which carrier fits your airline

How old must a puppy or kitten be to fly in the cabin?

At least 8 weeks and weaned on most US airlines; Air Canada says 10 weeks. Dogs entering the United States face a stricter rule (6 months, per the airlines that quote the CDC requirement).

13 of the 62 airlines we track publish a minimum age on the policy page we read. For the others, ask the airline before you book.

AirlineAirline's wordingSource
Air CanadaAt least 10 weeks old and fully weaned (Air Canada: "in most cases")official page
read 2026-09-24
airBalticRabies vaccination required (pet at least 15 weeks old)official page
read 2026-10-03
Alaska AirlinesAt least 8 weeks and fully weaned (dogs, cats and rabbits)official page
read 2026-09-24
Alaska Horizon (Horizon Air)At least 8 weeks and fully weaned (dogs, cats and rabbits)official page
read 2026-09-24
Allegiant AirAt least 8 weeksofficial page
read 2026-09-24
American AirlinesAt least 8 weeks (within the U.S. and Puerto Rico)official page
read 2026-09-23
Croatia Airlines12 weeks (15 weeks to/from Germany, 16 weeks to the USA)official page
read 2026-10-03
Delta Air LinesAt least 8 weeks (domestic); dogs entering the U.S. must be 6 monthsofficial page
read 2026-09-04
Frontier AirlinesAt least 8 weeksofficial page
read 2026-09-04
Pegasus Airlines3 months, with rabies vaccination; unvaccinated pets under 3 months are not acceptedofficial page
read 2026-10-03
Southwest AirlinesAt least 8 weeksofficial page
read 2026-09-24
United AirlinesPuppies and kittens at least 2 months (domestic); internationally, dogs 6 months (CDC) and kittens 4 monthsofficial page
read 2026-09-23
Viva AerobusAt least 2 months old on domestic flights (other rules for flights to the United States)official page
read 2026-10-03

Next: how to measure your pet · two pets in one carrier · weight limits

Which carrier fits your airline?

Every airline sets its own under-seat size, so the right carrier depends on who you fly. Pick yours for the carriers that clear its published limit: Southwest Airlines · American Airlines · Delta Air Lines · United Airlines · Alaska Airlines · JetBlue · Frontier Airlines · Air Canada · WestJet · all airlines →

Flying over Thanksgiving or Christmas? Read the holiday pet-travel guide →

Carriers that clear the most airlines

Ranked by how many of the 58 airlines with a published cabin limit each one clears at its published size — the same computation behind every fit verdict on this site.

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our specs or which carriers we list.

Sherpa Original Deluxe (Small)
Clears 41 of 58 airlines outright · 15 × 10 × 8.5 in · up to ~8 lb
See on Amazon →
Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Low Profile Gold Series Tote, Premium Brand Self Locking Zippers, Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Mini (Low-Profile)
Clears 31 of 58 airlines outright · 17 × 11 × 9 in · up to ~15 lb
See on Amazon →
Petmate Kennel Cab Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier, up to 10lbs, 17in, BlackPetmate Soft-Sided Kennel Cab (Medium)
Clears 14 of 58 airlines outright · 17 × 10 × 10 in · up to ~10 lb
See on Amazon →
Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Standard Size Airline Compliant Expandable Pet Carrier V3.0Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Standard (Expandable)
Clears 12 of 58 airlines outright · 18 × 11 × 10 in · up to ~20 lb
See on Amazon →
Sleepypod® Atom, Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Crash Tested, Charcoal GreySleepypod Atom
Clears 12 of 58 airlines outright · 17 × 8.5 × 10.5 in · up to ~12 lb
See on Amazon →
Coastal Pet Bergan Comfort Carrier - Breathable Travel Carrier for Dogs & Cats - Black & Grey, 16" x 8" x 11&qBergan Comfort Carrier (Small)
Clears 12 of 58 airlines outright · 16 × 8 × 11 in
See on Amazon →

Common questions

How old does a puppy have to be to fly in the cabin?

Usually at least 8 weeks and weaned. Air Canada: At least 10 weeks old and fully weaned (Air Canada: "in most cases") · airBaltic: Rabies vaccination required (pet at least 15 weeks old) · Alaska Airlines: At least 8 weeks and fully weaned (dogs, cats and rabbits) · Alaska Horizon (Horizon Air): At least 8 weeks and fully weaned (dogs, cats and rabbits) · Allegiant Air: At least 8 weeks · American Airlines: At least 8 weeks (within the U.S. and Puerto Rico) · Croatia Airlines: 12 weeks (15 weeks to/from Germany, 16 weeks to the USA) · Delta Air Lines: At least 8 weeks (domestic); dogs entering the U.S. must be 6 months · Frontier Airlines: At least 8 weeks · Pegasus Airlines: 3 months, with rabies vaccination; unvaccinated pets under 3 months are not accepted · Southwest Airlines: At least 8 weeks · United Airlines: Puppies and kittens at least 2 months (domestic); internationally, dogs 6 months (CDC) and kittens 4 months · Viva Aerobus: At least 2 months old on domestic flights (other rules for flights to the United States).