How much does it cost to take a pet on Southwest Airlines - Fly with Animals

How much does it cost for a pet on Southwest Airlines?

When flying with a pet on a Southwest flight, passengers must pay a $95 pet fare fee per carrier  𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, each way. This additional expense is worth considering as you plan out your trip costs  𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. This fee is refundable if you decide not to travel with your pet, you decide to cancel the flight or your flight is canceled  𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

How much does it cost to take a pet on Southwest Airlines?

To make a reservation for your pet on Southwest Airlines, call 860-I-FLY-SWA (860-556-7088). Each pet carrier brought on to a Southwest Airlines flight can contain up to 2 dogs or 2 cats 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. There is a $125 fee each way per pet carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

Southwest Airlines Allows Small Dogs and Cats Only 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Southwest Airlines has a weight limit of 20 pounds per pet 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, including the carrier. If your pet and their carrier weigh more than 20 pounds 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, they will not be allowed to travel in the cabin and must be transported as cargo instead.

How much does Southwest charge for a pet?

According to the Southwest Pet policy, there is a mandatory charge of $95 per way should you choose to travel with your pet 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Owners traveling with pets in the aircraft cabin are required to have their pets placed in an appropriate pet carrier at all times 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

How strict is Southwest with pet policy?

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟖.𝟓" 𝐱 𝟖.𝟓" 𝐱 𝟏𝟑.𝟓".

Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.

Each ticketed customer is permitted to travel with only one pet carrier. Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of a small cat or dog 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. The Southwest Airlines Pet Fare for carrying on a pet in the cabin is $125 each way 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

Does Southwest require pet documentation?

Southwest Airlines requires specific documentation for pets and service animals traveling on their flights 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. This documentation must be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time to allow the airline to make necessary arrangements 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Your pet must be vaccinated, but documentation is not required 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight to Southwest?

Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in appropriate pet carriers are welcome to travel in the cabin on domestic flights 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Pet carriers must be stowed under the seat in front of you during the flight 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, and your pet must always remain in its carrier.

How do I add a pet on Southwest?

While Southwest Airlines allows only one cat carrier per ticketed Passenger, the carrier may contain two cats. Is there anything I need to do ahead of time? Since there will be no more than six scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight, reservations must be made in advance by calling 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-FLY-SWA (𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖).

Pet Policy: Carrier Requirements and Behavior

Pet Carrier Dimensions

When traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines, the size of the pet carrier is an important consideration. To bring your pet on board, their carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 18.5" long, 9.5" high, and 13.5" wide 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. It's important to note that these dimensions are for the pet carrier itself and not the size of your pet. Your pet should have enough room to stand up 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. If you have any doubts about whether your pet will be comfortable in the carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, it's a good idea to test it out at home before your flight.

How do I add a pet on my Southwest flight?

Southwest Airlines limits the number of pets they can accommodate on their flights, so you need to make a reservation in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. This way, you can ensure that there is space available for your pet.

Passengers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group, and pets must remain in their carriers under the seat in front of you 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Pets are not allowed to sit on your lap during the flight 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, no matter how small or well-behaved they are.

Size and Weight Restrictions

Southwest Airlines allows only small dogs and cats in the cabin 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. In terms of size, the airline has a strict weight limit of 20 pounds, which includes both your pet and the carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. If your pet and its carrier exceed this weight limit, they cannot fly in the cabin and will need to be transported as cargo instead 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Make sure to weigh your pet and their carrier before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises.

Pet Fee and Age Restrictions

Traveling with a pet on Southwest Airlines comes with an additional fee 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. For U.S. Mainland flights, the Pet Fare is $125 each way [𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖] per pet carrier. It’s important to note that only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed. Additionally, the pet must be at least eight weeks old to be eligible to travel.

Southwest Airlines does not permit Unaccompanied Minors to travel with pets 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, so if a minor is flying alone, they will not be able to bring a pet with them.

Conclusion

In summary, Southwest Airlines has specific but manageable guidelines for pet travel. Your pet must remain in a carrier at all times 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, must be small enough to meet the 20-pound weight limit (including the carrier), and you’ll need to pay a $125 fee each way 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Keep these rules in mind when planning your trip to ensure your pet can fly comfortably and safely with you.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy

Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs who are at least 8 weeks old to fly in the cabin under a seat on domestic itineraries 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Of course, it’s not quite that simple as there are other regulations to follow and even a few exceptions to the rules.

Most Southwest flights will allow up to 6 pet carriers in the cabin 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, however, some circumstances may reduce or even increase this number. Each customer is allowed 1 pet carrier (with a maximum of 2 pets of the same species) 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖per flight. Pet reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

If you’re traveling with a pet 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, you’ll need to check them in at the airport ticket counter before your flight.

Pets that are too big to fit under the seat won’t be able to fly on Southwest Airlines 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, as pets can’t travel as checked luggage.

Before flying, make sure your pet is comfortable in its carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Pets exhibiting disruptive behavior can be denied boarding. According to Southwest Airlines, this includes:𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

Biting

Excessive barking

Excessive whining

Growling

Lunging

Scratching

Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

Additionally, pets are required to remain in their carriers for the entire flight and should be able to stand up and move around freely inside the carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. If you’re traveling with a pet, you won’t be allowed to sit in an exit row or the bulkhead 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Lastly, unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with a pet carrier.

Pet Carrier Requirements

You’ll need an approved pet carrier to bring your furry friends on a Southwest Airlines flight 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Each carrier can contain up to 2 pets of the same species and each ticketed passenger is allowed to travel with 1 pet carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

Your pet carrier must conform to these specifications:

The maximum dimension the pet carrier can be is 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide so that it fits under a seat 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

Carriers can be either soft-sided or hard-sided 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

The carrier must be leakproof 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

The carrier must have ventilation 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

Your pet must be in a carrier in the gate area, during boarding and deplaning 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, and for the entire duration of the flight. It must also be able to stand up and move freely in the carrier.

The pet carrier counts toward your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or carry-on bag 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Refer to Southwest Airlines’ baggage requirements for specifics.

Southwest Airlines Pet Fees

There’s a fee of $125 one-way for each pet carrier on Southwest Airlines 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. The good news is that pet fares are refundable 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, so if your plans change or your flight is canceled you’ll get your money back.

You’ll need to pay the pet fee with a credit card as you can’t use a Southwest gift card 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

, flight credit, or LUV Voucher as payment for a pet fee.

To make a reservation for your pet on Southwest Airlines, call 860-I-FLY-SWA (860-556-7088) or 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖

Does Southwest require pet documentation?

What health documentation is required? Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the passenger's veterinarian for pets to travel 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖.

Does Southwest require proof of vaccination for pets?

Health and vaccine requirements: Passengers must comply with any vaccination 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 or health certificate requirements of their flight destination when flying with their dogs on Southwest.