Oh, planning a trip with your furry best friend on Southwest Airlines? That's fantastic! Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, and Southwest makes it relatively straightforward for in-cabin pets. However, there are definitely some important steps and rules to follow to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your canine companion. Let's dive in!
Your Ultimate Guide to Flying Your Dog on Southwest Airlines
Bringing your dog along on your Southwest adventure requires careful planning and adherence to their specific pet policy. While it's generally a pet-friendly airline, knowing the ins and outs is key to a stress-free trip.
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| How To Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Is Your Dog Eligible to Fly Southwest? Let's Find Out!
Before you even think about booking, the very first question to ask yourself is: Can my dog even fly on Southwest Airlines? Southwest has specific criteria for pets traveling in the cabin.
Understanding Southwest's Pet Eligibility
Small, Vaccinated Domestic Cats and Dogs Only: Southwest exclusively allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin. No other types of animals (like birds, rabbits, or larger breeds) are permitted as pets.
Age Requirement: Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
In-Cabin Travel Only: Unlike some other airlines, Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo. Your dog must travel with you in the cabin, under the seat in front of you. This is a crucial distinction!
Behavioral Requirements: Your dog needs to be well-behaved and non-disruptive. This means no excessive whining, barking, scratching, growling, biting, or lunging. If your pet exhibits disruptive behavior, they may be denied boarding.
Unaccompanied Minors: If you are an unaccompanied minor, you cannot travel with a pet.
If your dog meets these initial criteria, then you're on the right track!
Step 2: Securing Your Dog's Spot (and Yours!): Booking Your Flight
This is where the planning really begins! Space for pets on Southwest flights is limited, so booking correctly and promptly is essential.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Making Your Pet's Reservation
Call Southwest Airlines Directly: This is the most important step for reserving your pet's spot. Southwest limits the number of pet carriers to six per flight (though this number can sometimes vary). Pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot add a pet to your reservation online initially.
Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to speak with a Southwest representative. Inform them you intend to travel with a pet in the cabin.
They will confirm if there's space available on your desired flight(s).
Once confirmed, they will add your pet to your reservation.
Book Your Own Flight First (Optional but Recommended): While you can call to check pet availability before booking your own ticket, it's often advisable to secure your own flight first, then immediately call to add your pet. This way, you know your travel plans are set, and you can focus on the pet reservation.
Understand the Pet Fare: Be aware that there is a pet fare for bringing your dog on Southwest.
For U.S. mainland flights, this fee is typically $125 per pet carrier, each way.
For flights between the Hawaiian Islands, the fee is generally $35 per pet carrier, each way.
This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel. It is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Destination Restrictions:
Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii (with the exception of inter-island travel within Hawaii, for which there's a different fee structure).
Pets are not accepted on international itineraries. This means if any part of your journey involves an international flight, your pet cannot travel with you as a carry-on.
Step 3: The Perfect Perch: Choosing and Preparing Your Pet Carrier
Your dog's carrier is more than just a box; it's their safe space during the journey. Southwest has strict requirements for pet carriers.
Carrier Specifications
Maximum Dimensions: The carrier must not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H). Pay very close attention to these dimensions – even a slightly larger carrier might be denied.
Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally accepted, as long as they meet the size requirements. Soft-sided carriers are often preferred as they can be more easily manipulated to fit under the seat.
Leak-Proof and Well-Ventilated: The carrier must be leak-proof and have adequate ventilation on at least two sides (preferably more) to ensure proper airflow for your pet.
Comfort for Your Dog: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. This is a key requirement and will be checked by airline staff. If your dog looks cramped, they may not be allowed to fly.
Security: The carrier should have secure fasteners (heavy-duty zippers are recommended for soft-sided carriers) to prevent any accidental escapes.
One Carrier Per Customer: Each ticketed customer is allowed only one pet carrier.
Two Pets of the Same Species: You can have no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog in a single carrier, provided they both fit comfortably and meet all other requirements.
Counts as a Carry-On: Your pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. Plan your other luggage accordingly!
Preparing Your Dog and Carrier
Acclimation is Key: Weeks before your flight, start acclimating your dog to the carrier. Leave it open with treats and toys inside, encourage them to go in voluntarily, and gradually increase the time they spend in it. Make it a positive experience!
Comfort Items: Place a familiar blanket or a favorite small toy in the carrier to provide comfort and a sense of security during the flight.
Hydration and Potty Breaks: Ensure your dog is well-hydrated before you leave for the airport, but avoid overfeeding them to minimize the risk of accidents. Take them for a long potty break just before heading into the terminal.
Exercise: A tired dog is a calm dog! Give your dog plenty of exercise before your travel day to help them relax during the flight.
Vet Visit (Optional but Recommended): While Southwest doesn't typically require a health certificate for domestic pet travel, a vet visit before flying is a good idea. Discuss any concerns you have, and your vet might suggest calming aids for anxious travelers. Do not give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers without consulting your vet, as these can have adverse effects at altitude.
Identification: Ensure your dog wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags. It's also a good idea to put your contact information inside and outside the carrier.
Step 4: Airport Procedures: Navigating Check-in and Security
The airport can be overwhelming, especially with a pet. Knowing what to expect will ease the process.
Arriving at the Airport
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
Arrive Early: Southwest recommends arriving at least 2 hours, but no more than 4 hours, before your scheduled flight if you're traveling with a pet. This extra time allows for check-in, paying the pet fee, and navigating security without rushing.
Ticket Counter Check-in: You must check in with your pet at the airport ticket counter. You cannot complete the check-in process online or at a self-service kiosk when traveling with a pet because the pet fare needs to be paid.
Paying the Pet Fare: The $125 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaiian flights) pet fare will be collected at the ticket counter using accepted credit cards.
Pet Tag: Southwest will provide a special tag for your pet carrier once the fee is paid and all requirements are met.
Security Checkpoint
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Remove Your Pet: When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, you will be required to remove your dog from its carrier. Hold your dog in your arms or keep them on a leash (a harness is often safer for this purpose) while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Maintain Control: Keep your dog under strict control during this process.
Return to Carrier: Once through security, immediately return your dog to its carrier.
Pet Relief Areas
Many airports have designated pet relief areas. Research your departure, layover, and arrival airports beforehand to locate these areas. Southwest will not delay a flight to permit you to take your pet to a relief area.
Step 5: Onboard the Aircraft: Rules and Comfort During the Flight
Once you're on the plane, there are specific rules you and your dog must follow.
Boarding and Seating
Open Seating with Pet: Southwest has an open seating policy. However, if you're traveling with a pet, you cannot sit in an exit row or a bulkhead seat (the very front row of a cabin). These seats do not have under-seat storage for your pet carrier.
Under the Seat: Your pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you for the entire flight, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing. It cannot be placed on your lap, on an empty seat, or in the overhead bin.
Remain in Carrier: Your dog must remain secured in its pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire duration of the flight. Do not take your dog out of the carrier at any point during the flight, even if they seem restless. Flight attendants will enforce this rule for safety and comfort.
During the Flight
Comfort and Quiet: Your goal is for your dog to be as comfortable and quiet as possible. Disruptive barking, whining, or scratching can lead to issues.
No Food or Water Access (Generally): While the carrier should be leak-proof, it's generally not advisable to offer food or excessive water during the flight to minimize the risk of accidents. A few small, easily digestible treats might be okay if your dog is stressed, but consult with your vet if you plan to use them.
Emergency Procedures: In the unlikely event of an emergency, remember your pet is part of your safety plan. Follow all crew instructions.
Step 6: Arrival: Deboarding and Beyond
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Congratulations, you've landed! The journey isn't quite over yet.
Deplaning
Keep your dog securely in its carrier until you are well clear of the aircraft and in the terminal.
Be mindful of other passengers as you deplane.
Post-Flight Care
Once in a designated pet relief area, allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and get some fresh air.
Offer water and a small meal if it's been a while since they ate.
Observe your dog for any signs of stress or discomfort from the travel.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to prepare my dog for a flight on Southwest Airlines?
Start acclimating your dog to their carrier well in advance, make it a positive space, ensure they get plenty of exercise before travel, and consider a vet visit for advice on calming strategies.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
Select a leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier (soft or hard-sided) that does not exceed 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H, and ensures your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
How to book a flight with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to reserve your pet's spot, as there is a limited number of pets allowed per flight, and this cannot be done online.
How to pay the pet fee for Southwest Airlines?
The pet fee ($125 each way for mainland US, $35 for inter-island Hawaii) is paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of your travel with a credit card.
How to go through TSA security with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You will need to remove your dog from its carrier and hold them while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Your dog must remain on a leash or in your arms.
How to ensure my dog is comfortable during the Southwest flight?
Ensure the carrier is the correct size and comfortable, exercise your dog before the flight, and avoid taking them out of the carrier during the flight. Familiar items in the carrier can also help.
How to find pet relief areas at airports when flying Southwest?
Research the airports you'll be traveling through (departure, layover, arrival) beforehand. Most major airports have designated indoor or outdoor pet relief areas.
How to handle disruptive dog behavior on a Southwest flight?
If your dog is disruptive (e.g., excessive barking), airline staff may intervene. Prevention through proper preparation and selecting an appropriate calming strategy (after vet consultation) is best.
How to check if my Southwest flight allows pets?
When you call Southwest Airlines to book your pet's spot, the representative will confirm if there is availability for pets on your specific flight.
How to know if my dog is a service animal versus a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines distinguishes between pets and trained service animals (including psychiatric service dogs). Service animals have different requirements and do not incur a fee, but require specific documentation (U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form). Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are now generally treated as pets on Southwest.
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