So, you're planning a trip and want to bring your furry best friend along on Southwest Airlines? That's fantastic! Traveling with your small dog can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth journey for both of you. Let's break down exactly how much it costs and what you need to do to get your little co-pilot ready for take-off!
The Ultimate Guide to Flying Your Small Dog on Southwest Airlines
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| How Much Does It Cost For A Small Dog To Fly On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Embark on This Pawsome Adventure?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs and regulations, let's confirm a few things. Is your small dog truly prepared for air travel? Flying can be a stressful experience for some animals, even in the cabin. Consider your dog's temperament:
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Is your dog generally calm and well-behaved in new environments?
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Do they handle being confined to a carrier for extended periods without excessive whining or barking?
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Are they comfortable in loud and busy places like airports?
If you have any doubts, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on your pet's suitability for air travel and offer tips for reducing stress. Your pet's well-being is the top priority!
Step 2: Understanding the Core Cost - The Pet Fare
Let's get straight to the most important question: How much does it cost?
The primary cost for a small dog to fly on Southwest Airlines is the Pet Fare.
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The Pet Fare is $95 each way per pet carrier.
This means if you're flying round trip, you'll be paying $190 ($95 for the outbound flight and $95 for the return flight). This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards.
Important Note on the Pet Fare:
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The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled.
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Pricing 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.
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For flights between Hawaiian Islands, the fare is currently $35 each way per pet carrier.
Step 3: Beyond the Fare - Other Potential Costs and Considerations
While the $95 (or $35) pet fare is the main direct cost, there are other expenses and considerations to keep in mind.
Sub-heading: The Pet Carrier - An Essential Investment
This is arguably the most crucial "cost" outside the airline fee, as your trip won't happen without one!
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Southwest Airlines has specific requirements for pet carriers. Your carrier must be:
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Small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are generally 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
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Leak-proof and well-ventilated.
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Soft or hard-sided (both are generally accepted as long as they meet the size and other requirements).
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Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease. This is a vital comfort and safety requirement.
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Cost of a Carrier: A suitable airline-approved pet carrier can range from $30 to $100+, depending on the brand, features, and where you purchase it. Southwest Airlines even sells its own approved pet carrier on its official store, which meets their specific dimensions.
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Important: Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you'll need to plan your luggage accordingly. You can board with either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag.
Sub-heading: Veterinary Visits and Health Certificates
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While Southwest Airlines does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from your veterinarian for pets traveling domestically (within the contiguous U.S.), there are exceptions and good practices:
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Hawaii and Puerto Rico: If you are traveling to or from Hawaii, or to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply, including potential health certificates, vaccinations, and quarantine periods. Always check the destination-specific regulations well in advance.
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Pre-Travel Vet Check-up: Even if not required by the airline, a vet visit is highly recommended. Your vet can:
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Ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly.
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Discuss potential motion sickness or anxiety medication if needed.
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Confirm vaccinations are up-to-date.
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Cost of Vet Visit: This can vary widely depending on your vet and any necessary treatments or medications, but anticipate $50 - $200+.
Sub-heading: Comfort and Supplies During Travel
To make the journey as comfortable as possible for your pet, consider these additional costs:
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Portable Water Bowl and Water: Essential for hydration.
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Small Treats: For positive reinforcement and comfort.
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Absorbent Pads for Carrier: In case of accidents.
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Comfort Items: A small blanket or toy with a familiar scent can provide comfort.
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Cost: These are typically minor expenses, likely $10 - $30.
Sub-heading: Pet Strollers or Crates (Checked Baggage)
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For reservations booked and ticketed on or before May 27, 2025, customers traveling with a pet may check a pet stroller or crate for free.
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For reservations booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, standard checked bag fees will apply to any pet strollers checked. This could add $30-$40 per bag, each way.
Step 4: Making Your Pet's Reservation - The "How-To"
Booking your pet's spot on a Southwest flight isn't like booking your own ticket online.
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Call Southwest Airlines Directly: To make a reservation for your pet, you must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Their Customer Representative will assist you in adding your pet to your booking.
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Limited Availability: Southwest Airlines generally accepts up to six pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals). Pet fares are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This is why it's crucial to reserve your pet's spot well in advance, especially for popular routes or peak travel times. While circumstances may sometimes allow for more (or fewer) than six carriers, don't count on it.
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Domestic Flights Only: Southwest Airlines only accepts small domestic dogs and cats in the cabin on domestic flights.
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Pets are NOT allowed on flights to or from Hawaii or on international flights.
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Pets are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands.
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Age Requirement: Small domestic cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
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One Pet Carrier Per Person: You are permitted to travel with no more than one pet carrier per ticketed customer.
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Multiple Pets in One Carrier: Each pet carrier can have no more than two of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier, provided they comfortably fit and can stand up and turn around.
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Step 5: Day of Travel Checklist - What to Expect at the Airport and Onboard
The day of your flight will involve a few specific steps to ensure your pet's journey is smooth.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
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Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to check in, especially since you'll be handling your pet and their carrier.
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Pay the Pet Fare: The Pet Fare ($95 each way) must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards.
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Security Checkpoint: At the TSA security checkpoint:
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You will be asked to remove your pet from its carrier and hold it while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
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All pet carriers are subject to being searched. Keep your pet leashed and under control during this process.
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Gate Area: Your pet must be secured in its pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to follow this requirement may result in your pet being denied transportation.
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Boarding: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
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Pet Relief Areas: Pet relief areas are available at most airports. Be sure to utilize them before boarding! Southwest will not "hold" a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Sub-heading: Onboard the Aircraft
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Seat Restrictions: If you're traveling with a pet, you may not sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of you.
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Carrier Stowage: Your pet carrier must be stowed under your seat for the entire flight, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
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Pet Behavior: Your pet must remain inside its carrier at all times while onboard. Pets that show disruptive behavior (e.g., scratching, excessive whining or barking, growling, biting, lunging, urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area) may be denied boarding or removed from the flight.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common "How to" questions about flying your small dog on Southwest:
How to make a reservation for my small dog on Southwest Airlines? You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your flight reservation.
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How to ensure my pet carrier meets Southwest Airlines' requirements? Your carrier must be no larger than 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H), leak-proof, well-ventilated, and your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
How to pay the pet fare for my small dog on Southwest? The $95 pet fare (each way) must be paid at the airport ticket counter using an accepted credit card on the day of travel.
How to prepare my dog for the airport security checkpoint? At security, you'll need to remove your dog from its carrier and hold it while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Keep your dog leashed.
How to keep my dog comfortable during the flight? Ensure your dog has enough space in its carrier, and consider bringing a familiar blanket, toy, and a portable water bowl. Do not take your dog out of the carrier during the flight.
How to know if my dog is allowed to fly to my specific destination? Southwest only allows pets on domestic flights (within the contiguous U.S. and between Hawaiian Islands). Pets are not allowed to or from Hawaii or on international flights. Always check destination-specific requirements.
How to confirm if there's space for my pet on a specific flight? Space is limited to six pet carriers per flight, so it's essential to call Southwest and book your pet's spot well in advance, as it's on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to avoid my pet being denied boarding? Ensure your pet remains in its carrier at all times in the airport and on the plane, and that it doesn't display disruptive behavior such as excessive barking, growling, or accidents.
How to travel with multiple small dogs on Southwest? Each ticketed passenger can bring one pet carrier. A single carrier can hold up to two small dogs of the same species, provided they fit comfortably and meet carrier requirements.
How to differentiate between a pet and a service animal on Southwest? Southwest Airlines differentiates between pets and trained service dogs. Only dogs are accepted as trained service animals and have different rules (e.g., they don't require a carrier and fly for free). Emotional support animals are now treated as pets and must adhere to pet policy and fees.
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