Bringing your furry best friend along on your travels can make any trip more enjoyable! If you're looking to fly with your dog on Southwest Airlines, you're in the right place. Southwest has a well-defined pet policy for in-cabin travel, and by following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your canine companion.
How to Fly Your Dog on Southwest Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide
Let's embark on this journey together! Ready to make your dog's travel dreams a reality? Let's dive in.
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| How To Fly Your Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine If Your Dog Qualifies for In-Cabin Travel
This is the most crucial first step, as Southwest only allows small dogs to fly in the cabin.
Before you even think about booking, you need to understand Southwest's limitations for pet travel. Unlike some airlines that offer cargo options, Southwest exclusively permits small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin.
Size Matters: Your dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. This means no large breeds or dogs that can't stand up, turn around, and lie down easily within their carrier.
Age Requirement: Your dog must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel. This ensures they are mature enough to handle the stress of air travel.
Vaccinations: Your dog must be vaccinated. While Southwest doesn't typically require a health certificate for domestic travel, it's always a good idea to carry proof of rabies vaccination and any other relevant health records with you, just in case.
Behavior: Your dog must be well-behaved and non-disruptive. Excessive barking, growling, or any aggressive behavior could lead to refusal of transportation.
Important Note: Southwest Airlines does NOT accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries. Pets are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands, but specific requirements apply.
Step 2: Acquire the Right Pet Carrier
The carrier is your dog's home for the duration of the flight, so choosing the correct one is paramount.
The pet carrier is not just a box; it's a vital part of your dog's safety and comfort during the flight. Southwest has strict requirements for pet carriers:
Maximum Dimensions: The carrier must not exceed 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Southwest also sells its own branded pet carrier with dimensions of 17" (L) x 10" (W) x 9.5" (H), which is always permitted.
Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided: Both types are generally acceptable as long as they meet the dimensions. Soft-sided carriers often offer a bit more flexibility for fitting under the seat.
Ventilation: The carrier must be well-ventilated on at least two sides.
Leak-Proof: The bottom of the carrier must be leak-proof to prevent any accidents from seeping out.
Comfort and Movement: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally in the carrier without touching the top. This is a key regulation and will be checked by airline staff.
Security: Ensure the carrier has secure closures to prevent accidental escapes.
Tip: Familiarize your dog with the carrier well in advance of your trip. Leave it open at home with treats or toys inside so your dog associates it with positive experiences. This will significantly reduce stress on travel day.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Step 3: Book Your Flight and Your Dog's Spot
Booking correctly is essential due to limited pet availability on each flight.
Southwest Airlines has a limited number of pet carriers allowed per flight, typically six (though this number can vary). Therefore, reserving your dog's spot as early as possible is crucial.
Book Your Flight First: Begin by booking your own human ticket on the Southwest Airlines website or through their customer service.
Call Southwest to Add Your Pet: Once your human reservation is confirmed, you cannot add your pet online. You must call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation.
Provide Pet Information: Be prepared to provide your pet's name, breed, and potentially their weight when you call.
Confirm Availability: The representative will check if there's space available for pets on your desired flight. If not, you may need to adjust your travel dates or times.
No Pre-Payment of Pet Fee: The pet fare is not paid at the time of booking your flight or your pet's spot. You will pay the pet fare at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel.
Step 4: Prepare for Travel Day
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth airport experience.
The day of travel can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Being prepared will ease the process for both you and your dog.
Arrive Early: Southwest recommends arriving at the airport at least two to four hours before your scheduled flight if you're traveling with a pet. This extra time allows for check-in, paying the pet fee, navigating security, and finding pet relief areas.
Hydration and Potty Breaks: Ensure your dog has had adequate water and plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves before heading to the airport. Look up pet relief areas at both your departure and arrival airports.
Limit Food: A light meal a few hours before the flight is fine, but avoid overfeeding your dog right before travel to prevent an upset stomach.
Leash and Collar: Have a leash and collar readily accessible. You will need to remove your dog from the carrier at the security checkpoint.
Comfort Items: While your dog must remain in the carrier, a familiar blanket or small toy inside can provide comfort.
Medication (Consult Your Vet): If your dog is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, consult your veterinarian about options for calming medications. Do NOT give your dog any medication without veterinary guidance.
No Unaccompanied Minors with Pets: Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with a pet.
Step 5: Airport Check-in and Security
The airport experience has specific procedures for pets.
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll go through a few distinct steps:
Ticket Counter Check-in: Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. You cannot check in online or at a self-service kiosk when traveling with a pet. An agent will verify your pet and carrier meet the requirements and collect the pet fare.
Pet Fare: The current pet fare for domestic flights is $125 each way per pet carrier. For travel between Hawaiian Islands, the fee is $35 each way. This fee is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Pet Tag: Once you pay, you'll receive a special tag for your pet carrier.
Security Checkpoint: At the TSA checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from its carrier. You will carry your dog through the metal detector or scanner while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Your dog must be leashed and under your control during this process.
Gate Area: Your dog must remain secured in its carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding, and deplaning.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Step 6: Boarding and Onboard the Aircraft
Understanding onboard rules ensures a compliant and comfortable flight.
Once you're cleared through security, it's time to board.
Boarding Group: You will board with your assigned boarding group.
Carrier as Carry-on: Your pet carrier counts as either a personal item or a carry-on bag. This means you can bring your pet carrier and either one personal item or one regular-sized carry-on bag.
Stowage: The pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you for the entire duration of the flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing. Your dog must remain inside the carrier at all times.
Seat Restrictions: Passengers traveling with pets (including service dogs) are not allowed to sit in emergency exit rows or bulkhead rows (seats with no under-seat storage). Window seats are often preferred as they provide a bit more floor space for the carrier.
Behavior Onboard: Your pet must remain quiet and well-behaved. If your dog exhibits disruptive behavior, the crew has the right to deny further transportation.
No Opening Carrier: Absolutely do not open the carrier or remove your dog from it during the flight. This is a strict safety regulation.
Step 7: Arrival and Beyond
The journey isn't over until you and your dog are safely on the ground.
Deplaning: Keep your dog in its carrier until you are safely off the aircraft and in the gate area.
Pet Relief Areas: Upon arrival, seek out designated pet relief areas at the airport.
Monitor Your Dog: After the flight, monitor your dog for any signs of stress or discomfort. Offer water and a chance to stretch their legs.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about flying your dog on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to book a flight for my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You must first book your own flight, then call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
How to know if my dog is small enough to fly on Southwest?
Your dog must fit comfortably in a carrier that is no larger than 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H), allowing them to stand, turn around, and lie down.
How to pay the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fee of $125 each way (or $35 for interisland Hawaii flights) is paid at the airport ticket counter on your day of travel.
How to check in with my dog at the airport for Southwest?
You must check in directly at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with your dog and carrier to pay the fee and get a pet tag.
How to get my dog through airport security on Southwest?
You will need to remove your dog from its carrier and carry it through the metal detector, while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
How to ensure my dog is comfortable in its carrier during the flight?
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Familiarize your dog with the carrier before travel, provide a familiar blanket, and ensure the carrier meets size requirements for comfortable movement.
How to handle potty breaks for my dog at the airport?
Locate designated pet relief areas at the airport before and after your flight. Plan for ample time to use them.
How to understand the carry-on rules when flying with a pet on Southwest?
Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You can bring one pet carrier and either one personal item or one regular-sized carry-on bag.
How to ensure my dog behaves well on the flight?
Ensure your dog is well-exercised before the flight. For anxious dogs, consult your vet about calming aids. Your dog must remain quiet and contained in its carrier.
How to differentiate between a pet and a service animal on Southwest?
Southwest distinguishes between pets and trained service dogs (dogs only). Service dogs have different policies and do not require a fee or carrier, but require specific U.S. DOT documentation. Emotional support animals are now considered pets under Southwest's policy.
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