So, you're planning a trip and want to bring your furry best friend along on Southwest Airlines? That's fantastic! Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth journey for both of you. Southwest has a specific pet policy for in-cabin travel, and understanding it thoroughly is your first step to a stress-free adventure.
Let's dive into everything you need to know, step-by-step, to take your dog on Southwest Airlines!
Step 1: Are You and Your Dog Ready for the Adventure?
Before you even think about booking tickets, let's consider if flying is the right choice for your canine companion. Flying can be stressful for some dogs, especially those prone to anxiety or with certain health conditions.
Consider Your Dog's Temperament: Is your dog generally calm, adaptable, and comfortable in new environments and confined spaces? Dogs that are prone to barking, whining, or destructive behavior may find the flight overwhelming, and Southwest has the right to deny boarding for disruptive animals.
Health Check-Up: While Southwest doesn't require a health certificate for domestic pet travel, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before flying. They can assess your dog's overall health, discuss any potential risks, and offer advice on how to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Ensure your dog is at least 8 weeks old and fully vaccinated.
Carrier Acclimation: Can your dog comfortably stay in a carrier for several hours? Start acclimating them to their carrier well in advance. Make it a positive space with treats and toys. This will significantly reduce their stress on travel day.
If you've considered these points and feel your dog is a good candidate for air travel, then let's move on to the practicalities!
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| How Do You Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Pet Policy: The Core Rules
Southwest Airlines has a clear policy for in-cabin pet travel. Unlike some airlines, Southwest only accepts small domestic cats and dogs in the cabin. They do not transport pets in cargo.
2.1: Who Can Fly?
Species: Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are permitted.
Age: Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
Destination Restrictions: Pets are not allowed on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries. They are allowed on flights between Hawaiian Islands. For travel to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply, so always double-check.
2.2: The Pet Carrier – Your Dog's Travel Pod
This is arguably the most critical aspect of flying with your dog on Southwest. Your pet's carrier is their personal space during the flight and must meet strict requirements.
Under-Seat Stowage: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. This is non-negotiable.
Dimensions: Southwest has a recommended pet carrier with dimensions of 17" L x 9.5" H x 11" W. While they state other carriers can be used, they must have maximum dimensions of 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. Always measure your carrier carefully!
Comfort and Movement: Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around with ease inside the carrier. They must be entirely contained within the carrier at all times.
Ventilation: The carrier must be well-ventilated on at least three sides.
Leak-Proof: The carrier must have a leak-proof bottom. Lining it with absorbent pee pads is highly recommended.
Soft-sided or Hard-sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally accepted, as long as they meet the size and other requirements.
Counted 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 a personal item or a regular-sized carry-on bag.
2.3: Fees and Reservations
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Pet Fare: The fee for bringing your pet is $95 each way per pet carrier. This fee is non-refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Payment: The pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card on the day of travel.
Reservations are a MUST: Southwest limits the number of pet carriers per flight (generally to six, excluding service animals, though this can vary). It's absolutely crucial to make a reservation for your pet in advance by calling Southwest Airlines. Do this as soon as your flight is booked to secure a spot!
Step 3: Booking Your Flight and Making Pet Reservations
You've done your research, your dog is ready, and you understand the rules. Now, let's book that trip!
3.1: Booking Your Human Ticket
Go to Southwest.com or use their app to book your flight as usual. Remember, pets are only allowed on domestic flights within the U.S. and to/from Puerto Rico, and interisland Hawaii flights.
3.2: Calling Southwest for Your Pet's Reservation
This is paramount! Once your flight is booked, immediately call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation.
Inform the representative that you wish to travel with a pet in the cabin. They will check for availability on your specific flight.
Be prepared to provide your confirmation number and details about your pet.
3.3: Seat Selection Considerations
Southwest has open seating, but if you're traveling with a pet, you cannot sit in an exit row or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of it. Aim for a window seat, if possible, as it can offer a bit more privacy and reduce distractions for your dog.
Since you're boarding with your assigned group, if you want to increase your chances of getting a desirable seat, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or aiming for a high boarding group by checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight.
Step 4: Preparing for Travel Day: The Essentials
The day is approaching! Here's how to ensure a smooth journey.
4.1: Packing for Your Pup
Absorbent Pads: Line the carrier with absorbent pads and bring several extras in a Ziploc bag for soiled ones.
Small Blanket/Toy: Include a familiar, small blanket or toy that smells like home. This can provide comfort.
Treats: Bring a small bag of your dog's favorite treats for positive reinforcement.
Collapsible Water Bowl: A collapsible water bowl is handy for pre-flight hydration.
Waste Bags: Always have plenty on hand.
Medication (if applicable): If your vet has prescribed any calming medication, ensure you have it readily accessible. Never give your dog sedatives without veterinary consultation.
Leash and Collar/Harness: You'll need these for airport relief areas.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
4.2: Pre-Flight Routine
Exercise Your Dog: Give your dog a good, long walk and playtime before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calm dog!
Limit Food and Water: A few hours before the flight, limit food and water intake to minimize the chances of accidents. You can offer a small amount of water right before entering the airport.
Potty Break at the Airport: Utilize the designated pet relief areas at the airport before you go through security. Southwest will not hold a flight for you to take your pet out for a potty break.
Step 5: At the Airport and Onboard
Travel day! Stay calm and follow these steps.
5.1: Check-in and Paying the Pet Fare
Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. You must pay the $95 pet fare here with a credit card.
The agent will confirm your pet reservation and ensure your carrier meets the requirements.
5.2: Security Checkpoint
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from the carrier. You'll hold your dog (or they will walk through on a leash if it's a service animal) while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
All pet carriers are subject to being searched.
5.3: Gate Area and Boarding
Keep Your Dog in the Carrier: Your pet must remain secured in their carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding, deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to do so can result in denial of transportation.
Boarding Group: You will board with your assigned boarding group. Flying with a pet does not grant you priority boarding.
Disruptive Behavior: If your dog exhibits disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, urinating/defecating), they may be denied boarding.
5.4: Onboard the Aircraft
Stowage: Once onboard, immediately stow your pet carrier under the seat in front of you. It must remain there for the entire flight, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
No Exit Rows: As a reminder, you cannot sit in an exit row.
Comfort: While it might be tempting to take your dog out for a peek, do not remove your dog from the carrier during the flight. This is a strict safety regulation. You can discreetly offer a treat or reassure them through the carrier's mesh.
Do not place the carrier on your lap or on an unoccupied seat.
Step 6: Arrival and Beyond
Congratulations, you and your furry friend made it!
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Deplaning: Keep your dog in their carrier until you are safely off the aircraft and in the terminal.
Relief Area: Locate the nearest pet relief area at your arrival airport for your dog to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Post-Flight Check: Once you're settled, check on your dog. Offer water and a small meal if they seem ready. Give them plenty of praise and affection for a job well done!
Traveling with your dog on Southwest Airlines can be a fantastic way to include them in your adventures. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you'll set yourselves up for a successful and enjoyable journey.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to book a pet on Southwest Airlines?
You cannot book a pet online. After you book your own flight, you must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation and secure a spot, as pet capacity is limited per flight.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
The carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you (max dimensions typically 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H), be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
The $95 one-way pet fee must be paid at the Southwest Airlines airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card on the day of your travel.
How to prepare your dog for flying on Southwest Airlines?
Acclimate your dog to their carrier well in advance, ensure they are well-exercised before the flight, limit food and water intake a few hours before departure, and utilize airport pet relief areas for a potty break before going through security.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
How to go through security at the airport with your dog on Southwest?
At the TSA checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from their carrier and carry them through the screening device, while the empty carrier is X-rayed.
How to ensure your dog is comfortable during the Southwest flight?
Ensure the carrier is appropriately sized and comfortable. While on the plane, your dog must remain in the carrier under the seat in front of you. You can offer soft reassurance or quiet treats through the carrier.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when flying Southwest?
Most major airports have designated pet relief areas both before and after security. Check the airport's website or use an airport map to locate them upon arrival.
How to handle a dog that barks or whines during a Southwest flight?
If your dog starts barking or whining, try to comfort them quietly through the carrier. Southwest may deny boarding or remove a disruptive animal if their behavior becomes excessive or poses a threat.
How to know if your dog is eligible to fly on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest only accepts small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs (at least 8 weeks old) in the cabin. They do not accept pets in cargo, other animal species, or on international flights/flights to/from Hawaii (interisland Hawaii flights are allowed).
How to manage your baggage allowance when flying with a pet on Southwest?
Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you can bring your pet carrier along with one additional item (either a personal item or a carry-on bag).
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