You generally cannot bring a full-size dog in the airplane cabin; they must fit in a carrier under the seat (usually under 18 lbs total), but large dogs can often travel as checked baggage in a temperature-controlled hold in an airline-approved crate, or as cargo, with strict rules for breed (no snub-nosed dogs in cargo), health, and booking. Exceptions exist for service dogs, which can fly in the cabin.
Make sure your pet fits
While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. The only animals allowed on planes without a pet carrier are service animals.
Currently, Virgin Australia is the only Australian airline offering in-cabin pet travel (small dogs & cats) on specific domestic routes as a trial (started Oct 2025), with plans for wider rollout, while other airlines like Qantas and Jetstar generally only allow pets in cargo or as service animals, but this is changing rapidly, so check directly with the airline for current rules and routes.
Carry-on pet limits by aircraft type and cabin
2 dedicated animal-friendly compartments at the front of the plane. No under seat stowage in First. Only smaller, soft-sided carriers will fit in Business. The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms).
Jetstar Pet Travel : Guide
Unfortunately, Jetstar cannot accept pet bookings on any of their planes. Because Jetstar does not have pressurized cargo facilities, animals cannot be transported in the aircraft hold.
No. All pets are required to be in airline approved IATA crates for their domestic travel across Australia, with the exception of service dogs that will require special permission directly from the airline. For more information visit the Qantas Airways Travelling with a guide, assistance or hearing dog page.
Most airlines do not allow passengers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. However, depending on the dog's size and breed, as well as the specific airline's rules, you may be able to pay to have your dog fly with you in the cabin. Usually, only allow small dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin.
In-cabin pet fees typically range from $95 to $200 each way, depending on the airline. Cargo flight fees for larger dogs can range from $300 to $1500 or more, depending on the size of the pet and destination. International travel: Expect higher expenses. Costs can double or triple compared to domestic flights.
Large dogs make versatile companions
Their size and strength can make them excellent running buddies if you're looking for a dog to keep you motivated! Large dogs are also great for participating in dog sports, like skijoring in the winter, scent work, and other fun activities.
Use a dog muzzle: If your dog is prone to barking excessively on planes or in public places, you may want to consider using a dog muzzle as a temporary measure. A dog muzzle can help prevent your dog from disturbing other passengers or causing trouble on the plane.
Air travel can be very stressful for dogs, especially older ones. Planes and airports are filled with all sorts of unfamiliar people, smells, sounds, and often other animals. All of this can create stress for dogs when flying; understandably, they may become frightened or overwhelmed in an airport environment.
Pet transportation in Australia
Door-to-door pet transport is the safest way to move your furry friend, but the cost is something to consider. For shorter shipments within 300 miles, the average cost is $120 to $250. For longer-distance shipments, the average price is $270 to $500.
Will my dog's ears pop on a plane? They can do! Just like humans, they will encounter a change in air pressure which can lead to painful ear popping which can make the flight a little more stressful.
It is highly recommended you sit in a window or an aisle seat. Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight.
Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and improper handling are often to blame.
Across the major airlines, you'll find the lowest pet fees at Delta ($95 each way), Frontier ($99 each way) and Alaska ($100 each way). (Editor's note: Following the initial publication of this analysis, United announced it would be raising its fee to $150 for tickets purchased on or after April 26, 2024.)
Most airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, provided they can fit in a carrier under the seat. However, large dogs are usually required to travel in the cargo hold, placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled environment.
Service dogs fly free on most airlines, exempt from the pet fees other animals must pay. No carrier required – properly trained service dogs can sit at their handler's feet or on their lap (if small enough) Size restrictions don't apply – airlines must accommodate service dogs regardless of breed or size.
In-cabin rules can vary somewhat depending on the airline, but generally, if your pet and their carrier can't fit underneath the seat in front of you, they'll have to fly as manifest cargo. You can't just buy a seat on the airplane for your dog, especially larger dogs.
Some dogs can't really settle when travel stress kicks in. Sleep aids might help in those cases, though it's best to check with your vet first. If your pup tends to get anxious before or during flights, Kradle CBD calming chews and CBD chews for dog anxiety might help more than you'd expect.
Flying a dog costs anywhere from under $100 for small pets in-cabin on some airlines to thousands for larger dogs or international cargo, depending on size, route, airline, and service level, with factors like crate size, weight, destination (domestic vs. international), and whether it's in-cabin, as checked baggage, or cargo significantly impacting the price. Service animals generally fly for free, while other pets incur fees for checked or cargo transport, requiring specific carriers and adherence to airline policies.
When you go through TSA, you'll take your pet out of the carrier and carry them through or fees, it depends on the airline. Some charge when you add your pet and others charge at the airport during check. They may also weigh your carrier depending on the airline.
Bark Air, a new airline designed exclusively for canine passengers, flies dogs in the main cabin of chartered Gulfstreams.
Currently, Virgin Australia is the only Australian airline offering in-cabin pet travel (small dogs & cats) on specific domestic routes as a trial (started Oct 2025), with plans for wider rollout, while other airlines like Qantas and Jetstar generally only allow pets in cargo or as service animals, but this is changing rapidly, so check directly with the airline for current rules and routes.