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Cash + points frequently asked questions, what is cash + points.

Starting on April 22, 2024, Cash + Points will allow Rapid Rewards ® Members to combine points with other eligible forms of payment to purchase flights. Members will be presented with up to five options for point redemptions, starting with as few as 1,000 points. The minimum redemption option for the selected flight(s) will be presented on screen. While Members who book using Cash + Points can make changes to their reservation, Cash + Points cannot be used for any fare increase related to a modification. During the first 10 days after launch, not all Customers will see Cash + Points as an available payment option. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, or Companion Pass ® qualifying points. Flights paid for with Cash + Points will count toward a Member's qualifying one-way flights for A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status when flown.

How can I access Cash + Points?

Members planning to pay with Cash + Points must select "Dollars" in the booking flow. Cash + Points can be applied as a form of payment using the "Cash + Points and other forms of payment" section on the "Passenger & Payment Info" page. Cash + Points is not available in the "Points" booking flow.

Will I earn tier qualifying points or Companion Pass qualifying points on Cash + Points bookings?

No, Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, or Companion Pass qualifying points.

Do Cash + Points bookings count toward qualifying one-way flights for A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status?

Yes, flights paid for with Cash + Points will count toward your qualifying one-way flights for A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status when flown.

For a Cash + Points booking, how are my points refunded?

When you cancel a reservation booked with Cash + Points as the form of payment, the remaining point balance will go back to the Rapid Rewards account used to book the flight. Any unused taxes/fees associated with a Cash + Points reservation can either be refunded as a method-of-payment refund or a flight credit to be used toward a future flight. Other forms of payment used in a Cash + Points booking will be refunded in accordance with standard refundability rules. For more information visit: https://www.southwest.com/help/changes-and-cancellations/refund-policy .

What forms of payment can be used in addition to Rapid Rewards points when redeeming with Cash + Points?

With Cash + Points, Rapid Rewards Members can combine points and other eligible forms of payment to purchase flights. Other eligible forms of payment include, but are not limited to credit and debit cards, Southwest ® gift cards, flight credits, and Transferable Flight Credits™. Additionally, Cash + Points can only be used for an initial booking to purchase airfare.

What is the redemption value with Cash + Points?

The number of points required when paying with Cash + Points may vary based on destination, time, day of travel, demand, fare class, point redemption rate, and other factors, and is subject to change at any time until the booking is confirmed. The number of points and value of such points available for redemption with Cash + Points bookings will be disclosed on the Southwest website when selecting Cash + Points as a form of payment.

If I have Companion Pass, can I add my Companion when I'm traveling on a Cash + Points booking?

Yes, the usage of Cash + Points as a form of payment will not prevent you from adding a Companion to your reservation.

If I use my Rapid Rewards Credit Card 1 as a form of payment with Cash + Points, will I receive Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, and/or Companion Pass qualifying points on Southwest Airlines ® reservations booked with Cash + Points?

• A Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will only earn Rapid Rewards points on the dollars portion of a Cash + Points booking , per each $1 spent on Southwest purchases in accordance with the credit card's terms. A Customer will not receive Rapid Rewards points on the points portion of a Cash + Points booking. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will not earn Rapid Rewards points on the Cash + Points booking itself; Cardmembers will only earn Rapid Rewards points through their Rapid Rewards Credit Card as a form of payment.
• A Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will only earn tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status on the dollars portion of a Cash + Points booking , per each $1 spent on Southwest purchases in accordance with the credit card's terms. A Customer will not receive tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status on the points portion of a Cash + Points booking. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will not earn tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status on the Cash + Points booking itself; Cardmembers will only earn tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status through their Rapid Rewards Credit Card as a form of payment.
• A Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will only earn Companion Pass qualifying points on the dollars portion of a Cash + Points booking , per each $1 spent on Southwest purchases in accordance with the credit card's terms. A Customer will not receive Companion Pass qualifying points on the points portion of a Cash + Points booking. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember will not earn Companion Pass qualifying points on the Cash + Points booking itself; Cardmembers will only earn Companion Pass qualifying points through their Rapid Rewards Credit Card as a form of payment.

Is there a minimum redemption allowed with Cash + Points bookings?

Yes, the minimum possible redemption with Cash + Points is 1,000 points. Available Cash + Points redemption options are determined by the total price of the fare. 1,000-point redemptions may not be available for all flights. Cash + Points offers require a Customer to have a certain amount of minimum points in their account at the time of booking. Customers may have a sufficient amount of points to use Cash + Points generally, but specific redemption options may require more points than Customers currently have. Minimum points required to use Cash + Points vary based on factors, including, but not limited to, the specific flight and number of Passengers.

Can I make changes to a flight booked with Cash + Points as a form of payment?

Yes, changes can be made to flights booked with Cash + Points as a form of payment. Cash + Points can only be applied as a form of payment on initial bookings. Changes resulting in a fare increase will require another eligible form of payment. Neither points nor Cash + Points can be used to pay for any increase in fare associated with a reservation booked with Cash + Points. In the event of a decrease in fare, standard refundability rules apply.

Can I combine Rapid Rewards points from different Rapid Rewards accounts for a Cash + Points booking?

No, Rapid Rewards points used for a Cash + Points booking must come from a single Rapid Rewards account. Points may be transferred between Rapid Rewards accounts for a fee.

Can I use Cash + Points to purchase ancillary products or book Southwest Vacations ® packages?

No, not at this time. Cash + Points is only available for use on Southwest.com, swabiz.com and in Southwest mobile channels for airfare purchases.

Are all Rapid Rewards Members eligible to use Cash + Points?

Not all Customers will see Cash + Points as an available payment option during the initial rollout. Members must have an active account and have enough Rapid Rewards points to cover the minimum redemption option presented in the Cash + Points redemption flow.

Will Rapid Rewards Members be able to use Cash + Points to purchase all Southwest fares?

Members will be able to use Cash + Points for all Southwest fares: Business Select ® , Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus ® , and Wanna Get Away ® booked through Southwest.com, swabiz.com, and in Southwest mobile channels.

What should Southwest Business Customers know about Cash + Points?

• Can Southwest Business Customers redeem Rapid Rewards Business points using Cash + Points? Yes. If you are a travel manager and your company is enrolled in Rapid Rewards Business, you will be able to use Rapid Rewards Business points for Cash + Points bookings. *Note: You must be logged in to SWABIZ ® as a travel manager to redeem Rapid Rewards Business points.
• If I am logged in to SWABIZ as a traveler, can I use my company's Rapid Rewards Business points to make a Cash + Points booking? No. Only logged in travel managers may use Rapid Rewards Business points to book using Cash + Points. If you are logged in as a traveler and your personal Rapid Rewards account is attached to your company's Corporate Identification (CID) number, points redeemed in SWABIZ using Cash + Points will be deducted from your personal Rapid Rewards account.
• Can I use Cash + Points to pay for bookings through SPS and GDS? Not at this time. Cash + Points is available only on Southwest.com, swabiz.com , and the Southwest mobile app.

Important information

Cash + Points will allow Rapid Rewards ® Members to combine points with other eligible forms of payment to purchase flights. Members will be presented with up to five options for Point redemptions, starting with as few as 1,000 points. The minimum redemption option for the selected flight(s) will be presented on screen. While Members who book using Cash + Points can make changes to their reservation, Cash + Points cannot be used for any fare increase related to a modification . During the first 10 days after launch, not all Customers will see Cash + Points as an available payment option. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, or Companion Pass ® qualifying points. Flights paid for with Cash + Points will count toward a Member's qualifying one-way flights for A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status when flown.

1 Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms .

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Southwest Airlines is expanding out of Cincinnati with more flights to Music City. On June 4, the airline will introduce nonstop flights to Nashville, which will be offered 5x/weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) shared on X. When the new route begins, Southwest will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service, making it easier than ever for travelers to reach the beloved destination. Along with the announcement, Southwest will bring more flights from Cincinnati to Orlando, competing with Frontier and Delta. In early June, the airline will introduce two additional flights to its existing route, bringing a total of 5x/weekly service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Southwest will fly its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 175 seats on both routes this summer. Travelers can book these flights from Cincinnati on Southwest’s website , its mobile app, or even through the airline’s major credit card partner, Chase , by redeeming Ultimate Rewards points. By the summer, Southwest will fly to six destinations out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. In addition to Nashville and Orlando, the airline offers nonstop service between Cincinnati and Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Denver, and Phoenix. 

This domestic airport was once a focus city for Delta Air Lines, so the addition of more nonstop flights from Southwest is great news for travelers. Budget carrier Frontier Airlines recently announced a major expansion from the airport, offering nonstop service to cities like Boston, Charlotte, Houston, and more, to begin in May.  Loyal Southwest fliers who have plenty of Rapid Rewards points to burn can take advantage of the airline’s current sale, which will end tonight, April 15, at 11:59 p.m. PT. With promo code SAVE25NOW, travelers can save 25% off base fares on award flights through Sept. 30 to plenty of routes, including these Cincinnati flights.

Simple Flying

Up & straight back down: southwest airlines' 5 shortest routes.

Most of these routes connect the Hawaiian Islands.

• Southwest operates short flights between major cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs.
• Southwest provides exclusive and high-frequency services on key Hawaiian Island routes.
• Competitive market with other airlines like United, Hawaiian, and others on similar routes.

Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest airline operating on a low-cost carrier model. With over 820 Boeing 737 family aircraft, it is the largest and exclusive operator of the type. The airline greatly benefits from single aircraft type operations and quick turnaround times.

From its 11 operating bases and numerous focus cities, Southwest flies to over 100 destinations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Simple Flying explores Southwest's shortest scheduled flights during the week of April 22 to 28. The information is based on data from Cirium , an aviation analytics company.

5 Chicago (MDW) <> Grand Rapids (GRR)

Flight duration: 119 nm (137 miles).

Chicago’s Midway Airport (MDW) is one of Southwest Airlines' major hubs, carrying more than 95% of all passengers at MDW. Located 12 miles (19 km) from Chicago’s Loop Business District, the airport welcomed over 22 million passengers in 2023. One of Southwest Airlines' shortest routes to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is operated three times daily during the week, except for April 27, when only two flights are scheduled.

The airline uses a mix of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft on the 50-minute hop. Keeping the exclusivity, Southwest is the only airline currently operating the route. There are a total of 20 weekly flights with 3,052 seats offered.

How Many Seats Are There On A Southwest Airlines Flight?

4 lihue (lih) <> honolulu (hnl), flight duration: 89 nm (102 miles).

Southwest Airlines offers up to six daily flights on one of the most popular Hawaiian Island routes. Southwest operates its 175-seater Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on a quick 30-minute hop between the two islands. There are a total of 42 flights, offering 7,350 seats throughout the week and amounting to 749,700 ASM.

Aloha Air and Hawaiian Airlines also offer scheduled services on the 89-nautical mile route. A number of codeshare airlines, including American, Delta, and United, advertise and sell the flights using their codeshare agreement with Hawaiian. The Hawaii-based airline primarily uses its Boeing 717 fleet on the route.

What Are Southwest Airlines' Top Routes For The Boeing 737 MAX 8?

3 kahului (ogg) <> honolulu (hnl), flight duration: 88 nm (101 miles).

Another important route connects the two large island communities of Honolulu and Kahului. Several major airlines operate 36 flights in total. Southwest Airlines operates up to 11 daily flights between Kahului Airport (OGG) and HNL using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet. During the 45-minute island hop during the week starting April 22, 77 flights are scheduled, offering 13,475 seats.

Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Air also offer scheduled services on the 88-nautical mile route. With Hawaiian’s codeshare agreement, America’s big three airlines, American, Delta, and United, also advertise the route to funnel passengers to and from their respective hubs.

Just 121 Miles: Southwest's New Very Short Route

2 kahului (ogg) <> kalaoa (koa), flight duration: 73 nm (84 miles).

Southwest Airlines offers a daily service between OGG and Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kalaoa, Hawaii. Using its 175-seater Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, Southwest offers 1,225 weekly seats, amounting to 102,900 ASM. Southwest’s morning flight departs OGG at 07:25 and arrives in KOA at 08:05, with a 40-minute flight duration. The return flight departs KOA at 16:00 hours and arrives in OGG at 16:40 hours local time.

Hawaiian Airlines and Southern Express also offer scheduled services on the route. Hawaiian operates its 110-seater Boeing 717, while Southern Expresses operates a single-turboprop Cessna aircraft.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 At Southwest Airlines: Everything You Need To Know

1 denver (den) <> colorado spring (cos), flight duration: 63 nm (72 miles).

This is the shortest route on the Southwest Network in the last full week of April. The airline offers up to four daily flights between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) using a mix of Boeing 737-700 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Southwest has 27 flights scheduled through the week, offering 4,149 seats.

United Airlines dominates the market share on the route, with up to 12 daily flights using its Embraer ERJ-145/175 and CRJ-700/900 aircraft. DEN is one of United’s largest hubs, and it offers frequent flights to several nearby destinations, including Boulder.

What's Included In Southwest Airlines 'Wanna Get Away' Fare?

What are your thoughts on the shortest routes of Delta Air Lines onboard Boeing 717-200 aircraft? Share your experiences with Delta Air Lines in the comments section.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest adds 4 new routes, cuts 2 others in latest network adjustment

Southwest Airlines is making some changes to its route map for travel over the coming months.

The Dallas-based carried filed plans over the weekend to add four new routes and cut two others, as first seen in Cirium Diio schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.

Beginning June 4, Southwest will add three flights from one of its newest bases , Nashville International Airport (BNA), as well as launch a new contender for the shortest route in its network. The new flights from BNA include daily service to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Richmond International Airport (RIC) in Virginia and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free biweekly Aviation newsletter .

Of these routes, the one from BNA to GSP last operated in 2014; the others are all new to Southwest's network.

Southwest will also launch a new route from RIC to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on a twice-daily basis. When it begins, this 121-mile hop will become the second-shortest route in Southwest's continental U.S. network behind Denver to Colorado Springs, which measures 72 miles long, according to Cirium.

While the airline is making some noteworthy additions, it's not all good news for the carrier's network. This summer, it will scrap two routes: Atlanta to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Chicago O'Hare to Tampa.

Southwest explains that these modifications are being done "with a focus on serving the greatest number of nonstop markets, though in some cases we now will offer fewer frequencies in existing nonstop markets." (The Chicago O'Hare-to-Tampa route is currently scheduled to return during the peak winter holiday season.)

The airline is also boosting frequencies on several routes this summer as part of this last-minute adjustment. This includes operating flights from CVG to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Thursdays to Mondays instead of just on the weekend (as originally planned). Southwest will also add an additional frequency between GSP and BWI and move from Saturday-only service to four-times-weekly service between Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Missouri and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in Mexico.

Related: Southwest Airlines, which gave us everything from hot pants to 'Wanna Get Away' fares, turns 50

Southwest doesn't typically tweak its network with such short notice, instead opting for bigger changes communicated as part of regular schedule extensions . The airline told TPG that this "re-optimized schedule" is "based on an updated expectation of new aircraft to be delivered into our fleet. In addition to slight tweaks to current flights within our network, the schedule modifications brought an opportunity to support travel demand with new service."

Like most carriers with Boeing 737 orders, Southwest is facing delivery delays from Boeing for new jet deliveries. This has previously led the carrier to remove some flights from its schedule, such as service from Los Angeles to Maui, Hawaii , but perhaps Southwest was being too conservative with its growth plans given that the airline seemingly anticipates receiving more planes sooner than expected.

The winners, of course, are those who are traveling this summer and can enjoy the airline's new nonstop flights, which are now all available for sale on Southwest.com .

Related reading:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards: Complete guide to earning, redeeming and maximizing points
• Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

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.

JetBlue, Southwest planes nearly collide – experts warn of air traffic control fatigue

Two planes were cleared on a collision path at Washington Reagan National Airport on Thursday. Thankfully, air traffic controllers got both aircraft to stop before disaster struck.

JetBlue flight 1554 from Washington to Boston was cleared for takeoff, while Southwest flight 2937 to Orlando was cleared to cross the same runway.

The JetBlue plane had already begun its takeoff roll as the Southwest jet approached its path.

Air traffic controllers can be heard in a recording of the incident warning both planes to stop.

“JetBlue 1554, stop,” one controller said. “Southwest stop! Southwest 2937, stop!” another said.

In statements to USA TODAY, both airlines acknowledged the incident and said they would cooperate with any follow-up investigations.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate.

Issues in air traffic control

It’s just the latest in a string of close calls that experts say highlight the narrow margin of safety with an overworked pool of air traffic controllers.

A panel previously established by the FAA released a report Friday warning that air traffic controllers were at high risk of fatigue and encouraging the agency to update its scheduling policies to address the issue.

Under new rules that FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said will go into effect in 90 days, the agency will increase the rest period for air traffic controllers to 10 hours between shifts, up from nine, and will require a minimum 12-hour rest period before midnight shifts.

Whitaker said in a briefing about the report with journalists on Friday that the agency is also aware of understaffing throughout the system. Both problems contribute to concerns at the agency but are being handled separately.

“We’re understaffed throughout the population of controllers,” he said. “We have been doing everything within our power to increase controller hiring.” 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

JetBlue and Southwest planes nearly collide on Washington, D.C., airport runway

A JetBlue flight nearly collided with a Southwest Airlines plane at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport on Thursday, the latest close call to unfold at a U.S. airport. 

Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 had been instructed by air traffic control to cross runway No. 4 at the airport while JetBlue Flight 1554 was starting its takeoff roll on the same runway around 7:41 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the matter.

“JetBlue 1554, stop! “Southwest, stop! Southwest 2937, stop,”  someone could be heard yelling on radio traffic archived by the website  LiveATC .

A source familiar with the matter told NBC News the planes came within 1,000 feet of each other.

JetBlue said its flight, bound for Boston, “aborted” takeoff “due to another aircraft attempting to cross the runway.”

No injuries were reported on the flight and the aircraft was inspected before takeoff resumed. 

“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will work closely with federal officials as this event is fully investigated,” the airline said. 

Southwest said it is "working with the FAA to fully understand the circumstances."

JetBlue passenger Theresa Hofmann said in an interview that aired Friday on NBC's “TODAY” show: “You’re about to like lose the ground underneath you and right before that’s about to happen we just slammed on the breaks.”

Now questions remain over what caused the mishap. 

“It appears that you had two different airplanes talking to two different controllers — one ground controller and one tower controller, so it appears to be an operational error,” NBC News aviation analyst Jeff Guzzetti said on "TODAY."

A string of close calls at American airports have led to public concern. In February 2023, a landing Fedex cargo plane came close to colliding with a Southwest passenger plane that was about to take off at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with 128 people on board after an air traffic controller may have double-booked the runway.

In March 2023, the FAA hosted a safety summit to assess whether changes need to be made regarding how American flights are regulated in the wake of a series of high-profile near-collisions. 

Following the summit, the FAA committed to “a goal of zero serious close calls.” The agency recently reported a 33% decrease in serious runway incursions in fiscal year 2024 compared with 2023.

The agency has a panel that is identifying potential ways to “better address controller fatigue ,” and the agency is hiring more air traffic controllers — 1,800 new controllers in 2024 and 2,000 in 2025 with applications for the job opening Friday. 

Breaking News Reporter

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

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Flying With Dogs or Cats? These Are Airlines’ Pet Policies

American recently relaxed its rules for pets traveling inside the cabin with their owners. Here’s what the major U.S. airlines require to travel with a pet.

By Jesus Jiménez

Flying with a pet can be expensive and confusing, with fees, weight limits, carrier size rules and the need to make sure there’s no loud barking (or meowing) on board.

Recently, American Airlines relaxed its pet policy to allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet in a carrier, and more private flight options have been emerging in recent years for pet owners who can afford them.

Still, flying with large or medium-size dogs can be tricky, and many travelers are wary of leaving a pet in the plane’s cargo hold.

For those traveling on the major carriers with their pets as carry-ons, here’s what to know about each major domestic airline’s policy.

Southwest Airlines

On Southwest, a Dallas-based carrier, two checked bags can fly at no cost, but not pets. Southwest charges $125 per pet carrier on its flights.

Dogs or cats are allowed to travel below a seat in an approved carrier — up to 18.5 inches long by 8.5 inches high and 13.5 inches wide — according to the airline .

Southwest has a few caveats for those traveling with pets: The pet must stay in its carrier during the flight, and the carrier is considered a personal item or carry-on bag.

Up to six pets are allowed on Southwest flights. Once six pets are booked onto a flight, no further customers may add a pet companion to their booking.

United Airlines

United Airlines has no weight or breed restrictions for cats and dogs as long as they are in an approved hard or soft-sided carrier, measuring 17.5 inches long by 9 inches tall and 12 inches wide for a hard carrier, or 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide for a soft carrier.

United charges $125 each way for travel with pets. There is no fee for service animals on United flights, but some forms are required before the flight.

The carrier must fit under a seat, and where a passenger is allowed to sit can vary according to the type of aircraft. For example, people traveling with pets cannot sit in emergency rows. If you’re traveling with two pets (the maximum allotted), you are required to book two seats.

Delta Air Lines

Small dogs and cats can travel on Delta Air Lines flights as long as they can fit inside a carrier stored below the seat. The size of the carrier depends on the aircraft, but in general the airline recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and small enough to have some room to move around in the carrier, which must have ventilation openings on three sides.

Delta charges $95 for pets traveling as carry-on companions, and the passenger can bring only one personal item along with the pet. Certain seats cannot be booked for travel with an animal, such as those in an emergency exit row.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in a carry-on container, which must remain under the seat in front of the pet owner throughout the flight. The airline recommends a soft-sided carrier that measures 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

The fee for a carry-on pet on a domestic American Airlines flight is $150.

Flights are limited to seven carry-on pets, not including service animals, and American Eagle flights are limited to five carry-on pets, with one in first class. There is no charge for service animals flying on American flight, but the airline requires forms to be filled out in advance.

The airline said in a statement that it had recently changed its cabin pet policy to allow customers with a pet to also bring either a personal item or carry-on bag stowed in the overhead bin (but not both).

“We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience to customers whose pets fly American,” the airline said.

Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier and Alaska

Spirit allows dogs and cats on its flights in a carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide and 9 inches tall for a fee of $125. The weight of the pet and the carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, according to the airline .

Small dogs and cats can fly on JetBlue for fee of $125 each way , in an approved carrier. Up to six pets are allowed on JetBlue flights.

Frontier allows pets on board for a $99 fee each way, as long the pet fits in a carrier. Passengers can have only a personal item or carry-on in addition to their pet carrier.

Pets can travel in a carrier on Alaska Airlines flights for a fee of $100 each way. A passenger can travel with a pet carrier and a personal item, or a carrier and a carry-on bag.

Private or charter flights

Those who take their pets on private or charter flights, which can cost many thousands of dollars, have much more leeway. Dogs that weigh less than 150 pounds can sit on seats.

BarkAir, a charter operator tailored specifically for those flying with dogs, charges about $6,000 for a dog and its owner to travel, with flights between New York and Los Angeles and New York and London. Carriers are not required, and dogs can sit on laps, seats or beds.

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .