Traveling with pets can feel overwhelming, but if you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, it doesn’t have to be! Known for its budget-friendly pricing and passenger-friendly policies, Southwest also excels in pet travel. The best part is that Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy has very friendly terms.
Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a cross-country adventure, this updated guide will give you everything you need to know about flying with your dog or cat on Southwest Airlines—without all the stress.
Let’s break it down in the most helpful (and paw-sitive 🐶) way possible.
✈️ Can You Bring Pets on Southwest Airlines?
Short answer: Yes! Long answer: There are some simple but important rules to follow according to Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy.
✅ Allowed pets:
- Small dogs and cats
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
- Must be non-aggressive, quiet, and healthy
🚫 Not allowed:
- Birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, etc.
- Pets that can’t fit in an under-seat carrier
- Pets in cargo (Southwest only allows in-cabin travel)
If your pet is small, well-behaved, and used to a carrier, they’re good to go!
🌍 Where Can You Travel with Pets on Southwest Airlines?
You can travel with pets on domestic Southwest Airlines flights—but there are a few limitations:
✅ Allowed Destinations:
- All U.S. domestic flights
- Puerto Rico
- Flights between Hawaiian Islands
🚫 Not Allowed:
- International flights
- Flights to/from Hawaii mainland (though inter-island is OK)
Tip for pet parents: Always double-check destination-specific rules. For example, Puerto Rico may require vaccination records or a health certificate.
👜 Pet Carrier Requirements: Get It Right the First Time
Let’s discuss pet carriers, as this is one of the most crucial aspects of Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy.
Your carrier must be:
📏 Max dimensions:
18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide
✅ Features it must have:
- Leak-proof bottom
- Proper ventilation
- Enough room for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
Soft-sided carriers are easier to manage, especially on full flights, but hard-sided carriers are also allowed.
Oh, and don’t forget: only one carrier per passenger is allowed. However, two small pets of the same species can share one carrier—if they’re super cozy together!
💰 Southwest Airlines Pet Fee: What Does It Cost?
Budgeting for your trip? Don’t forget your pet’s ticket!
- $125 each way per pet carrier (not per pet)
- Pay at the airport counter when you check in
- Pet fees are refundable if your flight is canceled or changed by Southwest
- No points, gift cards, or travel credits allowed to pay the pet fee
It’s not the cheapest, but the transparency is nice—no surprise charges here.
📞 How to Reserve a Pet Spot on Your Southwest Flight
This is super important: you can’t book a pet online. Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Book your flight first.
- Contact Southwest Airlines ASAP to reserve a pet spot (only six pets are allowed per flight).
- Arrive early at the airport on flight day.
- Check in with an agent (no kiosks), pay the fee, and tag your carrier.
- Go through TSA security with your pet (we’ll cover that next).
Planning will save you a massive headache on the day of your flight.
🛂 What to Expect at Security and the Gate
Going through TSA with a pet can feel like a circus, but here’s what to expect:
- You’ll remove your pet from the carrier.
- The carrier goes through the X-ray scanner.
- You walk or carry your pet through the metal detector.
- Your pet will be placed back in the airline afterward and must remain inside it for the duration of the flight.
Don’t forget to bring:
- Pee pads (just in case!)
- Wipes
- Treats
- Collapsible water bowl
- Vaccination records (optional but smart)
🪑 Where You Can Sit on the Plane with Your Pet
While Southwest offers open seating, not all seats work for pets.
🚫 Avoid:
- Exit row seats
- Bulkhead seats (no under-seat storage)
✅ Do:
- Find a regular row with under-seat space
- Ask flight attendants for help if unsure
- Be courteous to seatmates—especially if your pet is prone to noise
🐕 Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
There’s a big difference in how Southwest treats these two:
✅ Service Dogs (only):
- Fly for free
- Don’t need to be in a carrier
- Must be trained to assist a person with a disability
- Must have proper documentation submitted in advance
❌ Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):
- Treated like pets
- Must follow all pet rules
- Carrier and fee required
🧠 Pet Behavior Rules to Follow
Your pet should:
- Stay in the carrier 100% of the time
- Be quiet, calm, and clean
- Do not display aggression or cause disruption
Yes, your pet can be denied boarding if they’re loud, aggressive, or uncomfortable. Be honest with yourself about your pet’s temperament—travel isn’t for every animal.
🧳 Pro Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel on Southwest
Let’s make your pet’s first-class (or first-carrier) experience smooth:
🐾 Practice at home: Get your pet comfy in the carrier
🐾 Feed early: No big meals before flight time
🐾 Exercise: Tire them out before heading to the airport
🐾 Pack smart: Bring wipes, treats, a toy, and your chill
🐾 Talk to your vet: Calming sprays or meds might help if your pet gets anxious
🐾 Bringing a New Pet on Their First Flight? Find the Perfect Travel-Inspired Name!
Is this your pet’s first flight? Maybe you’ve just adopted a new puppy or kitten and you’re planning your first adventure together. Whether you’re flying to visit family or heading off on a cross-country move, choosing the right name for your travel buddy is part of the journey.
Looking for something that captures their personality—or maybe a name inspired by your favorite travel destination?
🎉 Try Pet Name Generator by Pet From Mars and discover a name as unique as your next trip. Whether you’re looking for cute, classy, or adventurous names, this fun tool provides ideas that match your pet’s personality and your travel lifestyle.
From “Milo the Jet Setter” to “Luna the Luggage Inspector,” you’re sure to find something that sticks.
✈️ Because every good co-pilot deserves a name with flair.
Final Thoughts: Is Southwest Airlines Pet-Friendly?
Absolutely. From straightforward rules to in-cabin travel and a transparent fee structure, Southwest is one of the best choices for flying with pets within the U.S.
They don’t ship pets as cargo, which is a relief for most pet parents. It keeps your buddy close—and your peace of mind even closer.
As long as your pet fits the size requirements, stays calm, and is travel-ready, Southwest is a great option.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stick to the size limit: 18.5″ L x 8.5″ H x 13.5″ W. Soft-sided is best. Check that it’s leak-proof and ventilated.
Yes—if they’re both cats or dogs, and fit comfortably in one carrier. Only one carrier is allowed per passenger.
Nope—Southwest’s $125 pet fee isn’t eligible for points or Rapid Rewards credits.
Not anymore. All ESAs are now classified as pets, so they must be in a carrier and pay the standard fee.
No specific weight limit—just that your pet must fit comfortably in the carrier and follow behavior rules.
🧡 Traveling with pets is a journey in itself—but when you fly with Southwest, the process is straightforward, consistent, and pet-approved.
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