One of the most common questions for pet owners planning air travel is, “Can I Buy My Pet A Plane Ticket?” Whether your furry friend is slightly too large for under-seat carriers, you have multiple pets, or you simply want to provide more comfort and space during the flight, purchasing an extra seat for your pet can seem like an ideal solution.
While most airlines primarily accommodate pets as checked baggage or under the seat in front of you, a select few airlines do offer the option to purchase a seat for your pet. After extensive research into numerous airline pet policies, we’ve compiled a list of airlines worldwide with clear guidelines on buying a seat for your beloved companion.
If none of these airlines fit your travel needs, it’s always worth contacting your preferred airline directly to inquire about any flexibility they might offer. Alternatively, consider booking with one of the airlines listed below to ensure your pet can travel comfortably by your side.
Aeroflot (Russia)
Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship carrier, is among the airlines that allow you to purchase a seat for your pet. Following in the footsteps of S7 Airlines and Belavia, Aeroflot provides a similar policy with some unique distinctions.
To book a seat for your pet, it must be done concurrently with your own ticket purchase, and at least 36 hours before your scheduled flight. Your pet must travel in a rigid or semi-rigid container, with a total weight not exceeding 15kg (approximately 33 lbs).
During takeoff, ascent, descent, landing, and turbulence, the carrier must be securely fastened to the seat using a seatbelt. To protect the seat, two waterproof mats or pee pads are also required to be placed underneath the carrier.
Size restrictions for pet carriers vary based on cabin class. In Economy and Comfort classes, rigid containers can be up to 50 x 35 x 30cm (approximately 20 x 14 x 12 inches), while semi-rigid containers can reach 32cm (approximately 13 inches) in height. Business class allows for larger dimensions: 50 x 40 x 30cm (approximately 20 x 16 x 12 inches) for rigid containers, and a more generous 50 x 40 x 40cm (approximately 20 x 16 x 16 inches) for semi-rigid options.
The cost for your pet’s seat is the standard adult fare, without any additional pet fees applied. For comprehensive details, refer to Aeroflot’s full pet policy and further information on baggage fees.
Alaska Airlines (United States)
Among US-based airlines that accommodate pets, Alaska Airlines stands out by allowing passengers to purchase an adjacent seat for their animal companions. This option enables you to travel with two pets in the cabin, each in their own carrier placed under separate seats.
When purchasing an extra seat for your pet on Alaska Airlines, you will be charged the regular seat fare in addition to a separate pet fee. Currently, this pet fee is $100 USD/CAD each way.
It’s important to note that on Alaska Airlines flights, your pet’s carrier counts as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, replacing either your carry-on bag or personal item. It is not specified whether an additional baggage allowance is granted with the purchase of a second seat.
Alaska Airlines permits up to two small pets to travel in a single carrier, provided they are of the same species, similar size, can comfortably fit within the carrier without protruding, and are not in distress. Maximum carrier size limits are 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches (43 x 28 x 24cm) for soft carriers and 17 x 11 x 7.5 inches (43 x 28 x 19cm) for hard carriers.
For further details, consult their complete pet policy.
Belavia (Belarus)
While most European airlines do not offer the option to purchase an extra seat for pets, Belavia, the Belarusian flag carrier, is a notable exception.
The primary advantage of buying an additional seat for your pet on Belavia is the increased weight and carrier size allowances. For pets traveling under the seat in front of you, the maximum weight, including the carrier, is limited to 8kg (approximately 17.6 lbs), and the carrier size is capped at 55 x 40 x 20cm (approximately 22 x 16 x 8 inches).
However, if you purchase a seat for your pet, the weight limit increases significantly to 23kg (approximately 50.7 lbs) for the pet and carrier combined. The carrier size also becomes more generous, allowing dimensions up to 55 x 40 x 40cm (approximately 22 x 16 x 16 inches), doubling the height of the under-seat carrier allowance.
Keep in mind that purchasing a seat for your pet on Belavia entails two fees: the standard fee for pet transport in the cabin (€50 or equivalent) and an additional fee for cabin baggage. The pet carrier must be securely fastened during the flight, and only one pet is permitted per purchased seat.
For more information, refer to Belavia’s comprehensive pet policy.
Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates)
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is recognized as one of the most pet-friendly airlines in Asia. While their pet fees have recently increased, making them a pricier option, they still offer the option to purchase a seat for your pet.
Besides allowing pets up to 8kg (approximately 17.6 lbs), including a carrier of up to 40 x 40 x 22cm (approximately 16 x 16 x 9 inches) to travel under the seat, Etihad also permits purchasing an adjacent seat for your pet. In this case, the weight limit remains the same, but the carrier size can be considerably larger, up to 50 x 43 x 50cm (approximately 20 x 17 x 20 inches). This is particularly beneficial for pets with longer legs or for ensuring extra comfort during the journey.
Notably, passengers flying in Business or First Class must purchase an adjacent seat if traveling with a pet, due to seat design limitations that prevent under-seat pet carriers. The size and weight restrictions remain consistent across cabin classes when purchasing a seat.
In addition to the cost of the extra seat, the standard in-cabin pet fee applies. As of October 2022, this fee increased significantly to $1500.
For detailed information, consult their full pet policy.
JetBlue (United States)
JetBlue is another American airline with a similar policy to Alaska Airlines regarding purchasing an extra seat for pets.
JetBlue allows each passenger to travel with two pets, each in their own carrier, by purchasing an adjacent seat for the second pet.
In addition to the seat fare, a pet fee applies each way, per pet, currently set at $125. JetBlue also allows pet strollers to be checked free of charge.
Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier no larger than 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches (43 x 31.75 x 21.5cm). While the pet and carrier must remain under the adjacent seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing, they can be placed on the empty seat during the flight itself.
Refer to the full pet policy for complete guidelines.
JSX (United States)
JSX, a “hop-on jet service” operating primarily in the US and to Baja California Sur, is arguably the most pet-friendly American airline. They offer a unique policy allowing passengers to purchase a seat for their pets, particularly beneficial for medium-to-large dogs.
If your dog exceeds the size limit for under-seat carriers (17 x 13 x 11 inches or 43.2 x 33 x 27.9cm), which are otherwise free, you can buy an adjacent seat for them by contacting their call center.
For larger dogs traveling in the cabin with a purchased seat, a weight limit of 79 lbs (35.8kg) applies. During the flight, dogs must be leashed, lie on the floor in front of their window seat (with the owner in the aisle seat), and be well-behaved. Dogs are not allowed to sit on the seats themselves.
Additionally, passengers traveling with larger dogs on purchased seats must complete and submit an Acceptance of Pet Liability Form at check-in.
Review the full pet policy for all regulations.
S7 Airlines (Russia)
S7 Airlines, one of Russia’s largest domestic carriers, is another European airline that allows purchasing a seat for pets. Belavia’s policy is likely modeled after S7’s regulations.
When buying a seat for your pet on S7 Airlines, the maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier is 23kg (approximately 50.7 lbs), with the carrier height limit being 40cm (approximately 16 inches). This allows for slightly larger pets to travel in the cabin compared to the standard in-cabin pet option, which has a 10kg (approximately 22 lbs) weight limit and carrier height restrictions of 25cm (approximately 10 inches) for soft carriers or 20cm (approximately 8 inches) for hard carriers.
Carrier requirements for pets traveling on a purchased seat differ; rigid carriers (cages or containers) are mandatory, not soft-sided carriers. This option must be booked during your initial booking process, either online, via chat, or through a sales office, and cannot be added later.
See their full pet policy (available in Russian only) for complete details.
United Airlines (United States)
United Airlines is the latest major airline to officially permit purchasing a seat for a second pet.
United Airlines’ policy regarding a second seat is straightforward: passengers can travel with up to two pets by purchasing two seats on their flight. The second seat must be adjacent to your assigned seat.
However, certain aircraft types are excluded from this policy due to limited under-seat space in middle seats, preventing adjacent seating for pet carriers. Consult the pet policy for the most current list of aircraft with a one-pet-per-passenger limit.
While United Airlines does not explicitly state whether a second pet fee is charged in addition to the seat fare, it is generally expected. (Confirmation is recommended when booking). For tickets purchased on or after April 26, 2024, the pet fee is $150 each way.
For premium cabin travel, be aware that pet space is limited, with generally only two pets allowed per premium cabin on United flights.
Keep in mind the carrier size restrictions for both pets: 18 x 11 x 11 inches (45 x 27 x 27cm) for soft carriers and 17.5 x 12 x 9 inches (44 x 30 x 22cm) for hard carriers. Both pets must remain in their carriers and under the seat at all times during the flight.
Refer to the full pet policy for complete guidelines.
Other Airlines Where Buying a Seat Might Be Possible
Beyond specific pet policies, some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat for comfort, which could potentially be used for a pet, though not explicitly stated. For example, Vueling allows seat selection, including purchasing extra seats, during booking. Similarly, Korean airline T’way offers extra seat purchases at check-in.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that American Airlines, Delta, and Canadian airline Air Transat might also allow extra seat purchases, although official online confirmation is lacking.
Even if not explicitly for a second pet, an extra seat ensures you don’t have to compromise legroom due to a pet carrier at your feet. However, airlines like Vueling and T’way limit pet travel to a single pet or carrier per passenger, making it unlikely that purchasing an extra seat would allow for a second pet in the cabin with these airlines.
Conclusion
While the option to buy a plane ticket specifically for your pet is not universally offered, several airlines do provide policies that allow for purchasing an extra seat to accommodate your animal companion in the cabin. These policies often come with specific regulations regarding carrier size, weight limits, and associated fees.
Always consult directly with the airline and thoroughly review their pet policy before booking to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for both you and your pet. Remember that policies can change, so verifying the most up-to-date information is crucial for travel planning.
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. With extensive travel experience alongside her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, spanning 33 European countries, nearly all Australian states and territories, and 10 US states, Shandos is passionate about empowering others to travel with their dogs, both locally and internationally.
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