Flying a pet in the hold has become rare in the US. United, Delta and American now only take checked pets for active-duty military and State Department employees on official moves. For everyone else, Alaska and Hawaiian are the main options, plus American Airlines Cargo for pets shipped on their own.
Key facts
- United, Delta and American only fly checked pets for military and State Department staff on orders.
- Alaska and Hawaiian charge $200 each way for pets in the hold, up to 150 lb with kennel.
- American Airlines Cargo's PetEmbark still ships dogs and cats between 45°F and 85°F.
- From October 1, 2026, Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon don't accept snub-nosed breeds in cargo.
Which US airlines still fly pets in the hold
| Airline | Pets in the hold? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | $200 each way per kennel, up to 150 lb for pet and kennel. Pets travelling without you go through Alaska Air Cargo. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Yes | Same policy as Alaska. Kennels over 28 in aren't accepted on flights between the Hawaiian islands. |
| American Airlines | Military and Foreign Service only | Checked pets $200 per kennel, up to 100 lb with kennel, for staff on orders. American Airlines Cargo's PetEmbark service still ships dogs and cats on their own. |
| United Airlines | Military and State Department only | United ended its PetSafe program. Pets fly in cargo only with certain active-duty military and State Department employees. |
| Delta Air Lines | Military and Foreign Service only | Delta Cargo ships pets only for active US military or Foreign Service staff on permanent-change-of-station orders. |
| Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant | No | Cabin only. None of them carry pets in the hold or as cargo. |
Spirit Airlines, which also didn't carry pets in cargo, stopped flying in May 2026.
American Airlines PetEmbark
PetEmbark is American Airlines Cargo's service for shipping dogs and cats, including pets flying without their owner. From its FAQ:
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and sedation isn't allowed.
- Shipments go only when temperatures are between 45°F and 85°F. Between 20°F and 44°F you need a vet's acclimation letter.
- A breed verification form is required, and bookings open up to 10 days before travel.
- Prices come from American Airlines Cargo's rate calculator; they aren't published as a flat fee.
Outside the US
Hold travel is still normal on many international airlines. Air Canada takes pets up to 45 kg with kennel (C$105 to C$126 within Canada and the US). WestJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates carry pets in the hold or as cargo too. British Airways carries pets only in the hold, through partners.
Temperature rules
US Department of Agriculture rules limit how long animals can be exposed to heat and cold while being moved to and from the aircraft: no more than 45 minutes above 85°F or below 45°F, unless a vet certifies the animal is acclimated to lower temperatures. Airlines add their own limits on top. American, for example, doesn't fly pets in the hold to, from or through Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs from May 1 to September 30.
Expect hold bookings to be refused in summer heat waves and winter cold snaps, sometimes at short notice.
Snub-nosed breeds
Most airlines that fly pets in the hold won't accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats, such as bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, Shih Tzus and Persian cats. From October 1, 2026, Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon also stopped accepting them in the cargo compartment. Read snub-nosed breeds and airlines for the airline-by-airline lists.
Kennel basics
- A hard-sided kennel with a metal door, ventilation on several sides and enough room for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
- US rules require a "Live Animals" label in letters at least 1 inch high, and arrows showing which way is up.
- Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned to be shipped by air in the US.
- You must offer food and water within 4 hours before handing your pet over, and certify it in writing.
Questions people ask
Which airlines allow dogs in cargo?
In the US, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines still carry pets in the hold for regular travelers ($200 each way). American Airlines Cargo ships pets through PetEmbark. Internationally, Air Canada, WestJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Turkish, Qatar and Emirates carry pets in the hold or as cargo.
Does United still fly pets in cargo?
No, not for regular travelers. United ended its PetSafe program, and pets fly in cargo only with certain active-duty military and State Department employees.
Does American Airlines fly pets in cargo?
American's checked pet service is limited to military and Foreign Service staff on orders, but American Airlines Cargo still ships dogs and cats through its PetEmbark service, within temperature limits.
Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?
Most pets fly in the hold without problems, but the risk is higher for snub-nosed breeds and in hot or cold weather. That's why most airlines ban brachycephalic breeds from the hold and set temperature limits.
