JetBlue is especially relevant for Florida pet travelers because of its large presence in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
Its current ordinary-pet policy is straightforward:
Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin in an approved under-seat carrier.
JetBlue does not transport ordinary pets as checked baggage. Its current contract permits only dogs and cats as ordinary cabin pets and limits each traveler to one pet.
JetBlue Pet Policy at a Glance
Current rules include:
- Dogs and cats only
- Cabin travel only
- One pet per traveler
- One pet per carrier
- Maximum six ordinary pets per flight
- No ordinary pets in Mint
- Carrier maximum: 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches
- Carrier must remain closed
- Carrier counts as your personal item
How Much Does JetBlue Charge?
JetBlue’s published contract has historically listed the in-cabin pet fee at $125 each way, and its current contract continues to state that a pet fee applies and must be paid when the reservation is made.
Because JetBlue’s fee pages can change independently from the contract, verify the current amount on your actual booking before purchase.
For planning purposes, a $125 each-way rate would mean:
$250 round trip.
Which Pets Can Fly?
JetBlue allows ordinary in-cabin travel for:
- Small dogs
- Small cats
No other ordinary pet species are accepted under its current contract.
So JetBlue is more restrictive than Frontier if you’re traveling with:
- Rabbit
- Guinea pig
- Hamster
- Bird
JetBlue Carrier Size
JetBlue’s current pet-carrier maximum is:
17 inches long x 12.5 inches wide x 8.5 inches high.
Both soft- and hard-sided carriers are accepted.
The carrier must:
- Have a waterproof bottom
- Be well ventilated
- Close securely
- Prevent escape
One Pet Per Carrier
JetBlue allows:
One pet per carrier.
Unlike Southwest, you cannot put two small dogs or two cats into one carrier.
The Pet Must Be Able to Move
JetBlue requires the animal to be able to:
- Stand
- Move comfortably
inside the carrier.
The carrier shouldn’t merely be technically large enough to close.
Carrier Stays Closed in the Airport
JetBlue says pets must stay inside the zipped/closed carrier while you’re in the airport except where screening or pet-relief needs require otherwise.
Airport pet-relief locations vary.
In some airports, reaching one may require leaving security and being screened again.
That’s worth checking before a long layover.
Pet Carrier Counts as Your Personal Item
JetBlue’s current baggage terms say the approved pet carrier counts as your personal item.
You may still bring the carry-on allowance applicable to your fare.
Current standard JetBlue limits are:
Carry-On
22 x 14 x 9 inches
Personal Item
17 x 13 x 8 inches
The pet carrier itself follows the separate pet-carrier dimensions.
Can You Buy a Carrier at the Airport?
JetBlue currently sells pet carriers at its airport ticket counters for $55, subject to availability.
That’s a useful emergency backup.
It is not how we’d plan the trip.
Buy and test the carrier before flying.
Maximum Pets Per Flight
JetBlue’s current contract permits a maximum of:
Six ordinary pets per flight.
This is why pet space should be added when you book.
A passenger seat being available does not mean the pet quota isn’t already full.
One Pet Per Passenger
A traveler may carry only:
One ordinary pet per flight.
If you’re traveling with two pets, you may need:
- Another adult traveler
- Another airline
- Another transportation plan
No Pets in Mint
JetBlue’s contract specifically prohibits ordinary pets in Mint.
This is another airline where paying for the premium cabin can actually make pet travel less flexible.
No Checked Pets
JetBlue does not transport ordinary pets as checked baggage.
So a large dog cannot simply be checked underneath the aircraft.
For larger dogs, compare:
- Driving
- Specialized pet transport
- Another carrier
No Unaccompanied Minor + Pet Combination
JetBlue does not allow an unaccompanied minor to travel with an ordinary pet.
An adult needs to handle the animal.
TSA Security
JetBlue instructs passengers to present the pet to TSA at the security checkpoint.
For cats, this deserves extra preparation.
A harness-trained cat has an additional layer of security if the animal must come out of the carrier.
If escape is a concern, ask TSA about screening options before opening it.
Pet Strollers
JetBlue treats pet strollers as carry-on baggage and applies normal carry-on size restrictions.
A stroller used by a qualifying service dog is treated differently as an assistive device.
JetBlue and Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue continues to make Fort Lauderdale a major part of its network and expanded several FLL routes in July 2026.
That makes it especially relevant for pet travelers heading to:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Miami area
- Palm Beach County
- Florida Keys road trips
If you’re headed to South Florida, JetBlue is worth comparing with American, Spirit and Southwest.
Is JetBlue Good for Florida Pet Travel?
Strong Fit
JetBlue works well if:
- You have one small dog or cat.
- You’re flying into Fort Lauderdale.
- The carrier fits within the relatively low 8.5-inch height limit.
- You can add the pet early.
Weak Fit
Look elsewhere if:
- You have two pets and are traveling alone.
- You have a rabbit or bird.
- Your dog needs a larger carrier.
- You want Mint.
- Your pet is too large for cabin travel.
The Carrier Height Matters
JetBlue’s 8.5-inch height limit is lower than the soft-carrier allowance on several competing airlines.
Don’t assume the carrier you used on Delta or Frontier automatically works.
Measure it.
Before Booking JetBlue
Confirm:
- Dog or cat only
- One pet per traveler
- Carrier fits 17 x 12.5 x 8.5
- Pet can stand and move
- Pet space available
- Current pet fee
- Destination rules
- Return flight also accepts pet
Then book.
Service Dogs
Qualifying service dogs operate under a different policy and are not ordinary cabin pets.
See our broader guide to Florida Service Animal Laws Explained for how public-access law differs from air-travel rules.
JetBlue Pet Policy Bottom Line
JetBlue is a solid small-pet option, particularly for South Florida:
One small dog or cat, one approved carrier, cabin only, maximum six pets per flight.
The biggest practical limitation is its relatively short carrier-height allowance.
More Airline Pet Policies
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