Taking your furry best friend along on a trip can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and for many, Southwest Airlines is a go-to choice due to its friendly policies and competitive fares. But if you're wondering how much it costs to bring your dog on Southwest Airlines, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down all the costs, requirements, and tips to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your canine companion.
Embarking on a Pawsitive Journey: Your Southwest Pet Travel Guide
Step 1: Are You Ready to Fly with Your Furry Co-Pilot? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of fees and regulations, the very first question you need to ask yourself is: Is flying the right choice for my dog? Air travel can be stressful for animals. Consider your dog's temperament, health, and age. Is your dog prone to anxiety? Does it get motion sickness easily? Is it a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, which can be more susceptible to respiratory issues during flight? A quick chat with your veterinarian is highly recommended to assess if your dog is fit for air travel. Remember, a happy and healthy pet makes for a much more enjoyable journey for everyone!
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Pet Travel Philosophy - In-Cabin Only!
This is a crucial point to understand right off the bat: Southwest Airlines only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners. They do NOT accept pets as cargo or checked baggage. This means if your dog is too large to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you, unfortunately, Southwest won't be able to accommodate them on your flight.
Sub-heading: Who's Welcome Aboard?
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Species: Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs.
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Age: Your pet must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel.
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Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
Step 3: The All-Important Pet Fare - How Much Will It Ding Your Wallet?
Now, for the question you came here for: How much does it cost?
As of July 2025, the Southwest Airlines pet fare is $95 each way, per pet carrier.
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Important Note: This fee is subject to change at any time, so it's always wise to double-check the latest information on the official Southwest Airlines website or by calling them directly before your trip.
Sub-heading: Payment Details
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The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter using accepted credit cards. You cannot pay this fee online in advance.
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The good news? The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Step 4: The Pet Carrier Conundrum - Size, Style, and Comfort
Your pet carrier isn't just a box; it's your dog's personal space for the entire flight. Southwest has strict requirements to ensure both safety and comfort.
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Size Matters (A Lot!): Your pet carrier must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you. While specific dimensions can vary slightly, a commonly cited maximum dimension is 18.5 inches (length) x 8.5 inches (height) x 13.5 inches (width). Soft-sided carriers are often recommended as they offer more flexibility to fit in the designated space.
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Carrier Type: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally accepted, as long as they meet the size requirements.
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Essential Features: The carrier must be:
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Leak-proof: No one wants a mess on the plane!
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Well-ventilated: Your dog needs plenty of air.
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Spacious Enough: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier. If they can't, the carrier is too small.
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Carry-on Consequence: Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you'll need to choose wisely what other items you bring onboard. You can board with either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag.
Step 5: Booking Your Dog's Ticket to Ride - Reservations are Key!
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Space for pets on Southwest flights is limited. Southwest typically allows a maximum of six pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals). This limit is in place to ensure comfort and safety for all passengers and animals.
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Act Fast! Because of this limitation, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation for your pet in advance. Pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
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How to Reserve: You'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly to add your pet to your reservation. Their customer service number is generally 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Step 6: Day of Travel - Airport Procedures and In-Flight Rules
The day of travel requires a little extra preparation and adherence to rules to ensure a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
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Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight to allow ample time for check-in and security.
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Ticket Counter Check-in: You must check in at the airport ticket counter to pay the pet fare and receive the necessary bag tags.
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Security Checkpoint: At the TSA security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from the carrier and carry them through the screening device while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. All pet carriers are subject to being searched.
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Leash On! Have a leash readily available for this process.
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Pet Relief Areas: Utilize designated pet relief areas at the airport before going through security and during layovers (if applicable) to give your dog a chance to relieve themselves. Southwest will not hold a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
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Boarding: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
Sub-heading: Onboard the Aircraft
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Stay Contained: Your dog must remain secured in their pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire duration of the flight. Failure to follow this requirement can result in denial of transportation.
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Under the Seat: The pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
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Seat Restrictions: You will not be allowed to sit in an exit row or a bulkhead seat when traveling with a pet.
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Behavior Matters: A pet that shows disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, biting, lunging, or relieving themselves in the cabin) may be denied boarding or removed from the flight. Consider consulting your vet about calming methods if your dog is prone to anxiety during travel.
Step 7: What Southwest Doesn't Cover - Important Limitations
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No Cargo/Checked Baggage: As reiterated, Southwest does not accept pets in cargo.
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No International or Hawaii Flights (with exceptions): Pets are generally not allowed to travel on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. They are also not allowed on flights to/from Hawaii (unless it's between Hawaiian Islands, which has specific regulations). Always check destination-specific policies.
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No Other Species: Only dogs and cats are permitted. Other pets like rabbits, birds, or rodents are not allowed in the cabin.
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No Health Certificate Required (Generally): Southwest does not generally require a health certificate or any other documentation from your veterinarian for pets to travel on domestic mainland flights. However, it's always a good idea to bring your pet's vaccination records in case of unforeseen circumstances or if specific destination rules apply (e.g., Puerto Rico).
Step 8: Beyond the Cost - Essential Pet Travel Tips for a Happy Pup (and Owner!)
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While knowing the cost is essential, ensuring your dog's well-being is paramount.
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Familiarize Your Pet with the Carrier: Long before your flight, help your dog get comfortable with their carrier. Leave it open at home with toys or treats inside, practice short periods of confinement, and even take short car rides with them in the carrier.
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Exercise Before the Flight: A tired dog is a calm dog! Give your dog a good walk and a chance to relieve themselves right before heading to the airport.
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Limit Food and Water Before the Flight: To minimize the chance of an upset stomach or accidents, consider feeding your dog a lighter meal a few hours before the flight and limit water intake about two hours before departure. Bring a small, collapsible water bowl for post-flight hydration.
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Pack Essentials: Bring small, soft treats, a familiar toy or blanket for comfort, and plenty of poop bags.
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Identification: Ensure your dog has proper identification tags on their collar with your contact information.
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Stay Calm: Your dog can pick up on your stress. Remaining calm and confident will help your dog feel more at ease.
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Consider a Veterinarian Visit: Even if not required, a pre-flight vet visit can address any concerns and provide tips for a smoother journey. Some vets might even suggest mild sedatives for anxious pets, though this should only be done under professional guidance as sedatives can sometimes have adverse effects at altitude.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Bring Your Dog On Southwest Airlines |
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to book a flight with my dog on Southwest Airlines? You need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation, as pet space is limited to six carriers per flight and cannot be booked online.
How to prepare my dog's carrier for a Southwest flight? Ensure the carrier is leak-proof, well-ventilated, and large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must also fit under the seat in front of you (max dimensions often around 18.5" L x 8.5" H x 13.5" W).
How to pay the pet fee for Southwest Airlines? The $95 one-way pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card on the day of your travel.
How to handle security with my dog at the airport? You will need to remove your dog from its carrier and carry it through the security screening device while the empty carrier is X-rayed. Have a leash ready for this.
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How to ensure my dog is comfortable during the flight? Ensure your dog is familiar and comfortable with their carrier, exercise them before the flight, limit food and water beforehand, and bring a familiar toy or blanket for comfort inside the carrier.
How to know if my dog is too big to fly on Southwest? Your dog is too big if it cannot comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down inside a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you (typically with dimensions no larger than 18.5" L x 8.5" H x 13.5" W).
How to find pet relief areas at the airport? Most major airports have designated pet relief areas. Check the airport's website or signage upon arrival for their locations.
How to address disruptive behavior from my dog during the flight? If your dog exhibits disruptive behavior like excessive barking or growling, flight attendants may address the issue, and in severe cases, your pet could be denied transportation. Consider calming techniques or vet consultation beforehand if your dog is prone to anxiety.
How to travel with a service animal on Southwest Airlines? Trained service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge and are not subject to the pet policy. You will need to complete a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals and fall under the regular pet policy.
How to check for the most up-to-date Southwest pet policy? Always consult the official Southwest Airlines website's "Pet Policy" section or call their customer service directly for the latest information on fees, rules, and restrictions, as policies can change.
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