Are you wondering if your beloved Pitbull can join you on your next Southwest Airlines adventure? It's a common question, and one that requires a thorough understanding of airline policies. While the idea of your furry companion "flying" might conjure up images of a superhero dog soaring through the skies, the reality for pet travel is a bit more grounded.
Let's dive into the specifics of Southwest Airlines' pet policy and how it applies to all dog breeds, including Pitbulls, whether they are cherished pets or trained service animals.
The Ground Rules: Southwest Airlines and Pets
Southwest Airlines, like most carriers, has specific regulations for animals traveling in the cabin. The good news is that Southwest does not ban specific breeds, including Pitbulls, as pets. The key factor is size and whether your pet meets the criteria for in-cabin travel.
Step 1: Can Your Pitbull Be a "Carry-On" Pet? Let's Find Out!
This is the most crucial step for pet parents. Southwest Airlines only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. They do not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Sub-heading: Size Matters – Does Your Pitbull Fit?
The biggest hurdle for many Pitbull owners, when considering Southwest, is the size requirement. Your dog must fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Carrier Dimensions: Southwest has specific dimensions for pet carriers. Their own branded carrier is 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H. If you're using your own carrier, it generally must be no larger than 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H.
Comfort is Key: Your Pitbull must be able to stand up and turn around easily inside the carrier. If your dog is too large for these dimensions, even if they're a "small" Pitbull, they won't be able to fly as a carry-on pet.
Take a moment right now and measure your Pitbull, then measure a pet carrier that adheres to these dimensions. Can they comfortably fit inside? Be honest with yourself – forcing a dog into a too-small carrier is not only against policy but also incredibly stressful for your pet.
Step 2: Understanding the "Pet" vs. "Service Animal" Distinction
This is where a lot of confusion arises, especially with the recent changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Sub-heading: Pets – Your Beloved Companion
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
If your Pitbull is simply your furry family member and not specifically trained to perform a task for a disability, they are considered a pet. This means they must adhere to all the rules outlined in Step 1, including the carrier size and fee.
Cost: The pet fare on Southwest Airlines is $95 each way per pet carrier. This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter.
Limited Space: Southwest limits the number of pet carriers allowed per flight, usually to six. Reservations for pets are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's essential to call Southwest Airlines (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) to make a reservation for your pet well in advance after you've booked your own ticket.
Age and Vaccination: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and vaccinated.
In-Cabin Only: Remember, pets are only allowed in the cabin and must remain in their carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to comply can result in denial of transportation.
Sub-heading: Service Animals – Working Dogs with Specific Rights
The rules are significantly different for trained service animals. A service animal is a dog (only dogs are recognized as service animals under DOT regulations as of 2021) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
No Breed Restriction for Service Animals: Southwest Airlines, like all airlines, cannot prohibit a service animal based solely on its breed. This means a Pitbull, if properly trained as a service animal, is welcome.
No Fee, No Carrier Required (with exceptions): Trained service animals fly free of charge and are generally not required to be in a carrier if they can be accommodated at their handler's feet without encroaching on another passenger's space or the aisle. However, if the service animal is larger than a child under two years old and cannot fit in your foot space, you might need to purchase an additional seat.
Documentation: You will be required to complete and submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Southwest may require this form to be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight if you booked in advance.
Behavior is Paramount: Service animals must be under the handler's control at all times and exhibit appropriate behavior. Disruptive behavior (excessive barking, growling, lunging, urinating/defecating in inappropriate areas) can lead to denial of boarding.
Important Note on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): As of January 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer considers Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. This means if your Pitbull is an ESA, they will be treated as a pet and must follow all the pet policies outlined above (size, carrier, fee).
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Step 3: Preparing for Your Flight – The Nitty-Gritty Details
Once you've determined if your Pitbull can fly (as a pet or service animal), it's time to get ready for travel.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Sub-heading: Booking and Reservations
Book Your Ticket First: Always book your own passenger ticket first.
Call Southwest for Pet Reservation: Immediately after booking your ticket, call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation. Remember, space is limited!
Service Animal Notification: If traveling with a service animal, you can notify Southwest in advance through the "Special Assistance" link online or by calling. Ensure your DOT form is completed and ready.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
Ticket Counter Check-in for Pets: For pets, you must check in at the airport ticket counter to pay the pet fare.
Security Checkpoint: At the security checkpoint, you'll need to hold your Pitbull while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. All carriers are subject to search.
Pet Relief Areas: Familiarize yourself with the location of pet relief areas at your departure and arrival airports. Southwest will not "hold" a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.
Boarding: Customers traveling with pets board with their assigned boarding group.
Sub-heading: Onboard the Aircraft
Carrier Stowed: If your Pitbull is a pet, their carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you for the entire duration of the flight.
No Exit Rows or Bulkhead: Passengers traveling with pets or service animals generally cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats (as bulkhead rows typically don't have under-seat storage).
Comfort for All: Ensure your Pitbull is well-behaved and as calm as possible. A tired dog is often a calmer traveler, so a good walk before the airport is recommended!
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| Can Pitbulls Fly On Southwest Airlines |
FAQs: How to Successfully Fly with Your Pitbull on Southwest Airlines
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate flying with your Pitbull on Southwest, starting with "How to":
1. How to determine if my Pitbull is too big to fly as a pet on Southwest? Quick Answer: Measure your Pitbull's height, length, and width while standing comfortably. Compare these to the maximum carrier dimensions of 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around naturally within these limits. If they cannot, they are too big for in-cabin pet travel on Southwest.
2. How to make a reservation for my pet Pitbull on a Southwest flight? Quick Answer: After you've booked your own flight, immediately call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation. Pet space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. How to know the exact cost of flying my Pitbull as a pet on Southwest? Quick Answer: The pet fare for Southwest Airlines is $95 each way per pet carrier. This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter when you check in.
4. How to prepare my Pitbull's carrier for the flight on Southwest? Quick Answer: Ensure the carrier is soft-sided or hard-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated. It must meet Southwest's size requirements (max 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H) and allow your Pitbull to stand and turn around comfortably.
5. How to ensure my Pitbull behaves well during the flight? Quick Answer: Acclimate your Pitbull to their carrier well in advance of the trip. Provide plenty of exercise before heading to the airport. During the flight, minimize interaction and keep them secured in their carrier to reduce stress for both your dog and other passengers.
6. How to identify if my Pitbull qualifies as a service animal for Southwest? Quick Answer: Your Pitbull qualifies as a service animal if they are individually trained to perform a specific task directly related to your disability. Emotional support alone does not qualify them as a service animal under DOT regulations.
7. How to complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form for Southwest? Quick Answer: The form can usually be found on Southwest's website under their Special Assistance or Service Animal policy. Fill it out completely and accurately, attesting to your disability-related need for the service animal and their training and behavior. Submit it at least 48 hours in advance if possible.
8. How to navigate the security checkpoint with my Pitbull on Southwest? Quick Answer: At the TSA checkpoint, you will need to remove your Pitbull from their carrier and carry them through the metal detector. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine.
9. How to find pet relief areas at Southwest-served airports? Quick Answer: Most major airports have designated pet relief areas. You can typically find these marked on airport maps, or by asking airport staff upon arrival. Plan your time accordingly as flights will not be held.
10. How to handle a situation if my Pitbull acts disruptively at the airport or on the plane? Quick Answer: Southwest Airlines reserves the right to deny transportation to any animal, including service animals, that exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior. If your Pitbull is showing signs of stress or aggression, immediately work to calm them, or be prepared that they may be denied boarding. Prevention through proper training and pre-flight exercise is key.
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