Can You Fly Your Furry Friend on Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide!
Are you dreaming of your next getaway but can't bear the thought of leaving your beloved dog behind? Traveling with pets can seem daunting, especially with varying airline policies. So, the burning question is: Can you fly dogs on Southwest Airlines? The good news is, yes, you absolutely can! However, there are some important rules and guidelines you need to follow to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your canine companion.
Let's dive into the details, step by step, to make your Southwest pet travel plans a breeze!
Step 1: Are You and Your Dog Ready for the Adventure?
Before you even think about booking a ticket, let's start with a crucial self-assessment! Are you and your dog truly prepared for air travel? This isn't just about airline rules; it's about your pet's comfort and well-being.
Sub-heading: Considering Your Dog's Temperament and Health
Is your dog generally calm and well-behaved in new environments? A hyper or anxious dog might find the airport and airplane environment incredibly stressful.
Can your dog comfortably stay in a carrier for several hours? Southwest requires your dog to remain in their carrier under the seat for the entire flight, from the gate area through deplaning.
Is your dog at least 8 weeks old and vaccinated? Southwest only accepts small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs that are at least eight weeks old.
Have you consulted your veterinarian? A quick check-up before travel can ensure your dog is healthy enough for the journey and address any potential concerns. While Southwest doesn't require a health certificate for pets on most domestic flights, it's always a good idea for your peace of mind and your pet's safety.
If you have any doubts about your dog's ability to handle the travel, it might be better to consider alternative arrangements, like a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility. Your pet's comfort comes first!
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's General Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Southwest Airlines has a clear policy for pet travel, focusing primarily on in-cabin transportation. They do NOT transport pets as checked baggage or cargo. This is a critical point to remember.
Sub-heading: Who Can Fly and Where
Small, Vaccinated Domestic Cats and Dogs: These are the only animals accepted for in-cabin travel.
Domestic Flights Only: Pets are permitted on domestic flights within the United States. Southwest does not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries.
One Pet Carrier Per Ticketed Customer: Each passenger can bring one pet carrier.
Maximum Two Pets Per Carrier: You can have no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog in a single carrier, provided they can comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down.
Unaccompanied Minors Cannot Travel with a Pet: An adult must accompany the pet.
Sub-heading: The All-Important Pet Carrier Requirements
This is where many travelers encounter issues, so pay close attention! Your pet carrier must meet specific dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: The carrier dimensions generally should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H). While Southwest offers its own branded carrier (17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H), you can use any carrier that meets these maximum dimensions.
Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided: Both types are generally accepted, as long as they meet the size requirements.
Ventilation and Leak-Proof: The carrier must be well-ventilated and have a leak-proof bottom to contain any accidents.
Pet Comfort: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier without touching the top. This is crucial for their well-being during the flight.
Counts as Carry-On: Your pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you can bring your pet carrier AND either another personal item OR a standard carry-on bag.
Step 3: Making Your Pet's Reservation
Unlike human tickets, you cannot book your pet's spot online. This requires a direct call to Southwest Airlines.
Call Southwest Airlines: To make a reservation for your pet, you'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Limited Availability: Southwest limits the number of pet carriers allowed on each flight (typically up to six, but this can vary). Pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's highly recommended to call and reserve your pet's spot as early as possible after booking your own ticket.
Confirm Space: When you call, the representative will be able to confirm if there is space available for your pet on your desired flight.
Step 4: Understanding the Pet Fare
Yes, flying your dog on Southwest comes with a fee.
Pet Fare: The current Pet Fare is $95 each way per pet carrier. This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel.
Refundable: The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled.
Step 5: Day of Travel - Airport Procedures
The day of travel requires a bit of extra planning and adherence to rules to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Sub-heading: Checking In with Your Dog
Airport Ticket Counter: You must check in with your pet at the airport ticket counter. This is where you'll pay the pet fare with an accepted credit card.
Security Checkpoint: At the security checkpoint, you will be required to remove your dog from the carrier and carry them through the screening device. The empty carrier will then go through the X-ray machine like other carry-on bags. Your pet must remain in your control during this process.
Pets in Carrier at All Times: Once you are past security and in the gate area, and for the entire duration of the flight (including boarding and deplaning), your pet must remain secured inside their carrier. Failure to comply can result in denial of transportation.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard Etiquette
Boarding Group: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
Seating Restrictions: Due to safety regulations, passengers with pets cannot sit in an emergency exit row or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of them. The pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Disruptive Behavior: Pets exhibiting disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, scratching, urinating/defecating in the cabin or gate area) may be denied boarding. Ensure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Plan to arrive with enough time to utilize these areas before boarding, as flights will not be held for pet relief.
Step 6: Special Considerations: Service Dogs vs. Pets
It's crucial to distinguish between a pet and a trained service dog, as their travel policies are significantly different.
Sub-heading: Trained Service Dogs
Southwest Airlines does welcome fully trained service dogs. These dogs are individually trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability.
Only Dogs: Dogs are the only trained service animals Southwest accepts.
No Fee: Trained service dogs fly free of charge.
No Carrier Required (Generally): Service dogs are not required to remain in a carrier if they can sit at your feet or in your lap (if no larger than a child under two years old) without blocking exits or aisles.
Documentation: You will need to present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate on your day of travel. This form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket.
Control and Behavior: Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you at all times and trained to behave and be under your control. Disruptive behavior can lead to refusal of transportation.
Seating: Service dogs cannot occupy an emergency exit seat, block exits, extend into the aisle, occupy an aircraft seat, or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
International/Hawaii/Puerto Rico: Acceptance restrictions and documentation requirements for trained service dogs may vary when traveling to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally. You are responsible for complying with all destination-specific laws and requirements.
Sub-heading: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Important Note: As of January 2021, due to changes in U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Southwest Airlines no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. This means ESAs now fall under Southwest's standard pet policy and must comply with all pet requirements, including carrier rules and the pet fare.
Step 7: Preparing Your Dog for the Flight
Even with all the rules understood, preparation is key to a comfortable experience for your dog.
Familiarize Your Dog with the Carrier: Weeks before your trip, help your dog get comfortable with their carrier. Make it a positive space with treats, toys, and short periods of confinement.
Exercise Before the Flight: A tired dog is a good traveler! Take your dog for a long walk or play session before heading to the airport to help them expend energy.
Limit Food and Water: Don't overfeed your dog before the flight. Offer a small meal a few hours before departure. Provide water right before you enter the airport, and consider a small amount of ice chips in a bowl inside the carrier during the flight for hydration, but be mindful of potential accidents.
Potty Breaks: Ensure your dog has ample opportunities to relieve themselves before entering the terminal and before boarding the plane.
Bring Comfort Items: Include a favorite blanket or toy in the carrier to provide familiarity and comfort.
Stay Calm Yourself: Dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions. If you're stressed, your dog will likely pick up on it. Remain calm and reassuring.
Step 8: Post-Flight Considerations
Once you've landed, remember your dog's needs.
Immediate Potty Break: Locate the nearest pet relief area as soon as you deplane.
Hydration and Food: Offer water and a small amount of food if your dog seems hungry.
Monitor for Stress: Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of prolonged stress or anxiety after the flight. Give them time to decompress.
By following these comprehensive steps, you can significantly increase the chances of a smooth and enjoyable travel experience with your dog on Southwest Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flying Dogs on Southwest Airlines
How to book a dog on Southwest Airlines?
You must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation. Pet reservations cannot be made online.
How to pay the pet fare on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fare of $95 each way per pet carrier must be paid at the airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card on your day of travel.
How to ensure my pet carrier meets Southwest's requirements?
Your pet carrier must be a maximum of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H), well-ventilated, leak-proof, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
How to travel with more than one dog on Southwest Airlines?
You can bring no more than two small dogs of the same species in a single carrier, provided they fit comfortably. You are limited to one pet carrier per ticketed customer.
How to handle security checks with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the empty carrier is X-rayed.
How to get a refund for my pet fare on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled.
How to know if my dog is too big to fly in-cabin on Southwest Airlines?
If your dog cannot comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down in a carrier that meets the maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H), then they are too large for in-cabin travel on Southwest.
How to fly with a service dog on Southwest Airlines?
Trained service dogs require a completed U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. They fly for free and are generally not required to be in a carrier if they behave appropriately and can fit at your feet or lap without obstructing anything.
How to prepare my dog for the flight on Southwest Airlines?
Familiarize your dog with their carrier, provide ample exercise before the flight, limit food and water beforehand, take frequent potty breaks, and bring comfort items to help them stay calm.
How to find pet relief areas at Southwest Airlines airports?
Most airports Southwest serves have designated pet relief areas. Check the airport's website or ask a Southwest representative upon arrival for directions to these areas.
