Traveling with Pets
Pet guidelines
- Only small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
- We only accept small dogs and cats. No large dogs are accommodated on JetBlue.
- A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed, each in their own carrier. In order to bring a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid.
- JetBlue does not accept pet remains, cremated or otherwise, in the cabin or as cargo.
Service animals
Different policies and travel requirements apply to service animals. More information about traveling with a service animal may be found on our Accessibility Assistance page.
Bringing your pet on the plane
- We only accept small dogs and cats. No large dogs are accommodated on JetBlue.
- Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
- Your pet and approved pet carrier count as one personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you.
- You can purchase a pet carrier online or at JFK T5 ticket counter (pending availability, credit card payments only). See pet carrier size limits.
- Only one pet is allowed per carrier, and they must be able to turn around comfortably when it’s closed.
- All pets must remain inside the zipped pet carrier while at the airport and on the plane. (May unzip to feed/assist the pet, but must remain zipped at all other times)
- If you purchased an additional seat for your pet, the carrier and pet must be stowed under the seat for taxi, takeoff and landing but can be placed on the empty seat during the flight.
Travel requirements
JetBlue accepts pets on all domestic flights.
For travel within the U.S., vaccination requirements vary from state to state. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccination documentation for pets.
Customers are responsible for understanding the animal import requirements and acquiring all necessary documentation before traveling with a pet.
Travel requirements and documentation resources
Destination-specific travel requirements may be found by using the following resources:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Visit the USDA-APHIS pet travel tool. The USDA-APHIS pet travel tool is only for the purpose of destination specific requirements, which do not override JetBlue’s policies.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Visit the CDC website for information on bringing an animal into the U.S.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Visit the IATA online database
- Input your information into the required fields. Provide as much information as possible when filling out the detail fields to return the most accurate response.
- Click Check Passport, Visa and Health Advice at the bottom of the page.
- Click Country Information at the bottom of the page.
- Review details found under the Pets section for import requirements.
At the airport
If you've already paid the pet fee and your pet is confirmed to travel, you can check in 24 hours before your flight online, on the JetBlue app or at an airport kiosk.
When you arrive at the airport, visit the full-service counter or speak with a JetBlue crewmember in the self-service lobby for your JetPaws® bag tag to attach to your pet's carrier. Your pet must stay inside its closed/zipped carrier while you are at the airport.
While pet relief areas are often available, the location varies by airport. You may need to exit the airport and return through security if your pet needs to relieve itself.
Pet Carriers
The pet and carrier will count as your carry-on item. Your pet must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier with ease.
- Carriers cannot exceed 17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H (43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 21.59 cm H)
- Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be well ventilated.
- Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are accepted.
- Containers that allow for possible escape will not be accepted.
- Only one pet per carrier is allowed.
- Pet carriers may be purchased at the airport ticket counter for USD $55 (fifty five US dollars). Quantities are limited.
Pet Strollers
Pet strollers will count as carry-on items and are subject to carry-on size restrictions.
A pet stroller utilized by a service dog is considered an assistive device and is not subject to the carry-on restrictions.
TSA Security Screening
You will need to present your animal to the TSA security officers at the security checkpoint.
- Pet carriers are subject to search by airport security authorities.
- You will be asked to hold your pet and pass through screening equipment while the carrier is inspected. Your animal will never be placed through an x-ray machine.
- If it's not possible for you to hold your pet through screening, your pet will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by security officers.
On board and in flight
Customers traveling with pets cannot sit in an emergency exit row, bulkhead seat, Mint seat or any seat that is restricted for under-seat stowage. It is highly recommended you sit in a window or an aisle seat.
Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight. If you purchase an extra seat for your pet, the pet inside their carrier may be placed on the additional purchased seat during the flight. Please note: whether the pet is under the seat or on the extra seat you purchased, your pet must always remain in its carrier.