Carry-On Pet Policies by Airline: The Full Rundown

You might have heard this recent story: Several airlines have repeatedly denied a woman's request to bring her pet hedgehog inside the cabin. In fact, this has spurred a Change.org petition urging air carriers to change their stance on pets. According to CNN.com, the passenger was told that Heloise the hedgehog could chew its way out of the container or cause other passengers to have an allergic reaction.

If you're looking to bring your fur baby on a plane, the rules can be complicated. We took a look at carry-on policies by airline and collected them here, in one easy reference. Some rules, however, are universal: Passengers flying with pets must make reservations over the phone and check-in must be done at the airport counter. All pets (one per passenger) must be transported in a carrier that is leak-proof, escape-proof, provides ventilation on at least two sides, and fits under the seat in front of you – the carrier also counts as one of your carry-on items. Don’t forget to ask the airline the maximum size carrier it allows onboard when making flight arrangements.

Fido must stay in his carrier from gate-to-gate, and is required to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position inside it. Airlines are not responsible for the well-being of pets, and if there is an emergency in the cabin, oxygen won’t be administered to your pet. Also, your airline reserves the right to deny boarding to pets if they are ill or aggressive towards your fellow passengers. As a precaution, make sure you have vaccination certificates and identification tags when appropriate.

Here’s a quick look at the individual carry-on pet policies of 11 airlines...

JetBlue: Passengers with cats and small dogs only -- no other kinds of animals are allowed -- have to pay an additional $100 each way on domestic and international flights. The combined weight of your pet and the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds, and only four pets are allowed -- total -- per flight. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. JetBlue recommends that you choose a window or aisle seat.

Delta: When flying with Delta, you’re permitted to bring an at least 10-week-old dog, cat, or household bird, though Tweety can only travel within the United States. The cost is $75-$200 each way, depending on the destination. Pets are not allowed to fly to or from about a dozen destinations -- including Hawaii -- so check before you book. Delta’s policy is that only one pet per carrier is allowed, though there are two exceptions: one female cat or dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is 10 weeks to six months old, or two pets of the same species and size between the age of 10 weeks and six months may be allowed to travel in one carrier -- they just have to be small enough to fit comfortably together. Only two pets, total, are allowed each in first class and domestic business class; four can travel in the main cabin.