Ready to embark on an adventure with your best furry friend by your side? Flying with your dog can be a fantastic experience, and Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly service, makes it possible for small dogs to join you in the cabin. But before you both wag your tails all the way to the airport, there are some essential steps you need to follow. Let's dive in!
How Do I Travel With My Dog on Southwest Airlines? A Step-by-Step Guide
Traveling with your beloved canine companion on Southwest Airlines requires careful planning and adherence to their specific policies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your dog.
Step 1: Are You and Your Dog Ready for Takeoff? (Engage the User!)
Before we even talk about booking, ask yourself: Is my dog genuinely comfortable with travel, especially being in a carrier for an extended period? Flying can be a new and potentially stressful experience for animals. Consider your dog's temperament, health, and how they handle new environments and confined spaces. A calm, well-socialized dog will have a much better experience. If your dog gets anxious easily, exhibits disruptive behavior (excessive barking, whining, growling), or isn't used to their carrier, it might be wise to reconsider or work on desensitization before booking.
Step 2: Understand Southwest's Pet Policy – The Ground Rules
Southwest Airlines has a clear policy for in-cabin pet travel. Familiarizing yourself with these rules is paramount to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Sub-heading: Who Can Fly?
Southwest welcomes small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights.
Your dog must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel.
Unaccompanied Minors cannot travel with a pet.
Sub-heading: Where Can They Fly?
Pets are permitted on domestic flights within the contiguous United States and to/from Puerto Rico.
Important Exclusion: Southwest does not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries (with the exception of service animals to certain international destinations).
Sub-heading: What About Service Animals vs. Pets?
It's crucial to understand the distinction:
Service Animals (Dogs Only): Fully trained service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), are not considered pets by Southwest Airlines. They are allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge and typically do not require a carrier if they can be at their handler's feet or lap without obstructing the aisle or other passengers' space. You'll need to provide a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): As of March 1, 2021, due to changes in U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Emotional Support Animals are no longer recognized as service animals by Southwest Airlines. If you have an ESA, they will be treated as a standard pet and must adhere to all pet policies, including carrier requirements and the pet fare.
Step 3: Secure Your Pet's Spot – Reservation is Key!
Southwest limits the number of pets allowed on each flight (generally up to six pet carriers per scheduled flight, excluding service animals), so advance reservations are highly recommended and crucial. Pet spots are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flight and Your Dog's Travel
Book Your Own Flight First: Start by purchasing your own ticket on Southwest Airlines.
Call Southwest to Add Your Pet: Once your personal reservation is confirmed, you must call Southwest Airlines directly to add your pet to your booking. Their number is typically 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Be prepared for potential hold times, especially during peak travel periods. Many users suggest calling and using the "call back" option if available.
Some travelers have reported success adding their pet via direct message on Southwest's social media (e.g., Facebook), but a phone call is the official channel.
Provide Pet Details: The representative will ask for your pet's name, species (dog or cat), and confirm the details of your flight.
Step 4: Choose the Right Carrier – Comfort and Compliance
Your pet's carrier is one of the most critical aspects of flying. It must meet specific dimensions and requirements to ensure your dog's safety and comfort, and to fit properly under the seat in front of you.
Sub-heading: Carrier Requirements
Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier on Southwest Airlines are generally:
Soft-sided carriers: Up to 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H.
Hard-sided carriers: Up to 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H.
Southwest also sells their own branded pet carrier which meets these requirements (17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H).
Must Fit Under Seat: The carrier must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Pet Comfort: Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around with ease inside the carrier. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier.
Ventilation and Leak-Proof: The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated (with ventilation on at least three sides).
One Carrier Per Customer: You are allowed one pet carrier per ticketed customer.
Two of the Same Species: Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog, provided they fit comfortably and are eight weeks old.
Counts as Carry-On: The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. So, you can bring the pet carrier and either a personal item OR a standard carry-on bag, but not both a personal item AND a standard carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier.
Step 5: The Financial Aspect – Pet Fare
There's a fee associated with bringing your pet on board.
Cost: The Pet Fare is $125 each way per pet carrier for flights within the U.S. Mainland. For inter-island Hawaii travel, the fare is $35 each way.
Payment: The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel with accepted credit cards. You cannot pre-pay this fee online.
Refundable: The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Step 6: Pre-Travel Preparations – A Happy Dog is a Good Traveler
A little preparation goes a long way in making the journey comfortable for your dog.
Sub-heading: Acclimatization and Comfort
Carrier Training: Get your dog accustomed to their carrier well in advance. Practice short stints inside, making it a positive space with treats and toys.
Exercise Before Travel: A tired dog is a calm dog! Give your dog plenty of exercise before heading to the airport.
Limit Food and Water: Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before the flight to prevent nausea. Offer a small amount of water.
Potty Break: Ensure your dog has a chance to relieve themselves right before entering the airport. Locate pet relief areas at both your departure and arrival airports. Southwest will not "hold" a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Vet Consultation (Optional but Recommended): If your dog is prone to anxiety, consult your veterinarian about calming aids or medications.
ID and Leash: Ensure your dog has proper identification tags. Have a leash readily accessible for security screening.
Step 7: Day of Travel – Airport Procedures
The airport can be bustling, so arriving prepared is key.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early
Southwest suggests arriving at the airport at least two hours but no more than four hours before your scheduled flight when traveling with a pet. This allows ample time for check-in, paying the pet fee, and security screening.
Sub-heading: Check-in at the Ticket Counter
You must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter (not online or at a kiosk) to pay the pet fare and ensure your pet and carrier meet the requirements. An agent will verify everything and provide a special tag for your pet carrier.
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry them through the screening device. The empty pet carrier will go through the X-ray machine. Your dog must remain leashed and under your control during this process. All pet carriers are subject to being searched.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard the Aircraft
Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
Once onboard, your pet must be secured in their carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight.
The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
You cannot sit in an exit row or a bulkhead row when traveling with a pet. A window or middle seat often provides more under-seat space for the carrier.
Disruptive Behavior: A pet that shows disruptive behavior (excessive barking, growling, scratching, lunging, or relieving itself in the cabin/gate area) may be denied boarding. Keep your pet calm and quiet.
Step 8: Arrival and Beyond
Once you land, continue to prioritize your dog's comfort and well-being.
Potty Break: Head straight for the nearest pet relief area upon deplaning.
De-stress: Give your dog some time to stretch their legs and de-stress after the flight.
Hydration: Offer them water as soon as possible.
Following these steps meticulously will significantly increase your chances of a smooth and enjoyable travel experience with your furry co-pilot on Southwest Airlines!
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common questions about traveling with your dog on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to add my dog to my Southwest flight reservation?
You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to add your pet to your existing flight reservation after you have booked your own ticket.
How to find out the pet carrier size limits for Southwest Airlines?
For soft-sided carriers, the maximum is 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. For hard-sided, it's 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H. The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
The $125 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaii) one-way pet fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of your flight.
How to prepare my dog for a flight on Southwest?
Acclimate your dog to their carrier beforehand, ensure they've had plenty of exercise and a potty break before the airport, and limit food/water right before the flight.
How to go through security at the airport with my dog on Southwest?
You will need to remove your dog from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector, while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
How to know if my dog is too big to fly in-cabin on Southwest?
If your dog cannot comfortably stand up and turn around in a carrier that meets Southwest's dimensions (18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H for soft-sided), they are too big for in-cabin travel.
How to book a service dog on Southwest Airlines?
Service dogs fly free and do not require a carrier. You generally need to complete a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form and may notify Southwest in advance through their "Special Assistance" link online or by calling.
How to find pet relief areas at airports when flying Southwest?
Check the airport's website or app for designated pet relief areas. Most major airports have them both pre- and post-security.
How to ensure my dog stays calm during the flight?
Preparation is key: carrier training, exercise before the flight, and consulting your vet about calming aids. During the flight, keeping them in their familiar carrier and maintaining a calm demeanor yourself can help.
How to handle an anxious dog during a Southwest flight?
Ensure they remain in their carrier. Avoid taking them out unless absolutely necessary (like for a designated relief area). If authorized by your vet, administer prescribed calming medication. Focus on keeping your own energy calm, as dogs can pick up on your stress.
