Allegiant Air Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
What dog owners need to know about Allegiant’s in-cabin rules, fees, carrier size limits, and booking steps before flying.
Allegiant Air Pet Policy Overview
Allegiant allows small domestic dogs to travel in the cabin on eligible flights within the contiguous 48 U.S. states. Pets are not accepted in cargo.
Your dog must remain fully inside a leak-proof enclosed carrier in the terminal and on board. The carrier counts toward Allegiant’s carry-on allowance, so you may bring a pet carrier plus a personal item or a paid carry-on bag, but not both. Pet travel is limited to eligible routes within the contiguous United States, and passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or aisle seats on Boeing aircraft where under-seat space is limited. A health certificate is not required by Allegiant for in-cabin pet travel.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Allegiant Air
- Confirm your route is eligible before you book. Allegiant accepts small dogs in the cabin on flights within the contiguous 48 U.S. states, but not on international itineraries or U.S. territory routes that do not accept pets. 2. Choose a dog that can travel safely in cabin. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old, harmless, non-disruptive, odorless, and able to fit comfortably in a fully enclosed leak-proof carrier without touching or protruding from the sides. 3. Check your carrier before purchase. Allegiant says the carrier can be soft-sided or hard-sided, though it strongly suggests a soft-sided carrier, and it may be no larger than 8 inches high by 14 inches wide by 18 inches long. 4. Add the pet to your reservation. During booking or after booking through your trip management flow, include your pet and expect a non-refundable $50 fee per segment per carrier. 5. Plan your baggage around the pet carrier. The pet carrier counts as one of your carry-on items, so you may travel with the pet carrier plus a personal item or the pet carrier plus a paid carry-on bag, but not all three. 6. Select seats carefully. Travelers with pets cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats, and pet carriers are prohibited in aisle seats on Boeing aircraft because of foot-space limits. 7. Arrive early on departure day. Allegiant requires passengers with pets to check in with an Allegiant agent at the ticket counter or gate counter at least 1 hour before scheduled departure so the pet and carrier can be reviewed for compliance. 8. Keep your dog inside the carrier throughout the airport and flight. Allegiant requires pets to remain entirely in the carrier while in the terminal and onboard, with the carrier stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. 9. Bring destination paperwork if needed. Allegiant does not require a health certificate for in-cabin pets, but you are still responsible for any destination-specific rules that may apply.
Allegiant Air vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Allegiant Air | Southwest Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | $50 per segment, per carrier | $125 one-way per pet carrier on U.S. mainland | $150 each way within the U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 |
| Cargo Fee | Not offered | Not offered | Cargo/checking options exist only in limited cases; checked pet fee listed as $200 in Delta policy materials for eligible cases |
| Weight Limit | No published combined weight limit; dog must fit comfortably in carrier | No published combined weight limit in cited policy text; pet must stand and move around with ease in carrier | No published combined weight limit in overview; pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in kennel |
| Carrier Size | 8 in H x 14 in W x 18 in L max | Must fit under seat; no single standard dimension listed in cited contract text | Recommended max 18 in x 11 in x 11 in; actual under-seat space varies by aircraft |
| Breeds Restricted | No breed-specific pet restriction listed for in-cabin pets | No breed-specific pet restriction listed in cited contract text | Snub-nosed dogs restricted from checked baggage/cargo in Delta policy materials; in-cabin acceptance depends on size and route |
| Booking Method | Add pet to reservation and check in with an Allegiant agent at least 1 hour before departure | Pet reservations can only be booked by calling Southwest; pay at airport ticket counter | Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible after booking to add your pet; first-come, first-served limits apply |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Allegiant Air?
Yes. Allegiant allows small domestic dogs in the cabin on eligible flights within the contiguous 48 United States, as long as the dog travels in an approved enclosed carrier under the seat.
How much does Allegiant charge for a dog?
Allegiant charges a non-refundable $50 fee per segment, per carrier for pets traveling in the cabin.
Does Allegiant allow dogs in cargo?
No. Allegiant states that it does not transport animals in the cargo bin, so pet travel is limited to the cabin.
What size pet carrier does Allegiant allow?
The maximum carrier size listed by Allegiant is 8 inches high by 14 inches wide by 18 inches long. Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are allowed, but Allegiant strongly suggests a soft-sided carrier.
Is there a weight limit for dogs on Allegiant?
Allegiant does not publish a combined pet-and-carrier weight limit on its pet policy page. Instead, the dog must fit comfortably in the carrier, be able to stand up, and turn around without touching or protruding from the carrier.
Do I need a health certificate to fly with my dog on Allegiant?
Allegiant says a health certificate is not required for in-cabin pet travel. However, travelers should still check destination-specific animal entry rules before departure.
How early should I arrive if I am flying with a dog on Allegiant?
Allegiant requires passengers with pets to check in with an agent at least 1 hour before scheduled departure so the pet and carrier can be inspected for compliance.
Can I bring a dog carrier plus my normal bags?
Partly. The pet carrier counts toward your carry-on allowance. Allegiant says you may travel with a pet carrier plus a personal item or a paid carry-on bag, but not both.