Traveling with pets can be a frivolous act, but the thought of leaving them at home can be very heartbreaking. To all the pet owners out there pets are like our kids that we cannot leave alone at home. Aside from the cost of putting them in one of those outrageously expensive pet hotels or the fear of leaving them with a stranger or even worse a neighbor who doesn’t have a clue on how to take care of our furry friends. Sometimes we should travel with them, or you will miss them too much. However, before packing your bag on your way to the airport, you should know the pet policy of the airline. Let us Know about Southwest Airlines Pet Policy.
Taking away pet from one country to another requires some serious terms and conditions to follow. Most companies doing such will need to keep or create pet policies for customers in the market. Southwest has created a strict pet policy for customers in the market.
Southwest Airlines Pet policy
The first criteria to put in place before deciding to travel with your pet is the breed and size, this determines whether the pet can come along as an in-cabin pet. However in most cases including Southwest airlines, in-cabin pets are only limited to cats and dogs that meet the size criteria, so if are thinking of bringing an English Mastiff, I’m sorry but you are out of luck.
There are also destination and age requirements: Destination requirements stand because some airports may not be pet friendly and will reject your pet on arrival. Age requirement on the other hand is because it is believed that a younger pet tends to misbehave more, while an older pet that is more likely to adhere to instructions more.
In-Cabin Pets
• Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on baggage per passenger
• Southwest Airlines has a limit of 6 pets per flight. That is, pets are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. However, customers with tickets are limited to one pet
. • You must check-in at the ticket counter for your pet to fly.
• Southwestern policies do not allow destructive pet behavior. Pets with destructive properties are denied boarding. Examples of this destructive behavior include scratches at airports and planes, excessive whining and barking, rushing, roaring and biting, defecation, and urination.
Pet Reservation
Domestic flights to the United States: Passengers must take their pet to the airport on time in an approved pet carrier, proceed to the ticketing counter to check in the pet, and pay the pet fee before proceeding to the boarding gate.
International Flights: Pets are not allowed to travel on international flights or any schedule with international flights on them.
Pet Carrier Size Requirements
• Pet carriers should have a maximum dimension of 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide.
• Southwest Airlines allows the purchase of their pet carrier at the southwest ticket counter. It meets the carrier acceptance size
• Pet Carriers must be well ventilated to prevent lack of air and suffocation of pets during flight duration
• Pet Carriers should also be leakproof
• Softsided and hard-sided carriers designed for pet carrying are accepted Pet Carrier requirements
• In the case of two pets sharing the same carrier, the two pets must be of the same species that is two cats or two dogs
• The pet carrier must be large enough to allow the pet easy natural movement. Pets should be able to stand, lie down and sit . If you do not abide to this rule your pet will not be allowed to board the plane.
• Pets are required to always remain in pet carriers at all times, at the airport, and during flights.
• You are only allowed one pet carrier and one personal item or carry-on baggage, and you cannot carry all three pieces of baggage on board, but you must choose.
Price Information
The cost of bringing a pet with Southwest Airlines is $ 95 per pet.
• Pet fares will be refunded. If your pet cannot travel for any reason due to cancellation or rebooking, your ticket will be refunded. Please note that customs duties for pets are subject to change.
Pet Travel Restrictions
• Southwest Airlines do allow pets to travel alone, as all pets must travel with one passenger.
• Southwest Airlines does not accept pet check-in. Pets can only move in the cabin.
• Passengers with pets must occupy a seat with a front seat to store their pet carrier and must not occupy the exit row under any circumstances.
• Pets must stay on the aircraft carrier at all times during Flight.
• Pets may not travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Southwest Airlines will not be liable if a passenger misses a flight to bring a pet for relief.
• Southwest airlines will not be responsible if a passenger misses a flight to take a pet for relief.
• Southwest airlines are not liable for the well-being of your pet at any point in time.
• Purchase of nonrefundable sets may be required when traveling with a trained service animal or a portable oxygen concentrator.
Conclusion
These are some of the serious pet policy that are strictly followed by Southwest. Any individual willing to haul their pet they must follow the rules, terms, and conditions set by the company.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Southwest pet policy for birds?
Southwest pet policy does not include birds or reptiles of any sort, pets are strictly limited to dogs and cats.
