Passengers can bring small domestic dogs and cats with them in the cabin during their flight. Southwest Airlines pet policy requires dogs and cats to have up-to-date vaccinations. Pets must be kept in an approved carrier under the passenger’s seat, according to the standards. Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin of international flights.
Southwest Airlines understands that pets are family too! That’s why they have a pet-friendly policy that allows travelers to bring their beloved pets along for the journey. In this guide, we’ll break down Southwest pet policy, including what types of pets are allowed, how to prepare for travel with your pet, and any fees or requirements you should know about.
In order for pets to be allowed to travel in the cabin of a flight, they need to have good behavior and be able to make minimal noise. Southwest Airlines does not allow pets with the behaviors listed below on their flights.
- The dog is biting, growling, and lunging.
- Barking or scratching too much
- Peeing near the gate or inside the cabin
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Restrictions
- Southwest Airlines does not allow pets to travel in the cabin without a passenger or customer.
- As per Southwest Airline Pet Policy, Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin with unaccompanied minors.
- You cannot bring pets on Southwest international flights or any bookings that involve international flights.
- If you are traveling with pets, you cannot sit in the exit row seats or use the under-seat storage in the front.
- Southwest Airlines pet policy currently allows a maximum of six pets in the cabin on their flights. However, this number may change in the future depending on different situations.
- To travel in the cabin of a Southwest flight, dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Pets should be well-behaved and not cause harm or disturbance to others. They should not bother any fellow passengers or customers.
- Make sure to place all pets in a sturdy carrier with secure locks. The carrier should always be kept under the passenger’s seat during the flight.
- Pets cannot share a carrier with emotional support or trained service animals.
- If you’re traveling with a trained service/emotional service animal or a portable oxygen concentrator, you might need to buy an additional seat for your pets.
- Southwest Airlines is not responsible if a passenger or customer misses their flight because they need to take their pet to the outside relief area.
- If a passenger or customer’s pet has a medical emergency, there are no arrangements available.
- Pets do not have access to oxygen masks during emergencies.
- Southwest pet policy does not allow any pet remains in the cabin of their flights.
Learn how to easily navigate Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. We will take good care of and support your youngster during the trip to ensure their safety. Learn about the needed documents, age restrictions, and detailed instructions. Travel with Southwest with confidence, knowing that your child will be in good care from check-in through arrival.
Southwest Pet Policy in Cabin
Southwest Airlines allows pets to fly in the cabin if they meet all the requirements and standards outlined in the Southwest pet policy. Passengers or customers must place their pets in an approved carrier, as stated in the requirements.
What are the Southwest pet carrier size requirements?
You can buy Southwest Airlines’ official pet carriers at any Southwest ticket counter or kiosk for $58, including taxes. Pet carriers that have been purchased cannot be returned for a refund.
Acceptable pet carriers
- The largest size for a pet carrier on a Southwest Airlines flight is 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches tall.
- Pet carriers that are either soft-sided or hard-sided are allowed in the cabin.
- The carriers need to have good locks and ventilation. They should also have enough space inside for the pet to stand and move around comfortably without touching the top of the carrier.
- The carrier needs to be the right size to fit comfortably under the passenger/customer’s seat.
Pet carrier requirements
- Southwest Airlines pet policy allows only one pet per ticketed passenger.
- Passengers are allowed to bring two pets in one carrier or cage, as long as the pets are of the same species and size. It’s important that both pets have enough space to move around and stand comfortably without touching the top of the carrier.
- Make sure that your pets, both cats and dogs, stay completely inside the carrier from their heads to their tails.
- Pets must be kept in a locked carrier at all times, from the gate area until the end of the flight. If you don’t follow this rule, your pet transportation request will be denied.
- Pet carriers/cages are treated as either carry-on luggage or personal items. Passengers or customers have the option to bring either a personal item and a pet carrier, or a carry-on luggage and a pet carrier.
What type of Pets are allowed by Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines only allows small cats, dogs, and household birds on their flights.
Age restriction: All pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
Restricted routes: Southwest Airlines does not allow any pets to travel on their international flights, including flights to Puerto Rico.
Pets are allowed to fly on Southwest Airlines routes to the Hawaiian Islands. However, currently, there is no service available for transporting pets specifically to Hawaii.
Restricted breeds: According to Southwest Airlines Pet Policy, all cat and dog breeds are allowed to travel in the cabin of the flight. However, it is important that the pet is well-behaved and does not display aggressive behavior, as this will not be allowed.
How to check-in with Pets on Southwest Flight?
Passengers or customers flying with Southwest Airlines have several options for checking in, including online, at a booking center or kiosk, or curbside. However, if you are traveling with a pet, you will need to visit the ticket counter to complete the Southwest airlines check in process and pay the required pet reservation fare and charges.
If you’re bringing a pet with you on a Southwest Airlines flight and they will be traveling in the cabin, they will need to go through a security check, just like all the other passengers. When going through security, passengers should take their cat or dog out of the carrier or cage and hold them in their arms.
The pet carrier/cage will be scanned by the x-ray machine along with other small items and baggage. The airline employees and TSA have the right to thoroughly search the pet carrier.
Make sure to plan ahead for your pet’s needs and personal care. Please take note of the availability and locations of the pet relief areas at the airport. Southwest Airlines will not delay the flight because of your pet. They will take off at the scheduled departure time.
Learn more about Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy and book your flight with confidence. Discover your alternatives, whether you qualify for a refund, and how easy it is to change or cancel your reservation. Southwest will take care of you whether your plans alter or unavoidable circumstances arise, guaranteeing a hassle-free and customer-focused service.
How to make Southwest Pet Reservations?
To book a space for your pet on a Southwest Airlines flight, simply call the Southwest Airlines pet reservation number. They will help you reserve a seat for your furry friend. Pets are not guaranteed seats because there are only a limited number available. Southwest Airlines pet policy operates on a first-come, first-served basis for pets.
Passengers are encouraged to book their pets’ travel arrangements as soon as they can. You can pay the fee and charges for the pet reservation service at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter or kiosk. Please note that these fees and charges are non-refundable.
If the passenger doesn’t use the pet booking/reservation, the fee won’t be transferred to any future travel credit account. If you’re traveling with your pets, please make sure to check in at the Southwest ticket kiosk or counter. Once you have checked in, your pets are allowed to board the flight.
We recommend that passengers and customers book their flight tickets either online or at the airport booking counter or kiosk. According to Southwest Airlines pet policy, pets cannot travel with their owners. If you have any more questions about pet reservations with Southwest Airlines, just call the Southwest Airlines pet reservation number.
The pet policy of Southwest Airlines is for emotional support animals, service animals, and law enforcement animals.
Southwest Airlines Service Support For Pets
Southwest Airlines recognizes that emotional support animals can offer important mental support to passengers with disabilities. The Southwest pet policy allows passengers to bring their emotional support animals on the flight. However, the animal must meet Southwest Airlines requirements and standards.
- Passengers who are traveling with their pets need to make sure they have all the necessary documents and certificates.
- Southwest Airlines only allows cats or dogs as emotional support animals.
- Each passenger/customer is allowed to have only one emotional support animal.
- The emotional support animal needs to be placed in a carrier or cage that can fit under the passenger’s seat.
If you want to travel with your emotional support animal, you need to have the right certificates and documents. These documents should be from a medical doctor or licensed mental health professional, and they should be dated within one year of your travel date.
Southwest Airlines Pet Cargo
The Southwest Airline pet policy is unique as compared to other airlines. They do not have a pet cargo facility or service available. Southwest Airlines does not transport pets. They do not allow pets to be checked as baggage or shipped as cargo.
Southwest pet fee
The Southwest pet fee is $95 for a single side flight which a customer/passenger needs to pay at the airline’s ticket booking counter/kiosk. The mode of payment for the Southwest pet fee must be through a credit card, cash, and a Southwest gift card. All the pet reservation fees and charges are non-refundable.
Passengers/customers are not allowed to use their Southwest points for making the payment of the pet reservation fees and charges. But the points may be used to purchase a Southwest gift card($100 gift card for 10000 points) and then, the passenger/customer can use the gift card for making payment.
With Southwest Airlines pet policy, traveling with your furry friend has never been easier. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and properly preparing your pet for the journey, you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience together.
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