Taking your beloved canine companion on a flight can be a fantastic way to ensure they're part of your adventures. If Southwest Airlines is your carrier of choice, you're in luck, as they are a pet-friendly airline. However, there are specific rules and costs involved. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how much it costs and what to expect when flying with your dog on Southwest Airlines.
Step 1: "Can my furry friend even fly with me?" – Understanding Southwest's Pet Policy
Before you even think about booking a ticket, let's determine if your dog meets Southwest's criteria. Not all dogs are eligible to fly in the cabin.
Sub-heading: Eligibility and Restrictions
Small, Vaccinated Domestic Cats and Dogs Only: Southwest only permits small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. This means no larger breeds, no exotic pets, and no animals other than cats or dogs.
Age Requirement: Your dog must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel on Southwest flights.
In-Cabin Travel Only: Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo. Your dog must travel with you in the cabin, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Destination Limitations: Pets are not allowed on flights to or from Hawaii or on any international itineraries. They are, however, accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands if you're already there. Specific requirements may apply for travel to Puerto Rico.
One Pet Carrier Per Customer: Each ticketed customer is allowed to bring one pet carrier.
Two Pets Per Carrier (Same Species): You can have up to two small dogs (or two small cats) of the same species in a single carrier, provided they can comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with a pet.
Behavioral Requirements: Your pet must be non-disruptive, harmless, and odorless. Examples of disruptive behavior that could result in denied boarding include excessive barking, growling, biting, or lunging. They must also not require any attention during the flight.
Step 2: "How much will this cost me?" – Unpacking the Pet Fare
Now that you know your dog is eligible, let's talk about the financial aspect. This is often one of the first questions pet owners have!
Sub-heading: The Pet Fee
Standard Pet Fare: For flights within the U.S. mainland, the one-way carry-on pet charge is $125 per pet carrier.
Hawaiian Interisland Flights: For travel between the Hawaiian Islands, the pet fare is $35 per pet carrier each way.
Important Note: The Pet Fare is subject to change at any time, so it's always wise to confirm the current fee when you book. The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter using accepted credit cards. It is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Sub-heading: What Does the Fee Cover?
This fee covers your pet's travel in the cabin, under the seat in front of you. It's important to remember that this fee is per carrier, per direction. So, a round-trip flight with one dog in one carrier would cost $250 (excluding Hawaiian interisland travel).
Step 3: "Where will my dog sit?" – Understanding Carrier Requirements and In-Flight Rules
The comfort and safety of your pet, as well as other passengers, are paramount. This means adhering to strict carrier and in-flight rules.
Sub-heading: Pet Carrier Specifications
Maximum Dimensions: Your pet carrier must not exceed 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
Soft or Hard-Sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally acceptable, as long as they meet the dimensions and other requirements. Southwest also offers its own branded pet carrier, which has dimensions of 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
Ventilation and Leak-Proof: The carrier must be well-ventilated on at least three sides (for domestic travel) and be leak-proof with an absorbent bottom.
Comfort for Your Pet: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier.
Stowage: The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. It counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. This means you can bring either your pet carrier and a personal item, OR your pet carrier and a standard-sized carry-on bag.
Sub-heading: In-Flight and Airport Rules
Remain in Carrier: Your dog must remain secured in their carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire duration of the flight. Failure to follow this requirement may result in denial of transportation.
Seat Restrictions: Passengers traveling with a pet cannot sit in exit rows or in seats without under-seat stowage.
Security Screening: At the security checkpoint, you will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier and hold them while the empty carrier passes through the X-ray machine. All pet carriers are subject to inspection.
Step 4: "How do I make sure there's space for my dog?" – Booking Your Pet's Spot
Space for pets on Southwest flights is limited! This is a crucial step to ensure your dog can travel with you.
Sub-heading: Limited Capacity and Early Booking
Six Pet Carriers Per Flight: Southwest Airlines generally limits the number of pet carriers to six (6) per flight. This number can vary based on the specific aircraft.
First-Come, First-Served: Pet acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations Are Mandatory: Because of the limited space, you must make a reservation in advance for your pet.
Sub-heading: The Booking Process
Book Your Flight First: It's recommended to book your own human ticket first.
Call Southwest Airlines: Once your flight is confirmed, immediately call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation. They will ask for your pet's name, breed, and potentially weight.
Pay at the Airport: As mentioned, the pet fare is paid at the airport ticket counter upon check-in.
Step 5: "What else should I do to prepare?" – Pre-Flight Checklist for a Smooth Journey
Preparation is key to a stress-free travel experience for both you and your dog.
Sub-heading: Health and Vaccination
Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated. While Southwest may not always require a health certificate for domestic travel, it's always a good idea to have your pet's vaccination records (especially rabies) readily accessible in case they are requested or for any unforeseen circumstances.
Vet Visit: Consider a vet visit a few weeks before your trip to ensure your dog is healthy enough for travel. Discuss any concerns you have, and ask your vet about mild sedatives or anti-nausea medication if your dog is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, though many airlines advise against sedating pets due to potential respiratory issues at altitude.
Acclimation to Carrier: Start carrier training well in advance. Get your dog comfortable being in their carrier for extended periods. Make it a positive experience with treats and toys.
Exercise: On the day of travel, ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise before heading to the airport. A tired dog is often a calmer traveler.
Food and Water: Limit food intake a few hours before the flight to prevent an upset stomach. You can offer a small amount of water or an ice cube in the carrier before boarding. Do not attach a water bowl that could spill during turbulence.
Sub-heading: Airport Day Essentials
Arrive Early: 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 allows ample time for check-in, paying the pet fee, going through security, and finding a pet relief area.
Leash and Collar: Keep your dog on a leash and collar (or harness) at all times outside the carrier.
Pet Relief Areas: Familiarize yourself with the locations of pet relief areas at both your departure and arrival airports. Southwest will not delay a flight to permit customers to take a pet to a relief area.
Baggage: Remember that your pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item. Plan your other baggage accordingly.
Stay Calm: Your dog can pick up on your emotions. Try to remain calm and reassuring throughout the airport process.
Step 6: "What happens if things go wrong?" – Understanding Denied Boarding and Cancellations
It's important to be aware of scenarios where your pet might be denied boarding or how cancellations are handled.
Sub-heading: Reasons for Denied Boarding
Non-Compliance: If your pet is not secured in their carrier at all times in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and during the flight, they may be denied transportation.
Disruptive Behavior: As mentioned, excessive barking, growling, biting, or other disruptive behavior can lead to denial of boarding.
Carrier Issues: If your carrier does not meet the dimension requirements, is not leak-proof, or your pet cannot comfortably fit inside, you may be denied boarding.
Exceeding Capacity: If the flight's pet capacity has already been reached and you did not pre-book, your pet will not be allowed to fly.
Sub-heading: Cancellations and Refunds
Pet Fare Refund: If you need to cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled and you do not rebook, the pet fare is refundable. You can request a refund by calling Southwest customer service or visiting a ticket counter.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to book a flight with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
You must first book your own flight, then call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add your pet to your reservation, as space is limited to six pets per flight.
How to pay the pet fee for my dog on Southwest Airlines?
The pet fare (currently $125 each way for domestic mainland flights, $35 for Hawaiian interisland) must be paid at the airport ticket counter with an accepted credit card when you check in for your flight.
How to choose the right pet carrier for Southwest Airlines?
Select a carrier that does not exceed 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). It must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
How to prepare my dog for a flight on Southwest Airlines?
Acclimate your dog to their carrier well in advance, ensure they are vaccinated, and provide plenty of exercise on the day of travel. Consider consulting your vet about anxiety or motion sickness medication.
How to navigate airport security with my dog on Southwest Airlines?
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from their carrier and hold them while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when flying Southwest?
Check the airport's website or signage for designated pet relief areas. Southwest will not delay a flight for pet relief.
How to know if my large dog can fly on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines only allows small dogs and cats that can fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Large dogs are generally not permitted in the cabin.
How to handle my dog during the flight on Southwest Airlines?
Your dog must remain fully inside their carrier, stowed under the seat in front of you, for the entire duration of the flight, including in the gate area and during boarding/deplaning.
How to get a refund for my pet fare if my Southwest flight is canceled?
If your flight is canceled and you do not rebook, or if you cancel your reservation, the pet fare is refundable by contacting Southwest customer service or going to a ticket counter.
How to bring more than one dog on a Southwest Airlines flight?
You are allowed one pet carrier per ticketed customer. You can have up to two small dogs of the same species in a single carrier if they can comfortably fit. If you have more than two dogs or dogs of different species, you would need additional ticketed passengers, each with their own pet carrier.
