Southwest allows small dogs and cats in-cabin on select domestic flights for $125 each way.
Most of the time I use Southwest Airlines for domestic travel in the USA. It has become my go-to airline for domestic trips. Today I want to talk about something that I notice every time at the airport that people traveling with their pets. Let’s know about Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Rules & Fees.
In this article I will explain the southwest airlines pet travel policy with clear steps, real tips, and up-to-date rules. I have flown it with my own pets and coached clients through edge cases, so you will get both policy facts and field-tested advice.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy?
The southwest airlines pet travel policy allows small, vaccinated cats and dogs to fly in the cabin. There is no cargo option for pets on Southwest. Your pet must stay inside a closed, airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. The pet must be calm, clean, and at least eight weeks old.
The airline limits the number of pet carriers per flight. Space is first-come, first-served. Pets are only accepted on select domestic routes. Flights to or from Hawaii and all international routes do not allow pets in-cabin. You pay a per-carrier Pet Fare each way.
This overview hits the key parts of the southwest airlines pet travel policy. Keep reading for booking, carrier sizes, and day-of-travel steps you should not miss.
Linda with her pet Cevi
Eligibility: Allowed Animals, Age, and Behavior
- Allowed animals are only domestic cats and dogs.
- Pets must be at least eight weeks old and weaned.
- Vaccinations must meet the rules at your origin and destination.
- There are no breed bans, but the pet must fit safely in the carrier.
- If a pet shows aggressive or disruptive behavior, boarding can be denied.
Under the southwest airlines pet travel policy, emotional support animals are treated as pets and must follow these rules. That means a paid Pet Fare and an approved carrier.
Fees, Booking, and Flight Caps
- Pet Fare is typically $125 each way, per carrier.
- Only a set number of pet carriers are allowed per flight (often up to six).
- One pet carrier per customer is allowed. You may place two small pets of the same species in one carrier if they fit and can stand and turn.
- Add your pet reservation early by calling the airline. You can check in online for yourself, but you must see an agent at the airport to receive pet tags and confirm fit.
- If you do not fly, the Pet Fare is refundable. If your flight changes and no pet space is left, ask for a refund.
These steps match the southwest airlines pet travel policy and help you lock a spot before flights fill.
Carrier Requirements and Under-Seat Fit
Your carrier must be leakproof, well-ventilated, and able to close fully. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest sells a soft carrier around 17 x 9.5 x 10 inches as a guide. Soft-sided carriers flex a bit and are often easier to fit.
- The pet must stay fully inside the closed carrier at all times.
- Line the bottom with an absorbent pad.
- Label the carrier with your name and phone number.
- The carrier counts as your personal item on Southwest. You may also bring one standard carry-on bag.
The southwest airlines pet travel policy requires that the carrier fit without blocking aisles. Choose a seat with good under-seat space and avoid bulkhead rows.
Day-of-Travel: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Arrive early. Go to the full-service counter to pay or confirm the Pet Fare and get your pet tag.
- Use the pet relief area before security and, if time allows, again near the gate.
- TSA screening: remove your pet and carry them through the metal detector while the empty carrier is X-rayed. A snug harness helps prevent escapes.
- Board with your group. Slide the carrier under the seat in front of you, long side facing forward if it fits better.
- Keep your pet calm. Offer a chew or a familiar cloth. Avoid heavy meals right before the flight.
Follow this flow and you will match the southwest airlines pet travel policy from curb to seat without stress.
Where You Can and Cannot Fly With Pets
Pets are accepted only on select domestic routes within the contiguous United States. They are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii. They are not accepted on any international flights. If you have a connection, both segments must allow pets and have space.
Weather embargoes do not apply to in-cabin pets. Still, plan for heat or cold during airport walks. The southwest airlines pet travel policy focuses on safe, in-cabin travel only.
Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals
Trained service dogs that meet DOT rules fly free and are not pets. They must be trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. You will complete DOT forms to attest to training and behavior.
Emotional support animals are not service animals. They must fly as pets under the southwest airlines pet travel policy. That means an approved carrier and the standard Pet Fare.
Pro Tips From Real Flights
I have flown Southwest with a shy rescue cat and a small terrier. Here is what worked best for us:
- Book the pet space the same day you book your ticket. Pet spots go fast on peak days.
- Choose a window seat to keep the carrier out of foot traffic. It also helps with anxious pets.
- Do a “carrier practice week.” Feed one meal per day inside the carrier so it feels safe.
- Freeze a small water bowl the night before. It melts slowly and limits spills.
- Bring extra pads and a spare collar tag. If one gets wet or lost, you are covered.
These tips fit neatly within the southwest airlines pet travel policy and make a big difference on long days.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Showing up late and missing the pet cap. Always add your pet early and arrive early.
- Oversized carriers. If it does not fit under the seat, you will be denied boarding with the pet.
- Letting pets out in the cabin. The carrier must stay closed at all times.
- Forgetting IDs and vet records. Southwest may not require a health certificate, but local laws can.
- Feeding a big meal preflight. Small snacks reduce nausea and mess.
Avoid these errors and you will stay aligned with the southwest airlines pet travel policy from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions of southwest airlines pet travel policy
How much is the Southwest pet fee?
It is usually $125 each way, per carrier. If your trip is canceled or plans change, you can request a refund of the Pet Fare.
Can I bring two pets?
Yes, but they must be two small cats or two small dogs of the same species in one carrier. The pets must fit, stand, and turn around with ease.
Does the carrier count as my carry-on?
On Southwest, the pet carrier counts as your personal item. You may also bring one standard carry-on bag.
Are pets allowed on flights to Hawaii?
No. Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii. Pets are also not accepted on any international routes.
Do I need a health certificate?
Southwest does not require one for in-cabin pets. Still, you must follow local rules at your origin and destination, including vaccine proof if asked.
Can my pet sit on my lap?
No. Your pet must stay inside the closed carrier under the seat for the entire flight. This rule applies during boarding, taxi, takeoff, and landing.
How do I reserve a spot for my pet?
Call Southwest to add a pet to your booking. Pet space is limited per flight, so book early to avoid being turned away at the airport.
Conclusion
The southwest airlines pet travel policy is simple, strict, and very doable when you plan ahead. Book your pet early, choose the right carrier, and follow the in-cabin rules. Keep your pet calm, keep the carrier closed, and give yourself extra time at each step.
If you are ready to fly, use this checklist today to lock your pet’s spot and prep your gear. Have questions or a tip from your own trip? Share it, subscribe for more practical travel guides, and make your next flight the easiest one yet.
