So, you're dreaming of bringing your furry best friend along on your next adventure, and Southwest Airlines is on your radar? That's fantastic! Traveling with your dog can create unforgettable memories, but it requires careful planning, especially when it comes to understanding the costs and rules. Let's break down exactly how much it costs to take a dog on Southwest Airlines and guide you through every step of the process.
How Much Does It Cost to Take a Dog on Southwest Airlines? Your Comprehensive Guide
Bringing your canine companion on a flight isn't as simple as just showing up at the airport. Southwest Airlines, like all airlines, has specific policies and fees for pet travel. Understanding these before you book is crucial to a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your dog.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You and Your Furry Friend Ready to Fly? (Engage!)
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs and regulations, let's start with a crucial question: Is flying the right choice for your dog? Air travel can be a stressful experience for animals. Consider your dog's personality, health, and comfort level with confined spaces.
Think about your dog's temperament: Is your dog generally calm and quiet, or do they get anxious in new environments or when confined? A highly anxious dog might find flying extremely distressing.
Consult your veterinarian: Before making any travel plans, have a chat with your vet. They can assess your dog's health, discuss any potential risks, and offer advice on making the journey as comfortable as possible. This is especially important for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers, as they can have respiratory difficulties at altitude.
Practice with the carrier: Get your dog accustomed to their travel carrier well in advance. Make it a comfortable, positive space with treats and toys. This will significantly reduce their stress on travel day.
If you've considered these points and believe your dog is a good candidate for air travel, then let's move on to the practical steps!
Step 2: Understanding the Core Cost: The Southwest Pet Fare
The most significant and straightforward cost you'll encounter when taking your dog on Southwest Airlines is the pet fare.
The Price Tag: As of July 2025, Southwest Airlines charges a $125 Pet Fare each way, per pet carrier.
What does "each way" mean? If you're flying round trip, you'll pay $125 for the outbound flight and another $125 for the return flight, totaling $250.
Per pet carrier: This fee applies per carrier, regardless of whether it contains one or two pets of the same species (e.g., two small dogs or two small cats) that fit comfortably within the carrier's dimensions.
Important Note on Payment: You cannot pay the pet fare online when booking your flight. The pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards on your day of travel. This is why it's crucial to arrive early!
Step 3: Beyond the Fare: Potential Indirect Costs
While the $125 each-way fee is the primary expense, there are other potential costs you should factor into your budget.
Sub-heading: Carrier Costs
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Purchasing a compliant carrier: If you don't already own a pet carrier that meets Southwest's specific requirements (more on this in Step 4), you'll need to purchase one.
Southwest's own carrier: Southwest Airlines offers an approved pet carrier for purchase, which typically costs around $58. This ensures it meets their exact dimensions and specifications.
Other approved carriers: You can purchase other carriers, hard-sided or soft-sided, as long as they adhere to the size and ventilation requirements. Prices for these can vary widely, from $30 to $100+.
Sub-heading: Veterinary Expenses
Health check-up: As mentioned in Step 1, a pre-flight vet visit is highly recommended for your dog's well-being. This will incur a consultation fee, and potentially costs for any vaccinations or medications (like mild sedatives, if recommended by your vet and approved for flight) they might need.
Health Certificates: While Southwest generally does not require a health certificate for domestic travel within the contiguous U.S., it's always wise to check their most up-to-date policy and any specific requirements for your destination (especially Puerto Rico or inter-island Hawaiian flights). If a health certificate is needed, your vet will charge for preparing this documentation.
Sub-heading: Pet Supplies for Travel Day
Potty pads/absorbent material: You'll want to line your carrier with absorbent material in case of accidents.
Travel water bowls/bottles: Keeping your dog hydrated is important.
Favorite toys/comfort items: These can help reduce stress.
Cleaning supplies: Just in case of any mishaps at the airport or on the plane.
Step 4: Carrier Requirements: Size Matters!
Southwest Airlines has strict requirements for pet carriers to ensure your dog's safety and comfort, as well as the ability to fit under the seat in front of you. This is not an optional guideline – if your carrier doesn't meet the specs, your dog may be denied boarding.
Maximum Dimensions:
Southwest Airlines' own pet carrier: 17" (L) x 10" (W) x 9.5" (H)
Other approved carriers (soft or hard-sided): 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 8.5" (H)
Crucial Point: Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier.
Ventilation: The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
Stowage: The carrier, with your pet inside, must fit completely under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Step 5: Making the Reservation: A Phone Call is Essential
This is a critical step, as Southwest has a limited number of pet spots per flight.
Book your own flight first: Secure your human ticket first.
Call Southwest Airlines: You cannot add a pet to your reservation online. You must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to reserve a spot for your pet.
Limited Capacity: Southwest allows a maximum of six (6) pet carriers per flight. These spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. This means it's incredibly important to call and add your pet as soon as possible after booking your own ticket, especially for popular routes or peak travel times.
Information You'll Need: Be ready to provide your flight information and details about your pet (e.g., type of animal, possibly breed, though they generally only accept small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs).
One Carrier Per Passenger: Each ticketed customer is permitted to travel with only one pet carrier.
Step 6: The Day of Travel: Airport Procedures
Being prepared on travel day will make the experience much smoother.
Sub-heading: Arriving at the Airport
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Arrive Early: Southwest recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours, but no more than four hours, before your scheduled flight if you're traveling with a pet. This allows ample time for check-in, paying the pet fee, and going through security.
Ticket Counter Check-in: You must check in with your pet at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. This is where you'll pay the $125 pet fare. An agent will also verify that your pet and carrier meet the necessary requirements.
Pet Carrier Tag: Once checked in, your pet carrier will receive a special tag.
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint
Remove Your Pet: At the security checkpoint, you'll be required to remove your dog from their carrier and hold them while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Secure Your Pet: 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.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Onboard
Boarding Group: You will board with your assigned boarding group; having a pet does not grant you priority boarding.
Seat Restrictions: If traveling with a pet, you cannot sit in an emergency exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of it.
Under the Seat: Your pet carrier must be stowed completely under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Your pet must remain inside the carrier at all times while onboard.
Step 7: Post-Flight Considerations
Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have designated pet relief areas. Plan to use these before and after your flight.
Adjustment: Give your dog time to adjust to their new environment upon arrival. Maintain their routine as much as possible.
Cost Summary for Taking a Dog on Southwest Airlines (Excluding Vet Fees)
Let's summarize the potential costs for a hypothetical round trip:
Southwest Pet Fare: $125 (one-way) + $125 (return) = $250
New Pet Carrier (if needed): $30 - $100+ (or ~ $58 for Southwest's carrier)
Total Estimated Cost (Round Trip, without vet fees): $280 - $350+
Remember, this is an estimate, and actual costs can vary depending on your carrier choice and any unexpected needs.
Important Distinction: Service Animals vs. Pets
It's crucial to understand that the information above pertains to pets. Southwest Airlines has different policies and no charge for fully trained service dogs.
Service Dogs: Fully trained service dogs (individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability) are welcome onboard free of charge. Only dogs are accepted as service animals.
Documentation: For service dogs, you'll need to present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate on your day of travel.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): As of March 1, 2021, Southwest Airlines (and other U.S. airlines) no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. ESAs are now treated as pets and are subject to the same pet fare and carrier requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
How to calculate the total cost for my dog's flight on Southwest Airlines?
To calculate the total cost, sum the one-way pet fees ($125 per direction) and add any potential costs for a new pet carrier (if needed) and pre-flight vet visits. For a round trip, expect a minimum of $250 for the pet fare alone.
How to book a flight for my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You must first book your own human flight, then immediately call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your dog to your reservation, as pet spots are limited to six carriers per flight.
How to ensure my dog's carrier meets Southwest Airlines' requirements?
Check the maximum dimensions (18.5" L x 13.5" W x 8.5" H for most carriers, or 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H for Southwest's own carrier). Ensure it's leak-proof, well-ventilated, and large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably.
How to prepare my dog for a flight on Southwest Airlines?
Acclimate your dog to the carrier well in advance, make it a positive space, and consider a vet check-up to ensure they are healthy enough for air travel. Avoid feeding them a large meal right before the flight.
How to check in with my dog at the airport for a Southwest flight?
You must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter on the day of travel, where you'll pay the $125 pet fare and have your carrier and dog verified by an agent. Arrive at least two hours early.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
How to handle security screening with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You will need to remove your dog from their carrier and hold them while the empty carrier is X-rayed. Your dog must remain secured in their carrier in all other airport areas and on the aircraft.
How to find out if my flight has pet availability on Southwest Airlines?
Call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) after you have booked your own flight. They can confirm if there are any of the six pet spots remaining on your desired flight.
How to differentiate between a pet and a service animal on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest considers "pets" as small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs traveling in a carrier for a fee. "Service animals" are fully trained dogs that perform tasks for a person with a disability and fly free with specific documentation (DOT form). Emotional support animals are now treated as pets.
How to find pet relief areas at airports served by Southwest Airlines?
Most airports have designated pet relief areas, often marked with signs or indicated on airport maps. You can also ask airport staff for directions upon arrival.
How to ensure my dog's comfort during the Southwest Airlines flight?
Keep your dog in their carrier under the seat for the entire flight. Line the carrier with absorbent material, and consider a favorite toy or blanket for comfort. Ensure they have access to water before and after the flight.
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