Flying with your furry friend can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of considerations, especially concerning their comfort and space during the journey. A common question pet owners ask is, “Can You Buy Your Pet A Seat On A Plane?” Whether you have a larger dog breed, multiple pets, or simply want to ensure more space for your companion (and yourself!), understanding airline policies is crucial.
While the idea of purchasing an extra seat for your pet might seem like a straightforward solution, the reality is that only a select number of airlines explicitly permit this option in their pet travel policies. After extensive research into the pet policies of numerous airlines worldwide, we’ve identified six airlines with clear guidelines on purchasing a seat for your beloved pet.
If none of these airlines align with your travel plans, it’s still worth contacting your preferred airline directly. You might find they offer some flexibility or alternative solutions. Alternatively, exploring flight options with the airlines listed below could be the perfect first step in planning your pet-inclusive travel.
Airlines That Officially Allow You to Buy a Seat for Your Pet
For pet owners seeking to secure an extra seat for their animal companion, these airlines offer clear policies and options:
Aeroflot (Russia)
Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship carrier, joins S7 Airlines and Belavia in offering the option to purchase a seat for your pet. Similar to S7, Aeroflot has specific regulations. Booking a pet onto a passenger seat must be done when you book your own ticket, and at least 36 hours before your flight. Your pet needs to travel in a rigid or semi-rigid container, with a total weight limit of 15kg (approximately 33 lbs).
During takeoff, landing, turbulence, ascent, and descent, the carrier must be secured with a seat belt. To protect the seat, two waterproof mats or pee pads are also required.
Container size limits vary depending on your class of travel. In Economy and Comfort classes, rigid containers can be up to 50 x 35 x 30cm (approximately 19.7 x 13.8 x 11.8 inches), with semi-rigid containers allowed up to 32cm (approximately 12.6 inches) in height. Business class allows for larger dimensions: 50 x 40 x 30cm (approximately 19.7 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches) for rigid containers, or a more generous 50 x 40 x 40cm (approximately 19.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches) for semi-rigid options.
The cost for your pet’s seat is the same as the adult fare, and no additional pet fees are applied. For detailed information, refer to Aeroflot’s comprehensive pet policy and their baggage fees.
Alaska Airlines (United States)
Within the United States, Alaska Airlines is a notable option for pet owners wanting to buy an extra seat. They allow passengers to purchase an adjacent seat to accommodate two pets in the cabin, each in their own carrier placed under separate seats.
For the additional seat, you will be charged the regular seat fare, plus a second pet fee. Currently, this pet fee is $100 USD/CAD each way.
Keep in mind that on Alaska Airlines flights, your pet carrier counts as part of your carry-on baggage allowance. This means it will replace either your carry-on bag or personal item, and it’s unlikely you’ll receive extra baggage allowance for the second seat purchased.
Alaska Airlines permits up to two small pets in each carrier, provided they are the same species, of similar size, comfortably fit within the carrier without protruding, and are not showing signs of distress. Maximum carrier sizes 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 complete details, consult their pet policy.
Belavia (Belarus)
Belavia, the flag carrier of Belarus, stands out as one of the few European airlines that allows purchasing an extra seat for pets. Most European airlines do not offer this service, making Belavia a unique option for travel within Europe.
The primary advantage of buying a seat for your pet on Belavia is the increased weight and carrier size limits. For pets traveling under the seat in front, the maximum weight (including carrier) is 8kg (approximately 17.6 lbs), and carrier size is limited to 55 x 40 x 20cm (approximately 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches).
However, with a purchased seat, the weight limit increases significantly to 23kg (approximately 50.7 lbs), and the carrier size is much more generous at 55 x 40 x 40cm (approximately 21.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches). This extra height is beneficial for larger pets.
It’s important to note that purchasing a seat for your pet on Belavia involves two fees: the standard pet-in-cabin fee (€50 or equivalent) and an additional cabin baggage fee. The pet carrier must also be securely fastened during the flight. Only one pet per passenger is allowed with this option.
For more information, refer to Belavia’s pet policy.
Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates)
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is known for being a pet-friendly airline in Asia. While they recently increased their pet fees, making them a more expensive choice, they still offer the option to purchase an adjacent seat for your pet.
Etihad allows pets up to 8kg (approximately 17.6 lbs), including a carrier up to 40 x 40 x 22cm (approximately 15.7 x 15.7 x 8.7 inches), to travel under the seat. Alternatively, you can buy an adjacent seat, keeping the same weight limit but allowing for a larger carrier up to 50 x 43 x 50cm (approximately 19.7 x 16.9 x 19.7 inches). This larger carrier provides extra comfort, especially for pets with longer legs.
For passengers flying in Business or First Class, purchasing an adjacent seat is the only option if traveling with a pet due to seat designs. The size and weight restrictions remain the same.
In addition to the cost of the extra seat, the standard pet-in-cabin fee applies. As of October 2022, this fee significantly increased to $1500.
For detailed information, see Etihad’s pet policy.
JetBlue (United States)
JetBlue, another US-based airline, mirrors Alaska Airlines in its policy regarding extra seats 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 of $125 each way, per pet, is applicable. JetBlue also offers the convenience of checking pet strollers at no additional charge.
Pets must comfortably fit in their carriers, with a maximum carrier size of 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches (43 x 31.75 x 21.5cm). During taxi, takeoff, and landing, pets must remain in their carriers and under the seat. However, during the flight, the carrier can be placed on the empty seat.
For comprehensive details, refer to JetBlue’s pet policy.
JSX (United States)
JSX, a “hop-on jet service” operating primarily within the US and to Baja California Sur, is arguably the most pet-friendly American airline. Their policy for purchasing a pet seat is unique compared to Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.
JSX allows medium-to-large dogs to travel in the cabin by purchasing a seat for them. 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), you can buy an adjacent seat by contacting their call center. There is no charge for pets that fit under the seat.
For larger dogs traveling in the cabin with their own seat, a weight limit of 79 lbs (35.8kg) applies. During the flight, dogs must be leashed, remain on the floor in front of their window seat (with the owner in the aisle seat), and be well-behaved. Dogs are not permitted to sit on the seats themselves.
A signed Acceptance of Pet Liability Form is required at check-in.
For complete policy information, visit JSX’s pet policy.
S7 Airlines (Russia)
S7 Airlines, a major Russian domestic carrier, is another European airline that allows purchasing a seat for a pet. Belavia’s policy likely draws inspiration from S7’s established guidelines.
When buying a seat for your pet on S7 Airlines, the maximum weight limit (including carrier) is 23kg (approximately 50.7 lbs), with a maximum carrier height of 40cm (approximately 15.7 inches). This accommodates slightly larger pets in the cabin. For standard pet-in-cabin travel, the weight limit is 10kg (approximately 22 lbs), and carrier height limits are 25cm (approximately 9.8 inches) for soft carriers or 20cm (approximately 7.9 inches) for hard carriers.
Carrier requirements for pets traveling on a purchased seat differ; rigid carriers (cages or containers) are mandatory, not soft carriers. This option must be booked during your initial booking process – online, via chat, or through a sales office – and cannot be added later.
For further details, consult their pet policy (available in Russian).
United Airlines (United States)
United Airlines is the latest major airline to officially permit purchasing a seat for a second pet.
United Airlines’ policy is concise: passengers can travel with up to two pets by purchasing two seats on their flight. The second seat must be adjacent to the passenger’s assigned seat.
However, certain aircraft types are excluded from this policy due to limited under-seat space, which prevents adjacent seating arrangements suitable for pets. Refer to their pet policy for the current list of excluded aircraft.
While United Airlines doesn’t explicitly mention a second pet fee in addition to the seat cost, it’s generally expected that this fee would apply. (It’s advisable to confirm this directly with United Airlines 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.
Standard carrier size limits apply 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.
See United’s comprehensive pet policy for complete information.
Other Airlines and Extra Seats
Beyond dedicated pet policies, some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat for general purposes, which could potentially be used for pet comfort, although not explicitly advertised for pets.
For example, Vueling allows passengers to select and purchase an extra seat during booking. Similarly, Korean airline T’way offers extra seat purchases at check-in.
Anecdotal reports suggest that American Airlines, Delta, and Canadian airline Air Transat may also allow extra seat purchases, although official online confirmation is lacking.
Even if not explicitly for pets, an extra seat can significantly enhance comfort when flying with a pet by eliminating the need to sacrifice legroom due to under-seat pet carriers. For travelers with long legs, this is a notable benefit.
However, airlines like Vueling and T’way specify in their pet policies that only one pet (or pet carrier) per passenger is allowed. Therefore, purchasing an extra seat with these airlines likely won’t enable you to bring a second pet in the cabin.
Conclusion: Planning for Pet Comfort in the Sky
While only a limited number of airlines currently have formal policies allowing you to buy a seat for your pet, it’s definitely an option worth exploring for enhanced comfort and space when traveling with your animal companion. By researching airline-specific pet policies and contacting airlines directly, you can navigate the options and make informed decisions to ensure a smoother and more comfortable journey for both you and your pet. Remember to always prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being when making travel arrangements.
