Southwest airline permits in-cabin domestic travel for pets as long as they are in a standard pet carrier. For those who love traveling with their furry friends, Southwest is the airline that provides you with the opportunity to do so in a simple and cheap way. The pet policy at Southwest may be strict, but it is easy to comply with, and it ensures that both customers and their pets have a safe and comfortable flight. It is key for the customer to read and understand the pet policy of the airline in order to be well-prepared and to avoid any challenges during their experience with Southwest airline. Your checklist for traveling with your pet on Southwest airlines includes: obtaining a standard pet carrier and, on the day of travel, check-in your pet at the ticket counter.
Domestic and international flights
Domestic flights
Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served policy until the capacity is reached. A maximum of six pets per flight are allowed with a restriction of a single pet carrier per customer. However, in certain circumstances, the airline may allow for more (or even less) than six pet carriers per trip. Pets are required to be checked in at the airline counter; however, customers may be able to use other means to check in, such as online check-in. If a pet exhibits disorderly behavior, the airline reserves the right to deny boarding. Displays of such behavior are inclusive of:
- Uncontrollable barking or crying.
- Aggressive growing, attempt to bite
- Urinating or excreting in the cabin or gate area
The airline does not restrict any breed of pet from traveling. The airline explicitly states that the animal should not accommodate a single seat; if this is required, the individual will need to buy an airline ticket for the pet.
International flights
Pets are prohibited from traveling on international flights.
Costs
The costs of traveling with pet policy are fairly reasonable at Southwest (in comparison to other airlines). Individuals will be expected to pay $95 for a one-way trip per pet carrier. This fee is refundable – If your flight is canceled and you do not wish to reschedule or if your pet will not be traveling with you, you can contact the airline or get your refund at the ticket counter.
Pet travel limitations
- Pets are not allowed to travel alone or with unaccompanied minors.
- Customers traveling with pets are not allowed to sit at an exit row or a seat that does not have a forward under-seat stowage.
- Pets are only permitted to travel in-cabin and are not allowed to be checked in as baggage.
- Pets must be older than eight weeks of age to be permitted to travel.
- Pets must not be harmful, disorderly, have an odor, and require attention during the flight.
- Pets must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight
- The airline will not be held liable if a passenger is unable to make it to their flight on time due to the need to take their pet outside the relief area.
- If the pet becomes sick during the flight, oxygen or other first-aid measures will not be dispensed.
- The airline, under no circumstance, is responsible for the health, safety, and well being of carry-on pets.
Standard pet carriers
The standard pet carrier dimensions are 17″ long x 9.5″ high x 10″ wide. However, the maximum dimensions permitted are 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide. Carriers may be either soft or hard-sided as well as carriers need to be leakage proof and well-ventilated. Lastly, the pet carrier must be able to fit comfortably under the front seat stowage.
Documentation needed to fly with pets.
The airline necessitates your pet to be fully vaccinated; however, you need not show any official proof to travel with your pet. The airline no longer accepts emotional support animals to travel as of 2022 due to the change in U.S. legislation. However, trained and registered assistance and service dogs may travel in-cabin free of charge. If you are importing a pet to the USA, your pet’s age and vaccination documentation are dependent on the probability of rabies where your trip begins. Pets arriving from high-risk countries to be a minimum of five months old and be vaccinated against rabies prior to traveling into the U.S.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet on this airline is simple, convenient, inexpensive, and requires no further documentation. Ensure that you book your flight ticket well in advance to avoid disappointment, as the airline has a first-come, first-serve pet policy.
Frequently asked questions
- Will pets be permitted in cargo?
Under no circumstance will pets be accepted in the cargo bin.
- How do I make a reservation for my pet on Southwest Airlines?
You can make your reservations for U.S. domestic flights by calling the following Southwest phone number: 1-800-435-9792.
