Introduction: Travel Trends Make Pet Flights Tougher
With global pet travel booming post-pandemic, airlines have responded by tightening cabin rules, increasing fees, and even banning small pets from cargo. As The Wall Street Journal reported in June 2025, travelers with furry companions now face more red tape and unpredictable charges—making previously routine flights a major logistical headache.
1. Tighter Under‑Seat Requirements
Today’s in‑cabin pet carrier rules are stricter than ever:
- Airlines like Delta, American, and United now limit in‑cabin pets to carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you—no popping heads out, no extra room for comfort.
- Size matters: some breeds, even at 20 pounds, fail under Delta’s “must fit comfortably” rule.
- Carriers must be soft-sided, nonbulk, and strictly within dimensions.
One dog owner learned this the hard way: her Shiba Inu, Kona, measured okay online—but at check-in, she was told the pup exceeded allowable height and had to fly cargo instead with new routing—costly and stressful all around.
2. Skyrocketing Pet Fees
Per-route pet fees have surged:
- United, American & Delta: now charge $150 one-way for in-cabin pet travel (up from former $95–$125).
- JetBlue & Southwest: $125 one-way.
- Alaska Airlines: $100 one-way.
- Cargo transport: even more expensive—often double or triple cabin rates.
In one case, an owner reported a domestic flight fee of $300 for their dog—while their seat cost only $209!
3. Airline Policies Change Overnight
Rules keep evolving:
- Emotional-support animals have been banned from cabins since 2021.
- Alaska Airlines recently eliminated the option to buy a separate seat for a pet and now bans rabbits and birds in cargo.
- Delta no longer allows cargo pets, except for military or State Department personnel.
- Airlines continue to shrink approved carrier dimensions.
These unilateral changes mean travelers can’t rely on past experiences—they must recheck online policies before every trip.
4. Booking Flights with Pets: A Game of Strategy
Smart pet travel now demands strategy:
- Reserve early—cabin limits are small (often 5–7 pets per flight).
- Print or screenshot policy pages. Desk agents and gate staff receive minimal training.
- Bring measuring tape and a second pet carrier just in case.
- Have a plan B: refundable flights, alternative airlines, or pet transport services.
5. Cargo Option: More Pitfalls
Checked-cargo is riskier and pricier:
- Not temperature-controlled in summer or winter.
- Hefty fees—often double business class ticket prices.
- Longer delays and extra paperwork.
- Airlines may reroute or deny transport last-minute.
Even pet-moving professionals admit it’s a logistical minefield—and increasingly unbookable on many domestic carriers.
6. Tips for Smarter Pet Travel
- Know your airline’s latest pet policy—don’t rely on old advice.
- Measure your pet in the actual carrier, at curbside if possible.
- Book early—cabin space fills fast.
- Have backup: refundable plane tickets or transport alternatives.
- Use a pet relocation service—they know rules, routing, and can act fast.
Conclusion: Pet Travel Is in Flux
What once felt like a simple add-on has turned into a logistical, financial, and emotional challenge. With stricter airline rules, high fees, and variable enforcement, every pet flight requires planning, paperwork, and patience.
And yet… people still bring their beloved companions along, because for many, a vacation isn’t a vacation without them.
How Transcon Pet Movers Eases the Stress
At Transcon Pet, we know your pet is family—and we’ve seen all the pitfalls firsthand.
Here’s how we help:
- End-to-end U.S. airport clearance: full customs assistance at SFO, LAX, LAS, JFK
- California’s most reputable pet-travel company, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York
- Export and import documentation: USDA, health certificates, CITES, and more
- Airport support: kennel measurement checks, gate escort, check-in assistance
- Boarding and logistics: flexible lodging for your pet, flight rerouting, and emergency planning
- International guidance: coordinating destination country regulations and quarantine requirements
Flying with pets isn’t getting any simpler—but with us, you’re never on your own. Reach out today to ensure smooth, safe, and stress-free air travel for your furry companions.