Choosing the right airline for your pet when departing from Billings, Montana can turn a potentially stressful experience into a straightforward journey. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) connects travelers to major hubs across the country, and several carriers have pet-friendly cabins that welcome small dogs, cats, rabbits, and even household birds. Understanding each airline’s fees, restrictions, and advance booking requirements helps you secure a spot for your companion and avoid last-minute surprises. This guide highlights the most reliable carriers, breaks down their pet policies, and walks you through everything from health certificates to navigating the airport with ease.

Top Airlines for Pet Travel from Billings

Not every airline serving Billings offers the same level of pet accommodation. Some allow small pets in the cabin, others restrict travel to cargo only, and a few have suspended pet programs altogether. Below is a detailed look at the major carriers operating out of BIL that have clear in-cabin pet policies, along with links to their official pet travel pages.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is a consistently strong option for pet owners flying from Billings. The airline permits small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights. The fee is a flat $100 each way, making budgeting simple. There is no additional charge based on your pet’s weight as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Alaska’s website has a dedicated pet travel page with all current details. Booking early is important because the number of pets allowed per flight is limited—generally four to six in the main cabin, depending on the aircraft.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest offers one of the most affordable in-cabin pet fees in the industry. For flights from Billings, the pet fare is $58 each way. Small cats and dogs that remain inside an FAA-approved carrier are welcome on board, provided the carrier stows beneath the seat. Southwest’s straightforward pets policy also encourages reserving your pet’s spot as early as possible because capacity is limited. The low fee makes Southwest a go-to choice for many budget-conscious travelers who still want to keep their pet close during the flight.

Delta Air Lines

Delta accepts small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin on flights departing from Billings. The typical in-cabin pet fee is $95 each way for domestic travel. For larger pets that cannot fit under the seat, Delta Cargo operates a separate pet travel program. You can check the latest requirements on Delta’s pet travel overview. Keep in mind that Delta limits the total number of pets allowed in the cabin, and space fills up fast on popular routes. If your itinerary includes multiple segments, you’ll need to confirm that pets are permitted on each one.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier permits small dogs and cats to ride in the cabin from Billings, with a fee that generally ranges between $75 and $125 each way depending on the route and when you add the pet to the booking. Frontier’s pet program requires an advance reservation because no airline carries unlimited space for animals. Check the airline’s official site for the most recent fee structure and any seasonal variations. As a low-cost carrier, Frontier often has lower base fares, but the pet fee can add a noticeable amount to the total ticket price.

Cape Air

Cape Air operates regional flights from Billings and has specific rules for pets. Domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and household birds may travel in the cabin when placed inside a small kennel. The airline tries to schedule pet travel on less crowded flights whenever possible. Exact fees are not published prominently online, so you must call Cape Air directly to confirm the current pet charge and secure your booking. The airline’s pet travel information page provides general guidelines and contact details.

Other Major Carriers

American Airlines and United Airlines also serve Billings and have pet programs, but the availability of in-cabin spots is always limited. American charges $125 each way for small pets in the cabin, and while it previously offered cargo travel, that service has been suspended for many types of pets since the pandemic; check current status before relying on it. United’s PetSafe program handles larger animals as cargo, and its in-cabin fee is $125 each way. Allegiant Air, another carrier at BIL, only accepts service animals and does not permit family pets in the cabin or cargo hold.

Comparing Pet Fees and Services at a Glance

Having a quick side-by-side view can save time when you’re evaluating options. The table below summarizes key details for the airlines most commonly used by pet owners departing from Billings.

Airline In-Cabin Pet Fee (Each Way) Allowed Pets Additional Notes
Alaska Airlines $100 Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds Flat fee; no weight surcharge; book early
Southwest Airlines $58 Cats and dogs Lowest standard fee; limited cabin spots
Delta Air Lines $95 Dogs, cats, birds Cargo option for larger pets; check connections
Frontier Airlines $75–$125 Cats and dogs Fee varies by route and booking time
Cape Air Call for quote Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds Kennel required; regional flights; call ahead
American Airlines $125 Cats and dogs Cargo program suspended for many pets; verify
United Airlines $125 Cats and dogs PetSafe cargo available for larger animals

Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel from Billings

Even the most pet-friendly airline cannot replace thorough preparation. From paperwork to carrier training, the steps you take before arriving at Billings Logan International Airport directly affect your companion’s comfort and safety.

Health Certificates and Vaccination Records

Nearly every airline requires a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and confirm that your pet is free of infectious diseases and fit to fly. Keep both the original and a few copies in your carry-on. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and cats crossing state lines, and some destinations have additional rules. Check the USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website for specific requirements if you’re flying internationally or to Hawaii. Microchipping is not universally required but is a sensible backup for identification.

Choosing an Airline-Approved Carrier

The carrier must be sturdy, leak-proof, and well ventilated. For in-cabin travel, soft-sided carriers are popular because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. Most airlines enforce maximum dimensions around 17” long x 11” wide x 9.5” high for the under-seat space, though exact measurements vary by aircraft type. Inspect the zippers, seams, and mesh panels before travel day to prevent mid-flight escapes.

Acclimating Your Pet to the Carrier

Weeks before your flight, leave the carrier open at home with a soft blanket and a favorite toy inside. Encourage your pet to explore it voluntarily and offer treats when they settle inside. Gradually increase the time your pet spends in the closed carrier, first while you are nearby, then during short car rides. This routine reduces anxiety at the airport and helps your pet associate the carrier with positive experiences rather than confinement.

Feeding, Hydration, and Exercise

Avoid feeding a full meal right before departure. A light snack three to four hours ahead of the flight helps minimize motion sickness. Provide water sparingly inside the carrier via a clip-on bowl, but be mindful that sloshing can dampen bedding. A brisk walk or active play session before heading to the airport can tire out a dog and make the flight more restful. If your pet is calm, a frozen treat inside a chew toy can offer distraction during taxi and takeoff.

Billings Logan International Airport is compact by national standards, which works in your favor when traveling with an animal. Less terminal congestion means shorter walks and fewer overwhelming crowds. Still, knowing the layout and available services makes the experience smoother.

Pet Relief Areas and Facilities

Designated pet relief areas are located outside the terminal near the parking lots. These grassy zones are clearly marked and regularly maintained. There are currently no indoor relief stations past the security checkpoint, so plan to let your pet stretch its legs before you head to the gate. Always carry waste bags and clean up immediately. A portable water dish is handy for a quick drink before you stow the carrier.

If your layover in another city is long, check that airport’s website ahead of time for post-security pet relief areas. Many hub airports now include indoor dog parks, which can be a lifesaver during a lengthy connection.

Shopping for Last-Minute Supplies

Pet-specific stores do not exist inside Billings Logan’s terminal. The few convenience shops may stock bottled water, small snacks, or travel-sized cleaning wipes, but you won’t find carriers, food, or medication. Stock up at a local Billings pet supply store before you leave for the airport. If you forget something critical, there are veterinary clinics and retailers within a short drive of the airport—allow extra time if you need to make a stop.

Check-In and Security Tips

When you check in at the ticket counter, the airline agent will verify your pet’s documentation and collect the pet fee. Then at the security checkpoint, you will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier. Hold your pet securely and carry it in your arms while walking through the metal detector; the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. A secure harness or leash is a must so your pet doesn’t bolt in the busy screening area. Speak calmly and move at your pet’s pace. Arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight gives you breathing room without feeling rushed.

In-Cabin vs. Cargo: Choosing the Right Option for Your Pet

For many pet owners flying from Billings, in-cabin travel is the preferred method because it keeps the animal directly under your care. However, larger dogs and some exotic pets cannot fit in an under-seat carrier and must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Understanding the distinctions helps you make an informed choice.

In-cabin travel works for pets weighing under about 20 pounds (including carrier). You know exactly where your pet is at all times and can reassure a nervous animal with your voice. Temperature and pressure remain stable because the animal stays in a climate-controlled passenger cabin.

Cargo travel places the pet in a pressurized, temperature-controlled hold. Billings’ climate can be extremely cold in winter, and airlines impose temperature embargos when the ground temperature is too low or too high to safely load animals. Before booking a cargo spot, ask the airline about seasonal restrictions. Some carriers, like Delta Cargo and United PetSafe, have specialized animal facilities, but not every flight from Billings is equipped to handle live cargo. Confirm availability well in advance.

Whenever possible, select a direct flight to minimize the time your pet spends in transit. Connecting through a large hub adds the risk of missed connections and extended stays in unfamiliar holding areas. If cargo is the only option, request a morning or late-evening flight when temperatures are typically milder.

International and Long-Distance Travel with Pets from Billings

Flying abroad with a pet adds layers of documentation and regulation. Because Billings is a regional airport, you will almost certainly connect through a major gateway such as Denver, Salt Lake City, or Minneapolis. Confirm that every airline on your ticket accepts pets on all segments. An itinerary that mixes carriers under a single reservation may not allow pets on the second leg.

International health requirements often include a USDA-endorsed health certificate, additional vaccines, parasite treatments, and sometimes a quarantine period upon arrival. Start preparing at least four months ahead if you’re moving overseas. The USDA provides an online tool to check import rules for different countries, and your veterinarian can help coordinate the paperwork and lab tests.

Microchipping with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip is required by many nations and is a sensible step regardless of destination. Keep a recent photo of your pet with you, and attach clear identification to both the carrier and your pet’s collar. A small note with your cell phone number and destination contact can be slipped into the carrier pocket as an added safety net.

Making the Journey as Smooth as Possible

Traveling with a pet from Billings doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start by selecting an airline that aligns with your budget and your pet’s size, then book early to nail down a cabin spot. Gather the health certificate, vaccination records, and an airline-approved carrier weeks in advance. A calm, well-prepared pet will handle the flight far better than one rushed into an unfamiliar situation.

At Billings Logan International Airport, give yourself time to use the outdoor relief areas before check-in, and keep your pet’s favorite blanket or toy handy for comfort. Whether you’re headed to a neighboring state or across an ocean, knowledge of each airline’s rules and the ability to adapt when plans shift will make you and your companion feel more at ease the entire way.