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Flying with Pets on Frontier Airlines: What You Actually Need to Know
I'm Marco, and I've learned the hard way what it takes to fly with a pet on Frontier Airlines. My French Bulldog Mochi and I have been through the airport dance more times than I'd like to admit—and I've made every mistake so you don't have to. Here's what nobody tells you about Frontier's pet policy, straight from someone who's lived it.
Can You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin?
Yes, but there's a catch. Frontier Airlines allows both dogs and cats in the cabin, which is great news. But here's the gotcha: if your pet is a brachycephalic breed (snub-nosed), you're out of luck. I wish someone had told me this before I booked my first flight with Mochi.
Brachycephalic breeds—including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and many others—are banned from cabin travel on Frontier due to respiratory risks during flight. The airline takes this seriously, and so should you. If your breed is on the restricted list, you'll need to explore cargo or checked baggage options (which also have restrictions—more on that below).
The bottom line: If your pet isn't a brachycephalic breed, you can bring them in the cabin. But you must book in advance—you can't just show up at the airport with Fluffy.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pet fee: $99 USD (one-way)
- Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) combined pet + carrier
- Cabin carrier dimensions: 46 cm L × 36 cm W × 28 cm H (18" × 14" × 11")
- Minimum pet age: 8 weeks for cabin travel
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
- Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before flight
The Carrier: Size, Type & What You're Missing
Here's where most people mess up. Your pet carrier isn't just a box—it's got specific requirements, and Frontier doesn't mess around.
For cabin travel: You need a soft-sided carrier (not hard plastic) that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are 46 cm long × 36 cm wide × 28 cm high. Your pet plus the carrier combined cannot weigh more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Mochi weighs 11 kg, so she's already over the limit—which is why I learned about brachycephalic restrictions the hard way.
The carrier must have:
- Mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe properly
- An absorbent liner or mat inside to handle accidents (trust me, this matters)
- Proper fit so your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
I recommend investing in a quality soft-sided carrier designed specifically for airline travel. Cheap carriers fall apart, and airport staff will reject them. It's worth the money.
The $99 Cabin Fee & How to Book
Frontier charges $99 USD per pet, one-way. So if you're flying round-trip, that's $198 total. Not cheap, but it's what you're paying for the privilege of having your pet sit under your seat for the flight.
You must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. You cannot add a pet at the airport. Frontier limits the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential. Call Frontier directly or book through their website—don't assume you can handle it at check-in.
Health Certificates: The Document You Cannot Skip
This is non-negotiable. You need a vet-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of your departure. I've seen people turned away at the gate because their certificate was dated 11 days before travel. Don't be that person.
Get your certificate as close to your travel date as possible. Your vet will examine your pet and confirm they're healthy enough to fly. This protects both your pet and the airline.
Brachycephalic Breeds: The Full List
If your pet is on this list, cabin travel on Frontier is not an option:
- French Bulldog (yes, that's Mochi)
- Pug (all breeds)
- Bulldog (all breeds, including English and American)
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Chow Chow
- Lhasa Apso
- Japanese Chin
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shar Pei
- Affenpinscher
- Brussels Griffon
- English Toy Spaniel
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Cane Corso
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully (all breeds)
- Pit Bull and related breeds
This is an industry-wide standard, not just Frontier. If your breed is listed, check with Frontier directly to confirm—some airlines may have slightly different restrictions.
What About Cargo or Checked Baggage?
If your pet is brachycephalic or too large for the cabin, Frontier does allow pets in cargo or checked baggage. But here's what you need to know:
Minimum age: 10 weeks (older than cabin travel)
Carrier requirements: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (no soft carriers). The crate must have:
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- An attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
- An absorbent liner inside
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside
Temperature restrictions: Pets cannot travel in cargo if temperatures are below -6.7°C (20°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F) at the origin or destination. Summer travel can be risky. Winter travel may require a vet-issued acclimation certificate.
Brachycephalic breeds are also banned from cargo. So if your French Bulldog can't go in the cabin, cargo isn't an option either. This is the reality I faced with Mochi.
We're still verifying specific cargo fees and booking procedures with Frontier—contact them directly for current pricing and availability.
What About Service Dogs?
Service dogs are exempt from carrier requirements and travel at the handler's feet in the cabin at no charge. If you have a legitimate service dog, you won't need to pay the $99 pet fee or use a carrier. But be prepared to provide documentation if asked.
The Sedation Question: Don't Do It
I know the temptation is real. Your pet is anxious, and you think sedation will help them sleep through the flight. Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Your vet will tell you the same thing.
What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist
- Check your breed: Confirm your pet isn't on the brachycephalic restricted list. If it is, explore alternatives or consider not flying.
- Book your pet 24+ hours in advance: Call Frontier or book online. Don't wait until the last minute.
- Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment within 10 days of departure. Get it dated as close to travel as possible.
- Invest in the right carrier: Soft-sided, airline-approved, with mesh ventilation. Test it at home first.
- Add an absorbent liner: Accidents happen. Be prepared.
- Weigh your pet + carrier: Make sure the combined weight is under 8 kg for cabin travel.
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at the airport. Pet travel adds complexity.
- Keep your pet calm: Familiar toys, treats, and a calm demeanor help. Your pet picks up on your stress.
Real Talk: Alternatives to Consider
If your pet is brachycephalic like Mochi, flying isn't always the best option. Consider:
- Driving: Road trips are often safer for snub-nosed breeds.
- Pet sitters or boarding: Leaving your pet with a trusted caregiver while you travel.
- Flying with a different airline: Some carriers have different policies—though most restrict brachycephalic breeds. Check United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta for comparison.
Need More Help?
Flying with pets involves a lot of moving parts. For a comprehensive breakdown of what you'll need, check out our pet travel documents checklist. If you're dealing with a brachycephalic breed, our brachycephalic breed flying guide covers all your options. And if you want to understand the full cost picture, see our pet travel costs guide.
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to make sure you're not missing anything before your flight.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a pet on Frontier is doable—as long as your pet isn't brachycephalic and you follow the rules. Book early, get your health certificate, invest in a proper carrier, and don't try to cut corners. The $99 fee is worth it for the peace of mind of having your pet with you in the cabin.
And if you've got a snub-nosed buddy like Mochi? Start thinking about alternatives now. Trust me, it's less stressful than trying to force a square peg into a round hole at the airport.
This guide is based on Frontier Airlines policies verified from official sources as of the latest update. Pet policies can change, so always confirm directly with Frontier Airlines before booking. Last verified: 2024.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026