Traveling with Your Furry Friend: A Comprehensive Guide to Booking a Pet on Southwest Airlines
Hey there, fellow animal lover! Are you dreaming of taking your beloved cat or dog on your next adventure with Southwest Airlines? Perhaps a relaxing beach getaway, a fun family visit, or even a move to a new city? If so, you've come to the right place! Flying with a pet can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and a clear step-by-step guide, it's totally achievable. Let's get your furry companion ready for takeoff!
Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly service and open seating policy, does allow small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you. However, there are some crucial rules and limitations you need to be aware of. Unlike booking a human ticket online, adding a pet requires a specific process, primarily involving a phone call to their reservations team. This guide will walk you through every detail, ensuring a smooth journey for both you and your four-legged friend.
Step 1: Confirm Your Pet's Eligibility and Understand Southwest's Policy – Is Your Furry Friend Ready to Fly?
Before you even think about booking, the absolute first thing you need to do is ensure your pet meets Southwest's specific requirements. This is where many people can hit a snag, so pay close attention!
Sub-heading: Who Can Fly? (Species and Age)
Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin. Unfortunately, if you have a rabbit, bird, or any other type of animal (even if it's your emotional support animal), it will not be allowed to fly with Southwest, unless it is a trained service animal (more on that later).
Your pet must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel.
Sub-heading: The All-Important Pet Carrier
This is arguably the most critical aspect of flying with a pet on Southwest. Your pet's carrier must meet strict dimensions and conditions.
Dimensions are key: The carrier must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you. While Southwest sells its own approved pet carrier (dimensions: 17'' L x 9.5'' H x 11'' W), they also accept other carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). Measure your carrier carefully!
Comfort and Safety: The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Most importantly, your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier. If your pet looks cramped, they might be denied boarding.
One carrier per customer: Each ticketed customer is allowed to bring only one pet carrier.
Two of a kind: You can have no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog per pet carrier, as long as they can both comfortably fit and meet the movement requirements.
Sub-heading: Flight Restrictions and Limitations
Not all flights and destinations allow pets.
Domestic Flights Only: Southwest does not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries.
Puerto Rico: Specific requirements may apply for customers traveling to Puerto Rico. Always double-check.
Limited Availability: Southwest allows a limited number of pet carriers per scheduled flight (typically six). This is a crucial "first-come, first-served" basis. This means even if your pet meets all other criteria, there might not be space on your desired flight. This is why booking well in advance is paramount!
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied Minors cannot travel with a pet.
Sub-heading: Fees and Payment
Pet Fare: The current pet fare is $125 each way per pet carrier for U.S. Mainland flights. For travel between Hawaiian Islands, the fare is $35 each way per pet carrier. This fee is separate from your own ticket fare.
Payment at the Airport: The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards. You cannot pay this fee in advance online or over the phone.
Refundable: The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Step 2: Book Your Own Flight – Get Yourself Confirmed First!
Since you cannot book your pet online, the process begins with securing your own seat.
Go to Southwest.com: Head to the official Southwest Airlines website or use their mobile app to find and book your flight.
Consider Pet Limitations: As you select your flights, keep in mind the limited pet spaces. If you have flexibility, choosing less popular flight times (e.g., mid-week, early morning, or late evening flights) might increase your chances of finding availability for your pet.
Purchase Your Ticket: Complete your reservation and purchase your ticket. Make sure your reservation is confirmed before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Call Southwest Airlines to Add Your Pet – The Crucial Phone Call
This is the most important step for booking your pet. You cannot add a pet to your reservation online.
Dial the Pet Hotline: Call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Be Prepared with Information: When you speak to a customer service representative, have your flight details and your pet's information ready. They will ask for:
Your flight confirmation number.
Your pet's name.
Your pet's breed.
Your pet carrier's dimensions (be precise!).
Check for Availability: The agent will check if there is available space for pets on your specific flight. Remember, it's first-come, first-served, and spots are limited. If your desired flight is full, they may help you find an alternative.
Confirm the Pet Reservation: Once a spot is confirmed, the agent will add your pet to your reservation. They will not collect payment over the phone, as the fee is paid at the airport.
Get Confirmation: Ask for a confirmation number or note that your pet has been added to your reservation. This is your proof that a spot has been reserved.
Step 4: Prepare Your Pet for Travel – Comfort and Safety First!
Getting your pet ready for the journey is as important as the booking itself. A well-prepared pet will have a much less stressful travel experience.
Sub-heading: Vet Visit and Vaccinations
Health Check: While Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from your veterinarian for pets to travel (unless traveling to Puerto Rico where specific requirements may apply), it's always a good idea to have your pet checked by a vet before flying. Ensure they are healthy enough for air travel.
Vaccinations: Your pet must be vaccinated. Though Southwest doesn't typically ask for documentation, having proof of current vaccinations is always wise in case of unexpected circumstances or if any local regulations require it at your destination.
Sub-heading: Acclimatizing Your Pet to the Carrier
Familiarity is Key: Weeks before your trip, introduce your pet to their carrier. Make it a positive experience! Put treats inside, feed them near or even inside the carrier, and leave the door open for them to explore.
Practice Runs: Take your pet on short car rides in the carrier to get them used to being enclosed and moving. This can help reduce anxiety on the actual travel day.
Comfort Items: Include a familiar blanket, a small towel, or a favorite toy in the carrier. The scent of home can provide comfort during the flight.
Sub-heading: Food and Hydration
Light Meal: Give your pet a light meal a few hours before the flight. Avoid feeding them a large meal right before departure, as this can lead to motion sickness or accidents.
Hydration: Ensure your pet is well-hydrated. Offer water before you leave for the airport and at the pet relief areas. You can also attach a small water dispenser to the carrier for the flight, but ensure it's leak-proof.
Sub-heading: Potty Breaks
Pre-Airport Relief: Give your pet ample opportunity to relieve themselves right before heading to the airport.
Airport Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Locate these on the airport map before you arrive. You'll need to remove your pet from their carrier in these areas.
Step 5: Day of Travel – Airport Procedures with Your Pet
The day of your flight requires careful planning and adherence to airport and airline rules.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early!
Check-in Window: Southwest recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours, but no more than four hours, before your scheduled flight if you are traveling with a pet. This extra time is crucial for check-in, paying the pet fare, and navigating security.
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter Check-in
Mandatory: You must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with your pet. You cannot use curbside or self-service check-in kiosks when traveling with a pet.
Pay the Pet Fare: This is where you will pay the $125 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaiian flights) pet fare each way.
Pet Tag: A Southwest agent will verify your pet and carrier meet the requirements and will likely provide a special "cabin pet" tag for your carrier.
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint
Remove Your Pet: At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry or hold them through the screening device while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Keep Leashed/Controlled: Your pet must remain leashed or under your direct control during this process.
Carrier Inspection: All pet carriers are subject to being searched by TSA.
Sub-heading: Gate Area and Boarding
Pet Must Remain in Carrier: Once you are past security, your pet must remain secured in their pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to do so may result in your pet being denied transportation.
Boarding Group: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
No Exit Rows: When selecting your seat, remember that you cannot sit in an emergency exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of you. Pets must always be stowed under the seat.
Step 6: Onboard the Aircraft – Keeping Your Pet Comfortable and Compliant
Once on the plane, the same rules regarding your pet's containment apply.
Under the Seat: Your pet carrier must be stowed under your seat for the entire flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing. It counts as either your personal item or a carry-on item.
Remain Contained: Your pet must remain in the carrier for the entire duration of the flight. Do not take them out, even for a moment, while in the air.
Disruptive Behavior: If your pet exhibits disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, scratching, growling, biting, or relieving themselves in the cabin), they may be denied further transportation. This is for the comfort and safety of all passengers and crew.
By following these steps, you can greatly increase the chances of a smooth and stress-free travel experience with your beloved pet on Southwest Airlines. Remember to be patient, plan ahead, and always prioritize your pet's comfort and safety!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To Fly With Your Pet on Southwest Airlines
How to book a pet on Southwest Airlines online?
You cannot book a pet on Southwest Airlines online. Pet reservations must be made by calling Southwest Airlines' customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) after you have booked your own flight.
How to check Southwest Airlines pet policy for specific flight restrictions?
To check specific restrictions for your flight, especially regarding the number of pets allowed, you must call Southwest Airlines customer service. They can confirm availability for your desired flight.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
Ensure your pet carrier is soft-sided or hard-sided, leak-proof, well-ventilated, and, most importantly, meets the maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.
How to pay the pet fare on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fare of $125 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaii flights) each way must be paid with an accepted credit card at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter on your day of travel.
How to prepare my pet for flying with Southwest Airlines?
Acclimate your pet to their carrier well in advance, ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations (though not always required for documentation), provide a light meal and ample water before departure, and give them plenty of opportunities for potty breaks before entering the airport.
How to go through security with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry or hold it while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Your pet must remain under your control.
How to handle my pet during the flight on Southwest Airlines?
Your pet must remain inside its approved carrier, stowed under the seat in front of you, for the entire duration of the flight (including taxi, takeoff, and landing). Do not remove your pet from the carrier during the flight.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when flying Southwest?
Check the airport's website or ask a Southwest Airlines agent upon arrival to locate designated pet relief areas. These are typically outside the terminal or sometimes within the secure area.
How to travel with an emotional support animal (ESA) on Southwest Airlines?
As of recent policy changes, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer considered service animals by Southwest Airlines. They must travel as pets and adhere to all standard pet policy requirements, including carrier rules and the pet fare.
How to travel with a trained service dog on Southwest Airlines?
Trained service dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge and are not subject to the pet carrier size restrictions, provided they can safely fit at your feet without obstructing the aisle. You will need to provide a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form. Contact Southwest Airlines in advance to notify them.
