If you’re planning to fly Allegiant Air with your dog or cat, you need to understand exactly what’s allowed before you book. The Allegiant Air pet policy permits small domestic cats and dogs in the cabin on flights within the contiguous 48 United States. There is no cargo or checked baggage option for pets. The fee is $50 per flight segment, and your pet must travel in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
This guide breaks down every detail: carrier dimensions, fees, booking steps, seating restrictions, service animal rules, and how to prepare your pet for a smooth flight.
Key Takeaway: Allegiant Air only allows small domestic cats and dogs in the cabin. No pets are permitted in cargo or as checked baggage.
Allegiant Air Pet Policy: Allowed Animals
Allegiant Air allows small domestic cats and dogs in the cabin on contiguous U.S. flights only. The carrier must not exceed 8″H x 14″W x 18″L, and the combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 25 pounds. The fee is $50 per segment.
Only domestic flights within the lower 48 states qualify. Allegiant does not allow pets on flights to or from Hawaii, Alaska, U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico), or any international destinations. If your route includes any of those, you’ll need to make separate arrangements for your pet.
Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire duration of travel, both in the airport and on the aircraft. The only exception is during TSA security screening, when you’ll need to remove your pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Allegiant Air Pet Carrier Requirements and Dimensions
Your carrier is the single most important piece of equipment for flying with a pet on Allegiant. The official maximum carrier dimensions are 8 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 18 inches long. The combined weight of your pet and carrier must stay at or under 25 pounds.
Allegiant strongly prefers soft-sided carriers. They compress slightly to fit under seats of varying sizes, which matters on Allegiant’s mixed fleet. Your carrier must also be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure enough to prevent escapes. Your pet needs enough room inside to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
What Is the Allegiant Air Pet Carrier Size?
The maximum carrier size is 8″H x 14″W x 18″L. Here’s how soft-sided and hard-sided carriers compare for Allegiant flights:
| Feature | Soft-Sided Carrier | Hard-Sided Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Fits under seat easily | Yes, compresses to fit | Rigid, may not fit |
| Meets Allegiant preference | Yes (strongly preferred) | Technically allowed but risky |
| Ventilation | Mesh panels on multiple sides | Vents on sides |
| Comfort for pet | Padded, flexible | Sturdy but less cushioned |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier (eats into 25 lb limit) |
Tip: Measure your carrier before you leave for the airport. Even carriers marketed as “airline approved” sometimes exceed Allegiant’s dimensions. Soft-sided carriers are your safest bet.
Can You Put Two Pets in One Carrier?
Yes. Allegiant allows up to two pets in a single carrier, as long as both animals are the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each). Both pets plus the carrier must still meet the 25-pound weight limit and fit within the size dimensions. You’ll only pay one $50 fee for the carrier, not per animal.
Can Pets Fly in Cargo on Allegiant?
No. Allegiant Air does not offer cargo or checked baggage options for pets. The only way to fly a pet on Allegiant is in the cabin, inside an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.
This means larger dogs and cats that don’t fit in a cabin-sized carrier cannot travel on Allegiant flights. If you have a larger pet, you’ll need to consider airlines that allow big dogs in cabin or look into third-party pet shipping services that specialize in ground or air transport for bigger animals.
Warning: There is no workaround for large pets on Allegiant. If your pet and carrier exceed 25 pounds or won’t fit under the seat, Allegiant will not allow them to board.
What Are Allegiant Air Pet Size and Breed Rules?
Allegiant Air has no breed restrictions. Any breed of domestic cat or dog is welcome as long as the pet and carrier together weigh 25 pounds or less and the carrier fits under the seat. Whether you have a Chihuahua, a French Bulldog, a Siamese, or a Maine Coon kitten, the only thing that matters is size and weight.
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to fly. They must also appear healthy and free from signs of illness, aggression, or distress. If an Allegiant employee determines your pet looks unwell or is behaving aggressively, they can deny boarding.
Your pet must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight. Choose a carrier with good ventilation and a soft, padded bottom to keep your pet comfortable during the journey.
Allegiant Air Pet Fees and Costs
Allegiant Air charges a $50 per segment per carrier pet fee, and it is non-refundable. A round-trip flight means two segments, so you’ll pay $100 total for a round trip.
Allegiant Air Pet Fee Breakdown
The fee structure is simple. You pay $50 each way, per carrier. Since Allegiant allows up to two pets of the same species in one carrier, traveling with a pair of small dogs or cats doesn’t double the cost. You pay for the carrier, not per animal.
Keep in mind that the pet carrier counts as one of your allowed carry-on items. If you need additional carry-on bags, you may face extra baggage charges on top of the pet fee.
Compared to other U.S. airlines, Allegiant’s $50 per segment fee is on the lower end. Many carriers charge $95 to $125 per segment for in-cabin pets. For comparison, southwest airlines pet policy charges $95 per segment. There are no additional surcharges, deposits, or hidden costs beyond the flat $50.
Key Takeaway: Allegiant Air’s pet fee is $50 per segment per carrier, non-refundable. A round trip costs $100 in pet fees. Up to two same-species pets can share one carrier for a single fee.
How to Book In-Cabin Pets and Service Animals
Booking a pet on Allegiant requires a phone call. You cannot add a pet to your reservation online. Start by booking your own ticket through the Allegiant website or app, then call Allegiant Air at 1-702-505-8888 to add your pet.
Have your confirmation number ready when you call. Tell the agent you want to add an in-cabin pet, and they’ll process the $50 fee over the phone. Your reservation will then be updated to reflect that you’re traveling with a pet.
Pet Limits Per Flight
Allegiant allows a maximum of 5 to 6 pet carriers per flight, depending on the aircraft. Spots fill up, especially on popular routes and holiday weekends. Call to add your pet as soon as you’ve booked your own ticket.
Seating and Check-In Rules
Not every seat on the plane is available when you’re traveling with a pet. Allegiant does not allow pets in exit rows, bulkhead rows, or aisle seats on Boeing aircraft. The agent will assign you an eligible seat when you add your pet to the reservation.
On the day of travel, arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure. Check in at the ticket counter or gate counter (not a kiosk) with your pet in the approved carrier. The agent will verify your pet meets the requirements and issue a bag tag for the carrier.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to call. With only 5 to 6 carrier spots per flight, popular routes sell out quickly. Book your pet the same day you book your ticket.
Pet Health and Age Rules
For standard in-cabin pet travel within the contiguous 48 states, Allegiant Air keeps documentation simple. No health certificate is required for domestic flights. Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old, appear healthy, and show no signs of illness, aggression, or distress.
That said, even though Allegiant doesn’t require a health certificate, it’s smart to visit your vet within a week or two of travel. A quick checkup confirms your pet is healthy enough to fly and gives you peace of mind. Understanding what vaccinations dogs fly domestic can help you prepare properly.
Service Animals on Allegiant Air
Service animals are treated differently from standard in-cabin pets on Allegiant. Trained service dogs fly free of charge and do not need to be in a carrier, as long as they fit in the floor space at your feet without blocking the aisle or other passengers.
Allegiant allows up to 3 service dogs per passenger. Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times during the flight and must be trained to behave appropriately in a public setting.
Required Service Dog Forms
Allegiant requires specific documentation for service animals. You’ll need to complete and submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. If your flight is booked more than 48 hours in advance, this form must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. For bookings made within 48 hours of the flight, submit the form at check-in.
In addition to the DOT form, Allegiant may require a Veterinary Health Form confirming your service dog’s health status. Have all paperwork ready and printed before you arrive at the airport.
What About Emotional Support Animals?
Allegiant Air previously accepted emotional support animals (ESAs) with additional documentation, including a Veterinary Health Form, a Mental Health Professional Form, and an Animal Behavior and Responsibility Form. However, following updated DOT guidelines, most airlines (including Allegiant) now treat ESAs as standard pets rather than service animals.
This means ESAs are subject to the same carrier requirements, size limits, and $50 per segment fee as any other in-cabin pet. If your ESA doesn’t meet the size and weight requirements, they cannot fly on Allegiant. If you’re considering how to make my dog an emotional support dog, understand that they’ll still need to follow standard pet policies for air travel.
Warning: Emotional support animals no longer receive special accommodations on Allegiant Air. They must follow the same rules as standard in-cabin pets, including the carrier requirement and $50 fee.
Preparing Your Pet for an Allegiant Flight
A little preparation goes a long way toward making the flight comfortable for both you and your pet.
Before You Leave Home
Schedule a vet visit a week or two before your trip to confirm your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. On the day of travel, give your pet a good walk or play session before heading to the airport. A tired pet is a calmer pet.
Place a familiar blanket or small toy inside the carrier so it smells like home. Line the bottom with an absorbent pad in case of accidents. Skip feeding your pet for 3 to 4 hours before the flight to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.
At the Airport and During the Flight
Your pet must stay in the carrier at all times in the airport and on the plane. The one exception is TSA security: you’ll remove your pet from the carrier, carry them through the metal detector, and send the empty carrier through the X-ray belt.
Many airports have pet relief areas inside the terminal. Check your departure airport’s map ahead of time so you know where to take your pet for a bathroom break before boarding. For additional tips on keeping dogs calm on flights, consider natural calming methods and proper preparation.
Tip: Freeze a small dish of water the night before and place it in the carrier before you leave. It won’t spill during transit and will melt into drinking water during the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about flying with pets on Allegiant Air.
Does Allegiant Air allow pets in cargo?
No. Allegiant Air does not allow pets in cargo or as checked baggage. Pets can only travel in the cabin in an approved carrier under the seat.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet on Allegiant?
The Allegiant Air pet fee is $50 per segment per carrier, non-refundable. A round trip costs $100 total. Up to two same-species pets can share one carrier for a single fee.
What is the Allegiant Air pet carrier size limit?
The maximum carrier dimensions are 8 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 18 inches long. The combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 25 pounds.
Can I book my pet online with Allegiant?
No. You must call Allegiant Air at 1-702-505-8888 to add a pet to your reservation. Online booking for pets is not available.
Does Allegiant have breed restrictions for pets?
No. Allegiant Air has no breed restrictions. Any domestic cat or dog that meets the size and weight requirements can fly in the cabin.
What forms do I need for a service dog on Allegiant?
You need to complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. If booked more than 48 hours in advance, submit it at least 48 hours before departure. A Veterinary Health Form may also be required at check-in.
Traveling with your pet on Allegiant Air is straightforward once you know the rules. The Allegiant Air pet policy limits cabin travel to small domestic cats and dogs in carriers no larger than 8″H x 14″W x 18″L, with a combined pet-and-carrier weight of 25 pounds or less. Book early, call to reserve your pet’s spot, arrive at least an hour before departure, and bring a comfortable, soft-sided carrier. At $50 per segment with no breed restrictions, Allegiant remains one of the more affordable options for flying with a pet in the cabin. For more comprehensive guidance on dog travel essentials and preparing your dog for cabin flights, check out our detailed travel guides.
