Are Dogs Allowed On Southwest Flights? | Pet Travel Guide

Southwest Airlines permits small cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin as carry-on pets on most domestic flights.

Bringing your dog along on a trip adds a special dimension to travel. Many pet parents want to share their adventures with their furry companions, and for good reason. Understanding airline policies helps ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone, especially when flying with a popular carrier like Southwest.

Understanding Southwest’s Pet Policy for Cabin Travel

Southwest Airlines welcomes small, domesticated dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with their owners. This policy applies exclusively to in-cabin travel; Southwest does not transport pets as checked baggage or cargo. Your pet must be able to fit comfortably in an approved carrier that stows under the seat in front of you.

There is a limit to the number of pets allowed on each flight, typically six pet carriers per flight, though this can vary. These spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. It is always best to book your pet’s reservation well in advance to secure a spot.

Who Qualifies as a Carry-on Pet?

To qualify as a carry-on pet on Southwest, an animal must be a small, vaccinated domestic dog or cat. The pet must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. The Southwest Airlines official pet policy states that only small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin. The pet needs to remain inside its carrier for the entire flight, including during boarding and deplaning.

Pets must be well-behaved and not disruptive. Any pet exhibiting aggressive behavior, excessive barking, or attempting to escape its carrier may be denied boarding. This policy protects the comfort and safety of all passengers and crew.

Booking Your Pet’s Spot

Booking a pet’s travel on Southwest cannot be done online. You must call Southwest Airlines Reservations directly to add your pet to your flight. This allows agents to confirm availability for pets on your specific flight. Have your flight details ready when you call to expedite the process.

It is wise to confirm your pet’s reservation again a few days before departure. This helps avoid any last-minute surprises regarding pet space availability. Southwest does not guarantee pet acceptance without a confirmed reservation.

Pet Carrier Requirements: Dimensions and Comfort

The pet carrier is a critical component of pet travel. It must meet specific size and construction standards to ensure your pet’s safety and fit under the aircraft seat. The carrier counts as either your one carry-on item or your one personal item.

Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. Overcrowding a carrier with multiple pets or a pet that is too large for the space is not permitted. The carrier must be secure, well-ventilated, and leak-proof.

Approved Carrier Types

Southwest Airlines accepts both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers. Soft-sided carriers offer a bit more flexibility in fitting under the seat. However, both types must adhere to strict dimensions. The carrier must have adequate ventilation on at least two sides.

A leak-proof bottom is essential to prevent any accidents from soiling the aircraft cabin. Placing an absorbent pad inside the carrier can add an extra layer of protection. Southwest also sells its own branded pet carrier, which meets all requirements.

In-Cabin Placement

The pet carrier must be stowed under the seat directly in front of you. It cannot block the aisle or emergency exit rows. For safety reasons, pets are not allowed to occupy a seat, even if a fare is purchased for them. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, the carrier must remain fully stowed.

Pets must stay inside their carriers for the entire duration of the flight. Opening the carrier or removing your pet in the cabin is strictly prohibited. This rule ensures the safety and comfort of all passengers, including those with allergies.

Fees and Limitations for Pet Travel

Traveling with a pet on Southwest Airlines involves a specific pet fare. This fee covers the cost of bringing your pet in the cabin and is separate from your own airfare. Understanding these financial and logistical limitations helps in planning.

The pet fare is non-refundable, even if your travel plans change or your pet is ultimately not accepted for travel. This policy underscores the importance of confirming all details before purchasing the pet fare.

Pet Fare Details

As of recent updates, the pet fare for Southwest Airlines is a flat rate per one-way trip. This fee is paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel. You cannot pay the pet fare in advance when booking your pet’s reservation over the phone. Be prepared to pay this fee when you check in for your flight.

The specific amount of the pet fare is subject to change, so it is always wise to verify the current fee directly with Southwest Airlines before your travel date. This avoids any surprises at the airport.

Flight Restrictions

Southwest Airlines has specific restrictions on routes where pets are not permitted. Pets are not allowed on international flights. This includes flights to any country outside the United States. Additionally, pets are not permitted on flights to or from Hawaii.

Certain flights within the continental United States may also have restrictions due to aircraft type or other operational considerations. Always confirm pet eligibility for your exact itinerary when making your reservation. Southwest does not accept unaccompanied pets; an adult passenger must accompany the pet.

Southwest Pet Carrier Guidelines

Aspect	Requirement
Max Dimensions (Soft-sided)	18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ H
Max Dimensions (Hard-sided)	17.5″ L x 12″ W x 8.5″ H
Material	Leak-proof, well-ventilated
Pet Movement	Pet must stand up and turn around
Placement	Under the seat directly in front

Service Animals vs. Pets: A Key Distinction

It is important to understand the difference between a pet and a service animal. Southwest Airlines adheres to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding service animals. These regulations distinguish service animals from emotional support animals and pets.

Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. They are not subject to the same fees or restrictions as pets. This distinction ensures accessibility for passengers who rely on service animals for assistance.

Defining Service Animals

A service animal is 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. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during a seizure.

Southwest Airlines recognizes service animals that meet these criteria. The airline requires passengers traveling with service animals to complete a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. This form attests to the animal’s training and behavior.

Documentation and Training

Passengers traveling with a service animal must submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form electronically prior to travel. This form confirms the animal’s health, training, and good behavior. Southwest may also require a Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for flights scheduled for eight hours or longer.

Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents their use. Service animals must also fit at the passenger’s feet or in their lap without encroaching on another passenger’s space.

Preparing Your Pet for a Smooth Flight

A successful flight with your pet starts long before you reach the airport. Proper preparation helps reduce stress for both you and your furry companion. Thinking through the logistics and your pet’s needs ensures a much calmer experience.

Familiarizing your pet with its carrier in the weeks leading up to travel can make a significant difference. Let them spend time inside it, offer treats, and make it a comfortable, positive space. This reduces anxiety on travel day.

Health and Wellness Considerations

A visit to your veterinarian before travel is highly recommended. Your vet can confirm your pet is healthy enough to fly and address any specific concerns. While Southwest does not typically require a health certificate for in-cabin domestic pet travel, having current vaccination records is always a good practice.

Consider your pet’s temperament. If your dog is prone to extreme anxiety or aggression, air travel might not be suitable. Discuss options with your vet, but avoid sedatives unless specifically recommended, as they can have adverse effects at altitude.

Airport Experience Tips

On the day of travel, ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise before heading to the airport. A tired pet is often a calm pet. Limit food and water intake a few hours before the flight to minimize the chance of accidents in the carrier.

Locate pet relief areas at both your departure and arrival airports. Many airports provide designated spaces for pets to relieve themselves. According to the TSA, pets must be removed from their carriers and the empty carrier must go through the X-ray machine during security screening.

Pre-Flight Pet Checklist

Category	Items/Actions
Documentation	Vet records, vaccination proof (if required)
Carrier Prep	Familiarize pet, add absorbent pad, favorite toy
Pet Care	Exercise before airport, limit food/water, potty break
Essentials	Leash, collar, small bag of food, collapsible water bowl

Checking In with Your Pet at the Airport

The check-in process for pets on Southwest flights requires a visit to the airport ticket counter. You cannot check in online or at a self-service kiosk when traveling with a pet. This direct interaction ensures all pet travel requirements are met and the pet fare is paid.

Allow extra time for check-in when traveling with a pet. The agent will verify your pet’s reservation, check the carrier’s compliance, and process the pet fare. This additional step can take a few minutes, especially during busy travel periods.

During the security screening process, you will need to remove your pet from its carrier. Hold your pet securely in your arms or on a leash as you walk through the metal detector. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine. Once cleared, you can place your pet back inside its carrier.

Important Considerations for International and Hawaiian Flights

Southwest Airlines maintains very clear restrictions concerning pet travel on certain routes. These restrictions are in place for various reasons, including international customs regulations, quarantine laws, and animal health protocols.

It is essential to understand these limitations to avoid disappointment and complications. Planning travel that includes a pet requires careful attention to the airline’s specific route policies.

Southwest Airlines does not accept pets on any international flights. This means if your itinerary includes a destination outside the contiguous United States, your pet cannot travel with you on Southwest. This policy applies to all international routes offered by the airline.

Similarly, Southwest Airlines does not permit pets on flights to or from Hawaii. Hawaii has stringent quarantine laws to protect its unique ecosystem from foreign diseases and pests. These regulations prohibit most animals from entering without extensive preparation and quarantine periods, which Southwest’s pet policy does not accommodate.