Yes, Spirit Airlines does let you bring your pet on board! The airline is one of the friendlier options for flying with small dogs, cats, household birds, and even domestic rabbits in the cabin on most of their domestic routes. Just be prepared: your furry friend will need to be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and there's a fee for each leg of the journey.

Your Pre-Flight Checklist for Flying with Pets on Spirit

So, you're planning to bring your furry co-pilot along on a Spirit flight? Trying to figure out all the rules can feel a bit ruff, but it doesn't have to be a headache. This guide will walk you through the essentials of Spirit's pet policy, giving you a clear runway for your trip.

For a budget airline, Spirit is surprisingly welcoming, allowing a variety of small pets inside the cabin. They welcome dogs, cats, small household birds, and domestic rabbits on all domestic flights, which includes routes to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, USVI.

To fly, your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 x 14 x 9 inches. The total weight of your pet and the carrier can't be more than 40 pounds. As of early 2025, Spirit's pet fee is $125 each way, and they limit each flight to a maximum of six pet carriers, so it's a good idea to book early.

Key Rules at a Glance

Before you even think about booking, it's a good idea to get a handle on the main requirements. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Nailing these details from the get-go is the secret to a smooth, stress-free travel day for both you and your animal companion.

A little preparation now can prevent a lot of headaches later. Understanding the carrier dimensions, weight limits, and fees is your first step. It's how you'll know for sure if Spirit is the right choice for your trip.

To make things even simpler, we've put together a quick summary of the most important rules. This table gives you a fast overview of the key details for flying with Spirit Airlines and pets. For more general advice, you might also find our guide to pet travel helpful.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy At a Glance

Here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know before you book your flight.

Getting these details right is the foundation of a successful trip with your pet on Spirit.

Understanding Spirit's Pet Acceptance Rules

Before you get your paws on a ticket, you need to know who can fly and where they can go. Spirit’s rules are pretty specific, and getting familiar with them upfront will save you from any surprises at the airport. Not every pet is cleared for takeoff, so let's break down who makes the cut for in-cabin travel.

Spirit Airlines welcomes small domestic dogs, cats, small household birds, and domestic rabbits to fly in the cabin with you. This is great news for most pet owners, as it covers the usual furry (and feathered) family members. Your pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to fly.

Where Can Your Pet Fly

This is a big one: Spirit does not allow pets on international flights. Their pet policy is only for domestic travel.

This includes flights within the United States and to U.S. territories like:

• Puerto Rico

• The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

Now, here's where it gets a little tricky. While birds can fly on many domestic routes, they are not permitted on flights to or from Puerto Rico and the USVI. The same goes for rabbits—they aren't allowed on flights involving these territories either. It's always a good idea to double-check the rules for your specific destination to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

If you're heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you'll need to bring a health certificate for your pet. For Puerto Rico, a current rabies vaccination certificate is suggested. To get the full scoop on the paperwork, our article on getting a pet health certificate for travel has you covered.

Animals That Must Stay Home

Because Spirit doesn't offer a cargo hold option for animals, any pet that isn’t approved for in-cabin travel simply can't fly with them. This means larger animals that won’t fit into the required carrier size are unfortunately grounded.

Spirit's policy is built for small companions who can travel safely at your feet. This means exotic pets like snakes, spiders, rodents, and certain birds (like poultry or birds of prey) are not permitted on board.

If your animal isn't a domestic dog, cat, rabbit, or small household bird, you'll need to look for another airline. By understanding these rules ahead of time, you can confidently decide if Spirit is the right choice for your travel companion.

How to Book a Flight for You and Your Pet

Adding your pet to a Spirit Airlines reservation isn’t as simple as clicking a button when you book your own ticket. It’s a slightly different process, but once you know the steps, you’ll have both of your boarding passes ready to go.

The most important thing to remember is that you cannot add a pet to your booking online. Spirit asks you to call them directly to reserve a spot for your animal. This is how they keep track of how many pets are on each flight and make sure they can give you the most accurate information.

Your Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Getting your pet’s spot secured is pretty straightforward, but you’ll want to tackle it as soon as you have your travel dates locked in. Don’t put this off until the last minute!

1. Book Your Own Flight First: Before you do anything else, head over to the Spirit Airlines website and book your own ticket. This locks in your seat and gives you a confirmation number, which you'll need for the next step.

2. Call Spirit Airlines Reservations: With your confirmation number handy, call Spirit's reservation line at 855-728-3555. It's a good idea to also have your pet’s info ready, like their breed and weight.

3. Request to Add a Pet: Let the agent know you need to add a pet to your existing booking. They'll check the flight to see if there's still room for another animal.

It pays to call as soon as possible. Spirit only allows a maximum of six pet carriers on any given flight, and those spots can disappear fast, especially on popular routes. A quick phone call can save you from the headache of a fully booked flight.

Why You Should Book in Advance

That six-carrier limit is precisely why you should be proactive. Unlike seats for people, spots for pets are a truly limited resource. Waiting is a gamble that could force you to change your plans or, even worse, leave your furry friend behind.

By booking your pet's spot immediately after your own, you secure their place on the plane. This simple step is the key to a stress-free travel plan, ensuring there are no last-minute surprises or changes needed.

This visual guide breaks down Spirit’s core pet rules, which are the first things the airline will confirm when you call.

As you can see, Spirit keeps it simple, focusing on small pets traveling within the U.S. and its territories.

Preparing Your Pet's Paperwork

For most domestic flights, Spirit doesn't require a health certificate, but there are a couple of key exceptions to know about. Depending on your destination, you may need specific documents ready.

• Flights to Puerto Rico: You’ll want to bring a rabies vaccination certificate.

• Flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands: A health certificate is needed for entry.

Always double-check the specific entry rules for your final destination well ahead of your trip. Getting these documents sorted out early is the best way to guarantee a smooth and worry-free check-in. If you need help getting the right paperwork from your vet, services like Passpaw are designed to simplify the entire process.

Choosing the Right Pet Carrier for Your Flight

Think of your pet's carrier as their private little cabin for the flight. Choosing the right one isn't just a suggestion; it’s a key part of making sure you and your furry friend actually get on the plane. When flying with Spirit Airlines and pets, the carrier has to meet their specific rules, plain and simple.

Getting this right from the start means a hassle-free check-in and a much safer, calmer trip for your companion.

Spirit’s main rule is that the carrier must slide neatly under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions they allow are 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high. You also need to keep an eye on the scale—the combined weight of your pet and their carrier cannot go over 40 pounds.

Soft-Sided Carriers Are Your Best Bet

While you might see hard-sided carriers on the market, a soft-sided one is almost always the smarter choice for in-cabin travel. The reason? A little bit of give. The space under an airplane seat can be tight and vary slightly, and a soft carrier has the flexibility to squish down just enough to fit without collapsing on your pet.

That small amount of flexibility can be the difference between a smooth boarding experience and being told you can't fly. As long as it meets the size regulations and your pet can still stand up and turn around inside, a soft-sided carrier is a great way to go.

A well-fitting carrier is a must-have for air travel. It acts as your pet’s safety restraint and personal space, ensuring they are secure from check-in to landing. Think of it as their ticket to ride.

Key Features for Comfort and Safety

Beyond just following the airline's rules, a great carrier should make the journey less stressful for your pet. Don't just focus on the measurements; look for features that put your animal's well-being first. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on selecting the best airline travel pet carrier.

To help you narrow down the options, here’s a handy checklist that compares Spirit’s rules with features that make a real difference for your pet's comfort and safety.

Pet Carrier Checklist for Spirit Flights

Ultimately, a carrier that meets both Spirit's rules and your pet's needs is the goal. A well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable space will help your pet feel much more at ease during the trip.

Here are the must-have features broken down:

• Excellent Ventilation: Mesh panels on multiple sides are very important. Good airflow keeps your pet from overheating and lets them see what’s going on, which can reduce their anxiety.

• Secure Zippers: You'd be surprised how clever a determined pet can be. Look for carriers with locking zippers or clips that can’t be easily nudged open. An escape attempt at 30,000 feet is a nightmare scenario for everyone.

• Waterproof Bottom: Nerves can lead to accidents. A leak-proof bottom contains any messes, making cleanup a breeze and keeping the area tidy.

• Padded Interior: A soft, cozy lining makes the carrier a more inviting den for your pet. This simple touch can encourage them to settle down and relax for the flight.

Preparing for a Smooth Travel Day

A successful flight with your pet really starts long before you ever leave for the airport. Solid preparation is the secret to making the travel day less of a cat-astrophe for both you and your furry co-pilot. If you plan ahead, you can turn what feels like a stressful event into a smooth, manageable journey.

The first big step is getting your pet comfortable with their carrier. Don't just spring it on them the morning of your flight. Leave the carrier out in your home for several days, or even a couple of weeks beforehand. Toss some treats, toys, and soft bedding inside to build a positive association. This little trick helps them see it as their personal safe space, not some scary box.

Day-of-Travel Checklist

When it's finally time to fly, a little organization makes all the difference. A simple checklist can be a lifesaver during the morning rush, ensuring you don’t forget any of the essentials.

• Feeding Time: Give your pet a light meal about four hours before the flight. A full stomach can lead to an uncomfortable trip or even motion sickness.

• Exercise: A tired pet is a calm pet. Before you head to the airport, take your dog for a long walk or have an energetic play session with your cat.

• Final Potty Break: Make sure your pet gets one last chance to relieve themselves right before you go inside the airport terminal.

And don't forget to pack a small go-bag for your pet. It should have a leash, a collapsible water bowl, a few familiar toys, and some of their favorite treats.

Airport day can be a sensory overload for an animal. Tucking a familiar blanket or toy into their carrier gives them a sense of comfort and security amidst all the new sights, sounds, and smells.

Navigating the Airport Experience

When flying with pets on Spirit Airlines, you have to check in at the main ticket counter. You can't use the self-service kiosks or curbside check-in for this. This is also where you'll pay the $125 pet fee for each leg of your trip.

Giving yourself extra time is a great idea. Try to arrive at least two hours before your flight. This builds in a comfortable buffer for getting through check-in and security screening without feeling rushed.

Once you get to the TSA checkpoint, you’ll need to take your pet out of the carrier. You'll carry your pet through the metal detector while the carrier goes on the belt through the X-ray scanner with your other luggage. A leash is your best friend here—it keeps your pet secure while they're out of the carrier.

While flying is remarkably safe, being prepared helps minimize potential risks. Spirit's pet-friendly policies align with the incredibly low incident rates reported across major U.S. airlines. To put it in perspective, the U.S. Department of Transportation recorded only one pet travel incident in June 2023 across all carriers, which shows how safe air travel can be for animals. You can dig into the numbers yourself in the official Air Travel Consumer Report.

Common Questions About Spirit Airlines and Pets

When you're trying to nail down the details of flying with your pet on Spirit, a few questions always seem to pop up. Getting the answers sorted out ahead of time means you can walk into the airport feeling confident, not stressed.

Let's start with the big one: cost. Spirit keeps it simple with a flat fee of $125 per pet carrier, each way. This is a non-refundable fee you'll pay at the airport ticket counter when you check in, so remember to budget for it on both your departure and return flights.

Can I Bring Two Pets in One Carrier?

Yes! If you have two little buddies of the same species, Spirit allows them to travel together in a single carrier.

There's a catch, of course. They need to have enough room to comfortably stand up and move around. Plus, the total weight of both pets and the carrier can't exceed the 40-pound limit. The great news? You only pay one $125 pet fee for that carrier.

What Paperwork Do I Need?

For most flights within the U.S., Spirit doesn’t ask for much in the way of paperwork. It’s pretty straightforward.

However, if you're flying to Puerto Rico, you should bring a current rabies vaccination certificate. For trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a health certificate is needed.

While Spirit's pet policy is a popular one, it pays to follow the rules closely. Viral stories have shown what can happen when fee enforcement is inconsistent, which just reinforces why it’s so important to have all your ducks—or dogs—in a row before you fly. You can read about one such incident involving a dog on TikTok to see what we mean.

Every airline plays by its own rules, so what works for Spirit might not fly elsewhere. To see just how different policies can be, check out our guide on the Delta pet travel policy.

Figuring out pet travel can feel like a puzzle, but it doesn't have to be. Passpaw is built to help veterinarians and pet owners manage all the necessary travel documents with total confidence, making sure every detail is perfect for your destination. Let us simplify your pet’s next trip at https://passpaw.com.