Which Airline Offers the Largest Pet Carrier Size?
For pet owners who travel frequently, finding an airline with flexible pet size policies is essential. Most commercial airlines restrict in-cabin pet travel to small animals that can fit under the seat in a carrier. However, a few exceptions exist, and one airline stands out for its lenient and pet-friendly policy: JSX.
Airlines and Their Pet Carrier Policies
Here is a summary of pet carrier size limits across major U.S. and international airlines:
- Alaska Airlines: Carrier size 17 x 11 x 9.5 in (soft-sided), no set weight limit.
- American Airlines: Carrier size 18 x 11 x 11 in, 20 lbs combined weight limit on some aircraft (e.g., A321T).
- JetBlue: Carrier size 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 in, strict 20 lbs combined limit (pet + carrier).
- Delta and United: Carrier size 18 x 11 x 11 in, no official weight limits.
- International airlines like Lufthansa, KLM, and Air Canada generally enforce an 8–10 kg (~17–22 lb) limit, including carrier.
These limits make it challenging for owners of medium or large dogs to travel with their pets in the cabin. Most pets exceeding the size limit must travel in the cargo hold, which may be stressful and less safe under certain conditions.
JSX: The Most Pet-Friendly Airline
JSX, a semi-private U.S. based airline, surpasses others by offering generous policies for pets, including large dogs:
- Small pets under 30 lbs can fly in a carrier under the seat for a $100 fee.
- Larger dogs up to 79 lbs can fly in the cabin without a carrier if the owner purchases an adjacent seat.
- Dogs must be leashed and lie on the floor directly in front of the purchased seat.
- Only one additional seat per dog is needed, and JSX requires a printed pet acceptance form.
Unlike other airlines, JSX does not enforce the common 'carrier under the seat' rule for dogs flying with an extra seat, making it ideal for owners of medium to large breeds.
Other Airline Options for Larger Dogs
- Private jet services like K9 Jets, Bark Air, Pet Jets, and RetrievAir provide another option for large dogs in-cabin, but they come at a significantly higher cost.
- Some international airlines allow service animals of any size in the cabin, provided they meet DOT and ADA regulations and fit in the footprint of the owner’s seat or with the purchase of a second seat.
- AeroMexico, LATAM, Volaris, and Air Transat may allow emotional support animals in-cabin on select routes, sometimes accepting larger dogs when space permits.
Why Carrier Size Matters
Pet carrier size directly impacts whether a dog or cat can travel in the cabin. Restrictions are based on aircraft design, safety regulations, and passenger comfort. Carriers must:
- Fit entirely under the seat in front of the traveler
- Securely enclose the pet with sufficient ventilation
- Be soft-sided to accommodate space constraints
Cabin weight limits (combined pet and carrier) are often 20 lbs or less, which poses limitations for all but the smallest breeds.
Planning Ahead for In-Cabin Travel
To ensure a smooth trip with your pet, follow these tips:
- Confirm the airline's pet and carrier policies before booking.
- Measure your pet and carrier together to stay within guidelines.
- Inquire about purchasing an extra seat if your pet is on the larger side.
- Train your pet to be calm and comfortable in the carrier, especially for long flights.
- Have all documentation such as health certificates and vaccination records ready, particularly for international flights.
Conclusion
While most airlines enforce tight restrictions on carrier dimensions and pet size for in-cabin travel, JSX leads the industry in pet-friendliness. By allowing dogs up to 79 lbs in the cabin with the purchase of an extra seat, JSX offers what is effectively the largest pet accommodation policy in terms of size. Traditional air carriers may suit small pets well, but for anything larger, JSX or a private charter may be the most comfortable—and legal—option.
