Planning a luxurious getaway with your four-legged companion? The Southwest Airlines pet policy offers a streamlined, pet-friendly experience designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. Understanding in-cabin pet travel of Southwest Airlines, specific carrier restrictions, and knowing exactly how much does Southwest Airlines charge for pets is crucial for a smooth journey. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or relocation, this guide ensures you and your furry friend enjoy a stress-free flight.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Essentials: Quick Guide
Before you board with your pet, it’s vital to know what the Southwest Airlines pet policy expects from passengers traveling with pets.
Southwest Airlines Pet Fees and Rules
| Category | Details |
| Pet Fee | $125 each way (paid at check-in) |
| Maximum Pets per Flight | 6 pets (book early—first-come, first-served) |
| Allowed Pets | Small dogs and cats (at least 8 weeks old and healthy) |
| Emotional Support Animals | Not accepted (per updated Southwest Airlines emotional support pet policy) |
Understanding In-Cabin Pet Travel of Southwest Airlines
The Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin ensures your pet flies safely and securely by your side. Southwest Airlines permits pets to travel only in the cabin, as the airline does not allow any pets in the cargo hold.
Here’s what to expect when you fly with your pet:
- To avoid last-minute surprises, be sure to secure your pet’s spot early—Southwest Airlines allows only six pets per flight, so early booking is essential.
- Complete Check-In at the Airport: You must check in your pet at the airport counter, as Southwest Airlines does not offer online check-in for pet travelers.
- Follow In-Cabin Travel Rules: Keep your pet inside the carrier, placed securely under the seat, throughout the entire flight as per Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin guidelines.
- Meet Health and Vaccination Requirements: Make sure your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated; the airline may ask for proof of vaccination during the check-in process.
Southwest Airlines Carrier Specifications: Know the Restrictions Before You Fly
Buying the right Southwest Airlines pet carrier is critical. Southwest Airlines accepts only specific types of pet carriers and actively enforces carrier restrictions to maintain safety onboard.
Carrier Specifications for Southwest Airlines Pet Travel
| Feature | Requirement |
| Carrier Size | 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8.5” (H) (Southwest Airlines pet carrier size) |
| Type | Soft-sided only (no hard-shell carriers allowed) |
| Ventilation | Must have airflow on two or more sides |
| Design Restrictions | No wheels, rigid frames, or exterior pockets (Southwest Airlines pet carrier restrictions) |
| Fit Requirement | Must fit under the seat in front of you |
| Comfort Tip | Opt for padded interiors or soft liners for the best pet carrier for Southwest Airlines |
By following these detailed carrier requirements, you’ll be able to avoid issues at your terminal gate and you can ensure that every rule is followed with Southwest Airlines pet carrier dimensions and you can enjoy your stress free journey.
How to Book a Pet on Southwest Airlines?
To book a pet on Southwest Airlines, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated cats and dogs at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin.
- Make a Reservation: Pet reservations are required due to limited space (only 6 pet carriers per flight). Call Southwest Airlines in advance to secure a spot.
- Pay the Pet Fare: The pet fee is $125 each way, payable at the airport ticket counter.
- Prepare the Carrier: Your pet must travel in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier should allow your pet to stand and move comfortably.
- Check-In at the Airport: You must check in your pet at the ticket counter before your flight.
- Follow Onboard Rules: Pets must remain in their carriers throughout the flight and cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats.
How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge for Pets?
It’s no secret that traveling with pets comes at a cost. So, how much does Southwest Airlines charge for pets?
- The airline charges $125 per pet, per direction, payable at the check-in counter.
- This fee is non-refundable, even if the pet does not end up traveling.
- No frequent flyer points apply to pet fees.
Preparing the Best Pet Carrier for Southwest Airlines
Choosing the best pet carrier for Southwest Airlines is essential for your pet’s comfort and for meeting strict policy standards.
Tips for choosing the ideal carrier:
- Choose a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier to meet Southwest Airlines pet policy requirements and ensure a smooth check-in process.
- Check that it complies with Southwest Airlines pet carrier size limits
- Look for models with padded interiors, soft fleece liners, and ergonomic design
- In addition to meeting size requirements, make sure the carrier has ventilation on at least two sides, so your pet stays comfortable and complies with Southwest Airlines pet policy.
- To help your pet adjust, you should consider practicing with the carrier before the flight to ensure they feel safe and comfortable during travel and does not cause any issue.
Southwest Airlines Security and Boarding: What Happens at the Airport?
Here’s how the airport process unfolds under the Southwest Airlines pet policy:
- At security, you’ll carry your pet through the metal detector
- The carrier goes through the X-ray machine separately
- Once onboard, your pet must stay inside the carrier at all times
- Southwest Airlines crew members actively enforce all pet travel policies to ensure passenger and pet safety throughout the flight.
This section prepares travelers for the in-cabin experience as outlined in the Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin.
Southwest Airlines Emotional Support Pet Policy
Understanding the Southwest Airlines emotional support pet policy helps avoid confusion at the gate. As of 2021:
- Southwest Airlines does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals under its current pet travel policy.
- Southwest Airlines accepts only trained service dogs and allows them to travel free of charge.
- Required documentation includes a DOT Service Animal Form submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure so that the officials can have enough time to verify your documents.
This ensures transparency around the Southwest Airlines emotional support pet policy and compliance with DOT regulations.
5 Travel Tips for Stress-Free Pet Journeys on Southwest Airlines
To help you navigate the Southwest Airlines pet policy with ease, here are five expert-backed tips to ensure a stress-free journey for you and your pet.
- Arrive 90+ minutes early to allow time for pet check-in.
- Avoid feeding your pet just before the flight because it may cause bloating—opt for light, vet-approved treats.
- Pack a pet travel kit: leash, collapsible bowl, waste bags, comfort toys.
- Choose less crowded flights—mid-week travel is ideal.
- Use a breathable, adjustable harness for secure and comfortable airport movement.
These tips help you make the most of in-cabin pet travel of Southwest Airlines.
Check Here: Delta Airlines Pet Policy
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines pet policy offers clarity and consistency for pet owners who want to take their furry companions on domestic trips. From knowing how much does Southwest Airlines charge for pets, choosing the best pet carrier for Southwest Airlines, and understanding Southwest Airlines pet carrier restrictions, every part of this guide is designed to prepare you fully.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed carrier, adhering to Southwest Airlines pet carrier size regulations.
No. Southwest Airlines does not allow purchasing a separate seat for pets
No. Only small dogs and cats are accepted under the Southwest Airlines pet policy.
No. All pet check-ins must be handled in person at the airport counter.
Pets not meeting Southwest Airlines pet carrier dimensions cannot fly in the cabin. Alternative arrangements must be made.