Flying With a French Bulldog in the U.S.: Policies, Prices, and Pro Tips

Quick safety note for Frenchies (brachycephalic breeds): Do not use cargo/checked-pet programs. Most major airlines restrict or ban snub-nosed breeds from cargo due to heat-stress and breathing risk. In-cabin travel (under-seat carrier) is the safe path. American explicitly doesn’t accept brachycephalic breeds as checked pets. American Airlines

Airline-by-airline: In-cabin pet rules & fees (domestic USA)

Fees are one-way unless noted. All airlines require your dog to remain in a ventilated, leak-proof under-seat carrier for the entire flight, and most cap the number of pets per flight—book the pet slot early.

Alaska Airlines

• Pet fee: $100 each way. Jetset Pets

• Carrier size: Soft/hard carriers must fit under seat; Alaska publishes detailed size and seating rules (aisle/bulkhead restrictions).

• Notes for Frenchies: No published weight limit if your pet fits comfortably in the carrier and can stand/turn/lie down.

American Airlines

• Pet fee: $150 per kennel, each way.

• What changed: In 2024–2025, AA rolled out a policy update that (on aircraft with enough space) lets you bring a carry-on plus a pet kennel; check availability on your specific flight. United AirlinesAlaska Airlines

• Carrier rules: Must fit under seat; snub-nosed breeds are not accepted as checked pets (cargo), reinforcing in-cabin only for Frenchies. American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

• Pet fee: $150 each way for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025 (was lower prior to that). Delta Airlines

• Carrier rules: Must fit under seat; pet must be able to stand/turn/lie down naturally. Delta Airlines

United Airlines

• Pet fee: $150 each way; additional $150 service charge may apply for long layovers. Frontier Airlines FAQ

• Breed/weight: United states no weight or breed limitations for in-cabin pets (still must fit in an approved carrier under the seat). United Airlines

Southwest Airlines

• Pet fee: $125 per pet carrier each way (U.S. mainland). Southwest Airlines

• Carrier size: Max 18.5" L x 8.5" H x 13.5" W. Southwest Community

JetBlue

• Pet fee: $150 each way. JetBlue

• Weight rule to watch: JetBlue enforces a 20 lb (9 kg) combined pet + carrier limit—often a deal-breaker for adult Frenchies; confirm at booking.

Frontier Airlines

• Pet fee: $99 per pet, per direction. Frontier Airlines

• Carrier size: Max 18" L x 14" W x 11" H (soft-sided) or 18" x 14" x 8" (hard-sided); must fit under seat. Frontier Airlines FAQ

Spirit Airlines

• Pet fee: Spirit’s official support page outlines in-cabin pet rules; fees are shown during booking (commonly $125 each way). Confirm for your route/date. Airlines Updates

Allegiant Air (point-to-point network)

• Pet fee: $50 each way (one of the lowest). Allegiant Air

• Carrier size: Max 8" H x 14" W x 18" L; under-seat only. Allegiant Air

• Caveat: Limited routes/schedules; Frenchie bulk plus low height limit can make fit tricky.

Hawaiian Airlines (special case)

• In-cabin pets: Allowed on select neighbor-island and some North America flights to Hawaii (not from certain states); check route-specific restrictions.

• Important: Hawaii has strict animal import rules; always review state/DOA requirements well in advance.

Top 3 airlines for ease + value with a Frenchie

1. Alaska Airlines — Best overall for FrenchiesModerate fee, pet-savvy policies, and no stated in-cabin weight limit beyond “must fit and be comfortable.” Great customer experience historically for pet travel.

2. Frontier — Most budget-friendly among major networksIndustry-low $99 pet fee and clearly published carrier dimensions. Good if you’re flexible with ULCC (à-la-carte) service.

3. United — Widest network + flexible in-cabin stanceNo breed or weight limits for in-cabin (still must physically fit under the seat), plus an extensive route map for nonstops to reduce stress. Fee is higher at $150, but availability and policies often make logistics easier.

Honorable mention: Southwest for simple policies and tons of domestic nonstops; fee is $125 each way. Southwest Airlines

Pre-flight preparation: Frenchie-specific checklist

Health & documentation

• Vet check 7–10 days out. Ask your vet to clear your Frenchie for flight; Frenchies overheat easily and are prone to airway collapse under stress. Bring a recent health certificate if your airline or destination state requires it, and your rabies certificate. (States/airlines may require health certs; CDC notes airlines/states can require documentation.)

• Avoid sedation. Vets and airlines advise against tranquilizers at altitude for brachycephalic dogs.

Carrier training & fit

• Right carrier = less stress. Choose a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier that meets your airline’s exact dimensions (see above) and lets your dog stand/turn/lie down naturally. Most carriers with a slightly compressible top help slide under the seat. (Alaska/Frontier publish dimension/fit criteria.)

• Acclimation plan (10–14 days). Feed treats and meals inside the open carrier → gradually zip shut for longer intervals → practice under a desk (simulates under-seat) → add rolling-bag movement and brief car rides.

Booking strategy

• Reserve the pet slot when you buy your ticket. Flights cap the number of in-cabin pets (varies by airline and aircraft).

• Pick cooler, nonstop, morning/evening flights to minimize heat exposure and time in the carrier.

Day-of-travel

• Exercise and potty before the airport; no big meals within 4 hours of departure to reduce nausea and accidents (Frontier echoes the no-food-just-before guideline). Frontier Airlines

• Security screening: Remove your dog from the carrier; carrier goes through X-ray. Keep your dog on a leash through the metal detector (remove leash when carrying). TSA

• At the gate: Use pet relief areas, offer small sips of water, and keep your Frenchie cool.

Onboard care

• Seat selection: Avoid bulkhead and exit rows; many airlines prohibit pet carriers there (e.g., Alaska/Frontier).

• Temperature & breathing: Keep airflow open; don’t drape heavy blankets over the carrier. If your pup pants heavily, calmly redirect and reduce stimulation.

After you land: post-flight decompression

• Hydrate and short walk before the ride home.

• Watch for delayed stress (excessive panting, GI upset). Keep the evening quiet; stick to normal routine and portion sizes.

• Carrier “cool-down”: Leave the carrier open at home with a chew to keep it positive for next time.

10 common Q&As from Frenchie owners

1. Can my adult Frenchie fly in-cabin? Yes—if your dog fits comfortably in an airline-approved under-seat carrier and meets that airline’s size rules. There’s usually no separate in-cabin breed ban (cargo is the issue). Check dimensions and book early.

2. What if my Frenchie is too big for the carrier? Then flying isn’t safe or compliant. Consider driving or pet-ground transport. Never attempt cargo with a brachycephalic breed.

3. Do airlines have a weight limit? Many don’t publish a number for in-cabin (fit under seat is the rule), except JetBlue which caps combined pet+carrier at 20 lb.

4. Which airlines are cheapest for pets? As of today: Frontier $99, Alaska $100, Southwest $125, United $150, American $150. Allegiant is $50 but has limited routes. Always re-check before booking.

5. Do I need a health certificate? Some states and airlines require it—even for domestic flights. Your rabies certificate should be current; verify for your route.

6. Can my Frenchie sit on my lap? No. Pets must remain in the closed carrier under the seat for the entire flight per airline rules (examples: Alaska, Frontier).

7. Will TSA make me take my dog out of the carrier? Yes. Carrier goes through X-ray; you carry or walk your leashed dog through the metal detector. TSA

8. Can I bring a carry-on bag and my pet? Usually yes, but the carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item depending on the airline. American recently relaxed rules on certain flights so you can have a carry-on plus kennel when space allows. Always confirm during booking.

9. Are there seat restrictions with a pet? Yes—typically no bulkhead/exit rows, and sometimes no aisle seats on specific aircraft. Check your airline’s seating notes. (Frontier/Alaska publish these details.)

10. Any special rules for Hawaii? Yes—very strict animal import/quarantine rules. If you’re flying Hawaiian (or any airline) to/from Hawaii, review Hawaii DOA requirements and Hawaiian’s route-specific pet rules first.

Pro packing list for Frenchie flyers

• Airline-approved soft-sided carrier (meets exact dimensions for your airline).

• Cooling bandana or mat (non-gel, airline-safe).

• Collapsible water bowl + small bottle.

• Absorbent pad inside carrier; spare pad + poop bags.

• High-value chews (odor-free) and a few familiar treats.

• Vet docs: current rabies certificate; health certificate if required. CDC

Final word

If your adult Frenchie can truly fit comfortably under the seat, the best experiences tend to be with Alaska (balanced policies/fee), Frontier (lowest fee), and United (broadest network + flexible in-cabin stance). For all carriers, book early, choose cool nonstops, and keep your Frenchie’s airway and temperature regulation front and center.