Can’t leave your furry friend behind while you are all set for a vacation? Don’t worry! Traveling with your furry friend on a flight can certainly be a pleasurable experience, provided you proceed with precautions and abide by the restrictions set by your airline. So, if you are planning to take your favorite pet on a Southwest flight, make sure to stay familiar with the Southwest Airlines pet policy to ease your travel experience.
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Travel with Pet on Southwest Airlines: Rules, Fees, and Tips
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- Southwest Airlines allows you to travel with vaccinated domestic cats and dogs on domestic routes in a pet carrier in the cabin. Please note the age of your domestic cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks.
- You are not allowed to make a reservation for your unaccompanied minor child who needs to travel with a pet.
- A pet fare of $125 each way per pet carrier is applicable in case of a U.S. Mainland flight.
- If you wish to travel between Hawaiian Islands, a fare of $35 will be applicable each way per pet carrier. The fare is subject to be changed by the airline at any time.
- You are required to pay the fare at the ticket counter located at the airport. Make sure to keep one of the accepted credit cards with you for payment. In case there is a change in your travel plan and you cancel your reservation or if your flight gets canceled, and you don’t choose to rebook, the pet fare is refunded to you. You are advised to get in touch with the airline’s team or visit the ticket counter for this purpose.
- One ticketed customer is allowed to bring one pet carrier by the airline. A maximum of two of the same species of a small dog or a cat can be brought in one carrier.
- Exclusive requirements or conditions may be applicable in case you fly to Puerto Rico. If you travel on a flight to or from Hawaii or on an international itinerary, you are not allowed to bring pets.
Instructions to Handle Pets at the Airport and on the Flight
You are recommended to keep your pets safely within a pet carrier right from when you enter the airport till you board your flight. Even when you reach the gate area of your destination airport, they must remain in the carrier itself.
Failing to abide by this guideline may result in rejection of your pet to travel with you on the flight. When in aircraft, you need to store the pet carrier under the seat, in case of taxi, take-off, and landing.
What are the Rules for Pet Carriers?
Please bear in mind to choose a pet carrier as per certain guidelines defined by Southwest Airlines. Take a look below.
- Purchase a leak-proof pet carrier with proper ventilation. It can be soft or hard.
- The dimensions must be if you purchase a Southwest approved pet carrier: 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
- Dimensions allowed for other pet carriers are: 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
- You are allowed to take either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a carry-on bag of regular size. This means that on Southwest Airlines flights, pet carriers are considered a personal item or a carry-on item.
- You need to store your carrier under the seat located in front of you on the aircraft. The pet must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier easily.
Law Enforcement or Search-and-rescue Dogs on Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines allows you to travel with trained law enforcement dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. They can travel for transportation purposes. No charge is levied on their travel if they are accompanied by their handlers on official business. If you are traveling with a law enforcement or search-and-rescue dog, you must present a letter of mission and a copy of the animal’s certification to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
You must abide by the federal safety regulations, according to which, the position of the dog(s) must be in such a suitable manner that it does not hamper the way of passengers towards the exit gate, in case an emergency situation arises on the flight.
Apart from this, you must also ensure that the law enforcement and search-and-rescue dogs do not sit in an emergency exit row and do not occupy a seat.
Can You Travel with a Trained Service Dog?
Yes, you are allowed to bring service dogs that are specifically trained to perform required tasks or assist a qualified passenger suffering from a certain disability. However, you can bring only dogs as trained service animals. Apart from this, emotional support animals, service animals that are being trained, and therapy animals may travel as pets with you.
Your trained service dog must be secured by a leash or other tether when you are at the airport and even inside the plane. They need to be controlled and schooled in appropriate behavior. Please note that a dog that causes a danger or risk to the health or well-being of people, interferes with cabin service, or behaves restlessly, will not be allowed to board the plane.
Necessary Documentation
You must provide a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form, either in print or digital format. This needs to be submitted at the ticket counter or gate on the day of your travel. The date on the form needs to be the same as the day you bought your ticket. The form cannot be replaced by a service animal outfit, harness, ID card, or registration certificate.
Instructions Applicable at the Airport
You need to check in with a customer service executive of Southwest Airlines at the departure gate or ticket counter in order to provide the relevant form. The executives may also ask certain details, such as the duties or tasks your dog has been trained to accomplish. This is just to ascertain whether your dog is a trained assistance dog or qualified for travel or not. You may find service dog relief areas at airports we operate through.
Instructions Applicable on the Aircraft
You are permitted to sit anywhere inside the aircraft. However, you cannot sit in an emergency exit seat, as the dog’s position may obstruct the path for passengers to take the exit in case of an unforeseen situation. Besides, your dog can sit in your lap or at your feet, provided its age is not more than two years.
Your dog is not permitted to block any exits or exit paths, extend into the aircraft aisle, occupy an aircraft seat, occupy a tray table, or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
Please Note: Policies, regulations, and documentation in case of trained service dogs depends on the destination, if you are flying to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or to an international location. You must abide by the animal travel and acceptance laws, requirements, and procedures of each location as part of your travel itinerary.
You are required to inform the airline in advance that you need to travel with a trained service dog. You can use the manage reservation option online for this purpose, as it lets you edit, modify, or add certain services to your booking.
Additional Points to Remember
- You must consult your vet to seek guidance on whether your pet is fit to travel on a flight or not, as such a journey can be stressful for it.
- If your pet is suffering from brachycephalic airways, anxiety issues, or heart disease, it may face an unpleasant time during the flight. Furthermore, it may not be allowed to be taken on the flight if it shows restless behavior like biting, growling, excessive barking, urinating or defecating in the gate or cabin area, scratching etc.
- In case you need to take cremated pet remains, you can take it as a carry-on item. They are not allowed as part of your checked baggage. They are thoroughly checked at the security checkpoint. Transport them in a cardboard or plastic container. This helps in a clear X-ray screening. However, if it is not clear in the screening process, it will be opened by the designated officials for a manual inspection. Please also take note that if the container of remains cannot be screened, you will not be permitted to take it through the security checkpoint.
Tips for a Smooth Pet Travel Experience
Here are some useful tips to enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip when you travel with your pet.
Advance Booking
It is beneficial to book your flight and reserve a seat for your pet well in advance so as to ensure availability. If the reservations for pets are full on your chosen flight, you will not be able to take them along.
Early Check-In
You can mark web check-in or even reach the airport on time for counter check-in. This allows you sufficient time to prepare your pet for travel, as airport terminals are crowded and the pet could feel uneasy.
Purchase an Approved Carrier
You are advised to read through the instructions issued by your airline for taking pet carriers on flights. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to proceed ahead with your pet.
Carry Essential Items
Make sure to pack all the essential items such as food, water, and medicines required for your pet, in the hand luggage.
Be Prepared for Delays
You may have to face a delay or changes in the flight schedule, as you may already know that such situations are common. So, you can think about packing extra items or keeping an alternate plan ready for the same.
Concluding Lines
So, that’s all about the Southwest Airlines pet policy. If you adhere to the same, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable flight for your furry friend. The airline is dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable experience for all passengers, even when they need to travel with a pet or a service dog.
Their comprehensive pet policy is designed to ensure your pet’s well-being, from check-in to arrival. Make sure to keep in mind each and every instruction or guideline, prepare the necessary documents and equipment, and get ready for a smooth and enjoyable journey with your pet. Have a great journey with your pet!
Related FAQs!
You are advised to go through the answers provided to some of the most common queries asked by travelers regarding the Southwest Airlines pet policy.
You need to pay a charge of $125 each way per pet carrier in case of a U.S. Mainland flight. However, if you need to fly between Hawaiian Islands, a charge of $35 will be applicable each way per pet carrier. The fare is subject to change at any time. In case you need to fly to Puerto Rico, the charges and other guidelines may vary. Thus, make sure to stay informed.
You can bring a dog whose weight must not exceed 20 pounds, including the carrier. If the weight goes more than the defined limit, the dog will be taken in cargo and not in the cabin.
You need to bring your small dog or pet in a pet carrier in case of taxi, take-off, and landing, according to the rules defined by the airline. However, a service dog can sit on your lap or at the feet if its age is up to two years. Please make sure to avoid sitting in an emergency exit row, as the dog’s position may hinder the way of passengers who need to take exit in case of a sudden situation.
The dimensions need to be 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H) if you purchase a Southwest approved pet carrier. But it can be 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H) in case of other carriers. You can bring a hard or soft carrier with enough space for your pet to stand up and move around inside it without any hassle.
Yes, you are allowed to travel with your pets i.e., only small dogs and cats on Southwest Airlines flights. You are good to go as long as you comply with guidelines defined by the airline. Pets can be taken in the cabin on Southwest flights. You can also travel with trained service dogs who are required for assistance of passengers with disabilities. Make sure to read through the instructions for the same.
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