Are you ready to embark on an incredible journey with your amazing service dog? Flying with a service dog on Southwest Airlines can be a smooth and stress-free experience, but it requires careful preparation and understanding of their policies. Let's walk through it together, step by step!
Flying with Your Service Dog on Southwest Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines is generally known for its accessible and customer-friendly approach, and they welcome fully trained service dogs. However, due to recent changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, it's crucial to understand the specific requirements for service animals.
Important Note: As of March 1, 2021, Southwest Airlines, like all other U.S. airlines, no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. ESAs are now treated as pets and are subject to pet fees and restrictions. Only trained service dogs that perform tasks for a person with a disability are accepted to fly in the cabin free of charge.
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| How To Fly With A Service Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding What Qualifies as a Service Dog (Engaging Question!)
So, first things first: Does your furry companion qualify as a service dog under Southwest's policy?
Southwest Airlines adheres to the U.S. Department of Transportation's definition of a service animal: a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. This means your dog isn't just a beloved pet; they have a specific, trained job to assist you with a disability (physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability).
Key takeaway: Only dogs are accepted as trained service animals. Other species are not permitted.
Behavior is paramount: Your service dog must be trained to behave in public and be under your control at all times. This includes being harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you. Any disruptive behavior (growling, biting, excessive barking, relieving themselves inappropriately) can lead to refusal of transportation.
Grooming and Odor: Your service dog should be well-groomed and free from unpleasant odors.
Step 2: Booking Your Flight and Notifying Southwest
While advance notice isn't mandatory for service dogs, it is highly recommended to ensure a smoother experience.
Sub-heading: Booking Online
When booking your flight on Southwest.com:
On the "Passenger & Payment Info" page, look for the "Special Assistance" link.
Click on this link and select the relevant option indicating you will be traveling with a trained service dog.
Continue to complete your reservation as usual.
Sub-heading: Booking by Phone
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
If you prefer to book by phone or add your service dog to an existing reservation:
Call Southwest Airlines' Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Inform the representative that you will be traveling with a trained service dog and they will assist you in updating your reservation.
Pro Tip: Even if you notify them in advance, you'll still need to present the required documentation at the airport. This early notification simply helps the airline anticipate and prepare for your arrival, potentially streamlining your check-in process.
Step 3: The All-Important U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
This form is the single most critical piece of documentation you will need. Without it, your service dog may be denied boarding.
Sub-heading: Obtaining and Completing the Form
The U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form is available on the Southwest Airlines website. You can find it in their "Accessible Travel Assistance" section, specifically under "Traveling with a Trained Service Dog."
You can choose to complete this form digitally or print it out and fill it by hand.
Crucial Requirement: The form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. Make sure this detail is accurate to avoid any issues.
Accuracy is Key: Ensure the form is fully and accurately completed. An incomplete form can lead to denial of transport.
Sub-heading: What the Form Attests To
This form requires you to attest to:
Your service dog's health.
Your service dog's behavior.
Your service dog's training to perform specific tasks.
Important Clarification: A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration certificate will not be accepted in place of this official DOT form. These items can be helpful visual cues, but they are not substitutes for the required documentation.
Step 4: Arriving at the Airport and Check-In
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport, ideally at least two hours before your flight, especially if you're traveling with a service dog. This allows for a relaxed check-in process and any necessary conversations with airline staff.
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter or Gate Agent
You are required to check in with a Customer Service Agent at either the ticket counter or the departure gate counter.
At this point, you will present your completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form.
The Employee may ask you two specific fact-finding questions to determine if your dog is a trained service dog:
"Is the dog required because of a disability?"
"What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?" They are generally not permitted to ask about the nature of your disability itself, only about the tasks your dog performs.
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint (TSA)
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
You will go through the standard security checkpoint with your service dog.
Typically, you and your dog will walk through the metal detector together. If your dog cannot walk through, you may be subject to a secondary screening, such as a physical pat-down or visual inspection.
Your service dog's leash, harness, or vest may be subject to inspection.
Sub-heading: Service Animal Relief Areas
Southwest Airlines notes that service animal relief areas are available at each of the locations they serve. It's a good idea to locate these before or after clearing security.
Step 5: Boarding and Onboard the Aircraft
Once you're at the gate and ready to board, remember the rules for your service dog's comfort and the safety of all passengers.
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Sub-heading: Seating Restrictions
You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat. This is a federal safety regulation.
Consider selecting a window seat if possible, as it can provide more unobstructed floor space for your dog and minimize disruption to the aisle.
Sub-heading: Space and Stowage
Your service dog must be sitting at your feet or, if it's small enough (no larger than a child under the age of two), it may sit in your lap.
Your dog is not permitted to:
Block any exits or exit paths.
Extend into the aircraft aisle.
Occupy an aircraft seat.
Occupy a tray table.
Encroach upon a neighboring seat's space.
If your dog uses a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing. The carrier will count as your personal item or carry-on.
Sub-heading: During the Flight
Your service dog must remain under your control at all times. This means they should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered to you.
Ensure your dog remains calm and does not engage in disruptive behaviors. If they become disruptive, the airline reserves the right to ask you to remove the animal from the cabin or, in extreme cases, to travel as a pet (with associated fees and restrictions) if they pose a direct threat.
Step 6: International, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico Travel
Traveling internationally or to Hawaii/Puerto Rico with a service dog has additional complexities.
Sub-heading: Varied Requirements
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Acceptance restrictions, policies, and documentation requirements for trained service dogs vary significantly by destination.
You are solely responsible for researching and complying with the animal travel and acceptance laws, requirements, and procedures of each location on your itinerary. This includes any layovers or connecting flights.
Your service animal may be refused transportation if you do not comply with these specific destination regulations.
Action Item: If you are traveling to these destinations, immediately consult the official government websites for animal imports and the specific Southwest Airlines policies for those routes.
Final Thoughts: Preparation is Your Best Friend!
Flying with a service dog can be a truly liberating experience, allowing you greater independence and mobility. By thoroughly understanding and adhering to Southwest Airlines' policies and the DOT regulations, you can ensure a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free journey for both you and your invaluable service dog. Always double-check Southwest's official website for the most current information, as policies can change.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to prepare my service dog for flying?
Quick Answer: Ensure your service dog is well-socialized, crate-trained (if applicable for under-seat stowage), and accustomed to loud noises, confined spaces, and long periods of "down-stay." Practice public access skills in busy environments like malls or airports. Exercise your dog thoroughly before heading to the airport.
How to get the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form?
Quick Answer: You can find and download the form directly from the "Accessible Travel Assistance" section of the official Southwest Airlines website, specifically under "Traveling with a Trained Service Dog."
How to make a reservation for my service dog on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: You can indicate you're traveling with a service dog by clicking the "Special Assistance" link on the "Passenger & Payment Info" page when booking online, or by calling Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
How to know if my dog qualifies as a service dog for Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Quick Answer: Your dog must be individually trained to perform specific tasks or work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability (physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability). Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals.
How to ensure my service dog behaves properly on the flight?
Quick Answer: Your service dog must remain under your control, be harnessed/leashed/tethered at all times, and avoid disruptive behaviors such as excessive barking, growling, or relieving themselves inappropriately. Continued training and positive reinforcement are key.
How to handle security screening with a service dog?
Quick Answer: You and your service dog will typically walk through the metal detector together. Be prepared for your dog's harness or vest to be visually inspected. Inform TSA agents you are traveling with a service dog.
How to choose a seat when flying with a service dog on Southwest?
Quick Answer: You cannot sit in an emergency exit row. Consider a window seat to provide maximum unobstructed floor space for your dog and minimize disruption to the aisle.
How to find service animal relief areas at the airport?
Quick Answer: Many airports have designated service animal relief areas both pre- and post-security. Check the airport's website or ask a Southwest Airlines employee upon arrival for directions.
How to travel internationally with a service dog on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: For international travel, or travel to Hawaii/Puerto Rico, you are responsible for researching and complying with the specific animal import laws and documentation requirements of the destination country/state. These are often much more stringent than domestic travel.
How to manage potential issues with my service dog during the flight?
Quick Answer: Carry copies of all necessary documentation. Ensure your dog has had ample opportunities to relieve themselves before boarding. Bring familiar toys or comfort items (that don't make noise). If your dog becomes anxious, use your trained calming techniques. If issues arise, discreetly speak with a flight attendant.
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