It's an exciting prospect to bring your beloved canine companion along on your travels, and Southwest Airlines can be a great option for domestic flights. While they have clear policies, understanding them thoroughly and preparing in advance are key to a smooth journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with your dog on Southwest, step by step!
Embarking on a Paw-some Journey: Your Guide to Flying with Your Dog on Southwest Airlines!
Planning a trip with your furry best friend can be a fantastic experience, but it requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to air travel. Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly service and open seating, offers a welcoming environment for small dogs. However, their specific policies and limitations mean you need to be well-informed before you book. Let's get started on ensuring a comfortable and compliant journey for both you and your dog!
 |
| How To Fly With A Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You and Your Dog Eligible? – Understanding Southwest's Pet Policy
Before you even think about booking a ticket, the absolute first thing you need to do is confirm that your dog and your travel plans align with Southwest Airlines' pet policy. Not all dogs or all destinations are permitted.
Sub-heading: Dog Requirements
Size Matters: Southwest only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. Your dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. There are no "large dog" options for in-cabin travel.
Age Limit: Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
Vaccinations: Your dog must be vaccinated. While Southwest doesn't always require proof at check-in, it's always wise to carry your dog's vaccination records, especially for rabies.
Behavioral Expectations: Your dog must be well-behaved. Excessive barking, growling, scratching, biting, lunging, or urinating/defecating in inappropriate areas could lead to denial of boarding. A calm, quiet demeanor is crucial for a stress-free flight.
No Unaccompanied Minors with Pets: If you are an unaccompanied minor, you cannot travel with a pet.
Sub-heading: Destination and Flight Restrictions
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Domestic Flights Only: Southwest does not accept pets on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international segment.
No Hawaii (with an exception): Pets are generally not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii. However, pets are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands. Specific requirements may apply for Puerto Rico.
Limited Availability: There's a strict limit on the number of pets allowed per flight – typically no more than six pet carriers per flight. These spots are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, making early booking absolutely essential.
No Cargo Travel: Southwest Airlines does not transport pets in cargo. All pet travel is in-cabin only.
Step 2: The Perfect Pad for Your Pooch – Choosing and Preparing the Pet Carrier
The pet carrier is your dog's personal space for the entire journey, and Southwest has specific requirements for it. Getting this right is non-negotiable.
Sub-heading: Carrier Dimensions and Specifications
Under-Seat Fit: The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. This is paramount.
Maximum Dimensions: While Southwest sells its own branded carrier (17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H), other carriers are allowed with maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Measure your carrier carefully! Even a slight deviation could cause issues at the airport.
Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally permitted, as long as they meet the size requirements. Soft-sided carriers can sometimes offer a little more flexibility to fit under the seat, but ensure they are sturdy enough.
Leak-Proof and Ventilated: The carrier must be leak-proof to prevent accidents from affecting other passengers or the aircraft. It also needs to be well-ventilated with adequate openings for your dog to breathe comfortably.
Comfort for Your Dog: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier without touching the top. While some flexibility for soft-sided carriers is understood, your dog should not be crammed in.
Sub-heading: Acclimating Your Dog to the Carrier
Start Early: Begin familiarizing your dog with the carrier weeks or even months before your flight.
Positive Association: Make the carrier a positive place. Put treats, favorite toys, or a comfortable blanket inside. Feed your dog meals in the carrier.
Gradual Increase in Time: Start with short periods inside the carrier, then gradually increase the duration. Practice zipping it up and carrying your dog around in it.
Mimic Travel Conditions: If possible, take your dog in the carrier on short car rides to help them get used to movement and confinement.
Step 3: Booking Your Ticket and Their Spot – Making Reservations
Booking your flight with a dog on Southwest involves a slightly different process than a standard booking.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Sub-heading: Your Human Ticket First
Book Your Own Flight: First, book your own flight on the Southwest Airlines website or app as you normally would.
Sub-heading: Calling to Add Your Canine Companion
Call Southwest Airlines: You cannot add a pet to your reservation online. You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation.
Limited Pet Slots: Remember the six-pet limit per flight. It's highly recommended to call as soon as possible after booking your own ticket to secure a spot for your dog, especially if you're traveling during peak times.
Information Needed: Be prepared to provide your flight details, your dog's name (optional but helpful), and potentially their breed and weight.
Pet Carrier Counts as Carry-On/Personal Item: Be aware that your pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your standard carry-on bag. This means you can bring the pet carrier plus one other item (either a personal item OR a carry-on, but not both unless one is the pet carrier).
 |
Step 4: Payment and Paperwork – The Day of Travel Essentials
The day of your flight requires a few crucial steps at the airport.
Sub-heading: Arriving at the Airport and Paying the Pet Fare
Early Arrival: Southwest recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours, but no more than four hours, before your scheduled departure when traveling with a pet. This extra time is essential for check-in and security.
Ticket Counter Only: The pet fare cannot be paid in advance or online. You must pay the pet fare at the airport ticket counter with a credit card.
The current pet fare is $125 each way for U.S. mainland flights.
For flights between Hawaiian Islands, the fare is $35 each way.
This fee is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Pet Tag: Once you've paid the fee, the agent will provide you with a special tag for your pet carrier, indicating that your dog is cleared for travel.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint Procedures
Remove Your Pet: At the TSA security checkpoint, you will be required to remove your dog from the carrier. You will hold your dog, and the empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine.
Leash Your Dog: Have your dog on a leash while passing through security, as they will be out of their carrier.
Remain Calm: Your calmness will help keep your dog calm during this potentially stressful part of the process.
Step 5: Boarding and In-Flight Comfort – Ensuring a Smooth Journey
Once you're through security, there are still a few things to keep in mind for boarding and during the flight.
Sub-heading: Boarding with Your Pet
Assigned Boarding Group: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
No Exit Row or Specific Seats: You cannot sit in an exit row with a pet. Also, you must select a seat that has under-seat storage in front of it for the carrier. Bulkhead rows typically do not have under-seat storage.
Window Seat Advantage: Many pet owners find a window seat offers slightly more floor space for the carrier and minimizes disruption from other passengers.
Pet Stays in Carrier: Your dog must remain in their carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding, during deplaning, and for the entire duration of the flight. Failure to follow this rule can result in denial of transportation or future pet travel.
Sub-heading: During the Flight
Carrier Under Seat: The pet carrier must be stowed completely under the seat in front of you. It cannot block the aisle or protrude into another passenger's space.
Check on Your Dog (Quietly): While your dog must stay in the carrier, you can quietly check on them. A small treat or a comforting word can go a long way.
No Food from Tray Table: Do not allow your dog to consume food from the tray table.
Consider Calming Aids (Vet Consult): If your dog is prone to anxiety, consult with your veterinarian well in advance about safe calming aids or techniques. Never administer medication without professional advice.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Familiarize yourself with their locations at your departure, layover (if any), and arrival airports. Southwest will not delay a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Step 6: Arrival and Beyond – Post-Flight Considerations
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Congratulations, you and your furry travel buddy have arrived!
Leash Up: Once you've deplaned and are in the terminal, you can typically take your dog out of the carrier to use a pet relief area. Keep them on a leash at all times outside the carrier.
Be Mindful of Others: Always be courteous to other passengers and airport staff. Keep your dog under control and clean up after them promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To Fly With a Dog on Southwest Airlines
How to book a flight with my dog on Southwest Airlines? You must first book your own flight, then call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to add your dog to your reservation, as pet bookings cannot be made online.
How to know if there's space for my dog on a Southwest flight? Space is limited to a maximum of six pet carriers per flight. When you call Southwest to add your dog, the representative will confirm if there are available pet slots on your desired flight. It's best to call as soon as you book your own ticket.
How to pay the pet fee for a Southwest flight? The pet fee of $125 (or $35 for inter-island Hawaii flights) must be paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel using a credit card.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines? Select a carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). It must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
How to prepare my dog for flying on Southwest? Acclimate your dog to their carrier weeks in advance by making it a positive space. Ensure they are well-exercised before the flight and have gone to the bathroom. Consider consulting your vet about calming aids if your dog is prone to anxiety.
How to go through airport security with my dog on Southwest? You will need to remove your dog from their carrier at the TSA checkpoint and hold them while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Have your dog on a leash for this process.
How to ensure my dog is comfortable during the Southwest flight? Keep your dog in their carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. You can quietly check on them, but they must remain inside. Avoid giving them too much water right before or during the flight to prevent accidents.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when flying Southwest? Check the airport's website for pet relief area locations at your departure, layover, and arrival airports. These are usually designated outdoor or sometimes indoor spaces.
How to deal with a disruptive dog on a Southwest flight? If your dog is disruptive (e.g., excessive barking, growling), Southwest may deny boarding or remove them from the flight. Ensure your dog is calm and well-behaved. If issues arise, try to calm your dog discreetly, and if necessary, alert a flight attendant.
How to know what documentation Southwest Airlines requires for my dog? Southwest generally does not require a health certificate or specific vaccination records for pet travel, but your dog must be vaccinated. It's always a good idea to carry your dog's vaccination records with you, just in case.
 |
