Southwest Airlines Pet Policy :Everything You Need to Know

The pet becomes part of our family very soon, and exploring new places with them creates new memories, which also strengthens your bond. However, flying with a pet can be hectic, as you have to take care of the pet's health and safety, in addition to lengthy documentation and processes. Well, Southwest Airlines takes all the stress away with their pet policy. This policy covers regulations related to documentation, service animals, pet carriers, fees, and booking procedures. Read this Southwest Airlines pet policy blog and clear all your problems and travel with comfort. 

What are the regulations of Southwest's pet policy? 

With Southwest's pet policy, passengers can travel with their pets on board. Southwest always tries to ensure that passengers travel comfortably, and because of this, passengers tend to choose Southwest to fly. Their policies are customer-friendly and clearly written. Read the standard regulations of this policy below: 

• Domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, are allowed onboard; however, they must be vaccinated.  

• Pets on board must travel in a pet carrier only.

• The pet carrier will be treated as a carry-on or personal item.  

• To fly, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old. 

• Any minor who is traveling alone is not allowed to take pet with them.  

• The pet should remain inside the carrier from the gate area to the deplaning area. 

If passengers fail to follow the regulations and requirements, then airlines can deny the transportation of their pets. 

What are the pet carrier requirements? 

Southwest Air Pet Carrier should be under the provided dimensions only. The pet is going to be inside the pet carrier for the whole flight, which is why the airline provides some regulations to ensure the safety of both the pet and the passengers. Read the regulations carefully: 

• The pet carrier must be under the seat.

• Each person is allowed to bring only one pet carrier.

• In one pet carrier, passengers can bring two pets if they are of the same species  

• The carrier must be soft-sided and leakage-proof. 

• The pet carrier's dimensions should not exceed 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches. 

• The pet carrier will be covered as either a personal item or a carry-on. 

• With a pet carrier, you can either carry a personal item or carry one bag.  

What are the charges for carrying a pet? 

Southwest airlines pet fees regulations provide that passengers have to pay different charges for carrying a pet in the US mainland and Hawaii: 

• If the pet is traveling in the Hawaiian Islands, passengers have to pay $35. 

• If the pet is traveling on the U.S. mainland, passengers must pay $125. 

• If you are purchasing a pet carrier at the ticket counter, then you have to pay $58 only. 

• The pet carrier value can only be paid at the airport, either at the ticket counter or check-in. 

• These charges are applicable per pet carrier per flight. 

• The pet fare gets a refund if you cancel the flight. 

• The Southwest pet fee is the same for service animals.  

How to add a pet to a reservation? 

Southwest's cat policy provides us with a process to book slots for pets. It is advisable to book a slot early, as airlines have limited availability. Here is the step-by-step process to book a slot: 

• Book your ticket online or offline.  

• Then, contact the airlines. 

• Provide the pet details, 

• And they will reserve a slot under your ticket.  

When flying with a service dog on Southwest Airlines, you must follow additional steps. After booking the flight, passengers must follow these steps: 

• Passengers have to submit the U.S. DOT service animal transportation form at the ticket counter upon arrival. 

• Anything else will not be accepted in place of this form.

• Make sure to print and fill it appropriately, and ensure the form is dated on or after your ticket purchase.  

Destination restrictions: 

Some destinations impose restrictions on traveling with a pet, which is why Southwest Pet Travel regulations strictly prohibit visiting those destinations. Read about the destinations here:  

• Pets are not allowed to fly to or from Hawaii. 

• Pets can’t travel to any international destination or any itinerary that includes an international destination. 

• Pets can travel between the Hawaiian islands. See the Hawaii pet policy for more information. 

• Puerto Rico also has some requirements; they strictly prohibit travel to and from Hawaii. 

The restriction for trained animals is a little different. 

How do you pass through the security check and board? 

Southwest Airlines' pet regulations state that passengers have to notice and follow some points while checking in, boarding the plane, and exiting the aircraft: 

At the airport: 

• At the security checkpoint, you have to hold the baby and cross the checkpoint. 

• The carrier will be passed through X-rays, and it will also be searched thoroughly. 

• Passengers traveling with pets can only board with their assigned group.  

• Ensure that after check-in, the pet remains in the carrier. 

• They can only be out of the carrier in the pet relief area.

On board: 

• Passengers with pets can’t sit on emergency exit seats or seats that don’t have a seat in front of them. 

• If your pet shows any disruptive behavior, like growling, urinating, or anything else, they may be denied boarding. 

• The pet must not be outside of the plane once you have boarded the flight. 

• Keep a check on the pet to ensure that the pet is not feeling anxious inside the carrier. 

Service animal 

According to Southwest Airlines' dog policy, passengers who are disabled, physically or mentally, and have to travel with a service animal can do so, but there are some requirements you have to follow: 

• Only dogs are considered service animals. 

• If the dog is fully trained, then only it will travel as a service animal. 

• The dog needs to be trained to perform tasks to help passengers. 

• Any emotional support, therapy animal, or service animal under training. 

• Read the document requirements carefully. 

• Online check-in is not permitted when traveling with a pet; check-in must be done through an agent who may ask questions. 

• Please take the dogs to the dog relief area. 

• No passengers with pets are allowed to sit in the exit row. 

• The service dog must be in the leg area and have a leash or harness on it at all times. 

• They must not block the aisle area, exits, tray table, or other passengers' seats. 

• They are allowed to travel internationally, as well as to Puerto Rico and the Hawaiian Islands. Read the regulations carefully. 

What are the document requirements? 

Southwest Airlines' dog flying regulations provide some document requirements: 

• Airlines don’t ask for any documents. 

• Meanwhile, some destinations may require documents such as a veteran's letter and vaccination certificate upon arrival. 

• It is recommended to check the document requirements of the destination. 

• You can also carry these documents for added security. 

• If you are traveling with the service, please provide the U.S. DOT form. 

• No harness, ID card, or registration certificate will be accepted in place of the form.