How to travel with pet in flight：Southwest airline pet policy

Traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience, but it requires a bit of planning and understanding of airline policies. Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for pet owners, thanks to its accommodating and pet-friendly policies. If you’re planning to fly with your furry companion, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the Southwest Airlines pet policy to ensure a smooth journey. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with pets on Southwest flights, including their pet carrier requirements, fees, and guidelines for emotional support animals and service dogs.

Why Choose Southwest Airlines for Traveling with Pets?

Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for pet owners for several reasons. One of the main advantages is that the airline allows small pets to travel in the cabin on both domestic flights and flights to the Hawaiian Islands. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest makes it easier for your furry companion to fly with you, thanks to their flexible policies.

Southwest Airlines’ pet policy is straightforward and budget-friendly. For a pet fare of just $95 each way, pets can travel in the cabin, stowed under the seat in front of you. This makes it one of the most affordable options for those looking to take their furry friend on vacation or business trips. Moreover, Southwest accepts only one pet carrier per passenger, so you can be sure your pet will have enough space.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Overview

Before you book your southwest flight with your pet, it’s essential to review the detailed pet policy. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. Pet Carrier Requirements: Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines for carriers. Pets must be kept in an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier requirements include maximum dimensions (typically 17 inches long, 9.5 inches high, and 10 inches wide), ensuring that your pet is comfortable during the flight. The carrier must be leak proof and well ventilated, offering ample airflow for your pet.

2. Pet Types Allowed: Southwest Airlines only allows vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. If you have a different type of pet, you may not be able to bring them along. Pets must also be in a carrier that fits comfortably under the seat. Pets allowed on Southwest are generally those that fit within these size constraints and are calm during the flight.

3. Space Limitations: Southwest Airlines allows only a limited number of pets per flight—six pets per flight. This means that pets traveling on a first come, first served basis. If you plan on traveling with your pet, be sure to book their reservation well in advance to secure a spot. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, they must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight.

4. Pet Fare: The pet fee for traveling with a pet on a Southwest flight is $95 each way. This fee covers your pet's travel in the cabin under the seat in front of you. The pet fare is a fixed cost, making it easy to calculate the cost of bringing your pet with you. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling with more than one pet, you will need to pay the pet fee for each pet.

Traveling with Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Southwest Airlines is known for its accommodating policies regarding service animals and emotional support animals. The airline makes a clear distinction between these two types of animals, with different rules for each:

1. Trained Service Animals: Southwest Airlines accepts only trained service animals on their flights. These trained service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times and are allowed to travel with their owner on the floor of the cabin. Service animals do not need to be in a pet carrier, but they must stay on the floor and remain seated during the flight.

2. Emotional Support Animals: As of recent changes, Southwest Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. These animals must now adhere to the same regulations as pets. They must travel in a pet carrier that fits under the seat, and they are subject to the same pet fare and carrier requirements as other pets.

How to Book Your Pet’s Travel with Southwest Airlines

Booking your pet’s travel with Southwest Airlines is simple, but it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that everything goes smoothly:

1. Reserve Your Pet’s Spot in Advance: Southwest Airlines allows a limited number of pets per flight, so it’s best to book your pet’s reservation early to ensure there’s space. You can add your pet to your reservation either online or by calling the customer service agent.

2. Pay the Pet Fare: When you book your flight, you will need to pay the pet fee for your pet. This fee covers the cost of your pet’s travel in the cabin, and it must be paid at the time of booking.

3. Check-in at the Airport: When you arrive at the airport, go to the ticket counter to check in your pet. Ensure you arrive early enough to allow time for any required paperwork, such as a health certificate from your veterinarian. If you’ve already reserved your pet’s spot, check-in will be quick and easy.

4. Pet Travel Documentation: For certain destinations, especially international flights, Southwest Airlines may require a health certificate for your pet. This document certifies that your pet is fit for travel and has the necessary vaccinations, such as a rabies vaccination. Always check the specific requirements for your destination.

What to Expect at the Airport and During the Flight

When you arrive at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth journey:

1. Check-in: Upon arrival, check in as usual, but make sure to inform the customer service agent that you are traveling with a pet. They will guide you through the process and provide any additional information.

2. Security Screening: When passing through security, your pet and carrier will need to go through the screening process. You will be required to remove your pet from the carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine. Your pet must remain on a leash during this process.

3. In-Flight Experience: Once you are on board the plane, your pet’s carrier will need to be stowed under the seat in front of you. Ensure that the carrier is well ventilated and that your pet is comfortable. Pets are not allowed to leave their carriers during the flight, so make sure your furry companion is prepared for the journey.

4. Disruptive Behavior: If your pet exhibits disruptive behavior that affects other passengers, the flight attendants may ask you to remove the pet from the cabin. It’s essential to keep your pet calm and comfortable during the flight to avoid any issues.

Tips for Traveling with Pets on Southwest Airlines

1. Prepare Your Pet: Before flying, get your pet used to their pet carrier. This will help reduce stress for both you and your pet. Consider taking your pet on shorter trips in the carrier to help them adjust.

2. Health Certificate: Southwest may require a health certificate from your veterinarian to confirm that your pet is fit for air travel. This is especially important for pets flying on international flights or longer domestic flights.

3. Hydration and Snacks: Make sure to provide water and snacks for your pet before the flight. Some pets may not eat during the journey, but offering small treats during the flight can help keep them calm.

4. Comfortable Carrier: Ensure the carrier is large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A leak-proof carrier is crucial, and it should be well-ventilated to allow your pet to breathe easily.

Conclusion

Flying with your pet on Southwest Airlines is a relatively simple and affordable experience, as long as you understand the pet policy and prepare in advance. Whether you're traveling with a dog, a cat, or another small pet, Southwest’s pet policy Southwest Airlines is clear and designed to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pet. By adhering to the carrier requirements, booking your pet’s spot early, and keeping your pet comfortable throughout the journey, you’ll be ready to embark on an enjoyable flight with your furry companion. Safe travels!