So, you're planning a trip and want to bring your furry best friend along on Southwest Airlines? That's fantastic! Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some careful planning and adherence to airline policies. Unlike some airlines, Southwest has a very specific set of rules for pet travel, especially concerning how you add them to your reservation. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your beloved companion.
Understanding Southwest's Pet Policy: The Essentials First!
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp the core of Southwest's pet policy. Southwest Airlines only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. This is a key differentiator from many other airlines that may offer cargo options. On Southwest, your pet will always be with you, under the seat in front of you.
Here are some immediate takeaways to keep in mind:
In-Cabin Only: No cargo or checked baggage for pets (with the exception of trained service animals, which fall under different regulations).
Small Cats and Dogs: Only these animals are permitted. Other pets like rabbits, birds, or rodents are not allowed.
Vaccinated: Your pet must be vaccinated. While Southwest typically doesn't require a health certificate at check-in for domestic flights, it's always wise to have your pet's vaccination records handy, just in case.
Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
Carrier is Key: Your pet must remain in an approved carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight.
Limited Availability: Southwest restricts the number of pet carriers per flight, usually to six. This means space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting fast is crucial!
One Pet Carrier Per Customer: You can bring only one pet carrier. However, each carrier can hold up to two of the same species of small cat or dog, provided they fit comfortably.
Pet Carrier Counts as Carry-On/Personal Item: Your pet carrier will be considered either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
No International or Hawaii (mainland) Flights: Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii (mainland) or on international itineraries. They are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands.
Pet Fee: There is a non-refundable pet fee per carrier, per direction. This fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of adding your furry friend to your Southwest Airlines adventure!
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| How To Add A Pet On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Detective – Confirm Eligibility and Availability!
Alright, fellow pet parent, before you even think about booking, let's play detective! The absolute first thing you need to do is confirm that your desired flight has space for your pet. Remember, only six pet carriers are allowed per flight on Southwest, and this fills up quickly.
Sub-heading: Is Your Pet the Right Fit?
Double-check the basics:
Is your pet a small, vaccinated domestic cat or dog?
Is your pet at least 8 weeks old?
Are you traveling on a domestic flight (not to/from mainland Hawaii or international)?
If you answered yes to all, great! Now for the critical part.
Sub-heading: The Golden Rule: Call Southwest IMMEDIATELY!
This is perhaps the most important step and often where travelers get tripped up. You cannot add a pet to your Southwest reservation online. The only way to confirm pet availability and add your pet is by calling Southwest Airlines directly.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
Action: As soon as you know your travel dates and desired flights, pick up the phone! Don't wait until you've booked your own ticket – some sources even suggest calling before you book your human ticket to confirm space.
Southwest Airlines Customer Service Number: You can usually find this on their official website under "Contact Us." A common number is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
When you call, be ready to provide your flight details (dates, origin, destination). The representative will be able to tell you if there are any pet slots left on your desired flight. If there are no slots, you might need to adjust your travel dates or consider alternative airlines.
Step 2: Book Your Human Ticket (If You Haven't Already!)
Once you've confirmed that your desired flight has availability for a pet (or you've found a flight that does), it's time to secure your own seat!
Sub-heading: Secure Your Spot First
Action: Go ahead and book your passenger ticket through the Southwest Airlines website, their mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Why this order? While some resources suggest calling to check pet availability before booking, generally, you'll need a confirmed human reservation before you can officially add your pet to it. The initial call is more to gauge if that flight is even a possibility for pet travel.
Step 3: The Crucial Call: Adding Your Pet to Your Reservation
Now that your flight is booked and you've confirmed pet space, it's time to make the official pet reservation.
Sub-heading: Dialing for Doggos (or Kitties!)
Action: Call Southwest Airlines Customer Service again.
Be Ready With:
Your confirmation number for your flight.
Your pet's species (dog or cat).
Your pet's breed.
Your pet's weight.
The Confirmation: The representative will add your pet to your reservation. They'll also inform you about the current pet fee (as of current data, it's typically $125 each way for mainland U.S. flights, but prices are subject to change, so always confirm with the agent).
Important Note on Payment: You will not pay the pet fee over the phone. The pet fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During the Call
The agent will likely reiterate some key policies, such as the carrier requirements and the fact that your pet must remain in the carrier. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have during this call – it's your opportunity to get clarity straight from the source.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Step 4: Prepare Your Pet and Carrier: The Comfort and Compliance Check
This is where you get to ensure your pet's journey is as comfortable and stress-free as possible while adhering to Southwest's strict carrier guidelines. Comfort and safety are paramount!
Sub-heading: Carrier Conformance: Size and Specifications
Southwest has specific requirements for pet carriers. Your pet's comfort is directly tied to a compliant carrier.
Dimensions: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. While Southwest sells its own branded carrier (17” L x 10” W x 9.5” H), generally accepted maximum dimensions for your own carrier are around 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Always double-check the latest dimensions on Southwest's official website before purchasing a carrier.
Type: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally permitted, as long as they meet the size requirements. Soft-sided carriers often offer more flexibility for fitting under the seat.
Ventilation: The carrier must be well-ventilated on at least three sides.
Leak-Proof: The bottom of the carrier must be leak-proof and have absorbent material inside (e.g., a puppy pad).
Space for Pet: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier. No part of your pet should extend out of the carrier.
Secure: The carrier should have secure fasteners (e.g., heavy-duty zippers) to prevent accidental escape.
Sub-heading: Acclimating Your Pet to the Carrier
This is a critical step for your pet's well-being! Introduce your pet to the carrier several weeks before your flight.
Tips for Acclimation:
Leave the carrier open in an accessible area of your home.
Place familiar blankets, toys, or treats inside.
Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily.
Feed your pet meals inside the carrier.
Practice closing the carrier for short periods, gradually increasing the duration.
Take your pet on short car rides in the carrier to simulate movement.
Sub-heading: Pre-Flight Preparations for Your Pet
Hydration and Food: Consult your vet about feeding schedules before the flight. Generally, avoid giving your pet a large meal right before travel to prevent an upset stomach. Offer water, but don't over-hydrate.
Exercise: A tired pet is a calmer pet! Ensure your dog or cat gets plenty of exercise before heading to the airport.
Potty Breaks: Take your pet for a final potty break right before leaving for the airport and utilize designated pet relief areas at the airport.
Calming Aids: If your pet is prone to anxiety, discuss calming aids or mild sedatives with your veterinarian well in advance of your trip. Never administer medication without veterinary guidance.
Step 5: Day of Travel: Airport Procedures
The big day is here! Be prepared for the airport experience with your pet.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early: The Pet Check-in Advantage
Action: 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 crucial for completing the necessary steps.
Why early? You cannot bypass the ticket counter.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter Check-in and Pet Fee Payment
Action: Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter (not curbside check-in).
Verification: A Southwest agent will verify your pet and carrier meet the requirements. They might ask your pet to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
Payment: This is where you will pay the non-refundable pet fee with an accepted credit card.
Pet Tag: Once payment and verification are complete, you'll receive a special pet tag for your carrier. Keep this visible!
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint with Your Pet
Action: Proceed to the TSA security checkpoint.
Out of Carrier: You will need to remove your pet from its carrier and carry it through the metal detector. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine.
Remain in Control: Keep your pet securely in your arms or on a leash (if safe and permitted by TSA) during this process.
After Security: Once through, immediately place your pet back into its carrier. Your pet must remain in the carrier at all times in the gate area.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard Etiquette
Boarding Group: You will board with your assigned boarding group.
Seat Selection: You cannot sit in an exit row seat or any seat that does not have under-seat stowage in front of it. Look for seats with ample space. A window seat is often preferable to minimize disruption.
Under the Seat: Once onboard, immediately stow your pet carrier under the seat in front of you. Your pet must remain in the carrier, under the seat, for the entire duration of the flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Disruptive Behavior: Southwest reserves the right to deny transportation to pets exhibiting disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, urinating/defecating in the cabin). Ensure your pet is calm and quiet.
Step 6: Arrival and Beyond: A Successful Landing!
Congratulations! You and your furry travel companion have made it.
Sub-heading: Deplaning and Pet Relief
Remain in Carrier: Keep your pet in the carrier until you are clear of the aircraft and in a designated airport area.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Use these as soon as possible after deplaning. Check the airport's website or app for locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQs to help you navigate traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines:
How to Confirm Pet Availability on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
You must call Southwest Airlines Customer Service directly to confirm pet availability on your desired flight. This cannot be done online.
How to Pay the Pet Fee on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel, using an accepted credit card. You cannot pay it in advance online or over the phone.
How to Choose the Right Pet Carrier for Southwest?
The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allow your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. It must also fit under the seat in front of you, with typical maximum dimensions around 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H.
How to Prepare My Pet for a Southwest Flight?
Acclimate your pet to its carrier weeks in advance, provide plenty of exercise before the flight, avoid large meals right before travel, and use airport pet relief areas. Consult your vet about any anxiety concerns.
How to Handle Security with a Pet on Southwest?
At the security checkpoint, you must 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 Select a Seat When Flying with a Pet on Southwest?
You cannot sit in an exit row or any seat without under-seat stowage. A window seat is often recommended for better space and less disruption.
How to Travel with Two Small Pets on Southwest?
You can bring up to two small, same-species cats or dogs in one pet carrier, as long as they can comfortably stand, turn, and lie down together within the carrier, and the carrier meets all size requirements.
How to Change a Pet Reservation on Southwest Airlines?
If you need to change your flight after adding a pet, you will likely need to call Southwest Airlines customer service. Online modifications might be restricted once a pet is added.
How to Get a Refund for a Southwest Pet Fee?
The pet fee is refundable if you cancel your reservation. You would typically need to call Southwest customer service to process the cancellation and refund.
How to Travel with a Service Animal vs. a Pet on Southwest?
Trained service dogs (only dogs are recognized as service animals by Southwest) have different policies and are not subject to pet fees or carrier requirements. Emotional support animals are now generally treated as pets under Southwest's standard pet policy. For service animals, specific U.S. DOT forms are required, usually 48 hours in advance.
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