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Frontier Airlines' pet policy: Here’s how to fly with your pet on Frontier

June 25, 2022
5 min read
Dog with an indifferent attitude on the side of a travel bag
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Are you looking to take an animal besides a pet dog or cat with you on your next vacation? If so, you are in luck: Frontier Airlines allows more types of pets to fly in the cabin than many other airlines.

The Frontier pet policy extends to domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and even small household birds. But before you take your pet to the airport, there's some important information you'll want to be aware of so your furry or feathery family member is allowed on the airplane with you.

Here's everything you need to know when flying with your pet on Frontier Airlines.

Frontier Airlines' pet policy

Cute dog inside of open suitcase
(Photo by Capuski/Getty Images)

According to the Frontier pet policy, you can bring domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds in the cabin when flying within the United States. All dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to fly.

Unfortunately, Frontier Airlines doesn't allow other types of pets to fly. In particular, you can't bring large birds (including parrots, macaws, cockatoos and birds of prey), rodents, beavers, ferrets, reptiles, amphibians, spiders and insects with you when flying Frontier.

And the Frontier Airlines pet policy no longer allows transporting any pets as cargo. So, the only way to bring a pet with you on Frontier is in the cabin in a pet carrier. If you're flying with a larger pet, you'll need to consider a different airline.

For domestic travel, Frontier Airlines doesn't require a health certificate. But you'll want to check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to see if your destination state requires specific documentation.

(Photo by GabrielPevide/Getty Images)

For those looking to fly internationally with their pet, Frontier only allows cats and dogs to fly internationally. And currently, the only international destinations you can fly Frontier to or from with your pet are the Dominican Republic and Mexico. For these flights, you'll need a health certificate for your pet. You'll also want to check with the particular country to see if there are any vaccination requirements in addition to those listed on the Frontier website. As of writing, you'll need a health certificate dated within a certain number of days for travel to or from these destinations:

  • Within 30 days of entry into Puerto Rico.
  • Within 10 days of entry into the U.S.
  • Within 15 days of entry into the Dominican Republic.
  • Within five days of entry into Mexico.
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When flying with an approved pet on Frontier, you may not sit in Row 1 or an exit row. All pets must remain in their pet carrier at all times, even if your pet is getting restless. Frontier Airlines also requests that your pet is not fed any food or water while on the aircraft. Pets must remain harmless and odorless. And, your pet shouldn't be disruptive or require any extra attention on board.

Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets

Booking your pet on a Frontier Airlines flight

Frontier Airlines charges a fee of $99 one-way to bring your pet in the cabin with you. Although there's no cap on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, each passenger is allowed a maximum of one pet. On Frontier's website, you can add your pet to your reservation when booking a flight. Or, you can call Frontier to add your pet to your reservation at a later time.

(Screenshot from frontier.com)

Keep in mind that if you're flying with one of Frontier's codeshare partners, you won't be able to bring your pet.

Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet

Frontier Airlines' pet carrier requirements

Young woman on airplane with her pet in carry bag
(Photo by Su Arslanoglu/Getty Images)

Pet carriers brought onto a Frontier Airlines flight must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. But, the Frontier pet policy states that pet carriers must be no larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches tall. If your pet carrier fits within these dimensions, but you happen to be seated in a seat that can't fit the pet carrier, Frontier will assign you a new seat that will fit your pet.

If you want to bring your pet on board Frontier, the pet must be able to stand, turn around and lie down in a natural position while in the pet carrier. So, make sure to consider this when choosing an onboard pet carrier. And although not a requirement, Frontier recommends a soft-sided carrier.

Under Frontier's baggage policy, you can bring either another personal item or a full-size carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier. But, as always, Frontier will charge a fee if you bring a carry-on bag.

Related: How to change or cancel a Frontier Airlines flight

Bottom line

Bringing a pet aboard a Frontier flight extends to more than just cats and dogs. Passengers can bring various types of pets with them on board, although the main requirement is that the pet can fit into an approved pet carrier. As such, the Frontier dog policy prohibits large dogs due to their inability to fit comfortably into a carrier of the appropriate size.

Before you book a Frontier flight for your next vacation, you'll want to consider the pets you can — and cannot — bring with you on board.

Featured image by GUILLERMO SPELUCIN RUNCIMAN/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.