Which Airline Has the Cheapest Pet Fee in the United States?

Traveling with your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with extra costs—namely, airline pet fees. For pet owners in the United States, finding an airline with the cheapest pet fee is a top priority when planning a trip. As of March 19, 2025, pet policies and fees vary widely across U.S. airlines, making it essential to compare options. In this article, we’ll explore which airline offers the lowest pet fee, break down the costs, and provide tips to save money when flying with your pet.

Why Pet Fees Matter

Airline pet fees are additional charges for bringing your dog, cat, or other small animals onboard, typically in the cabin under the seat in front of you. These fees can range from $95 to $150 or more per direction, quickly adding up for round-trip travel. For budget-conscious pet owners, choosing an airline with the cheapest pet fee can make a big difference, especially if you travel frequently with your companion.

Since the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2020 ruling eliminated free travel for emotional support animals, all pets (except certified service animals) now incur a fee. This shift has made it even more critical to find affordable options. Let’s dive into the top U.S. airlines and their pet fees to determine which one comes out on top.

 Airlines with the Cheapest Pet Fees in the U.S.

Based on the latest data, here’s a look at the major U.S. airlines offering the lowest pet fees for in-cabin travel as of March 19, 2025:

### 1. Delta Air Lines – $95 Each Way
– *Pet Fee*: $95 per direction for domestic flights (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands); $200 for international flights.
– *Details*: Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds (on domestic flights only) in the cabin, provided they fit in a carrier under the seat. The $95 fee is the lowest among major U.S. carriers for domestic travel, making Delta a standout for affordability.
– *Restrictions*: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old (16 weeks for international U.S. entry), and the carrier counts as your personal item, meaning you’ll pay extra to check a bag ($35+).
– *Why It’s a Winner*: At $95, Delta consistently offers the cheapest pet fee for domestic routes among legacy carriers.

### 2. Frontier Airlines – $99 Each Way
– *Pet Fee*: $99 per direction for domestic and international flights.
– *Details*: Frontier permits dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds (dogs and cats only on international flights) in the cabin. The carrier must fit under the seat, and the fee applies per pet.
– *Restrictions*: Limited to small pets, with a maximum carrier size of 18″ x 14″ x 8″. Frontier doesn’t offer cargo options for larger pets.
– *Why It’s a Contender*: At $99, Frontier is one of the cheapest options, especially for low-cost carrier fans, and its flat fee applies across all routes.

### 3. Alaska Airlines – $100 Each Way
– *Pet Fee*: $100 per direction ($150 for cargo, where available).
– *Details*: Alaska allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin, with a generous policy of two pets per carrier if they’re the same species and similar size (effectively $50 per pet if traveling with two).
– *Restrictions*: Carrier size is limited to 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″, and pets must be at least 8 weeks old. Cargo is available on select routes for larger pets.
– *Why It’s Competitive*: The $100 fee is among the lowest, and the two-pet policy can save money for multi-pet households.

### Honorable Mentions
– *Southwest Airlines – $125 Each Way*: While not the cheapest at $125, Southwest offers free carry-on bags and two free checked bags, potentially offsetting costs if you’re traveling with luggage alongside your pet. Only dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin.
– *American Airlines – $150 Each Way*: Recently raised from $125 (for tickets before Feb 20, 2024), American’s $150 fee is higher but allows a carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier, unlike Delta. Cargo starts at $200 for eligible travelers (e.g., military).
– *United Airlines – $150 Each Way*: United’s fee increased to $150 (for tickets after April 26, 2024), with an extra $125 for layovers over 4 hours domestically. It’s pricier but allows a second seat purchase for more space.

## And the Winner Is… Delta Air Lines!

For the title of “cheapest pet fee in the United States,” *Delta Air Lines* takes the crown with its $95 per-direction fee for domestic flights. At just under $100, it beats out Frontier ($99) and Alaska ($100) by a small but meaningful margin. For pet owners sticking to U.S. travel, Delta’s pricing is hard to beat among major airlines with broad route networks.

However, the best choice depends on your specific needs:
– *Budget Travelers*: Frontier’s $99 fee and low base fares make it ideal for short, no-frills trips.
– *Multi-Pet Owners*: Alaska’s $100 fee with a two-pet carrier option could save you more.
– *Luggage Needs*: Southwest’s $125 fee paired with free bags might balance out costs if you’re packing extra.

## Additional Costs to Consider

While the pet fee is a key factor, it’s not the only cost to budget for:
– *Google Play Store Developer Account*: To publish an app (unrelated to pet fees but noted in your earlier question), it’s a one-time $25 fee—irrelevant here but worth mentioning for context.
– *Checked Bags*: If your pet carrier counts as your carry-on (e.g., Delta, Frontier), checking a bag adds $30-$40+ per direction.
– *International Travel*: Fees jump significantly (e.g., Delta’s $200), so domestic flights are usually cheaper for pets.
– *Carrier Requirements*: You’ll need an airline-approved carrier, costing $20-$50 if you don’t already own one.

## Tips to Save on Pet Travel

1. *Book Early*: Most airlines limit the number of pets per flight (e.g., Southwest: 6, American: 7), so secure your spot to avoid missing out.
2. *Use Rewards Cards*: Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express offer up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, which can cover pet fees.
3. *Compare Total Costs*: Low pet fees don’t always mean the cheapest trip—factor in ticket prices and baggage fees.
4. *Travel Light*: Opt for airlines like Southwest or Alaska that don’t charge for carry-ons to keep costs down.

## Final Thoughts: Fly Smart with Your Pet

When it comes to finding the airline with the cheapest pet fee in the United States, Delta Air Lines leads at $95 per direction for domestic travel. Frontier and Alaska follow closely at $99 and $100, respectively, offering solid alternatives depending on your travel style. Always check the latest policies before booking, as fees and rules can change (e.g., United and American’s recent hikes).

Ready to fly with your pet? Compare fares, snag a low pet fee, and enjoy the journey with your four-legged companion by your side. Safe travels!

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