Oh, embarking on an adventure with your beloved pet on Southwest Airlines! That's fantastic. Traveling with a pet can be a truly rewarding experience, but it definitely requires some careful planning to ensure a smooth journey for both of you. Let's break down everything you need to know about the costs and procedures involved.
The Grand Adventure Awaits: How Much Does It Cost to Take a Pet on Southwest Airlines?
Are you ready to include your furry companion in your travel plans? Excellent! Southwest Airlines is known for being pet-friendly, but there are very specific rules and associated costs you need to be aware of. Unlike some airlines that offer cargo services, Southwest only allows small vaccinated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you. This means your pet will be right there, under the seat in front of you, throughout the flight.
Step 1: Unveiling the Price Tag – What's the Core Cost?
Let's get straight to the number you're probably most curious about.
The Pet Fare: The primary cost of taking your pet on Southwest Airlines is the Pet Fare, which is currently $95 per pet carrier, each way.
Important Note: This fee is per carrier, not per pet, but remember there are limits on how many pets can be in one carrier (more on that in Step 3!).
Hawaii Exception: If you're traveling between the Hawaiian Islands, the pet fare is $35 each way per pet carrier. Southwest does not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii from the mainland U.S. or international destinations.
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Pet Travel Philosophy – In-Cabin Only!
This is a crucial point that sets Southwest apart from many other airlines.
No Cargo, No Checked Baggage for Pets: Southwest Airlines does not transport pets as cargo or checked baggage. Your furry friend must be small enough to travel in the cabin with you, under the seat in front of you. This policy is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet by keeping them close to you.
Limited Availability: Southwest limits the number of pet carriers allowed on each flight. While the general policy states up to five pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals), circumstances can allow for more or fewer. This means reservations are absolutely essential and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not assume there will be space for your pet without confirming.
Step 3: The All-Important Pet Carrier – Dimensions and Requirements
Your pet's cozy travel abode is key to a successful journey. Getting the right carrier is paramount, as Southwest is very strict about dimensions.
Maximum Dimensions: Your pet carrier must not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H).
Tip: While Southwest sells its own branded carriers, you are not required to use one, as long as your carrier meets these dimensions and other requirements.
Carrier Type: Carriers can be soft-sided or hard-sided. Soft-sided carriers are often recommended as they can be more flexible and easier to fit under the seat.
Essential Features:
Leak-proof: The carrier must have a waterproof bottom to prevent any accidents from spilling.
Well-ventilated: Ensure your pet has plenty of airflow.
Comfortable Fit: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier without their head or any part of their body touching the top of the carrier when standing. If your pet looks cramped, it's not the right size.
Pet Count Per Carrier: You are permitted to travel with no more than one pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two of the same species of small cats or dogs. For example, two small cats or two small dogs are allowed in one carrier, provided they both fit comfortably according to the "comfortable fit" rule above.
Carrier Counts 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 other carry-on items accordingly.
Step 4: Making Your Pet's Reservation – Don't Just Show Up!
Unlike booking your own ticket, bringing a pet requires a specific reservation process.
Call Southwest Airlines Directly: To make reservations for your pet, you must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You cannot add a pet online during the booking process for your own ticket.
Book Early: Due to the limited number of pets allowed on each flight, it is highly recommended to book your pet's reservation as far in advance as possible, ideally at the same time you book your own flight. This ensures a spot for your furry friend.
Information You'll Need: The customer service representative will likely ask for your pet's name, breed, and weight.
Step 5: Day of Travel – Airport Procedures and What to Expect
The day of your flight requires a bit of extra time and attention when traveling with a pet.
Arrive Early: Southwest suggests arriving at the airport at least two hours, but no more than four hours, before your scheduled flight if you're traveling with your pet. This allows ample time for check-in, paying the pet fee, and navigating security.
Ticket Counter Check-in: You will need to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The Pet Fare of $95 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaiian flights) each way must be paid at this time. It is typically paid with a credit card.
Security Checkpoint: At the security checkpoint, you will be required to remove your pet from its carrier and carry them through the screening device. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine. Make sure your pet is secure in your arms!
Pet Must Remain in Carrier: Your pet must remain secured in its carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding and deplaning, and for the entire duration of the flight. Failure to follow this rule may result in your pet being denied transportation.
Boarding: Customers traveling with pets will typically board with their assigned boarding group.
Under the Seat: Once on board, the pet carrier must be stowed completely under the seat in front of you. Pets are not allowed on your lap, on an unoccupied seat, or in the aisle.
No Exit Row/Bulkhead: You will not be permitted to sit in an exit row or bulkhead seat if you are traveling with a pet.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Plan to utilize these before and after your flight, as your pet will need to remain in its carrier for the entire flight. Southwest will not "hold" a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Step 6: Health and Behavioral Considerations
While Southwest doesn't require a health certificate for domestic pet travel, ensuring your pet is fit for flight is your responsibility.
No Health Certificate Required (Domestic): For domestic flights, Southwest Airlines does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from your veterinarian for pets to travel.
Vaccinations: Your pet must be small and vaccinated. While no documentation is explicitly required by Southwest, it's always a good idea to have your pet's vaccination records readily available, especially their rabies vaccination.
Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to travel.
Behavior Matters: Southwest Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports. Ensure your pet is well-behaved and comfortable in its carrier. Examples of disruptive behavior that could lead to denial of boarding include excessive whining, barking, scratching, growling, biting, lunging, or relieving itself in inappropriate areas.
Stress of Travel: Air travel can be stressful for animals. Consult your veterinarian beforehand to determine if your pet is healthy enough to fly. Discuss any potential anxiety and whether calming treats or medication might be appropriate.
Step 7: Special Cases – Service Animals vs. Pets
It's important to understand the distinction between a pet and a service animal, as the rules and costs differ significantly.
Service Animals: Fully trained service dogs (only dogs are recognized as service animals under DOT regulations) are permitted to fly in the cabin free of charge and are not subject to the pet carrier size restrictions or the pet limit per flight. You will need to present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate on the day of travel. Service animals must be leashed or harnessed at all times and be well-behaved.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Due to updated Department of Transportation regulations, Southwest Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. If you wish to travel with an emotional support animal that does not qualify as a trained service dog, they must travel as a standard pet and are subject to all pet fees, carrier requirements, and restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to...
Here are 10 common questions about flying with pets on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to find out if there's space for my pet on a Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: You must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to inquire about pet space availability on your desired flight and make a reservation.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: The pet fee ($95 each way for most flights, $35 for inter-island Hawaiian flights) is paid at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport on your day of travel.
How to ensure my pet carrier meets Southwest's requirements?
Quick Answer: Measure your carrier carefully to ensure it does not exceed 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H, is leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
How to check in with my pet on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Arrive at the airport 2-4 hours before your flight and proceed to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to check in and pay the pet fee.
How to get through airport security with my pet on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: You'll need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry it through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
How to keep my pet comfortable during the Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: Ensure your pet has exercised and relieved itself before the flight. Once on board, the pet must remain in its carrier under the seat for the entire duration of the flight.
How to travel with more than one pet on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: You can only bring one pet carrier per passenger. If you have two small pets of the same species that fit comfortably in one carrier, they can travel together. Otherwise, you'd need another ticketed passenger to bring an additional pet.
How to know if my pet's breed is allowed on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Southwest does not have breed restrictions for cats and dogs; the primary concern is that your pet fits comfortably within the carrier dimensions. However, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds should be discussed with your vet due to potential respiratory issues.
How to prepare my pet for air travel on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy for travel. Familiarize your pet with the carrier in advance, keep them calm before the flight, and ensure they have ample opportunity to relieve themselves before boarding.
How to differentiate between a service animal and a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Only fully trained service dogs are recognized as service animals and fly free without size restrictions, requiring specific DOT forms. All other animals, including emotional support animals, are considered pets and are subject to the pet fare and carrier requirements.
