I know, I know…. you want your pet with you. However, just because the airline allows dogs and cats to travel as pets in-cabin, not all meet the criteria. Is your pet the correct size to fit in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliant soft-sided crate? Does the crate allow space for your pet to stand and turnabout comfortably?

Some pets that are transported as pets in-cabin do not meet the requirements. They are too large and are unable to stand or turnabout in the crate.

Acceptance is at the discretion of the airline. If a pet is deemed to large for the crate, it can be denied for travel. Remember that the requirements for pet travel varies by airline. So, do your research! Never assume the pet travel policies are the same. While traveling as pet in-cabin, airlines will mandate policies to ensure the safety of passengers and pets during transport.

Pet in-cabin airline polices and federal regulations:

• Find the requirements for travel as pets in-cabin for the airline.

• Minimal requirements established by the FAA:
  • Pet container must be small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you, without blocking the path to the aisle.
  • Pet container must be stowed the entire time during transport.
  • You must comply with the flight attendant's instructions regarding the stowage of your pet's container.

Pets in the Passenger Cabin (faa.gov)