So, you're planning a trip and want to bring your furry feline friend along on Southwest Airlines? That's paws-itively understandable! Traveling with a pet can be a bit daunting, but with the right information and a step-by-step approach, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your cat. Let's dive in!
How Much to Bring a Cat on Southwest Airlines: Your Comprehensive Guide
Bringing your cat on Southwest Airlines involves more than just the monetary cost; it encompasses careful planning, adhering to specific regulations, and ensuring your cat's comfort and safety. This guide will walk you through every essential detail.
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| How Much To Bring A Cat On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You and Your Cat Ready for This Adventure?
Before you even think about booking tickets, let's address the most crucial question: Is flying the right choice for your cat?
Consider your cat's temperament: Is your cat generally calm and adaptable, or does it get stressed easily in new environments or confined spaces? A highly anxious cat might find air travel incredibly traumatic, even in the cabin.
Consult your veterinarian: This is an absolutely critical first step. Discuss your travel plans with your vet. They can advise on your cat's health, any necessary vaccinations (though Southwest doesn't require a health certificate, it's always wise to ensure your cat is up-to-date), and potential calming remedies or strategies for travel. They might suggest pheromone sprays or very mild sedatives, but always follow professional advice.
Practice with the carrier: Get your cat accustomed to its carrier well in advance of your travel date. Leave the carrier open with treats or toys inside, making it a positive and familiar space. This can significantly reduce stress on travel day.
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Cat Travel Policy and Costs
Southwest Airlines has specific rules and a set fee for traveling with pets. Knowing these upfront will prevent any surprises at the airport.
2.1 The Southwest Airlines Pet Fare
Cost: As of current information, the Southwest Airlines pet fare is $125 each way per pet carrier for U.S. Mainland flights.
Note: For travel between Hawaiian Islands, the fee is $35 each way per pet carrier.
Payment: The pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card. You cannot pay this fee online in advance.
Refundability: The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
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2.2 In-Cabin Only: No Cargo for Cats on Southwest!
Crucially, Southwest Airlines does not accept pets as cargo or checked baggage. Your cat must travel with you in the cabin, stowed under the seat in front of you. This is a significant difference from many other airlines and can be a huge relief for pet owners who prefer to keep their companions close.
2.3 Pet Type and Age Restrictions
Southwest Airlines only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin.
Your cat must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
No other types of pets (like birds, rabbits, or rodents) are permitted.
Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
2.4 Carrier Requirements: The Small but Mighty Space
This is where precise measurements come into play! Your cat's carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: The maximum carrier dimensions must not exceed 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H).
Tip: Southwest also offers an official pet carrier with dimensions of 17” (L) x 11” (W) x 9.5” (H), which is guaranteed to fit.
Carrier Type: Carriers can be soft-sided or hard-sided, but they must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
Comfort for Your Cat: Your cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease. This is vital for their comfort and safety during the flight. Do not try to squeeze a cat into a carrier that is too small.
Carry-on Item: Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you'll need to plan your other luggage accordingly. You can board with either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag.
Step 3: Making Your Cat's Reservation
You can't just show up at the airport with your cat and expect them to fly. Space for pets is limited!
3.1 Limited Capacity: Book Early!
Southwest Airlines limits the number of pet carriers allowed on each flight. While they generally state a limit of six pet carriers per flight, this can sometimes vary.
Pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to book your cat's spot well in advance!
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
3.2 How to Reserve Your Cat's Travel
Call Southwest Airlines: You cannot book pet travel online. You'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Book Your Flight First: It's recommended to book your own flight first, then call to add your pet to your existing reservation.
Provide Information: When you call, the representative will ask for your pet's name, breed, and weight.
Step 4: Pre-Travel Preparations for a Purr-fect Journey
Once your reservations are confirmed, it's time to get everything ready for the big day.
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4.1 Health and Wellness Checks
Vet Visit (Highly Recommended): Even though Southwest doesn't require a health certificate, a pre-flight vet check ensures your cat is healthy enough to travel. Discuss any concerns you have, such as motion sickness or anxiety.
Vaccinations: While Southwest doesn't explicitly require vaccination records at check-in, it's a good practice to ensure your cat is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, especially rabies. Keep a copy of their vaccination records with you, just in case.
4.2 Carrier Familiarization and Comfort
Acclimation is Key: As mentioned, spend time getting your cat comfortable with the carrier. Place treats, toys, and a familiar blanket inside.
Lining the Carrier: Use an absorbent pad or a small towel at the bottom of the carrier in case of accidents.
Familiar Scents: Place an old t-shirt or blanket with your scent in the carrier to provide comfort.
4.3 Food and Water Considerations
Limited Food Before Flight: It's generally advised to limit your cat's food intake a few hours before the flight to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.
Hydration: Offer water right before heading to the airport. You can also attach a small water dispenser to the inside of the carrier, but be mindful of potential spills.
No Food or Water During Flight (Generally): Pets must remain in their carriers for the entire flight, so feeding or watering them during the flight itself isn't practical or usually permitted.
Step 5: Airport Day: Smooth Sailing for You and Your Cat
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
The day of travel requires a bit of extra time and attention.
5.1 Arriving at the Airport
Allow Extra Time: Southwest suggests arriving at least two hours but no more than four hours before your scheduled flight if you're traveling with your pet. This gives you ample time for check-in, security, and any last-minute needs.
Ticket Counter First: You must go to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to check in with your cat and pay the pet fare. The agent will verify that your pet and carrier meet the requirements.
5.2 Security Checkpoint Procedures
Hold Your Cat: At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your cat from its carrier and hold it while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Your cat must remain leashed and under your control during this process.
Carrier X-Rayed: The empty carrier will be X-rayed, just like your other bags.
5.3 At the Gate and Onboard
Keep Your Cat Secured: Your cat must remain secured in its pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to comply can result in your pet being denied transportation.
Boarding: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
Seat Restrictions: You cannot sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of you when traveling with a pet.
Under-Seat Stowage: The carrier must be stowed completely under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
Step 6: Post-Flight: Settling In
Congratulations, you and your cat have arrived!
Give Them Space: Once you've arrived at your destination, give your cat some quiet time to decompress in a safe, enclosed space.
Food and Water: Offer food and water as soon as you're in a secure location.
Litter Box Access: Provide immediate access to a litter box.
Observe: Keep an eye on your cat for any signs of prolonged stress or illness after the journey. If concerns arise, contact a local veterinarian.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of flying with your cat on Southwest Airlines with confidence and ensure a safe and relatively stress-free experience for your beloved feline companion.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Travel with a Cat on Southwest Airlines
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to flying with your cat on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to book a flight with my cat on Southwest Airlines? You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your cat to your reservation. Pet travel cannot be booked online.
How to pay the pet fee for my cat on Southwest Airlines? The $125 (each way) pet fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel using a credit card.
How to find an approved pet carrier for Southwest Airlines? Look for soft or hard-sided carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Ensure it's leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allows your cat to stand and turn around comfortably. Southwest also sells its own approved carrier.
How to prepare my cat for a flight on Southwest Airlines? Acclimate your cat to its carrier well in advance, limit food intake a few hours before travel, and consider a vet visit to discuss any calming strategies or health concerns.
How to go through airport security with my cat on Southwest Airlines? You will need to remove your cat from its carrier and hold it while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Your cat must remain leashed and under your control.
How to ensure my cat is comfortable during the flight on Southwest Airlines? Ensure the carrier is appropriately sized, lined with an absorbent pad, and contains a familiar blanket or toy. The carrier must remain under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
How to know if my cat is too big to fly in-cabin on Southwest Airlines? Your cat must be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier without touching the top, and the carrier itself must fit completely under the seat (max 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H). If your cat doesn't fit comfortably, it cannot fly in-cabin.
How to handle bathroom needs for my cat during a Southwest Airlines flight? Pets must remain in their carriers for the entire flight. Ensure your cat has relieved itself before boarding and line the carrier with an absorbent pad in case of accidents. There are pet relief areas available in most airports.
How to know if Southwest Airlines allows my specific cat breed to fly? Southwest Airlines permits all small, vaccinated domestic cat breeds. There are no breed-specific restrictions for cats.
How to cancel my pet's travel reservation with Southwest Airlines? If you need to cancel your flight, the pet fare is refundable. Contact Southwest Airlines customer service to discuss changes or cancellations to your pet's reservation.
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