Flying with Pets: The Complete 2026 Frontier Pet Policy

Traveling with a furry companion can elevate a standard vacation into a memorable adventure. However, navigating airline regulations often causes unnecessary stress for pet owners. Every airline has distinct rules regarding carrier dimensions, fees, and documentation, meaning preparation is essential for a smooth journey.

Frontier Airlines offers a flexible and relatively affordable pet program for domestic travelers. By understanding their exact requirements, you can avoid surprise fees at the check-in counter and ensure your animal travels comfortably. Whether you are bringing a new puppy home or taking your rabbit on a cross-country move, knowing the rules keeps you compliant and relaxed.

Is Frontier a pet friendly airline?

Frontier Airlines is highly pet-friendly for small animals traveling on domestic flights within the United States. The airline permits small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds in the cabin. However, Frontier does not allow pets to fly as checked baggage and strictly prohibits non-service animals on international routes.

For passengers flying domestically, Frontier makes it easy to bring a pet aboard. Since the airline does not utilize cargo transport for live animals, you maintain peace of mind knowing your pet stays right under the seat in front of you. Choose Frontier if keeping your pet in the cabin is your top priority.

How much does Frontier charge for a pet?

Frontier Airlines charges a non-refundable pet fee of $99 per pet, per one-way flight. This frontier pet ticket price must be paid in advance or at the ticket counter. Because your pet carrier replaces your personal item, you may also need to pay the frontier carry-on bag price if you bring additional luggage.

When calculating your total travel costs, you must factor in the pet fee alongside standard luggage fees. A common scenario involves a passenger traveling with a pet carrier and a larger carry-on bag.

Example Cost Breakdown:

• Pet Fee: $99 (one-way)
• Frontier carry-on bag price: $59 – $89 (varies by route and time of purchase)
• Frontier checked bag price: $54 – $79 (varies by route and time of purchase)

Below is a quick reference table for estimated frontier baggage fees 2026:

How strict is Frontier with pet carrier?

Frontier Airlines is extremely strict with pet carrier dimensions because the carrier must fit safely underneath the seat in front of you. If your carrier exceeds the maximum dimensions of 18″ L x 14″ W x 8″ H for hard-sided or 18″ L x 14″ W x 11″ H for soft-sided bags, you will be denied boarding.

Airline representatives actively inspect carriers at the ticket counter. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down completely within the closed bag.

Carrier Size Guidelines:

Can a 20 pound dog go on a plane?

Yes, a 20-pound dog can go on a plane with Frontier Airlines as long as the dog fits comfortably inside an airline-approved carrier that meets the required under-seat dimensions. Frontier does not enforce a specific maximum weight limit, but rather a strict size limit based on the carrier.

If you are wondering, “How do I fly with my 25 lb dog?”, the answer depends entirely on the dog’s physical dimensions. A dense, short dog like a French Bulldog might fit, while a tall, slender 25-pound dog will likely be too large to stand and turn around in the carrier.

Can I buy my 50 lb dog a seat on a plane? No. Commercial airlines, including Frontier, do not allow you to purchase an adjacent passenger seat for a large pet. A 50-pound dog cannot fly on Frontier Airlines unless it is a trained, documented service animal.

How do I add a pet in Frontier?

You can add a pet to your Frontier flight during the initial online booking process by selecting the “Cabin Pet” option in the passenger details section. Alternatively, you can navigate to the “Manage Trip” portal on the airline’s website to add a pet to an existing reservation and pay the fee.

To guarantee a smooth process, follow these steps on how to add pet to frontier flight bookings:

• Step 1: Log into your Frontier account and start a new booking, or click “Manage Trip” for an existing itinerary.
• Step 2: Select the option to add “Special Services” or “Cabin Pet”.
• Step 3: Pay the $99 one-way fee using your credit card.
• Step 4: Ensure you do not select an exit row or row 1, as pets are prohibited in these seats.

Can my pet sit on my lap on Frontier?

No, your pet cannot sit on your lap on Frontier Airlines at any point during the flight. Federal aviation regulations and Frontier’s strict safety policies require that all pets remain completely inside their zipped or closed carrier, stowed underneath the seat, for the entire duration of the trip.

What happens if my dog barks on the plane? If your dog becomes vocal, you must soothe them through the mesh of the carrier. You are not allowed to take them out to calm them down. If a pet is excessively disruptive or dangerous before takeoff, the airline holds the right to deny transport.

What are the rules for international vs. domestic pet travel?

Frontier Airlines allows domestic pets to travel on flights within the United States, including Puerto Rico, without a veterinary health certificate. However, Frontier prohibits all standard pets on international flights. Only fully trained and documented service dogs are permitted on Frontier’s international routes.

For domestic travel, always check the destination state’s specific entry rules, as some states require a certificate of veterinary inspection upon landing.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

Frontier Airlines allows fully trained service dogs to fly in the cabin for free, without a carrier, provided they assist a person with a disability. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as standard pets, confined to a carrier and subject to the $99 fee.

To fly with a service dog, you must submit the Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. The service dog must be well-behaved, remain on the floor space at your feet, and be at least four months old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there age limits for pets on Frontier?

Yes. Frontier requires all domesticated dogs and cats to be at least eight weeks old to travel on domestic flights. Service dogs must be at least four months old for domestic routes.

Do I need a health certificate to fly domestically?

Frontier Airlines does not explicitly require a health certificate for pets traveling within the continental United States. However, destinations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands strictly mandate recent health certificates and parasite treatments.

Can I bring two pets on Frontier?

Frontier limits passengers to one pet per person. Furthermore, only one adult animal is allowed per carrier. You cannot put two adult cats or dogs in a single bag.

What pet breeds are banned on Frontier?

Frontier bans large birds (parrots, macaws), rodents (mice, rats, squirrels), beavers, ferrets, reptiles, spiders, and amphibians. They do not have specific dog breed bans, but snub-nosed breeds travel at the owner’s risk.

Does my pet carrier count as my carry-on?

Your pet carrier counts as either your one allotted personal item or your paid carry-on bag. If you bring a pet carrier and a standard carry-on, you must pay the carry-on baggage fee.

How many pets are allowed on a Frontier flight?

Frontier limits the total number of pet carriers allowed in the cabin to a maximum of six per flight. Booking your pet early guarantees you secure one of these limited spots.

Can I buy a first-class seat for my pet?

Frontier Airlines is a low-cost carrier and does not have a traditional first-class cabin. Regardless of where you sit, the pet must remain in a carrier under the seat.

What if my flight is canceled and I paid the pet fee?

If Frontier cancels your flight, the pet fee is fully refundable or transferable to your rebooked itinerary. Always contact customer service to ensure the pet is transferred to the new flight.