Traveling with your beloved canine companion can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, especially when it comes to air travel. Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for many travelers due to its generally friendly policies, but understanding the specifics of their pet travel rules and costs is crucial to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend.
Embarking on a Pet-Friendly Adventure: How Much Does it Cost to Travel with a Dog on Southwest Airlines?
Are you dreaming of bringing your dog along on your next adventure? Wonderful! Traveling with your furry best friend can create unforgettable memories. However, before you pack their favorite chew toy and leash, it's essential to understand the logistics and, most importantly, the cost involved when flying with your dog on Southwest Airlines. Let's break it down step-by-step to make your pet travel dreams a reality!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Airlines Pet Fare – The Core Cost
The primary cost you'll encounter when traveling with your dog on Southwest Airlines is the pet fare. As of the latest information, this fare is a flat rate per pet carrier, each way.
The Price Tag: Southwest Airlines charges a pet fare of $95 each way per pet carrier. This means if you're flying round trip, you'll pay $95 for the outbound flight and another $95 for the return flight, totaling $190.
Per Carrier, Not Per Pet (with a caveat): While the fee is per carrier, you can typically have up to two small dogs of the same species in one carrier, as long as they fit comfortably and meet the age requirements (at least 8 weeks old). However, the $95 fee still applies per carrier, regardless of whether you have one or two eligible pets inside.
Important Note: This pet fare is for in-cabin travel only. Southwest Airlines does not transport pets in cargo. This is a significant distinction from many other airlines.
Step 2: Essential Requirements Beyond the Fee – What Else Do You Need to Know?
While the $95 per-way fee is the main monetary cost, several other factors contribute to the overall "cost" in terms of preparation, time, and potential purchases.
Sub-heading: Pet Carrier Specifications – Your Dog's Travel Pod
This is perhaps the most critical non-monetary "cost" as it dictates whether your dog can even fly. Your pet's carrier must meet specific dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: Southwest states that pet carriers should be no larger than 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H).
Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally permitted, as long as they are leak-proof and well-ventilated. Soft-sided carriers are often recommended as they can be more flexible to fit under the seat.
Comfort is Key: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier. This isn't just a rule; it's about your pet's well-being. If your dog looks cramped, they might be denied boarding.
Carrier as Carry-On: Your pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you'll need to plan your luggage accordingly. You can typically bring a pet carrier and either a personal item OR a standard carry-on bag.
Southwest Branded Carrier: Southwest offers its own airline-approved pet carrier for purchase, which typically measures 17" L x 9.5" H x 11" W. While not mandatory, it can offer peace of mind regarding size compliance. The cost of this carrier would be an additional expense if you choose to purchase it.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Pet's Spot – Don't Just Show Up!
Space for pets on Southwest flights is limited. There's a cap on the number of pet carriers allowed per flight (usually six, though this can vary). This makes advance reservation crucial.
Call to Reserve: You generally cannot add a pet to your reservation online. You'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly to make a reservation for your pet. Do this as soon as your own flight is booked to secure a spot.
First-Come, First-Served: Pet spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting until the last minute could mean your dog doesn't get to fly on your chosen flight.
Sub-heading: Age and Health Requirements – Puppy Travel Prep
Minimum Age: Your dog must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel on Southwest.
Vaccinations: While Southwest doesn't typically require a health certificate from your veterinarian for domestic travel with a pet (unlike some other airlines), your dog must be vaccinated. It's always a good idea to ensure your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations and to carry their vaccination records with you, just in case.
Behavior: Your dog must be well-behaved and non-disruptive. Southwest reserves the right to deny boarding to any animal exhibiting disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, biting). Training and socialization before travel are key to avoiding this "cost" of denial.
Sub-heading: Airport Procedures – What to Expect on Travel Day
Payment at the Airport: The $95 pet fare is typically paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel. Credit cards are accepted.
Security Checkpoint: At the security checkpoint, you'll be asked to remove your dog from their carrier and hold them while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. This can be a stressful moment for some pets, so practice handling them in busy environments beforehand.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports served by Southwest have designated pet relief areas. Familiarize yourself with their locations at your departure and arrival airports. However, Southwest will not delay a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Boarding: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group. Remember, you cannot sit in an exit row seat or any seat without under-seat storage when traveling with a pet.
Step 3: Additional Potential Costs and Considerations
Beyond the direct pet fare and carrier, there are several other potential "costs" or investments to consider for a comfortable and safe journey.
Sub-heading: Pre-Travel Vet Visit – Peace of Mind (and Health)
Recommended Check-up: While not always required by Southwest, a pre-travel veterinary check-up is highly recommended. Your vet can assess if your dog is fit for air travel, discuss any potential anxieties, and provide advice on keeping them comfortable. This can incur a consultation fee.
Anxiety Medication/Calming Aids: If your dog is prone to anxiety, your vet might suggest mild sedatives or calming supplements. These are an additional expense. Always discuss these with your vet before administering.
Sub-heading: Comfort and Familiarity Items – A Small Investment for a Big Payoff
Familiar Blanket or Toy: Bringing a familiar blanket or a favorite small toy (that fits comfortably in the carrier) can help reduce your dog's stress. This is a low-cost or no-cost "investment."
Potty Pads/Wipes: Accidents can happen. Having potty pads for the carrier and wipes for quick clean-ups is a smart, small expense.
Collapsible Water Bowl: Keeping your dog hydrated (especially during layovers) is important. A collapsible water bowl is convenient and inexpensive.
Sub-heading: Time and Patience – The Unquantifiable Costs
Early Arrival: Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual when traveling with a pet. The check-in process, security screening, and finding pet relief areas can take extra time.
Managing Stress: Traveling can be stressful for both humans and animals. Your patience and ability to remain calm will directly impact your dog's experience. This "cost" is measured in emotional energy.
Training and Socialization: A well-behaved, socialized dog is less likely to experience stress or cause issues. Investing time in training before your trip can pay dividends.
Service Animals vs. Pets: A Crucial Distinction
It's vital to differentiate between general pets and trained service dogs. Southwest Airlines, in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, treats trained service dogs differently.
No Fee for Service Animals: Fully trained service dogs (dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability) fly for free on Southwest Airlines.
Documentation Required: For service dogs, you will need to present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): As per recent DOT regulations, Southwest Airlines, like most airlines, no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. If you are traveling with an ESA, they will be treated as a pet and subject to the $95 pet fare and all other pet travel policies.
In Conclusion: Budgeting for Your Furry Co-Pilot
Traveling with your dog on Southwest Airlines primarily involves the $95 one-way pet fare. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when considering the full picture. You'll need to account for:
Pet carrier purchase: If you don't already have one that meets the exact specifications.
Potential vet visits and anxiety aids: For your pet's health and comfort.
Comfort items: To make the journey less stressful.
Most importantly, the time and effort required for planning, preparation, and managing your dog's well-being throughout the trip.
By understanding these aspects, you can confidently calculate the costs and prepare for a successful and enjoyable journey with your canine companion on Southwest Airlines!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," related to traveling with a dog on Southwest Airlines, along with quick answers:
How to book a flight for my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You must call Southwest Airlines directly to book a spot for your dog. Pet reservations cannot be made online.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
Ensure your carrier is no larger than 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H, is leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allows your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Soft-sided carriers are often recommended for flexibility.
How to prepare my dog for air travel on Southwest Airlines?
Familiarize your dog with their carrier in advance, take them for a vet check-up, ensure they are well-exercised before the flight, and consider calming aids if recommended by your vet.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
The $95 pet fare (each way) is paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel using an accepted credit card.
How to go through airport security with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You will need to remove your dog from their carrier and carry them through the security screening device while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
How to find pet relief areas at Southwest Airlines airports?
Most airports served by Southwest have designated pet relief areas; check the airport's website or app for locations before your trip.
How to manage my dog's behavior during a Southwest Airlines flight?
Ensure your dog remains in their carrier at all times (gate area, boarding, and during the flight). Keep them calm with familiar items and quiet reassurance. Disruptive behavior can lead to denied boarding.
How to fly with two small dogs on Southwest Airlines?
You can typically bring up to two small dogs of the same species in one carrier, as long as they fit comfortably and meet all carrier and age requirements. The $95 pet fare still applies per carrier.
How to differentiate between a service animal and a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines recognizes fully trained service dogs (dogs trained to perform specific tasks for a disability) as service animals, which fly for free with required DOT documentation. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are now treated as pets and incur the pet fare.
How to cancel a pet reservation on Southwest Airlines?
If you cancel your flight reservation, the pet fare is refundable. Contact Southwest Airlines customer service for details on canceling a pet reservation.
