It's an exciting prospect to travel with your beloved canine companion, and Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly policies, can make that a reality for domestic flights! While they don't allow pets in cargo, they do welcome small, vaccinated domestic dogs (and cats) in the cabin. However, securing that spot for your furry friend requires a specific process. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth journey for you and your dog.
So, You Want to Fly with Your Best Friend on Southwest? Let's Get Started!
Are you dreaming of your dog curling up at your feet on your next Southwest adventure? Great! While it's certainly possible, there are a few important things to know upfront. Unlike booking your own ticket online, adding your dog requires a direct call to Southwest. This is because space is limited for in-cabin pets, and it's on a first-come, first-served basis. Getting this right from the start is key to avoiding disappointment.
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Pet Policy and Restrictions – The Essential Groundwork
Before you even think about calling, it's crucial to understand Southwest's specific rules. This will save you time and potential headaches down the line.
Sub-heading: Who Can Fly? (And Who Can't)
Small, Vaccinated Domestic Dogs and Cats Only: Southwest only permits small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats to travel in the cabin. No other types of animals are allowed as pets.
Age Requirement: Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unfortunately, unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
Destination Restrictions: Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries. Specific requirements may apply for flights to Puerto Rico. Always double-check destination-specific policies.
Health and Behavior: Southwest reserves the right to refuse transportation to any animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports. Your dog must be well-behaved and remain in their carrier at all times.
Sub-heading: The All-Important Pet Carrier
This is where many questions arise! Your dog's comfort and safety, as well as adherence to FAA regulations, depend on the right carrier.
Under-Seat Stowage is Key: Your pet carrier must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you. This is non-negotiable.
Dimensions: While Southwest also sells its own specific pet carrier (17'' L x 9.5'' H x 11'' W), other soft or hard-sided carriers are permitted with maximum dimensions of approximately 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. Always verify the latest dimensions on Southwest's official website or by calling them, as these can occasionally change.
Must Be Leak-Proof and Well-Ventilated: The carrier needs to be designed as a pet carrier, with adequate ventilation and a leak-proof bottom.
Comfort for Your Dog: Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease. This is critical for their well-being during the flight.
Carry-on Item: The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You can bring either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag.
One Carrier Per Customer: You are allowed one pet carrier per ticketed Customer.
Two of the Same Species: Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog, provided they fit comfortably and meet all other requirements.
Step 2: Book Your Own Flight – Get Yourself Settled First
Unlike adding a human companion to your booking, you'll need to secure your own seat before you can add your dog.
Choose Your Desired Flight: Go through the normal booking process on Southwest.com or via their app to select your flight dates, times, and destinations.
Consider Flight Length: Keep in mind that a long flight can be stressful for a pet confined to a carrier. Opt for direct flights if possible to minimize travel time and layovers.
Avoid Exit Rows: Passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of them. Keep this in mind when selecting your seat, though often, the airline will assign you a suitable seat if you've added a pet to your reservation.
Step 3: Call Southwest Airlines to Add Your Dog – The Crucial Reservation Step
This is the only way to reserve a spot for your dog on a Southwest flight. Do not try to add them online.
Dial the Dedicated Pet Line (or General Reservations): Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Inform the customer service representative that you wish to add a pet to an existing reservation.
Limited Space: Southwest typically allows a maximum of six pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals), on a first-come, first-served basis. This is why calling as soon as possible after booking your own ticket is highly recommended.
Provide Information: You will need your reservation details and potentially your dog's breed and weight (though a health certificate is generally not required for domestic pet travel with Southwest).
Confirmation: The representative will confirm if there is space available for your dog on your desired flight. If there is, they will add your dog's reservation to your booking. This is not the payment step yet.
Step 4: Understand the Pet Fare – Budgeting for Your Furry Friend
Flying with a pet on Southwest comes with a fee, and it's important to be aware of how and when it's paid.
Cost: The Pet Fare is generally $125 each way per pet carrier for U.S. Mainland flights. For inter-island Hawaii travel, it's $35 each way. These fees are subject to change, so always confirm the current rate when you call to book.
Payment at the Airport: The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel using an accepted credit card. You cannot pay this fee online in advance.
Refundable: The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Travel Day – Ensuring a Stress-Free Experience
The day of travel requires careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly for you and your dog.
Sub-heading: Pre-Flight Essentials
Familiarize Your Dog with the Carrier: In the days or weeks leading up to your flight, help your dog get comfortable with their carrier. Leave it open with treats and toys inside, and practice short periods of confinement.
Exercise Your Dog: A tired dog is a calm dog! Give your dog plenty of exercise before heading to the airport.
Limit Food and Water: Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before the flight. A small amount of water is fine, but be mindful of potential accidents.
Potty Break: Ensure your dog has a chance to relieve themselves right before entering the airport.
Pack Smart: Pack essentials for your dog in an easily accessible bag: leash, collar, small bag of food, a familiar toy, travel water bowl, and any necessary medications.
Identification: Make sure your dog has proper identification on their collar, including your contact information.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
Arrive Early: Since you need to pay the pet fare at the ticket counter, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time, especially if it's a busy travel day.
Ticket Counter Check-in: Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Inform the agent you are traveling with a pet. They will verify your pet and carrier meet the requirements and collect the pet fare. You'll receive a special tag for your pet carrier.
Security Checkpoint: At the TSA security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from the carrier. Hold your dog in your arms or on a leash while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Once the carrier is cleared, immediately place your dog back inside.
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Familiarize yourself with their locations at your departure and arrival airports.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard
Boarding Group: Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
Under the Seat: Once onboard, immediately place your pet carrier under the seat in front of you. It must remain there for the entire flight, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Stay Contained: Your dog 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 may result in your pet being denied transportation.
No Occupying Seats or Aisles: Your dog or their carrier cannot block any exits or exit paths, extend into the aircraft aisle, or occupy an aircraft seat. They also cannot be on a tray table or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
Calm and Quiet: While some light vocalization is normal, a dog that consistently exhibits disruptive behavior (excessive barking, whining, growling, biting, lunging, urinating/defecating in the cabin) may be denied future transportation.
This comprehensive guide should equip you with all the knowledge needed to successfully fly with your dog on Southwest Airlines. Remember, planning ahead and understanding the rules are the keys to a stress-free journey for both you and your beloved furry companion!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to book a flight with a dog on Southwest Airlines?
You cannot book a dog's ticket online. You must first book your own flight, then call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to add your dog to your reservation.
How to find out if there's space for my dog on a Southwest flight?
You'll learn about space availability for your dog when you call Southwest Airlines to add them to your reservation. Space is limited (typically six pets per flight), so call as soon as possible after booking your own ticket.
How to pay the pet fee for Southwest Airlines?
The pet fare (currently $125 each way for U.S. Mainland flights) must be paid at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport on your day of travel using an accepted credit card.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
Select a leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier that allows your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. It must fit under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions around 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H (confirm current dimensions with Southwest).
How to prepare my dog for a flight on Southwest Airlines?
Familiarize your dog with their carrier, provide plenty of exercise before the flight, limit food intake, ensure a potty break right before the airport, and pack essentials like a leash, collar, and small amount of food.
How to check in with a dog on Southwest Airlines?
Arrive 2-3 hours early and proceed directly to the Southwest ticket counter. An agent will verify your pet and carrier, collect the pet fare, and provide a special tag for your carrier.
How to get through airport security with a dog on Southwest Airlines?
At the TSA checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from the carrier and hold them while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Immediately place your dog back inside after the carrier clears.
How to handle my dog during the flight on Southwest Airlines?
Your dog must remain secured in their carrier, under the seat in front of you, for the entire duration of the flight (including taxi, takeoff, and landing). They cannot occupy a seat, block the aisle, or be on a tray table.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when flying Southwest?
Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Check the airport's website or app, or ask airline staff upon arrival for directions to these areas.
How to know if my emotional support animal (ESA) can fly with Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. ESAs must now meet the same requirements and pay the same fare as regular pets to travel in the cabin. Only fully trained service dogs are exempt from the pet fare and carrier requirements.
