Can Pets Travel on Budget Airlines? A Breakdown of Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant Policies

Traveling with your pet can be exciting—but also a little overwhelming when it comes to airline rules, carrier sizes, and added fees. If you're exploring affordable air travel options, you may be considering budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant. These carriers do allow pets in-cabin, but there are size, species, and weight limits you’ll want to know ahead of time.

At PetCommute, we help pet parents make the best travel decisions for their furry family members. Whether that’s flying with your pet or using our personalized ground transport service, we’re here to ensure every journey is safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

Let’s take a closer look at what each airline allows—and what to consider if your pet needs more space, support, or flexibility.

✈️ Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

✅ Small pets allowed in-cabin. ❌ No pets in carg. ❌ No international pet travel.

• Allowed pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds (domestic only)

• Carrier size limit: 18" L x 14" W x 9" H

• Weight limit: Combined pet + carrier must be 40 lbs or less

• Fee: $125 per flight

Spirit is best suited for small, carrier-trained pets on short domestic flights. It's a tight fit—so if your pet needs more room or is easily stressed, other options may be more comfortable.

✈️ Frontier Airlines Pet Policy

✅ Broadest variety of small pets allowed in-cabin.❌ No cargo option.

• Allowed pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds (only cats/dogs for international flights)

• Carrier size limit: 18" L x 14" W x 11" H (soft-sided carriers recommended)

• Fee: $99 per flight

Frontier is a bit more flexible with species, but still best for small, calm animals that are used to confined spaces.

✈️ Allegiant Air Pet Policy

✅ Lowest airline pet fee.❌ Only allows dogs and cats.❌ No international or cargo pet travel.

• Allowed pets: Dogs and cats (8+ weeks old)

• Carrier size limit: 18" L x 14" W x 8" H (soft-sided strongly recommended)

• Weight limit: Combined carrier and pet must be under 20 lbs

• Fee: $50 per segment

Allegiant is the most affordable, but also the most restrictive in terms of size and species. Perfect for short trips with small, calm dogs or cats.

What If Your Pet Doesn’t Meet Budget Airline Pet Guidelines?

Not every pet fits neatly into an airline policy—and that’s OK. Larger breeds, senior pets, multiple animals, or those with anxiety often do better with personalized travel solutions. That’s why PetCommute offers flexible options, including:

• Private and shared ground-based pet transport

• Flight coordination through full-service airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines

We’re not limited to budget flights. We work with you to find the best solution—whether that means flying with your pet, booking extra comfort, or providing door-to-door ground transport with constant updates and a calm environment.

Flying Pets with PetCommute: More Than Budget Options

We partner with airlines that go above the basics for pet travel, including:

• Alaska Airlines: One of the most pet-friendly airlines available. Not only do they allow small pets in-cabin, they also offer the option to purchase an extra seat to give your pet additional space and comfort in a soft-sided carrier.

• United Airlines: Accepts in-cabin pets on many domestic flights and has established protocols to make air travel more predictable for pets that meet size and carrier requirements.

• Southwest Airlines: Simple, dependable in-cabin travel for small dogs and cats at a reasonable cost.

These options are ideal when pets can’t fly on budget airlines due to size, weight, or when you simply want a smoother and more spacious experience. We’ll help you handle all the planning and compliance.

🚐 When Ground Transport Is the Best Fit

Many pets thrive with ground transport—especially those who are older, easily stressed, or traveling long distances. With PetCommute, your pet enjoys:

• Comfortable, climate-controlled rides

• Certified transporters trained in animal safety

• Regular rest breaks, meals, and TLC

• Daily photo and video updates

• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off

No airports, no crowds, and no guesswork.

Let PetCommute Handle the Details

Choosing how your pet will travel doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether your pet is flying in the cabin, needs a bit more space on board, or would be more comfortable traveling by road, PetCommute helps you plan every step—safely, smoothly, and with compassion.

📞 Need help navigating airline rules? Not sure if flying is right for your pet?✈️ Want to book transport with confidence?

We’ve got you. Contact PetCommute today for a custom quote and expert guidance.