeze Airways

If you’re looking for an affordable airline, Breeze Airways should be on top of your list. This new US-based airline offers low fares but is still one of the most cat-friendly airlines in the US. Fish, birds, and other reptiles are not allowed to travel with the airline.

• Price one-way: $75
• Things you should know: Your cat’s weight when placed inside an airline-approved pet carrier should not exceed 25 pounds. 

8. JetBlue

If this is your first time flying with your cat, good news! JetBlue offers an exclusive program called JetPaws, created to give pet parents tips and tricks on how they can have the smoothest trips with their fur babies. Besides being free, this program lets you earn 300 JetBlue points on each flight segment you fly with your cat!

• Price one-way: $125
• Things you should know: Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin in an airline-approved pet backpack or carrier that fits under the seat and has a combined weight of less than 20 pounds. You can bring up to four pets per flight, so make sure to book your pets’ seats as soon as possible. 

9. Spirit Airlines

In the “spirit” of all things plane- and pet-related, the opening pitch of this airline makes it clear why pet owners in and around the US choose to fly with them. 

Spirit Airlines allow cats and other pets, such as dogs, domestic rabbits, and household birds on board. Just make sure that your pet is placed inside an airline-approved cat carrier and has a combined weight of less than 40 pounds. 

• Price one-way: $125 
• Things you should know: Pets aren’t allowed on international flights.

10. Frontier Airlines

Similar to other airlines, Frontier Airlines requires you to put your cat in an airline-approved pet carrier. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, lie down, and turn around. It should also fit underneath the seat in front of you. Reach out to the airline after booking your ticket, as certain seats can’t accommodate a pet carrier. 

• Price one-way: $99
• Things you should know: You need to add your pet’s information when you place a reservation during the initial booking.