Can You Buy Your Dog a Seat on a Plane? Here's What You Need to Know
As a dedicated pet parent, it’s natural to want your furry friend by your side—even in the skies. But before purchasing an airline ticket for your dog, it’s essential to understand if that’s even an option. While you can’t buy your dog a seat like a human passenger in most cases, there are pet-friendly travel options worth considering.
Airline Policies on Dogs in the Cabin
Most major airlines do not permit dogs to occupy their own seat, even if you’re willing to buy one. Instead, small dogs may travel in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Airlines treat these pets as carry-on items with an additional pet fee, typically ranging from $75 to $200 depending on the airline and route.
Considerations for Cabin Travel with Dogs
- Only small dogs that meet the airline's weight and size requirements can travel in-cabin.
- Your dog must remain in an approved carrier throughout the flight.
- Advance reservations for pets are usually required because only a few pets are allowed in-cabin per flight.
- Certain breeds may be restricted due to health or safety concerns.
Can You Purchase a Seat for Your Pet?
Although purchasing a seat for your dog might seem like the most comfortable option for them, commercial airlines do not allow pets to occupy seats.
While you can technically pay for an empty seat next to yours, your dog must still remain inside a pet carrier on the floor unless the airline has a specific program or policy stating otherwise. In such cases, the extra seat is usually used as extra space for the carrier—not for the dog to sit openly.
Alternative Options for Larger Dogs
If your dog cannot fly in the cabin, there are other options:
- Checked Baggage: Some airlines allow dogs to fly in the cargo hold as checked pets. This is temperature- and time-sensitive and not available on all flights.
- Manifest Cargo: Larger pets travel via airline freight services, often through designated animal transport programs.
- Private Jet Charters: These allow pets to sit in cabin seats alongside their owners, but they come at a premium cost.
Pet-Friendly Airlines and Programs
Some airlines are known for being more pet-friendly, including:
- JetBlue: Offers the JetPaws program, providing tips and added perks for pet travelers, but still requires pets in carriers under the seat.
- Alaska Airlines: Offers cabin and cargo travel for pets with reasonable fees and good conditions.
- Delta and American Airlines: Offer in-cabin options and cargo services, though pet size restrictions apply.
Steps to Prepare Your Dog for Air Travel
- Check airline pet policies in advance, including breed and size limitations.
- Book early, as most airlines have a pet capacity per flight.
- Purchase an FAA-approved pet carrier and help your dog acclimate to it at home.
- Visit your vet to ensure your dog is travel-ready and get any required certificates.
- Avoid feeding your dog right before the flight to prevent nausea.
Final Thoughts
Though you can’t buy your dog a seat in the traditional sense, many airlines offer options for having your pet close during flight—especially smaller dogs in carriers. By researching airline-specific policies and preparing your dog adequately, you can ensure that air travel is safe and comfortable for both you and your canine companion.
