A Guide To Southwest Pet Travel Policies– Here’s Everything You Need To Know

How does your heart feel when you leave for work or vacation, leaving your beloved furry friend at home? A little heavy? Maybe even a little guilty? Well, you are not alone. For many travelers, pets aren’t just animals; they are family. Their wagging tails, warm snuggles, and excited gestures make saying goodbye the hardest part of the trip. But– what if you didn’t have to leave them behind?  This is not a mere thought; this is Southwest pet travel!

If you are flying with Southwest Airlines, you don’t have to leave your pets. Whether you are planning a getaway or embarking on an international trip, the airlines make it possible to bring your small dog or cat right into the cabin with you. Doesn’t it feel dreamy? No cargo holds, no overwhelming goodbyes, nothing, just a little bit of preparation, a checklist of do’s & don’ts, and a Southwest Pet Travel guide. 

Don’t worry! We will walk you through every step–from booking to pet type to fee to cabin & cargo rules, so that you and your furry friend can enjoy a seamless aviation experience. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the airline’s pet travel policies, and make your travel exciting like never before!

Navigating Southwest Pet Travel Policies: What You Should Know?

Before you pack the treats and zip up the carrier, it is essential to understand the rules that make the Southwest Pet Travel program run smoothly. While the airline is known for being pet-friendly, there are still some specific policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of both the passengers and their four-legged companions. 

So, what are you looking at? Check out the information mentioned below and get a detailed idea about who can fly to where your pets can sit, and the cost of bookings. These guidelines ensure that you do not face any surprises or hassles at the airport on your aviation date. So, let’s get started! 

Who Can Fly? Pet Eligibility Requirements

Southwest Airlines has specific criteria for which pets can join you in the cabin and makes a safe and travel-friendly environment for all the other passengers. However, it is to be noted that not every pet is ready or allowed to fly in any of Southwest’s aircraft. So, here’s the breakdown of the type of pet allowed on board, the species, age, and health criteria for travel.

• Type of Pets Allowed On Board: Passengers can take only small and vaccinated cats and dogs on board the aircraft. Other than this, no other animal types, such as rabbits, hamsters, birds, or rodents, are allowed. 

• Age Requirements: Your furry travelers must be at least eight (8) weeks old to embark on their Southwest Airlines adventure. 

• Health Certifications: While Southwest does not typically require a health certificate for domestic flights, it is always wise to consult your veterinarian before any travel. Make sure that your pet is healthy and fit for flying. 

• Other Restrictions: Pets exhibiting disruptive behavior such as excessive whining, barking, growling, biting, or scratching in the cabin may be denied boarding at the airport security checking. 

Cabin Rules: Where Your Pet Can Sit?

Southwest’s in-cabin policy means your pets can stay with you, but there are some important guidelines to follow regarding their placement and carriers. Yes! Your pet can join you in the cabin, but they don’t get their own seat. They must remain inside the carrier at all times during the flight. Here are all the in-cabin pet travel guidelines and requirements that you should know before arriving at the airport.

• Under-Seat Stowage: Pets must remain inside a pet carrier at all times, stowed under the seat in front of you. They should remain secured in their carrier while in the gate area, boarding, and for the entire journey. Taking your pets out of their carrier is not permitted. 

• Seating Restrictions: Travelers with pets are not permitted to occupy seats in exit rows or bulkhead seats, as these seats do not have under-seat storage space available for pet travel. 

• Cargo Rules & Regulations: Southwest does not allow pets in cargo, so if your pet does not fit in the cabin, you might not be allowed to travel with your pet on Southwest Airlines planes.

Fees & Booking: How Much Does It Cost to Bring Your Pet?

As a low-cost carrier, flying with pets is also affordable with Southwest. However, understanding the financial aspect and booking procedure well in advance is essential for travelers to ensure a smooth pet travel experience. Check out how much the cost of traveling with pets is on Southwest Airlines.

• Pet Fare: For flights within the United States mainland, the fare to take your pets is $125 for each way pet carrier. However, for inter-island flights in Hawaii, the fee is approximately $35 every way. 

• Payments: The fare for pet travel will be paid at your airport’s ticketing desks with an acceptable credit card. It is to be noted that you are not allowed to use Southwest gift cards, flight credits, or LUV vouchers for pet fees. 

• Reservations and requirements: Southwest limits the number of pet carriers per flight typically to six. This can vary depending on the route, aircraft, and your membership status. But, it is highly recommended to make a reservation for your pets in advance by contacting Southwest Airlines directly.

• Refund: Moreover, the pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is cancelled by the airline. 

Approved Pet Carriers: Sizing, Design & What’s Allowed

Choosing the correct carrier is essential for your pet’s comfort and for compliance with your airline’s pet travel regulations. For this, you can check out the details below and learn everything related to your pet carrier in detail.

• Carrier Type: Both Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are allowed in the cabins, but they must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Moreover, they must be comfortable enough, as your pet has to remain inside the carrier for the entire journey. 

• Carrier Dimensions & Weight: The maximum dimension for Southwest’s pet carrier is as follows:-

Requirements	Carrier Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) & Weight in lbs
Carrier Size	18.5 in x 8.5 in x 13.5 in / (47 cm x 21.6 cm x 34.3 cm)
Weight Limit	The carrier & the pet’s weight must not exceed 20 lbs (9.07 kg)

Note: This is to inform you that Southwest also sells an official Southwest-branded pet carrier at the airport ticket counters, which meets the pet carrier requirements. So, if you are unable to bring yours, you can purchase the container at the airport as well. 

• Additional Requirements: It is important for the passengers to know that only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger. Moreover, they may carry up to 2 small cats or dogs in one carrier as long as they fit comfortably and are of the same species. 

Where Pets Are Allowed: Destinations & Restrictions

Southwest Airlines flies to a total of 121 destinations globally, but not all Southwest routes are open to furry travelers. Some destinations do not allow pets, so knowing these limitations in advance is vital for preparing your journey. You can check more about it here. 

• Domestic Flights: Southwest Airlines welcomes pets on its domestic flights within the contiguous United States. 

• Inter-Island Hawaii Flights: Pets are permitted in flights between Hawaiian Islands, but specific requirements apply with a fee of approximately $35 each way.

• Restrictions on International Flights: Pets are not accepted on international itineraries due to strict customs laws and health protocols. This policy applies to all traveling animals, including dogs and cats. Passengers who are planning to travel internationally with pets should make necessary arrangements before arriving at the airport. 

• No flights to or from Hawaii: Pets are not allowed on flights to or from Hawaii from the United States mainland.

Note: Service animals follow separate policies and may be allowed on these routes. Make sure to learn about Southwest pet travel policies for service animals in advance.

Traveling with Multiple Pets or Kids? Here’s What to Know

Flying solo is one thing, but if you are on a family trip with kids and pets? Here’s how Southwest handles group bookings, pet travel, and kids’ travel at the same time. You should know about these special scenarios to avoid getting surprises at the airport. 

• Multiple Pets: Passengers are allowed to bring one pet carrier per ticket. Each pet container must not have more than two pets of the same species. Additionally, you should also ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable in the carrier. 

• Traveling With Children: Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with pets. So, if you are traveling with a child and a pet, ensure that the child is not addressed as an unaccompanied minor. 

Preparing Your Pet for the Journey: Useful Tips & Instructions

A relaxed and comfortable pet travel includes thoughtful planning and preparations that make the flight experience smoother for both passengers and pets. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned one, a little preparation goes a long way. From getting your pets used to their container to knowing what to feed them, everything is essential for a peaceful flight. So, here it is:-

• Travelers should inform the airline well in advance of pet travel bookings. 
• While domestic flights do not require health certificates, it is always a good idea to carry a copy of your pet’s vaccination record with you.
• Make sure that your pet is used to the carrier in advance.
• Feed your pets lightly before the flight to avoid discomfort. Moreover, limit the water intake right before boarding. 
• Make sure to add your pet’s favourite toy or a blanket for their comfort. 
• Moreover, always take a pre-flight restroom break for your pets and carry waste bags with you on the flight. 

Final Thoughts: What Southwest Pet Travel Really Is?

Have you got all the information about Southwest Pet Travel? The airlines make it relatively easy to bring your pets along for the ride. You just need to follow the guidelines, book early, and prepare your pet like a pro for the upcoming flight. Whether you are traveling with dogs or cats, on any plane, your furry companions will have a most comfortable and smooth travel experience with the airline. So, zip up your carrier, pack the treats, and get ready for a pawsitively awesome flight. For more details, please feel free to contact the airline’s customer service and receive assistance directly from our experts. Happy journey!

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