Flying With Pets On Southwest: A Complete How-To Guide

Thinking about flying with your furry friend on Southwest? You're in luck. Southwest Airlines welcomes small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin, letting them travel right under the seat in front of you.

The key thing to remember is that space is limited. Each flight only allows six pet carriers, so it's a good idea to reserve a spot for your pet ahead of time. Don't leave this to the last minute!

Understanding The Southwest Pet Policy

Before you pack the leash and toys, getting a handle on the Southwest pet policy is your first move. It’s not overly complicated, but knowing the rules of the road (or, in this case, the sky) will save you a ton of headaches later.

Southwest has carved out a nice reputation as one of the more pet-friendly options in the U.S., particularly for dog owners. In fact, a Jetsetpets travel survey found that Southwest was the second most popular airline for pet travel, with 3.6% of respondents choosing them. That's pretty impressive for an airline focused mainly on domestic routes.

Here's a quick rundown to get you started.

Southwest Pet Policy At a Glance

This table breaks down the most important rules for flying with your pet on Southwest. It's a great cheat sheet to have handy.

Think of these as the foundational rules. As long as you keep these points in mind, you're well on your way to a smooth trip.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin

Southwest keeps it simple: only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs can fly in the cabin. Your pet also needs to be at least eight weeks old.

A major difference with Southwest is that they do not transport pets as cargo. This means your best friend stays with you for the entire flight, which is a huge relief for many pet owners. Every airline handles this differently; for comparison, you can check out our guide on the Delta pet travel policy to see just how much the rules can vary.

The most important rule to remember is that pet space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. With only six pet carriers allowed on each flight, booking your pet's spot as early as possible is a very good idea to avoid any last-minute travel hiccups.

The First-Come, First-Served Rule

This isn't just a suggestion—it's the core of Southwest's pet policy. Once those six pet spots on a flight are claimed, that's it. You can't book your pet's travel online with your own ticket; you have to call Southwest directly right after you've made your reservation.

Here’s why you need to act fast:

• Limited Availability: Popular routes, especially around holidays or on weekends, fill up almost immediately.

• Peace of Mind: Getting that confirmation call out of the way means you can stop worrying and start planning the fun parts of your trip.

• Flexibility: If your first-choice flight is already full for pets, calling early gives you time to find another flight that still fits your schedule.

Nailing down these basics puts you and your pet on the right track. By understanding these core rules, you’re already well on your way to a paws-itively great travel day.

How To Book A Flight For Your Pet

Ready to make it official? Getting your pet’s ticket for a Southwest flight isn't quite as simple as clicking a button online, but it’s a straightforward process once you know the drill. It’s essentially a two-part plan: first, you book your own flight, and then you call Southwest to add your pet.

This is all because of the airline's "first-come, first-served" rule. With only six pet carriers allowed per flight, you can't just add a pet during your online booking. That phone call is the most important part of securing their spot. Don't worry, though—it’s usually a quick call if you’re prepared.

Book Your Own Ticket First

Your first move is always to lock in your own seat. Head over to the Southwest website or open their mobile app to book your flight just as you normally would. Find the dates and times that work for you and complete the purchase.

Once you have that confirmation number, you've got the golden ticket to add your furry friend. Trying to call before you have a confirmed flight just won't work, so always get this done first.

Call Southwest to Add Your Pet

This is where the magic happens. As soon as you have your confirmation number, pick up the phone and call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). The sooner you call, the better your chances are of snagging one of those limited pet spots.

To make the call go smoothly, have this information ready:

• Your flight confirmation number

• The name of the pet traveling with you

• The type of pet (cat or dog) and their breed

The reservation agent will check for pet availability on your flight. If there’s room, they’ll add a note to your reservation confirming your pet’s spot. This step is key for a stress-free travel day. A good tool for keeping all your booking details organized is our pet travel planner, which helps you track confirmation numbers and travel dates all in one place.

Keep in mind that you won't pay the pet fee during this phone call. The fee is handled directly with a Southwest agent at the airport ticket counter on the day you travel. The call is simply to reserve the space.

What to Expect During the Call

The conversation is usually pretty quick and to the point. The agent will confirm your flight details, check that there's space for another pet, and then add the official note to your booking. They might also briefly review the key rules, like carrier size and the check-in process.

There's no need to feel nervous about it. The agents handle these requests all day long and are typically very helpful. Following these steps will help ensure your best friend is all set for takeoff, making the whole thing anything but ruff.

Breaking Down The Southwest Pet Fee

Let's talk about the cost of bringing your furry co-pilot along. When you're budgeting for a trip, every dollar counts, and thankfully, Southwest Airlines keeps its pet fee refreshingly simple. You won't have to figure out complex charts or worry about surprise charges popping up.

For most domestic flights within the U.S., you're looking at a flat rate for each pet carrier, each way. It's this straightforward approach that makes flying pets on Southwest a popular choice. The fee currently runs between $95 and $125 each way for a carrier containing a small cat or dog that fits under the seat.

How The Fee Works

Here's a great detail: Southwest charges per pet carrier, not per pet. This is a game-changer if you happen to be traveling with two very small pets of the same species, like a pair of kittens or two teacup puppies. As long as they're comfortable together in a single carrier and meet all the other rules, you only pay one fee.

So, how does this stack up against other major U.S. airlines?

As you can see, Southwest is right in line with its competitors, often matching or even beating their prices. Don't forget to factor this into your budget—for a deeper dive, check out our guide to pet transportation costs.

Island Hopping in Hawaii? It's Cheaper.

If your travel plans involve flying between the Hawaiian islands, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The pet fee for inter-island flights drops to just $35 each way. This makes it much more affordable to bring your companion along as you explore paradise.

Quick tip: You won't actually pay the fee when you call to reserve your pet's spot. You'll handle the payment in person at the airport on the day you fly.

Payment and Refund Policy

On your travel day, head over to the full-service ticket counter to check in. This is where you'll pay the pet fee and the agent will give you an official tag for your pet's carrier.

And what if your plans go sideways? Life happens. Southwest’s pet fees are fully refundable if you cancel your flight reservation or if the airline cancels your flight and you decide not to rebook. This flexibility is a huge relief, meaning you won’t lose your money over an unexpected change. Just make sure you cancel your pet’s reservation when you cancel your own.

Choosing The Right Pet Carrier

A comfortable pet makes for a happy travel companion. Picking the right carrier is probably one of the most important steps when you're getting ready to fly with pets on Southwest. Think of it as their safe, cozy den for the trip—one that also has to meet all the airline's specific rules.

Honestly, the right carrier is your pet's ticket to a stress-free flight. Southwest has very specific size limits to make sure the carrier slides safely under the seat in front of you. Getting these dimensions right isn't just a suggestion; it's a firm rule.

Carrier Size and Specifications

Southwest Airlines gives you a choice between soft-sided and hard-sided carriers, but the maximum dimensions are exact. Your carrier, whether it's soft or hard, cannot be larger than 18.5 inches (length) x 13.5 inches (width) x 9.5 inches (height).

When you're shopping around, here are a few key features to keep an eye out for:

• Good Ventilation: Look for mesh windows on at least two or three sides. This ensures plenty of airflow so your pet doesn't get stuffy.

• Secure Zippers: Escape artists are real. Locking zippers are a great feature to prevent any mid-flight surprises.

• Waterproof Bottom: A leak-proof base is a real lifesaver if an accident happens. Trust us on this one.

• Sturdy Construction: The carrier should hold its shape and not collapse in on your pet.

Don't forget, the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. That means you'll need to pack everything else you need into just one other bag. A little planning goes a long way here. To make the right choice from the get-go, you can check out our detailed guide on the best airline-approved pet carriers.

Ensuring a Comfortable Fit

Beyond just following the airline's rules, your pet’s comfort is what really matters. They need enough room to stand up and turn around inside the carrier without having to crouch. A simple way to check is to measure your pet from the top of their head to the floor for height, and from the tip of their nose to where their tail starts for length.

This simple measurement helps ensure they won't feel cramped during the journey. A carrier that's too small is very stressful, but one that's too big doesn't offer them much security when the plane is moving.

Remember, Southwest's policy states that your pet must stay completely inside their carrier from the second you enter the gate area until you've left the airport at your destination. This is for the safety and comfort of everyone on board.

Practice Makes Purr-fect

Please don't let the day of your flight be the first time your pet ever sees their carrier. A little prep work can make a world of difference in how they handle the experience. Start introducing the carrier at home a few weeks before your trip.

Just leave it open in the living room with a favorite blanket or toy inside. Encourage them to explore it on their own terms by tossing some treats inside. Once they seem comfortable going in and out, try zipping it up for just a minute or two while you're still in the room. This helps build a positive association and seriously cuts down on travel-day anxiety.

The airline’s focus is always on safety and making sure the flight is smooth for every passenger. As noted in a breakdown from Sniffspot, Southwest allows one carrier per customer, which can hold up to two small dogs or cats of the same species if they both fit comfortably. It’s also important to remember your pet needs to be well-behaved—disruptive behavior like growling or urinating could lead to being denied boarding.

Navigating The Airport On Travel Day

Alright, your travel day is finally here. A little prep work can be the difference between a stressful sprint through the airport and a smooth, easy experience for both you and your pet. This is your game plan, from the moment you pull up to the curb until you’re settled into your seat.

First things first: you have to head straight for the full-service ticket counter. You cannot use a curbside check-in or a self-service kiosk when you're flying with a pet on Southwest. An airline agent needs to physically see your pet, verify their reservation, and take your pet fee payment in person.

Checking In With Your Pet

Once you’re at the counter, the agent will check your pet's reservation and give your carrier a quick once-over to make sure it fits the size rules. This is where you'll pay the one-way pet fee. After everything checks out, they’ll give you a special tag to put on the carrier, making it official.

Next up is the security checkpoint, which can feel a bit daunting the first time. It's actually a pretty simple process. You'll need to take your pet out of the carrier and carry them through the metal detector with you. The empty carrier goes on the belt and through the X-ray scanner, just like your carry-on bag.

This simple visual breaks down the key steps for prepping your carrier.

Honestly, the real secret to success is the prep work you do before you even leave the house—measuring your pet and getting them comfortable with the carrier makes all the difference.

At The Gate And Boarding

After you’ve cleared security, it's a great time to locate a pet relief area if your little one needs a bathroom break. Most airports have them both before and after security. Just remember, once you are back in the main terminal and waiting at your gate, your pet has to stay completely inside their carrier.

A pro tip for keeping your pet fed and watered without making a mess is to bring along some compact, collapsible insulated bowls. They take up almost no space and are super easy to use on the go.

A calm owner often leads to a calm pet. Your furry friend will pick up on your energy, so take a deep breath and stay relaxed. This will make the entire process much smoother for both of you.

When it's time to board, you’ll find your seat just like everyone else, thanks to Southwest’s open seating. The only real restriction is that you cannot sit in an exit row or in a seat without under-seat storage in front of it (like the bulkhead seats in the very front row).

Once you're on the plane, just slide the carrier all the way under the seat in front of you. It has to stay there for the entire flight, from takeoff to landing. With a bit of planning, navigating the airport with pets on Southwest can be a breeze, setting you both up for a great trip.

Common Questions About Flying With Pets On Southwest

Even the most buttoned-up travel plans can leave you with a few lingering questions, especially when a furry co-pilot is involved. Flying with pets on Southwest is pretty painless, but it's always smart to have a handle on the common "what ifs." Let's clear up some of the most frequent queries so you can feel totally prepared.

You’ve booked your ticket and you’re ready to call and add your pet. But what happens if you get the dreaded news that all the pet spots are already taken? It's a real possibility, and the solution comes down to two things: speed and flexibility.

What If All Six Pet Spots Are Already Booked?

Southwest is firm about its six pet carrier limit per flight, and on popular routes, those spots can disappear in a flash. If you call and find out your flight is full, don't panic. The customer service agent is there to help you figure it out.

They can look for other flights to your destination on the same day or help you find an alternative date that still has room for your pet. This exact scenario is why we always tell people to call and reserve your pet's spot the second you book your own ticket. Being quick is your best defense.

It's worth noting that Southwest's commitment to animals goes beyond just their paying customers. The airline often partners with groups like Greater Good Charities to fly rescue animals to their new homes, a cool fact that shows they really do care about our four-legged friends.

What Paperwork Do I Actually Need?

This is probably the biggest point of confusion for pet parents. The good news? For most domestic trips, it's far simpler than you might think.

Southwest does not require a health certificate for your pet on the vast majority of flights within the continental U.S. That said, it's always a good idea to travel with a copy of your pet's latest health and vaccination records anyway. You just never know when you might need to show them.

Of course, there are always exceptions. Keep these in mind:

• Traveling to Puerto Rico? They have their own specific entry rules for pets you'll want to review.

• Other States or Territories: It's always a good idea to do a quick check on your destination's local regulations before you go, just to be safe.

Can My Pet Fly Internationally? What About Different Kinds of Animals?

People often ask if they can bring their cat or dog along on a sunny getaway to Mexico or the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Southwest's pet policy is exclusively for travel within the United States. Pets are not allowed on any international flights.

It's also important to know the difference between the types of animals you'll see on a plane.

• Pets: These are our companion animals traveling in a carrier. They're subject to the pet fee and the six-per-flight rule. Under current regulations, emotional support animals fall into this category.

• Trained Service Animals: These animals are individually trained to do specific work for a person with a disability. They don't have to be in a carrier and aren't subject to the pet fee, but you will need to submit specific DOT forms ahead of your flight.

Getting these details straight clears up the gray areas and makes flying with pets on Southwest feel like a walk in the park.

Trying to keep all the travel documents and health certificates straight can feel like a job in itself. For veterinarians and pet owners who need a simple, organized way to manage it all, Passpaw is the answer. Make sure every detail is perfect at https://passpaw.com.