Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: Tips & Tricks

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Do you love travelling with your pets? If so, Southwest Airlines is a great choice! They allow small, vaccinated cats and dogs in the cabin class. The airline accepts pets as checked baggage or cargo. You may travel with your furry friend without any hassle. Pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early. In this guide, you will get everything about the Southwest pet policy & tips to avoid last-minute hassle.  

What Do You Need to Know About the Southwest Pet Policy?

Before planning a trip with your furry friend, you should know certain things about the Southwest Airlines pets policy. Look at the points below to make your journey memorable with your furry friend. 

• The airline accepts only small, vaccinated cats & dogs for domestic flights. 
• The domestic pet must be at least eight weeks old. 
• Minor passengers can not travel with their pets. 
• If your flight is for the U.S. Mainland, you will have to pay 125 dollars each way.
• The pet fee varies depending on your fare type & destination. 
• The pet fee is refundable, if you need to cancel your flight due to unexpected situations. 
• To obtain a refund, you will need to connect with Southwest Airlines officials.    
• Only one pet is allowed per passenger ticket. 
• The pet reservation on Southwest Airlines is subject to the availability of space. 
• If you travel from Hawaii, the airline will not accept your pet on the flight.   
• During boarding/deplaning/flight, your furry friend should be secure in a pet carrier. 
• The pet carrier dimension should not be more than 18.5L*8.5H*13.5D.

When Airlines Deny Your Pet Boarding Request?  

Due to disruptive behaviour, an airline may deny your pet boarding request for safety concerns. During the check-in, airline officials will also check your pet's behavior; if it is found with disruptive behavior, you cannot travel with your pet. Here are some examples of Disruptive behavior.

• Scratching, excessive whining or barking. 
• Growling 
• Biting 
• Lunging 
• Urinating or defecating in the cabin.    

Can I Bring My Pet as a Carry-on Luggage?

Yes, as per the Southwest pet travel policy, you are eligible to bring domestic dogs & cats in cabin class. Your pets must be at least eight weeks old. However, you cannot bring your dogs in cabin class because the airline does not allow pets on overseas flights. Southwest Airlines will charge you a carry-on pet fee. You may travel with your service pet in the cabin class, but you must follow the pet reservation guidelines. 

Does Southwest Airlines Accept Cargo Pets?

No! Under the Southwest pet cargo policy, you cannot travel with heavy pets. The airline only allows you to bring small cats and dogs on domestic flights. To avoid the last-minute hassle, you should go through the pet policy. If your pet carrier's weight & size exceed the maximum limit, the airline will deny your pet boarding request.  

What Should You Keep in Mind While Purchasing a Pet Carrier?

Before purchasing a pet carrier, you should keep in mind some things while purchasing a pet carrier.  

• The pet carrier size should not exceed 11L*19H*11W.
• You may purchase a pet carrier from Southwest's official store. 
• The pet carrier cost varies depending on quality & size. 
• Southwest Airlines flights accept only soft-sided and hard-sided pet carriers. 
• Remember that the pet carrier should be well-ventilated and leakproof. 
• You are eligible to bring only one pet carrier under the Southwest Airlines pets policy. 

What Are the Pet Restrictions on Southwest Airlines?

There are specific restrictions for pets that you must remember while travelling with pets on Southwest Airlines. 

• Under the Southwest pet travel rules, pets will not be acceptable without their owner 
• If you are a minor passenger, you can not travel with your beloved pets on the flight.   
• As per the Southwest pet policy guidelines, you are not able to book an exit row seat. 
• The airline will not accept your pets as checked or cargo. 
• Only six pets are allowed for each flight. 
• Southwest Airlines will not accept your pet if it is under 8 years of age. 
• If your pet performs disruptive behavior at the airport, the airline will not accept your pet for boarding.   

Can I Travel with My Dog in Cabin Class?

Yes, according to Southwest pet policy, you may travel with your dog. You will have to follow several rules for making dog reservations with Southwest Airlines.

• The Southwest dog policy stipulates that your dog should be at least eight weeks old.
• Only domestic dogs are allowed to travel in cabin class.
• You can fly with your little dog in the same class.
• Service dogs can accompany their owners on trips, but they must follow certain guidelines.
• The dimensions of your pet carrier should not exceed 11L*19H*11W
• You will need to pay the dog reservation charge at the check-in counter.

Does Southwest Airlines Accept Service Dogs on Flights? 

Yes, you may travel with your trained dog. To fly with your service dogs, you will have to meet certain terms & conditions. However, airline will not accept your service dog for some specific locations. Currently, the airline is not accepting the trained dog on the flight if you travel to/from Belize City, Belize(BZN), Havana, Cuba (HAV), or Punta Cana. 

Conclusion 

Southwest Airlines is an excellent choice for flying with your cat or dog. They accept small dogs in the cabin but not as checked baggage or cargo. Pet reservations work on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve early. You will have to contact Southwest Airlines officials if you wish to travel with your beloved pets.  

FAQ’s 

Does Southwest Airlines Accept Pets on The Flights?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows you to bring your pet to cabin class. You are entitled to bring only small domestic cats & dogs.   

How Can I Make A Pet Reservation on Southwest Airlines?

You will have to notify the Southwest officials to make your pet reservation. However, you can visit the sales office for pet reservations. 

What Is the Pet Carrier Dimension for Cabin Class?

As per the Southwest pet policy, the pet carrier dimension should not exceed 11L*19H*11W.

How Much Can I Bring Pets in Cabin Class?

Under the Southwest flying with pets policy, passengers are eligible to bring only one pet.