It's a wonderful decision to bring your furry companion along on your travels! Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for many, and understanding their pet policy, especially the costs, is crucial for a smooth journey. So, let's dive deep into how much Southwest Airlines charges for pets and everything else you need to know to ensure your pet flies comfortably and safely.
The Price of Paws on a Plane: How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge for Pets?
Are you ready to discover the cost of bringing your beloved cat or dog on your next Southwest adventure? Let's get right to it!
The primary charge for bringing your pet on a Southwest Airlines flight is a pet fare of $125 per carrier, each way.
Yes, that's one hundred and twenty-five dollars for each leg of your journey where your pet is accompanying you. It's important to note that this fee applies per carrier, not per pet, meaning if you have two small, same-species pets (like two kittens or two puppies) that fit comfortably in a single approved carrier, you'll still only pay the one $125 fee for that carrier.
 |
| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Pets |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Flying with Your Pet on Southwest Airlines
Traveling with a pet requires careful planning and adherence to airline regulations. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free experience for both you and your furry friend.
Step 1: Determine if Your Pet is Eligible to Fly (and Engage!)
First things first: is your pet even eligible to fly on Southwest? Take a moment to think about your pet. Is it a dog or a cat? Is it at least eight weeks old? If you answered "yes" to both, you're off to a great start!
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Southwest Airlines only permits small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. They do not accept pets as cargo or checked baggage (with the exception of trained service animals, which fall under different regulations). This means your precious companion will be right there with you, under the seat in front of you.
-
No other species: Sorry, no bunnies, birds, hamsters, or other exotic pets are allowed in the cabin as regular pets.
-
Age requirement: Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
-
Vaccinations: While specific documentation for pet vaccinations isn't always required at check-in, it's always wise to have your pet's vaccination records readily available. A healthy pet is a happy traveler!
-
Unaccompanied Minors: Unfortunately, unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
Step 2: Understand the "In-Cabin" Requirement and Carrier Specifications
Since pets are only allowed in the cabin, your pet carrier is paramount. This isn't just any old carrier; it has to meet specific Southwest Airlines requirements.
Sub-heading: Carrier Size and Type
Your pet carrier is considered either your personal item or your carry-on item. This means you'll need to plan your other luggage accordingly.
The carrier must be able to fit completely under the seat in front of you. Here are the maximum dimensions:
-
Hard-sided carriers: Generally, Southwest recommends soft-sided carriers for easier stowage. However, if using a hard-sided carrier, it must typically not exceed 17 inches (L) x 10 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H).
-
Soft-sided carriers: These offer a bit more flexibility and are generally preferred. The maximum dimensions for soft-sided carriers are usually around 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H).
-
Pro-tip: Southwest Airlines even sells its own approved pet carrier (dimensions: 17'' L x 9.5'' H x 11'' W) which is guaranteed to fit!
-
Beyond dimensions, your carrier must be:
-
Leak-proof: This is critical for hygiene and safety.
-
Well-ventilated: Your pet needs to breathe comfortably!
-
Secure: No escape attempts, please! Your pet must remain securely inside the carrier at all times.
Sub-heading: Pet Comfort within the Carrier
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
It's not just about the carrier's size; it's about your pet's comfort within it. Your pet must be able to:
-
Stand up
-
Turn around
-
Lie down
...all comfortably within the carrier. If your pet looks cramped, it's likely too big for the carrier or the flight.
Step 3: Make Your Pet's Reservation (Crucial for Availability!)
This step is absolutely vital! Southwest Airlines limits the number of pet carriers allowed on each flight, typically to a maximum of six pet carriers (though this number can occasionally vary). Pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can make a reservation for your pet in two ways:
-
When you book your own flight: This is often the easiest way to secure a spot.
-
By calling Southwest Airlines Customer Service: If you've already booked your flight, you'll need to call their reservations line (1-800-I-FLY-SWA or 1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to an existing reservation.
-
Do not wait until the airport to try and add your pet. There's a high chance you'll be denied if the pet capacity has been reached.
-
You cannot use "standby" for pet travel.
Step 4: Understand the Payment Process
The $125 pet fare per carrier, each way, is paid at the airport.
-
At the airport ticket counter: This is where you'll present your pet and carrier, and pay the fee using an accepted credit card.
-
Refundable Fee: Good news! The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled.
Step 5: Prepare for Airport and In-Flight Procedures
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
On the day of travel, be prepared for some specific procedures to ensure a smooth journey.
Sub-heading: Airport Check-in and Security
-
Check-in: Head to the airport ticket counter with your pet in its approved carrier. This is where you'll pay the fee and confirm your pet's reservation.
-
Security: When going through TSA security, you will need to remove your pet from its carrier and walk through the screening device with your pet in your arms or on a leash (if your pet is trained to do so calmly). The empty pet carrier will then go through the X-ray machine. Your pet must be secured back in its carrier immediately after passing through security.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard Rules
-
Boarding: Your pet must be secured in its carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding, and during deplaning.
-
Seating Restrictions: If you're traveling with a pet, you cannot sit in an exit row or any seat where the carrier cannot be stowed completely under the seat in front of you.
-
During the Flight: For the entire duration of the flight, your pet must remain inside its carrier, stowed under the seat in front of you. Taking your pet out of its carrier during the flight is strictly prohibited.
-
This is for the safety and comfort of your pet, other passengers, and the flight crew.
-
-
One carrier per customer: Each ticketed customer is allowed only one pet carrier.
-
Multiple pets in one carrier: You can have no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog in a single carrier, provided they can comfortably fit and meet all the size and comfort requirements.
Step 6: Be Aware of Destination-Specific Policies & Restrictions
While Southwest generally has a straightforward pet policy for domestic flights, there are some important exceptions:
-
Hawaii: Southwest Airlines does not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii (with the exception of interisland flights within Hawaii, which have a different fee of $35 per carrier each way). Hawaii has very strict animal import regulations.
-
International Flights: Pets are not allowed on international itineraries or any itinerary that includes an international flight.
-
Puerto Rico: Specific requirements may apply for customers traveling to Puerto Rico. It's essential to check with Southwest and the Puerto Rico authorities for any additional documentation or procedures.
-
Disruptive Behavior: Southwest reserves the right to deny transportation to any pet exhibiting disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, scratching, growling, biting, urinating/defecating in the cabin or gate area). Ensure your pet is well-behaved and comfortable in its carrier.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Fly with Pets on Southwest Airlines
Here are some quick answers to common questions about flying with your pet on Southwest:
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
How to book a pet on Southwest Airlines? You can book your pet's reservation either at the time you book your own flight online or by calling Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add them to an existing reservation.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines? The $125 pet fee is paid at the airport ticket counter when you check in with your pet on the day of your flight.
How to ensure my pet carrier meets Southwest's requirements? Your carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit entirely under the seat in front of you. For soft-sided carriers, the maximum dimensions are typically 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.
How to prepare my pet for flying on Southwest? Acclimate your pet to its carrier well in advance, ensure they've had ample exercise and a potty break before heading to the airport, and consider consulting your vet about travel anxiety.
How to go through security with a pet on Southwest? You will need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry it through the metal detector. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine.
How to handle my pet during a Southwest flight? Your pet must remain securely inside its carrier, stowed under the seat in front of you, for the entire duration of the flight, from boarding to deplaning.
How to know if my destination allows pets on Southwest? Pets are allowed on most domestic flights within the contiguous United States. However, pets are generally NOT allowed to or from Hawaii or on international flights. Always confirm with Southwest for specific destination restrictions.
How to cancel a pet reservation on Southwest Airlines? You can usually call Southwest Customer Service to cancel a pet reservation. The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your flight or the flight is canceled.
How to fly with more than one pet on Southwest? Southwest allows only one pet carrier per ticketed customer. However, you can have up to two small, same-species pets (e.g., two puppies or two kittens) in a single carrier if they fit comfortably and meet all other requirements. If you have more than two pets, or different species, you would need additional ticketed passengers traveling with you.
How to travel with a service animal on Southwest Airlines? Trained service dogs are not considered pets and fly free of charge. You'll need to complete a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form and present it at the ticket counter or gate on your travel day. Emotional support animals are now classified as pets and must adhere to the pet policy and fees.
 |
