Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United publish cabin pet options that include cats, subject to route and booking restrictions. Use the comparison below to build a shortlist, then confirm the exact flight. A cabin policy does not establish that an airline also accepts unaccompanied cats as cargo.
Cabin options checked against official policies
These airline details were rechecked against each airline’s own pages on November 9, 2026. Reconfirm the current charge and pet space before booking.
| Airline | Cabin fee observed | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant | $50 per segment per carrier, non-refundable | Cats at least eight weeks old; cabin travel within the contiguous 48 states. Soft carriers up to 18 x 12 x 11 inches; hard carriers up to 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches (length x width x height). Cats must also fit comfortably inside. |
| American | $150 per kennel on eligible routes | No cabin pets to or from Hawaii or on transatlantic or transpacific journeys; check aircraft and seat restrictions |
| Delta | $150 each way for contiguous U.S. domestic travel on tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 | Different itineraries and ticket dates may have different fees |
| Frontier | $149 per pet, per direction, listed on its optional-services page | Cats are accepted on U.S. flights only |
| JetBlue | $150 each way | Route, carrier and booking eligibility |
| Southwest | $125 per carrier one way for U.S. mainland travel, listed on its fee page | Eligible flights and pet-space availability |
| United | $150 each way | Cats must be at least two months old for domestic travel and four months for international travel; check destination and aircraft restrictions |
Check Alaska and Hawaiian directly
For Alaska or Hawaiian, start with their shared pet-travel page. Before booking, confirm cat acceptance on your flight, carrier requirements, the total pet fee and how to reserve pet space.
Why Spirit is not listed
Spirit announced that it began winding down operations on May 2, 2026, with all flights cancelled. Its former pet policy is historical and should not be used to plan a new journey.
Use the carrier limits as a first check
A carrier within the published dimensions must also fit your cat and the space under the assigned seat. Measure length, width and height separately, and give the airline the carrier type and flight details when reserving pet space. A product marketed as airline-approved does not establish acceptance on every aircraft.
Allegiant lists its fee per flight segment. For a connection, ask for the total pet charge across the itinerary rather than comparing that figure directly with another airline’s each-way fee. When flights involve different operating airlines, obtain each airline’s acceptance.
Compare the same details before booking
- Does the operating airline accept your cat on every part of the route?
- What minimum age and destination rules apply?
- Which carrier dimensions and seating restrictions apply to the aircraft?
- Is pet space available, and how is the reservation confirmed?
- What is the full fee and cancellation policy?
- If considering cargo, is that separate service available and who handles the booking?
Keep the confirmation with your travel records. Check carrier fit using the airline carrier checklist. Once the airline is selected, use the flight booking and airport guide.
For a ground alternative, CitizenShipper connects owners with independent drivers offering cat transportation.
Content Writer at CitizenShipper. I’ve also been published on The Penny Hoarder, Mommy Poppins and mxdwn.
