Flying With Pets During the Holidays 2026: What Changed
Valentina Johnson
Founder & Lead Pet Care Writer
Hands-On Tested Advice
You have purchased the Thanksgiving tickets, your mother has the guest room prepared and then the airline agent informs you that all six pet places on your flight are already occupied. It occurs to American families during every holiday season and the rules changed once again this year. This is what has changed, and which airlines have prohibited pet travel in their cargo holds, and how you can secure your pet a seat in the plane before the crowds.
Quick Answer: The vast majority of American airlines do not release a single holiday list that prohibits pets. Cabin pet spots are instead limited on each flight and hold shipments are halted when the forecast at any airport along the route is too hot or too cold. Delta and United now restrict hold travel to families of the military and State Department, so count on a cabin seat, a ground option or carrier that still transports pets, like American or Alaska. (Source: airline pet policy pages)
Do Airlines Allow Pets in Cargo During Winter?
Few do, and the number is less than it used to be two years ago. Some large carriers have shut their cargo areas to ordinary pet owners, and a big dog might require another strategy even before cold weather comes into the equation.
This is the current state of the large airlines (Source: individual airline pet policy pages):
Delta: The general population shipping is frozen. Active-duty military and Foreign Service families on transfer orders only qualify.
United: Its PetSafe program is no longer beneficial to the people, and pets are carried in the cabin or off.
Southwest and JetBlue: No cabin. They don't carry pets in the hold.
American: Pets bigger than this pass through its cargo department. The only pets that are checked are military and State Department travelers.
Alaska: Still also provides a baggage-hold service, as well as service of pets that travel alone.
When your dog is too large to fit under a seat, begin with American or Alaska, or get a ground carrier. Book in advance, as cargo space fills on busy weeks.
Flying With Pets During the Holidays 2026: Airline-by-Airline Chart
Rules and fees are frequently modified, thus consider this table as a guide and verify on the airline website before you make payment. Rates depend on a carrier, one way (Source: airline pet policy pages).
Airline
Cabin pet fee
Hold or cargo for the public?
Temperature window for hold pets
Alaska
$100
Yes: baggage hold ($200) and Pet Connect cargo
45°F–85°F at every stop
American
$150 per kennel
Cargo division only; checked pets are military/State Dept. only
45°F–85°F; a vet letter may waive part of the cold limit
Delta
About $150
No (military and Foreign Service only)
20°F–80°F on those shipments
United
$150
No (military and State Dept. only)
Not applicable to the public
Southwest
$125
No hold option
Cabin only
JetBlue
$125–$150 (confirm at checkout)
No hold option
Cabin only
Each way is a cost of $150, which adds to your own ticket, round trip. There are also restricted cabin spots and therefore the charge does not ensure a space. You still have to reserve it.
In-Cabin Pet vs Cargo Pet Travel Rules: Side by Side
Cabin travel is more advantageous in most cases to the animals who qualify. Your pet is with you, the weather will not cancel the seat of your pet and the cost is cheaper.
Cabin (under the seat)
Hold or cargo
Best for
Small dogs and cats that fit an approved carrier
Larger pets, or places that bar cabin pets
Typical cost
$100–$150 each way
$200 baggage-hold fee at Alaska; cargo quotes vary by size and route
Weather limits
None for your pet, though delays can happen
Temperature windows at every airport on the route
Breed limits
Mostly size-based
Short-nosed breeds often refused
Paperwork
Health certificate sometimes requested
Health certificate and a sturdy, approved crate
Booking
Limited spots per flight
Separate cargo booking at some carriers
A cabin pet has to remain zipped in its carrier throughout the trip, boarding and deplaning. Soft sided carriers that are approximately 18 x 11 x 11 inches can fit most airline companies, although they come in various sizes, so measure first (Source: airline pet policy pages). Find a carrier that is airline approved, and well ventilated.
Breeds with short noses such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats are more susceptible to overheating and difficulty breathing in the air. Most airlines would not allow them in the hold (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association; American Airlines). The safer bet is the cabin or road trip in the event you own one.
Rules differ when it comes to service dogs and emotional support animals. Since 2021, airlines can treat emotional support animals as regular pets at regular charges. Even trained service dogs are allowed to fly free without a form that is required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Source: U.S. DOT). Most airlines desire that at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Airline Pet Cargo Blackout Dates: Winter Temperature Limits Explained
This is the twist: not all airlines list a set of no fly days on holidays when pets should not be flown. Rather, a cold snap or a heat wave in any of the airports in your path could cancel a hold shipment with minimal or no notice.
The carriers have individual temperature ranges. The Alaska and the American usually accept pets on the hold as long as the prognosis is between 45 o C and 85 C at the departure, connecting, and arrival destinations (Source: Alaska Airlines; American Airlines pet travel page). American can also forego some of the cold limit provided a veterinarian issues an acclimation letter. Delta has a narrow range of military shipments operating on a 20 o F to 80 o F range ( Source: Delta Air Lines).
It is due to this that one winter association will get even a good itinerary sunk. Even a pet that leaves Phoenix at 60 o F and the layover city, such as Chicago, is predicted to be at 30 o F, will be rejected.
How to avoid the weather trap:
Select nonstop flights as much as possible.
Prefer midday take-offs, when it is hottest at the airports.
Vet the prediction of all the cities on your path three days and a day before.
Your vet can advise you on whether you need to get an acclimation letter in case you are traveling in cold weather.
Visit the airport pages on the airline embargo list of the airports on your route, as some have seasonal restrictions.
Have an emergency plan in place, such as a pet sitter or a car ride, in the event of a shipment being returned.
Can I Fly With My Dog on Thanksgiving? Dates and Crowd Tips
There is no limit on pets flying on Thanksgiving which falls on Thursday, November 26 this year. The mob is the real threat.
The previous year was record breaking. AAA estimated 81.8 million Americans would travel during the Thanksgiving (Source: AAA) and TSA cleared approximately 3.1 million passengers on the Sunday following the holiday, the busiest day in its history (Source: TSA, as reported by ABC News). Both agencies as of early October have not published a 2026 forecast. Those figures normally come in mid-to-late November.
Airport congestion does not make pets illegal, but it increases your chances of being late or of missing flights. They are also quick in filling pet spots. Southwest and JetBlue permit approximately six carriers on a flight and Delta limits its main cabin to four (Source: airline pet policy pages).
Arrange in advance these days:
Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 24-25: most outbound days.
Sunday and Monday, Nov. 29-30: busiest days of return.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26: typical lightest, cheapest day of the year to fly (Source: AAA).
This year, Christmas is on a Friday. It is typically two to five days prior to the main holiday, and those are the busiest days, therefore, make plans early to visit New Year.
How to Book a Flight With a Pet for the Holidays, Step by Step
This is the order to follow and you will save most of the surprises on the gate.
Before You Buy Tickets
Check with the airline that they will accept your pet. Check size, age, breed, and destination restrictions. There are other destinations where cabin pets are prohibited by most airlines such as Hawaii and the U.K ( Source: Delta Air Lines).
Book the pet spot immediately you purchase the ticket. Spots are on a first come basis. Other airlines need you to call and book the flight, whereas others allow you to do so online and include your pet.
Arrange the visit to the vet. Request a health certificate dated within a period of approximately 10 days to travel (Source: AVMA). Entry rules are established by your destination state, as USDA does not control the interstate travel of pets by their owners (Source: USDA APHIS pet travel guidance). Book early that vet visit, holiday appointments are quick.
After You Book
Drill on the carrier. Keep the door open at home and have sweets in 2 weeks. These small-breed training hints make nervous little dogs feel at home in a carrier.
Budget for fees. Other airlines charge the pet fee upon arrival at the airport, therefore arrive early. In case you are keeping costs, check dog expense in the first year.
Include ID and a tracker. Wear a microchip, a tag bearing your cell number, and a GPS collar.
Skip the sedatives. They are recommended against by the veterinary and American will not accept a pet that looks have been sedated (Source: AVMA; American Airlines).
Alternative. Find a pet sitter or boarding in case you are unable to get a spot.
The Bottom Lines:
Book in Advance, Watch the Weather.
The largest holiday pet-travel hazards reduce to two factors: a shortage of cabin space and the cold weather restrictions on the hold. Book the place of your pet a day after you have booked your tickets, book nonstop flights, and have a plan in case of a failure. Do the three and your pet is going to have a smooth ride. Then, read our pet-friendly travel guide with information about lodging, road-trip, and packing.
References:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Traveling With Your Dog or Cat. Covers sedation advice and short-nosed breed risks.
What are the rules for flying with pets during the holidays 2026?
Small dogs and cats are still flown by major airlines in the U.S. but cargo access has been reduced. Delta and United restrict hold travel to family members of the military and the State Department, where American and Alaska still accept pets of larger size within temperature restrictions. Make reservations in advance since cabin space is limited on each flight.
Are there airline pet cargo blackout dates for Christmas and New Year's?
Majority of the airlines in the U.S. do not have a single holiday list which prohibits pets. Rather, the hold shipment is halted when the prediction at any point on the route in any of the airports is beyond the temperature range of the airline. Those limits do not apply to cabin pets, but they can sell out.
Can I fly with my dog on Thanksgiving Day itself?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a dog on board on Thanksgiving Day provided your airline takes pets, and a seat is booked. The lightest travel day of the week is usually the Thanksgiving Day, which may result into shorter lines and various fares, yet the flight back on the next Sunday is usually full of people.
Do airlines allow pets in cargo during winter if it's below freezing?
Only in several airlines and only when the temperatures remain within their boundaries. Alaska and American typically require 45 F or higher at all stops, but American can relax some of that requirement with an acclimation letter of a veteran. Delta and United do not have a public hold travel.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet this holiday season?
Average cost of a cabin pet is about 100-150 per way, so 200-300 round trip. Alaska is approximately 100 and American and United 150. Cargo deliveries are much more expensive, and are charged by volume, weight and route.
Can I sedate my dog or cat for a flight?
No, the advice of both veterinary and airline is not to sedate a pet during a flight. Sedatives may increase the chances of heart and breathing complications at high altitude and American will not tolerate a pet that seemed to be using a tranquilizer. Instead, consult your vet on calm-down techniques.
Founder & Lead Pet Care WriterPeer-Reviewed & Tested
Written by Valentina Johnson
Valentina Johnson is a lifelong pet lover and writer who shares practical, easy to follow pet care tips for everyday owners. Her advice comes from years of raising her own pets, backed by real research and conversations with vets and trainers along the way. She's not a veterinarian, and always encourages readers to check in with one for anything serious. At the core of it all is one simple belief: every pet deserves a happy, healthy home.
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