How To Fly A Dog On Southwest? Flying with your furry friend on Southwest Airlines is possible with their pet-friendly policy, making travel less stressful for pet parents. Flyermedia.net understands the importance of keeping your pets close, offering a comprehensive guide to Southwest’s pet policies for a smooth and comfortable journey, ensuring your beloved companion is right by your side as you explore new destinations. Discover everything you need to know about pet travel, airline pet policies, and animal air transportation.
1. Understanding Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy: An Overview
Southwest Airlines’ pet policy is designed with the comfort and safety of your pets and service animals in mind. The airline acknowledges the essential role pets play in families and the critical assistance service animals offer to individuals with disabilities.
2. Which Pets Are Welcome On Southwest Airlines Flights?
Southwest Airlines permits small domestic dogs and cats to travel within the cabin, alongside trained service animals. Only small dogs and cats that can comfortably fit inside a carrier beneath the seat are eligible for travel on Southwest.
- Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
- Southwest Airlines does not transport pets as cargo or checked baggage.
- The airline restricts other types of pets, such as rabbits, birds, or rodents, from traveling in the cabin.
- Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to fly with a pet.
- The pet must remain inside its carrier at all times. When passing through security, you’ll walk with the carrier through the X-ray screening machine.
- Pet carriers count as either your personal item or carry-on.
Dog in carrier
3. What About Service Animals On Southwest Airlines?
Only dogs are recognized as trained service animals by Southwest Airlines. To adhere to federal safety regulations, service dogs must be positioned to not obstruct exits in emergencies, meaning they cannot sit in an emergency exit row or occupy a seat.
To bring your service dog on a Southwest Airlines flight, you should present a letter detailing its mission and a copy of its certification to a customer service agent at the airport, especially if your dog is involved in law enforcement or search-and-rescue operations.
4. What Documentation Is Necessary For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
Southwest Airlines has specific documentation requirements for pets and service animals traveling on their flights to ensure a smooth travel experience.
- This documentation is required to be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This advance submission allows the airline to make all necessary arrangements.
4.1. What Documentation Is Needed For Regular Pets?
Proof of vaccination is typically required for regular pets; however, Southwest Airlines does not mandate the presentation of this documentation before boarding. Known for its “open boarding” policy, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Nevertheless, when flying with a pet in the cabin, passengers cannot occupy exit seats.
4.2. What Documentation Is Needed For Service Animals?
If you are traveling with a service animal, you need to present a completed Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form. This form can be presented either at the ticket counter or at the gate on your travel day. Ensure that the form’s date is on or after the date you purchased your ticket to avoid any potential issues. Should an animal not meet the criteria for a trained service animal, it may still be permitted to travel as a pet, subject to the applicable pet fee.
5. What Are The Requirements And Restrictions Of Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy?
5.1. Why Is A Leak-Proof And Well-Ventilated Pet Carrier Required?
Your pet carrier must be both leak-proof and well-ventilated to ensure the comfort, safety, and cleanliness of the aircraft. Ensuring your carrier is robust and secure can help prevent accidents or escape attempts.
5.2. Are Pets Allowed In Cargo?
Pets are not allowed in the cargo area, except for service animals. If you are planning to travel with your pet on Southwest Airlines, remember that your furry friend will have to travel in the cabin with you. Southwest Airlines is able to better monitor their safety and comfort throughout the flight.
5.3. Why Is A Reservation Required For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
Due to the limit of six pets per flight, Southwest Airlines limits the number of pet carriers allowed on each flight to six (though more than six animals can be on board if some are sharing a carrier). This limit ensures the safety and comfort of all pets and passengers on board during the flight.
- Because of this limit, it’s recommended that you make a reservation for your pet in advance.
- This helps ensure availability for your pet on the flight you plan to take.
- You can make a reservation for your pet while you book your ticket or call Southwest Airlines’ customer service to add your pet to an existing reservation.
- When making a reservation for your pet, you must provide information including its breed and weight.
Southwest Airlines does not allow standby travel for pets. So, if you don’t have a reservation, your pet won’t be able to travel with you on the flight.
5.4. What Is The Pet Fare Required For Each Way Of Traveling With A Pet On Southwest?
The pet fare for Southwest Airlines is $125 each way – the price recently went up from $95 each way.
- You can pay the pet fare when you make your reservation or at the airport when you check in for your flight.
- The pet fare is a separate fee from your ticket and is charged per pet carrier.
- If you need to cancel your reservation or your flight is canceled, and you don’t rebook you can request a refund, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or visiting a ticket counter.
5.5. Where Must The Pet Carrier Be Stowed During Flight?
Your pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you during the flight to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet and the other passengers. Southwest Airlines recommends using a soft-sided carrier that can be easily stowed under the seat. Your pet must remain in its carrier for the flight and cannot be taken out of the carrier while the plane is in flight.
It’s a good idea to acclimate your pet to their carrier before your flight so they feel more comfortable and relaxed during the journey. You can do this by leaving the carrier in your home and letting your pet explore it independently. You can also try taking short trips in the car with your pet in their carrier to get them used to traveling in the carrier.
5.6. Are There Breed Restrictions For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
Southwest Airlines has no specific breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin; however, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with certain breeds.
- Large breeds are essentially restricted because they won’t fit under the seat in their carrier.
- Brachycephalic breeds are prone to respiratory problems – while this is less of a concern for traveling in the cabin, there are some risks involved.
- If your dog is aggressive or disrupts the flight of other passengers, the airline reserves the right to refuse transportation for animals.
5.7. What New Rules Did The CDC Create For Pets?
The CDC recently passed new laws regarding flying with pets. These new rules are intended to limit the exposure of rabies in the United States. Due to these new rules, airlines have embargoed pets from flying into the United States from countries or territories considered “high risk” for rabies, or if the pet has been in a high risk location within the past six months.
6. Should You Consider Ground Transportation As An Alternative To Southwest Airlines?
With many restrictions around pet air travel, ground transportation is often a better solution. If your pet has to fly in the cargo area, you must choose ground transport – you wouldn’t put your children in the cargo area, don’t do it with your pets either! It’s the safest, most humane way to send a pet long distances.
7. How Many Pet Carriers Are Allowed Per Person For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
Southwest Airlines allows only one pet carrier per person to be brought on board. And one pet carrier can only contain a maximum of two small pets. Please note that your pet carrier will be considered as your carry-on item.
7.1. What Are The Pet Carrier Dimensions For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
When traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines, the size of the pet carrier is an important consideration. To bring your pet on board, their carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 18.5″ long, 9.5″ high, and 13.5″ wide. It’s important to note that these dimensions are for the pet carrier itself and not the size of your pet. Your pet should have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. If you have any doubts about whether your pet will be comfortable in the carrier, it’s a good idea to test it out at home before your flight. Additionally, Southwest Airlines has a weight limit of 20 pounds per pet, including the carrier.
7.2. Why Should You Reserve Your Pet’s Spot In Advance For Flying A Dog On Southwest?
Southwest Airlines limits the number of pets they can accommodate on their flights, so you need to make a reservation in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. This way, you can ensure that there is space available for your pet. Southwest Airlines accepts pets on a first-come, first-served basis until they reach their six-carrier capacity, but sometimes they might make exceptions and allow for more (or fewer) carriers. So, if you plan on traveling with your pet, remember to call ahead and reserve their spot on the flight. Making a reservation for your pet in advance guarantees their flight spot. It also helps the airline prepare for your pet’s arrival. Southwest Airlines wants to ensure that your pet has a comfortable and safe flight. Having advance notice allows them to make any necessary preparations.
8. Should You Consider Pet Insurance Before Flying a Dog on Southwest?
Transporting your pet by air is generally very safe, but accidents do happen. Even a minor issue while traveling could lead to substantial vet bills once your pet has arrived. Consider purchasing pet insurance before traveling with a pet.
9. What Are Some FAQs About Flying A Dog On Southwest?
9.1. Can I bring any type of pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines permits small domestic dogs and cats in the cabin. Other animals like rabbits, birds, or rodents are not allowed.
9.2. Is there an age restriction for pets flying on Southwest?
Yes, your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to travel on Southwest Airlines.
9.3. Does Southwest Airlines transport pets as cargo?
No, Southwest Airlines does not transport pets as cargo or checked baggage. Pets must travel in the cabin with their owners.
9.4. What kind of documentation is required for my pet?
While proof of vaccination is generally needed, Southwest does not require you to present these documents before boarding.
9.5. How should service animals be positioned during the flight?
Service dogs must be positioned in a way that does not block the exit in case of an emergency, and they are not allowed to sit in an emergency exit row or occupy a seat.
9.6. What form is needed for service animals traveling on Southwest?
You must present a completed Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form.
9.7. What are the pet carrier requirements for Southwest Airlines?
The pet carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you, not exceeding 18.5″ long, 9.5″ high, and 13.5″ wide.
9.8. What is the pet fare for flying a dog on Southwest?
The pet fare for Southwest Airlines is $125 each way per pet carrier.
9.9. Are there breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin?
Southwest Airlines does not have specific breed restrictions, but large breeds that cannot fit under the seat and aggressive animals may face restrictions.
9.10. How can I reserve a spot for my pet on a Southwest flight?
You can make a reservation for your pet by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or adding your pet to an existing reservation.
10. Conclusion
Traveling with pets can be stressful. With Southwest Airlines, you can rest easy knowing your pet’s safety and comfort are a top priority. Remember to plan, follow the guidelines for documentation, carrier requirements, reservation procedures, and size restrictions. With these tips in mind, you and your furry companion can take to the skies with ease.
Eager to discover more valuable insights and expert advice about pet air travel? Flyermedia.net is your ultimate resource! Dive into our extensive collection of articles, guides, and tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for you and your beloved furry companion. Don’t let uncertainty cloud your travel plans—visit flyermedia.net now and unlock the secrets to stress-free adventures with your pet.
