Travelling with your pet can be an exciting and stressful experience at the same time, but if you are considering flying with Southwest Airlines, understanding their pet policy in full can help you and your furry companion fly with confidence and comfort. In this Blog, you will learn about Southwest Airlines Pet Policy, booking process, fees, restrictions and valuable tips to make your journey seamless. You can contact Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792 to ask about the Pet Travel policy or if you want to book tickets.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Overview

• Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring their small vaccinated dogs and cats with them on all domestic flights. 
• They do not allow for the transportation of pets in cargo, as this ensures that all pet owners can transport their pets safely and humanely.
• Southwest Airlines pet travel is limited to only domestic flights. They will not allow any pets to fly on any of their international routes to or from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories. This policy helps to ensure that safety is consistent across flights, as there is a wide difference in requirements for pet travel in various international locations.
• Each paying passenger is allowed to carry one pet carrier on their flight. The pet carrier is allowed to carry two small pets of the same species inside. Both pets must be able to fit comfortably inside the closed pet carrier.
• While you are on the plane, your pet must remain in the pet carrier at all times during the flight. Southwest Airlines strictly enforces this rule so that all passengers are protected and all are safe. They have trained personnel to monitor compliance with this requirement before and during the flight.

What should be the size of your Pet Carrier?

• Customers can bring one (1) pet carrier as a free item, with each pet carrier accommodating two (2) small cats (and/or dogs) of the same breed.
• The pet carrier must fit beneath the seat in front of you on the airplane.
• There must be sufficient space for the cat or dog to stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably within the carrier.
• Acceptable pet carriers must meet these requirements:
• – Be specifically designed as pet carriers (due to size).
• – Be leak-proof and have adequate ventilation.
• – Have maximum dimensions of:
• Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier: 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9.5 inches high.
• All other pet carriers: maximum dimensions of 18.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide and 9.5 inches high.
• Pet carriers are classified as carry-on Bags or Personal Items.
• Airport customers may bring either a pet carrier, OR a pet carrier and a normal-sized carry-on bag onto the flight.
• Pets must remain secured in their carriers while in the airport terminal, while boarding or deplaning and throughout the entire duration of the flight. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the pet being denied boarding. Pet carriers must remain stored under the seat directly in front of the customer throughout the flight.

Pet Eligibility and Behaviour Rules.

• Only cats and dogs can travel with Southwest Airlines. 
• All pets must be at least 8 weeks old. Travel can be stressful for young animals, and this can lead to health issues as a result of stress.
• Your pet must be calm and composed while in its carrier. Disruptive or aggressive behaviour may result in the revocation of travel privileges. To help alleviate anxiety during travel days, you should prepare your pet.
• Pets must remain quiet on Southwest Airlines flights. Disruptive behaviours may disturb passengers. Therefore, it is important to train your pet to handle the enclosed space of an airplane.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Cost

• At Southwest Airlines, a Pet fee must be paid at the airport, and this amount is non-refundable. 
• At present, the cost to transport your domestic pet via Southwest Airline is $125 for each animal carrier being transported in each direction, but please verify the cost of this service directly on our website. 
• If your reservation for a flight that was scheduled to include your pet is cancelled (either by you or the airline), you will receive a full refund of all fees related to the transportation of your pet.

Making a Booking with your Pet on Southwest Airlines.

• The number of pets allowed on a Southwest flight is limited. Therefore, planning is key.
• Making a reservation for your pet is based on the order in which they are received.
• Most of the time, you will not be able to book pet travel via the internet, but need to call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792 or request a reservation at the airport ticket counter.
• Since there is a cap on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, it is advisable to reserve your pet when you make your own reservation.
• If the limit for the flight you wish to take has already been filled, you will not be able to take your pet and will have to find another flight that has availability for a pet.

Vaccination & Health for Pets

Pets must be properly vaccinated according to local laws and regulations.

Although Southwest doesn’t always ask for proof of vaccination at check-in, some states/destinations require health certificates, so you should:

1. Schedule an appointment to see your vet before travelling
2. Confirm that the vaccines are current.
3. Obtain a health certificate from your vet, especially if you’re travelling across state lines.

Pet Behaviour, Rapid Rewards and Cremated Pet Remains

Flying puts stress on pets (i.e. dogs, cats), so it’s important that you and your veterinary healthcare provider make the decision on whether or not your pet can safely fly. 

Pets with heart disease, anxiety disorder(s), or brachycephalic (flat-faced, i.e. bulldogs, pugs, etc.) have an increased risk for experiencing complications from flying. 

Pets exhibiting disruptive behaviour may be refused boarding. Disruptive behaviours include, but are not limited to: 

• Scratching, excessive whining or barking 
• Growling, biting, lunging 
• Urinating and/or Defecating inside the cabin/on the ground of the boarding area or at the gate 

Rapid Rewards

• Pets do not qualify for Rapid Rewards points. 

Cremated Pet Remains

• You can carry the cremated remains of your pet as a carry-on item. 
• Cremated remains will need to go through a security inspection at the security checkpoint. They cannot go into checked baggage. 
• We recommend using a temporary plastic or cardboard container that the crematorium typically provides to transport the remains to help ensure that the item will be able to pass through X-ray screening. 
• Otherwise, it will be physically inspected by a TSA officer or an aviation business if one is not available at the time of inspection or cannot be screened. If the cremated remains cannot be screened, the remains will not be allowed past the airport’s security checkpoint.
• Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ pet policy provides simple guidelines for travelling with your pet. The pet policy focuses on safety, transparency and cabin-only travel. Preparing properly will help your pet travel calmly with you. Always check the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy before you make your flight reservations. Southwest Airlines’ pet policy provides simple guidelines for travelling with your pet. The pet policy focuses on safety, transparency and cabin-only travel. Preparing properly will help your pet travel calmly with you. Always check the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy before you make your flight reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwest allow Pets to travel in Cargo?

No, Southwest only allows pets in the cabin and your pets cannot fly in cargo.

Do I need a Veterinary Health Certificate to travel with my pet on Southwest?

In most domestic Southwest flights, you don’t need a health certificate, but the vaccination should be up-to-date.