Flying with your furry friend can be an exciting adventure, and for many pet parents, Southwest Airlines is a popular choice. Known for its pet-friendly policies and generally welcoming attitude towards animals, Southwest makes it relatively straightforward to bring your dog along for the journey. But before you pack your bags and your pup’s favorite toys, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of Southwest’s pet policy to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your canine companion.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with your dog on Southwest Airlines. We’ll cover the essential rules, regulations, costs, and helpful tips to prepare you and your dog for air travel, ensuring you’re well-informed and ready for takeoff.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: The Basics
Southwest Airlines welcomes small dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners on domestic flights. It’s important to note that Southwest does not transport pets as cargo. This means your dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.
Here are the key aspects of Southwest’s pet policy you need to be aware of:
- In-Cabin Only: Southwest only allows pets to travel in the cabin. They do not offer cargo transport for animals.
- Limited to Small Dogs and Cats: The policy primarily caters to small dogs and cats. Certain breeds may have restrictions, and size limitations for carriers are strictly enforced.
- Carrier Requirements: Your dog must be transported in a pet carrier that meets Southwest’s size and design specifications. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
- Health and Vaccination: While Southwest doesn’t require a health certificate for pets traveling within the U.S., it’s always a good idea to ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and in good health before traveling.
- Fees: Southwest charges a pet fee for each one-way flight your pet travels on. This fee is typically non-refundable.
- Advance Booking: It’s highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation in advance, as there are limits to the number of pets allowed on each flight.
Breed Restrictions and Carrier Guidelines
While Southwest is generally pet-friendly, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind, particularly regarding breed and carrier size.
Breed Restrictions: Southwest Airlines does not have specific breed restrictions for dogs. However, your dog must be well-behaved and not pose a threat to other passengers or crew members. Aggressive behavior or excessive barking could lead to refusal of transport.
Carrier Requirements are crucial. Southwest is quite strict about carrier dimensions to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
- Size Limits: The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide. Soft-sided carriers are generally recommended as they offer more flexibility in fitting under the seat.
- Carrier Type: The carrier must be leak-proof and adequately ventilated. Hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are both acceptable as long as they meet the size and ventilation requirements.
- Containment: Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. Throughout the flight, your dog must remain inside the carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
It is highly advisable to measure your carrier and ensure it conforms to Southwest’s guidelines. Arriving at the airport with a carrier that is too large can cause delays and potentially prevent your dog from flying.
Booking Your Dog’s Flight and Associated Fees
Adding your dog to your Southwest Airlines reservation requires a few specific steps, and understanding the fees involved is essential for budgeting your trip.
How to Book:
- During Booking: The easiest way is to add your pet during the initial flight booking process online at Southwest.com or through the Southwest app. Look for the “Add Pet” option during passenger details entry.
- After Booking: If you’ve already booked your flight, you can add a pet to your reservation by logging into “My Account” on Southwest.com or contacting Southwest Customer Service. It’s best to do this as early as possible, as space for pets is limited on each flight.
Pet Fees:
- Southwest charges a non-refundable pet fee of $95 USD each way per pet carrier. This fee is subject to change, so it’s always best to verify the current fee on Southwest’s website or with customer service at the time of booking.
- The pet fee covers the transportation of your pet in the cabin. It does not include any additional services or amenities for your pet.
- You will need to pay the pet fee at the airport when you check in.
Important Booking Considerations:
- Limited Pet Spaces: Southwest limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight (typically six). Book early to secure a spot for your dog, especially during peak travel seasons.
- One Pet Carrier Per Person: Each paying passenger is allowed to bring one pet carrier. You cannot book a pet without having a confirmed flight reservation yourself.
- No Pets on International Flights: Southwest’s pet policy currently applies to domestic flights within the United States only. They do not transport pets on international flights.
Check-in and Airport Procedures When Flying with a Dog
Navigating the airport with your dog requires a bit of extra preparation and understanding of the check-in procedures.
Check-in Process:
- Check-in at the Ticket Counter: You must check in at the airport ticket counter when traveling with a pet. Online check-in is not permitted when you have a pet on your reservation. This allows Southwest agents to verify your pet’s carrier, collect the pet fee, and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
- Arrive Early: It’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time when traveling with a pet. This allows ample time for check-in, security procedures, and any unexpected delays.
- Security Screening: You will need to remove your dog from the carrier for security screening. You will walk through the metal detector, and the carrier will be screened separately, usually through an X-ray machine. Keep your dog on a leash or securely held during this process.
- Gate Area: Once you’ve cleared security, you can proceed to your gate. Keep your dog in the carrier while in the gate area, unless you find a designated pet relief area within the airport.
During Boarding and Onboard:
- Boarding: You will typically board with your assigned boarding group. Inform the gate agent that you are traveling with a pet when you approach the gate.
- Stowing the Carrier: Once onboard, stow your pet carrier completely under the seat in front of you for the entire duration of the flight. Do not place the carrier in the overhead bin.
- Keeping Your Dog Comfortable: While you cannot take your dog out of the carrier during the flight, you can talk to your dog in a soothing voice and offer reassurance. Avoid giving your dog food or water during the flight to minimize the need for bathroom breaks and potential messes.
Tips for a Smooth Flight with Your Dog
Traveling with your dog can be enjoyable with the right preparation. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free flight for both of you:
- Acclimate Your Dog to the Carrier: Well before your travel date, get your dog used to spending time in the carrier. Make it a positive space with treats and toys. Short car rides in the carrier can also help your dog adjust.
- Exercise Your Dog Before the Flight: Take your dog for a good walk or play session before heading to the airport. This will help them burn off energy and be more relaxed during the flight.
- Pack Smart: Bring essential items for your dog in your carry-on bag, such as potty pads (for airport relief areas), wipes, a collapsible water bowl, and a small amount of food (for emergencies or layovers).
- Consider a Calming Aid: If your dog is anxious during travel, talk to your veterinarian about safe calming aids, such as pheromone sprays or calming treats, that might help reduce stress. Always consult your vet before administering any medication or supplements.
- Identify Pet Relief Areas: Familiarize yourself with the locations of pet relief areas in the airports you’ll be traveling through. These designated areas provide a sanitary space for your dog to relieve themselves before and after the flight.
- Stay Calm and Reassuring: Your dog will pick up on your stress levels. Remain calm and reassuring throughout the travel process. Speak to your dog in a gentle voice and offer praise and comfort.
Conclusion
Flying with your dog on Southwest Airlines is definitely possible and can be a convenient option for pet travel within the United States. By understanding and adhering to Southwest’s pet policy, preparing your dog for the journey, and following these helpful tips, you can ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience for both you and your beloved canine companion. Remember to always check Southwest’s official website for the most up-to-date pet policies and fees before your travel date, and enjoy your adventures together!
