Are Dogs Allowed On Southwest Airlines? | Your Guide

Yes, small dogs are allowed on Southwest Airlines as carry-on pets in the cabin, provided they meet specific size, carrier, and health requirements.

Traveling with your furry companion can add so much joy to a trip, and for many, the thought of leaving a beloved dog behind is simply out of the question. If Southwest Airlines is your go-to carrier, understanding their pet policy is the first step to a smooth journey together.

Southwest has a clear set of guidelines for pets traveling in the cabin, designed to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers and animals. Getting familiar with these details well before your travel date will make the entire process much easier.

Bringing Your Dog on Southwest: The Basics

Southwest Airlines permits small, domesticated dogs and cats to travel in the aircraft cabin on most domestic flights. This policy applies to pets that can comfortably fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.

Who Qualifies as a Carry-On Pet?

Only certain types of animals are allowed to travel as carry-on pets. Southwest specifically permits dogs and cats. They must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to be eligible for travel.

In-Cabin Travel Only

A key aspect of Southwest’s pet policy is that they do not transport pets in the cargo hold. All approved pets must travel in the cabin with their owner. This means your dog will be with you throughout the flight, tucked securely under the seat.

Understanding Southwest’s Pet Carrier Rules

The pet carrier is not just a container; it’s your dog’s personal space and safety device during the flight. Southwest has strict requirements for pet carriers to ensure they fit properly and provide adequate comfort for your animal.

Size and Type Requirements

The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest specifies maximum dimensions, and it’s essential to measure your carrier carefully. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally accepted, but they must be leak-proof and have proper ventilation.

• Soft-Sided Carriers: Maximum dimensions are typically 18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ H. These often offer a bit more flexibility to fit under the seat.
• Hard-Sided Carriers: Maximum dimensions are typically 17″ L x 10″ W x 9.5″ H. These provide rigid protection.
• The pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier.
• The carrier must have secure fastenings and be free from any damage that could allow the pet to escape.

Under-Seat Storage

During the entire flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing, your pet’s carrier must remain stowed under the seat directly in front of you. Pets are not allowed to be removed from their carriers at any point while on the aircraft.

Southwest Pet Carrier Guidelines

Carrier Type	Max Dimensions (Approx.)	Key Features
Soft-Sided	18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ H	Flexible, good ventilation, leak-proof
Hard-Sided	17″ L x 10″ W x 9.5″ H	Rigid protection, secure door, leak-proof

Booking Your Pet’s Spot on the Flight

Securing a spot for your dog on a Southwest flight requires more than just buying your own ticket. There are specific procedures and fees involved to ensure space is available and accounted for.

Limited Availability and Fees

Southwest limits the number of pets allowed on each flight to maintain a comfortable experience for all passengers. Typically, there are six pet carriers allowed per flight, with only one pet carrier permitted per paying customer. This limit excludes service animals.

• It’s highly recommended to book your pet’s reservation as early as possible, as these spots fill up quickly.
• You can add a pet to your reservation by calling Southwest Airlines directly. While you can book your own ticket online, pet reservations usually require a phone call to confirm availability.
• There is a non-refundable pet fee for each one-way trip. This fee is subject to change, so always check the current rate on Southwest’s official website when planning your travel.
• The pet fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel, after the pet’s eligibility and carrier compliance have been verified.

Preparing Your Pet for Takeoff: Health and Documentation

Ensuring your dog is healthy and has the necessary documentation is a vital part of preparing for air travel. While Southwest generally doesn’t require a health certificate for domestic travel, individual states may have their own entry requirements.

Veterinary Check-Ups and Vaccinations

A visit to your veterinarian before travel is always a good idea. Your vet can confirm your dog is fit for air travel and up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, especially rabies. While Southwest may not ask for a health certificate, some destination states might, and it’s always best to be prepared.

Navigating Airport Security with Your Pet

The security screening process at the airport is a crucial step. When you reach the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your dog from its carrier. The empty pet carrier will then go through the X-ray machine, just like your other carry-on luggage.

According to the TSA, you will carry your dog through the metal detector with you. It’s important to keep your dog on a leash and under control during this process. Once you are through the metal detector, you can place your dog back into its carrier.

Travel Day: Airport Experience and In-Flight Comfort

The day of travel can be exciting but also a bit stressful for both you and your pet. Knowing what to expect at the airport and during the flight helps reduce anxiety.

Check-In and Boarding Procedures

Upon arrival at the airport, you must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. This is where your pet’s reservation will be confirmed, the pet fee will be paid, and the carrier will be inspected to ensure it meets the airline’s requirements. You will receive a “Pet In Cabin” tag for the carrier.

Southwest’s unique open seating policy means you’ll choose your seat upon boarding. With a pet, you’ll need to select a window or middle seat, as pets are not allowed in exit rows or bulkhead seats. This ensures your pet carrier can be stowed properly under the seat in front of you without obstructing aisles or emergency exits.

Pet Relief Areas and In-Flight Etiquette

Before boarding, locate the designated pet relief areas at the airport. These are typically outside the terminal or sometimes within the secure area. Giving your dog a chance to relieve itself before the flight is essential.

During the flight, your dog must remain inside its carrier, under the seat, for the entire duration. This includes boarding, taxiing, takeoff, the flight, and landing. Keeping your dog calm and quiet throughout the flight is important for everyone’s comfort.

Pre-Flight Pet Travel Checklist

Item	Action	Notes
Pet Carrier	Verify dimensions, ventilation, leak-proof status.	Ensure pet can stand/turn comfortably.
Vet Visit	Schedule check-up, update vaccinations.	Discuss travel suitability with your veterinarian.
Booking	Call Southwest to reserve pet space.	Book early, as spots are limited.
Pet Fee	Confirm current non-refundable fee.	Paid at airport check-in.
Leash & Collar	Have readily available for security.	Must be secure and properly fitted.
Food & Water	Pack small portions, collapsible bowls.	Offer before/after flight, not usually during.
Comfort Items	Small blanket or toy in carrier.	Helps reduce anxiety.

Key Restrictions for Pet Travel on Southwest

While Southwest is pet-friendly, there are important limitations and exclusions to be aware of before planning your trip.

Age, Destinations, and Cargo Limitations

As mentioned, pets must be at least eight weeks old. Southwest does not allow pets to travel internationally, including to Puerto Rico. Additionally, pets are not permitted on flights to or from Hawaii. This is primarily due to strict quarantine laws in Hawaii designed to protect its unique ecosystem.

Again, Southwest does not offer cargo service for pets. If your dog is too large to fit in an approved in-cabin carrier, it cannot travel on Southwest Airlines.

Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals

Southwest Airlines, like other US carriers, updated its policy regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) following changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals and travel under the standard pet policy, meaning they must meet carrier requirements and pay the pet fee.

Traveling with a Service Animal

Service animals are distinct from pets and are afforded different accommodations under federal law. Southwest Airlines welcomes trained service animals that assist individuals with disabilities.

Defining a Service Animal

A service animal is defined as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. This definition excludes emotional support animals, comfort animals, and psychiatric service animals that have not been individually trained to perform specific tasks.

Specific Guidelines for Service Animals

Service animals travel free of charge and are permitted to sit in the cabin at their handler’s feet, provided they do not obstruct the aisle or other passengers’ space. Southwest may require documentation to verify the animal’s status as a trained service animal, particularly for longer flights or if there are questions about the animal’s behavior.

• Handlers are responsible for the service animal’s behavior and must ensure it remains under control at all times.
• The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless doing so interferes with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
• Southwest may deny boarding to a service animal if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, causes a significant disruption, or is not housebroken.