Which Airline Offers the Largest Pet Carrier Size?
Traveling with pets—especially large dogs—comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most critical factors to consider when booking a flight is the maximum pet carrier size permitted in the cabin. This determines whether your dog can travel with you or must be checked as cargo. Here’s a detailed look at which airlines offer the most generous cabin pet policies.
Standard Airline Policies
Most commercial airlines follow strict size and weight requirements for pets allowed in the cabin. Typically, the pet and carrier combined must weigh 8–10 kg (17–22 lbs), and the carrier must fit under the seat.
- American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, and Southwest: These major U.S. airlines allow soft-sided carriers ranging from 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches to 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches. No explicit weight limit is enforced, though the pet must fit comfortably.
- European and Canadian carriers such as Lufthansa and Air Canada mirror these policies, generally capping in-cabin pets to 8–10 kg including the carrier.
Unique Options for Larger Dogs
For owners of larger dogs, the cabin travel options are significantly limited. However, a few airlines and services stand out for their flexibility:
- JSX: JSX distinguishes itself by allowing dogs up to 79 lbs in the cabin. Pets under 30 lbs can travel in a carrier under the seat for a $100 fee. For larger dogs, owners are required to purchase a second seat, and the pet must be leashed and lie on the cabin floor in front of the paid seat. This makes JSX the airline with the biggest acceptable in-cabin dog size.
- Alaska Airlines: While officially limited to small pets in 17 x 11 x 9.5 inch carriers, there was a period when extra seats could be purchased for larger crated dogs. However, this was more experimental and should always be verified directly with the airline.
Charter and Semi-Private Flights
Travelers unwilling to compromise often turn to premium services that have no strict size limitations:
- RetrievAir and K9 Jets: These platforms cater specifically to dog owners by offering charter or semi-private jet options where dogs of any size remain in-cabin.
- Bark Air: A new player focusing entirely on pet-friendly luxury flights with no carrier size constraints.
- Pet Jets: Allows owners to book individual seats or coordinate shared charter options for cost efficiency.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and DOT regulations, trained service animals are allowed in the cabin regardless of size. These animals must be trained for specific disability assistance and must fit within the owner's foot space or require a second seat if necessary.
Cargo Travel: The Alternative for Bigger Pets
When in-cabin travel isn’t an option, most large breed dogs must travel as manifest cargo or checked baggage. Airlines enforce strict crate regulations aligned with IATA standards:
- Durable, ventilated, and secure crates
- Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside
- Maximum crate + dog weight usually up to 150 lbs (sometimes 165 lbs)
- Temperature restrictions and breed exclusions apply
Best Practices for Air Travel with Pets
- Book early—airlines limit the number of pets per flight
- Confirm dimensions and weight limits with the carrier
- Acclimate your dog to the carrier or crate before the flight
- Ensure all documentation (health certificate, vaccinations, microchip) is up to date
- Consider an extra seat or premium service for greater comfort and flexibility
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the airline with the biggest pet carrier size allowance, JSX is currently the leader in accommodating medium to large dogs in-cabin with the purchase of an extra seat. For those with even larger breeds or looking for stress-free travel, semi-private charters and pet-specific airlines such as RetrievalAir and Bark Air offer a pet-friendly alternative at a premium price.
Always verify up-to-date airline policies before purchasing tickets, as regulations can change by route or equipment type.
