When you’re planning to fly with a pet from Glendale, California, the airline you choose can be the single most important factor in whether the journey goes smoothly or becomes a nerve-wracking ordeal. Not all carriers treat animals the same way, and a policy that looks good on paper might not reflect what actually happens at the gate or in the cargo hold. The good news is that a handful of airlines have invested real effort into making pet travel safer, more predictable, and less stressful for both the animal and the owner. Understanding the differences among those airlines will help you make an informed decision and get to your destination with a calm, healthy companion.

Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue consistently rise to the top when pet owners in Glendale compare their options, thanks to clear policies, attentive ground crews, and a genuine commitment to animal welfare. United Airlines also offers a comprehensive program for pets, while other major carriers like Delta have their own strengths. Which one will work best for you depends on the size of your pet, whether you need them to travel in the cabin or as cargo, and how comfortable you are with each airline’s specific requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from comparing pet programs to preparing your dog or cat for the trip, so you can book with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Airlines like Alaska, Frontier, and JetBlue have earned strong reputations for clear pet policies and attentive service.
  • In-cabin travel is generally limited to small pets that fit in a carrier under the seat, while larger animals must go as checked baggage or cargo.
  • Advance reservations are mandatory on nearly every airline, and space is limited—book as early as possible.
  • A clean bill of health from your veterinarian, including a recent health certificate and proof of vaccinations, is non-negotiable.
  • Preparing your pet with crate training and familiarization exercises dramatically lowers stress on travel day.
  • Flight attendants can offer valuable support, but it’s your responsibility to know and follow the airline’s rules once you board.

Top Pet-Friendly Airlines Departing from Glendale, California

Flying out of Glendale means you’re most likely heading to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Both airports are served by a range of carriers, and several of them have built robust pet programs. The following airlines are the ones you’ll want to compare first, whether you’re moving across the country or just taking a well-earned vacation.

Alaska Airlines – The Gold Standard for Pet Safety

Alaska Airlines has long been the go-to choice for pet owners who want a mix of reliability and genuine care. The airline allows small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin on most flights, provided the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. The in-cabin pet fee is typically around $100 each way, and you can add your pet to the reservation online, which makes planning straightforward. Alaska limits the total number of pets in the cabin per flight, so booking early is essential.

For larger pets that can’t fit under a seat, Alaska Air Cargo offers a dedicated pet travel service. Their Pet Connect program has temperature-controlled holding areas, climate-controlled vehicles for tarmac transport, and specially trained staff who handle animals with extra caution. Alaska is one of the few airlines that will transport brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats in cargo under certain conditions, though restrictions still apply during extreme temperatures. If your pet is traveling as cargo from LAX, you’ll drop them off at the airline’s cargo facility, not the passenger terminal, so plan your timing accordingly. You can review the full pet policy on Alaska’s website here.

Frontier Airlines – Affordable Pet Travel with Clear Rules

Frontier Airlines attracts budget-conscious travelers, and its pet policy is refreshingly simple. For a fee of about $99 per direction, you can bring a small dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, or small household bird into the cabin. The pet carrier must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, but still fit under the seat. Frontier does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo, so the cabin is the only option, which automatically limits pet size.

Because Frontier flights often operate at lower altitudes over certain routes, the airline’s cabin environment is generally comfortable for most small pets. The key to a smooth experience on Frontier is to add your pet during the initial booking or immediately after, because cabin pet spots are first-come, first-served and tend to sell out quickly. Frontier’s straightforward policy is a big reason pet owners keep coming back, and you can find the latest details directly on their pet travel page.

JetBlue – Extra Comfort with JetPaws

JetBlue’s JetPaws program is designed specifically to take some of the guesswork out of flying with a pet. Small dogs and cats are welcome in the cabin on most domestic and international flights, with a fee of $125 each way. When you book a pet through JetBlue, you’ll receive a pet travel bag that includes a carrier tag, a guide with tips, and other small items that help keep your pet comfortable during the trip.

JetBlue requires that the combined weight of your pet and the carrier does not exceed 20 pounds. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit underneath the seat. JetBlue does not transport pets as cargo, so this is exclusively a cabin program. The airline also awards TrueBlue points for pet fees, which adds a small perk for frequent travelers. Check JetBlue’s current JetPaws rules and booking instructions on their official site before you confirm your flight.

United Airlines Pet Policies

United Airlines gives Glendale pet owners several options. Small pets that fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat can travel in the cabin on most domestic flights for a fee that typically hovers around $125. United limits the number of pets in the cabin, so you’ll want to reserve a spot as soon as your own ticket is booked. The carrier must meet United’s specific dimensions, which are checked at the airport—not loosely estimated at home—so measure carefully.

For pets that exceed the cabin size and weight limits, United offers two alternatives: PetSafe, their specialized animal cargo program, and checked baggage service on select flights. PetSafe is designed with animal welfare in mind, featuring temperature-controlled holding areas, tracking along the journey, and trained personnel. However, not all flights or routes accept pets as checked baggage, and United enforces strict embargoes during summer and winter months to protect animals from extreme temperatures. A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is mandatory for cargo transport, and some breeds—particularly snub-nosed dogs and cats—are not accepted in cargo at all. Visit United’s pet information hub for updated rules, breed restrictions, and fee structures.

Delta Air Lines and Other Options

Delta Air Lines allows small pets in the cabin on many domestic and international flights, with a one-way fee that is usually around $95-$125. Their carry-on pet program has size and weight limits similar to other airlines, and the carrier must fit under the seat. Delta also ships larger pets through Delta Cargo, though the program has undergone several changes in recent years, and you’ll want to check whether your specific route accepts live animals. Hawaiian Airlines, while more region-specific, accepts pets on flights to and from Hawaii under strict guidelines, especially for cargo travel. American Airlines also accepts pets in the cabin and as checked baggage on some routes, though their cargo program is separate and often used for specialized animal transport.

Quick Reference: Pet Program Comparison

Airline In-Cabin Pets Cargo/Checked Pets Approx. Fee (Cabin) Key Consideration
Alaska Airlines Yes (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds) Yes (Alaska Air Cargo) $100 each way Handles brachycephalic breeds in cargo under conditions
Frontier Airlines Yes (dogs, cats, small animals) No $99 each way In-cabin only; extremely limited space
JetBlue Yes (dogs, cats only) No $125 each way JetPaws program includes extra support
United Airlines Yes (dogs, cats, household birds) Yes (PetSafe, checked) $125 each way Strong cargo program but seasonal embargoes
Delta Air Lines Yes (dogs, cats, household birds) Yes (Delta Cargo) $95-$125 each way Cargo availability varies by route

Always confirm the latest fees, size limits, and route-specific restrictions directly with the airline before booking, because pet policies can change without much public notice.

Glendale’s location gives you access to two major airports, and your choice between them can affect your pet’s experience. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is just a short drive and offers a less chaotic environment than LAX. Smaller airports often mean shorter lines, smaller terminals, and a generally calmer atmosphere, which can help keep your pet from getting overstimulated before the flight. BUR is served by Alaska, JetBlue, United, and Delta on select routes, giving you a solid set of pet-friendly options without the crowds.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) handles the full slate of airlines and provides far more route choices, but its size and noise can be overwhelming for an anxious animal. If your pet is traveling as cargo, LAX has dedicated animal handling facilities that BUR lacks, which might tip the scales if you have a large dog going underneath the plane. Whichever airport you choose, arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight when traveling with a pet, and factor in extra time for a pre-flight bathroom break at the designated pet relief areas both airports now provide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel

No matter how pet-friendly an airline claims to be, the real foundation of a successful trip is preparation. From understanding breed-specific rules to getting the paperwork exactly right, the weeks leading up to your departure are critical.

Understanding Breed-Specific and Size Restrictions

Different airlines handle breeds very differently, and your pet’s breed can determine everything from whether they fly in the cabin to whether they fly at all. Large, muscular dogs like German Shepherds rarely meet the size and weight limits for in-cabin travel. Typically, the combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 15–20 pounds, and the carrier must slide easily under the seat. A German Shepherd puppy might squeeze under that limit for a few months, but an adult will almost certainly need to travel as checked baggage or cargo.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds—such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and their mixes—face even stricter regulations. Many airlines, including United and Delta, have banned these breeds from cargo travel entirely due to their increased risk of respiratory distress in flight. Alaska Airlines is one of the few carriers that will accept some snub-nosed breeds in cargo with additional safeguards, but even they impose weather-related embargoes. If you own a breed that falls into this category, your only option may be in-cabin travel or ground transport. Always call the airline directly to confirm breed-specific rules before you make any non-refundable plans.

Health Certificates, Vaccinations, and Documentation

Airlines require that your pet is healthy enough to fly, and they document that condition with a health certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian. Most airlines mandate that the certificate is issued within 10 days of your outbound flight, and some require a fresh certificate for the return trip if you’re staying away for a while. The examination typically includes a full physical, verification that your pet is free from infectious diseases, and confirmation that all required vaccinations are up to date. Rabies vaccination is the universal non-negotiable, but some destinations also require proof of distemper, parvovirus, or other regional shots.

Beyond the health certificate, you should carry a printed copy of your pet’s vaccination records and any relevant microchip information. Some states and islands (including Hawaii) have additional entry requirements, such as parasite treatments or quarantine protocols, that apply whether you arrive by air or not. Start researching destination requirements at least two months ahead of time and bookmark the USDA’s pet travel page to cross-check regulations.

Crate Training and Acclimation Tips

A pet that has never spent time in a travel carrier will not suddenly enjoy the experience at 35,000 feet. Get your dog or cat comfortable with the carrier weeks before the flight by leaving it open in a familiar room with soft bedding and a few treats inside. Feed meals near the carrier, then inside, then with the door briefly closed. Gradually extend the time the door stays shut while you remain nearby, rewarding calm behavior.

For cargo travel, the crate must be IATA-compliant: rigid, well-ventilated on all sides, secured with metal bolts (not plastic clips), and large enough for your pet to stand without touching the top and turn around freely. Add an absorbent liner and freeze the water bowl that attaches to the door—this way it won’t spill during loading but will thaw for drinking. Write “Live Animal” in large letters on the outside and tape a small bag of food to the top, along with your contact information and a recent photo of your pet. A worn T-shirt that smells like you can provide comfort without creating a hazard.

Booking and Reserving Your Pet’s Spot

A pet reservation is not an add-on you can leave until the last minute. Most airlines cap the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight—often at four to six animals—so the available slots fill up fast. When you book your own ticket, immediately add your pet to the reservation, either online or by calling the airline. For cargo travel, you’ll generally book through the airline’s cargo division, not the passenger website, and you’ll need to drop your pet off at a separate cargo facility several hours before departure.

When choosing a flight, consider direct routes whenever possible. Connections mean double the stress, double the handling, and double the risk of a temperature-related incident during loading and unloading. If you cannot avoid a layover, try to make it a longer one so you can visit your pet if they’re in cargo (some airports allow this, though not all). An early morning or late evening flight during the summer months will help you avoid the hottest part of the day, which is safer for pets traveling below deck.

The In-Flight Experience: What to Expect

What happens after you board is a mix of airline rules, crew support, and your own ability to read your pet’s signals. Knowing how the system works will help you advocate for your animal without breaking any regulations.

Cabin vs. Cargo: Choosing the Right Mode of Transport

The in-cabin experience keeps your pet within arm’s reach, which is a huge psychological comfort for most owners. The carrier must remain stowed under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and most airlines require the carrier door to stay closed for the entire flight. Even so, being able to see your pet, talk to them, and slip a finger through the mesh can make a world of difference. In-cabin travel is limited to small pets, but if your animal qualifies, it’s almost always the less stressful option.

Cargo travel, on the other hand, is the default for larger dogs and any pet that exceeds the cabin limits. Modern cargo holds are pressurized and temperature-controlled just like the passenger cabin, but your pet won’t have you nearby, and noise levels can be higher during takeoff and landing. Alaska and United are consistently praised for their cargo handling, and both have dedicated animal transport teams that reduce the risk of missteps. If you must send a pet via cargo, book a direct flight, notify the crew that a live animal is onboard, and confirm with the gate agent that your pet has been loaded before the plane pushes back.

How Flight Crews Support You and Your Pet

Flight attendants and pilots play a meaningful role in pet safety, even if airline policies limit how much they can interact with your animal. Crews are trained to verify that pet carriers are properly stowed and that no one removes an animal mid-flight, which is universally prohibited. If the cabin gets too warm or too cold, the crew can adjust the temperature, and they’ll often give you a quiet heads-up if turbulence is expected so you can brace the carrier.

If your pet starts showing signs of distress—whining, panting heavily, scratching at the carrier door—a flight attendant might quietly check on you and offer a cup of ice chips or simply a moment of reassurance. While they cannot hold your pet or let them out, experienced crew members understand how stressful the situation can be, and they’ll often go out of their way to help you stay calm. A calm owner leads to a calmer pet, and that’s a principle good flight crews take to heart.

Managing Pet Anxiety Mid-Flight

A certain amount of anxiety is normal, especially on a first flight, but extreme stress can be dangerous. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about whether a mild sedative or a natural calming supplement is appropriate for your pet. Many vets advise against heavy tranquilizers because they can interfere with respiration and temperature regulation, but a light anti-anxiety medication or a pheromone spray applied to the carrier bedding can help take the edge off without causing side effects.

During the flight, cover the carrier with a thin, breathable blanket to block out unfamiliar sights without restricting airflow. A favorite chew toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle can redirect nervous energy for a while. If your pet is in cargo, you won’t be able to intervene, which is why all the pre-departure crate training and acclimation work matters so much. Trust the preparation you put in and know that the vast majority of pets arrive safely at their destination, a little tired but unharmed.

Additional Resources and Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet from Glendale doesn’t have to feel like a leap of faith. When you choose an airline with a transparent, well-regarded pet program—Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue, or United’s PetSafe operation—you’re building from a strong foundation. Pair that choice with a properly sized carrier, a clean health certificate, and several weeks of training, and you’ve controlled everything within your power.

For the most current regulations, always visit the airline’s official pet travel page before booking, and check the American Veterinary Medical Association’s pet travel resources for health and safety guidelines. The airport you choose, the time of year, and your pet’s individual temperament all play a part, but a well-prepared owner is the single best insurance policy a traveling animal can have. Take the time to plan carefully, and you’ll both arrive ready to enjoy the next adventure together.