Southwest Airlines offers a convenient option for small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in the cabin on most domestic flights. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest Airlines does not offer a cargo or checked baggage service for pets. This means all pet travel (excluding trained service animals) must be in the cabin.
Understanding our specific policies is key to a smooth journey for you and your cherished companion.
Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin on Southwest Airlines? (Carry-On Pets)
Yes, small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are welcome to travel with you in the cabin on Southwest Airlines domestic flights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Allowed Animals: Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are accepted for in-cabin travel.
- Destinations: Pets are only allowed on domestic flights within the United States and to/from Puerto Rico. Pets are NOT accepted on flights to or from Hawaii or on any international itineraries.
- Pet Age: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
- Size & Carrier Fit: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a leak-proof and well-ventilated carrier that fits entirely under the seat directly in front of you.
- Maximum Carrier Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for pet carriers are 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H).
- Southwest Branded Carrier: Southwest offers its own branded pet carrier (dimensions: 17 inches L x 11 inches W x 9.5 inches H), but you can use any carrier that meets the size requirements.
- Carrier Type: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are generally accepted, as long as they meet the dimensions and other requirements.
- Carrier Counts as Carry-on: Your pet carrier is considered either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You can bring either a pet carrier and a personal item, OR a pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag.
- How Many Pets? You can bring one pet carrier per ticketed Customer. Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog, provided they fit comfortably inside the carrier.
- Limits Per Flight: Space for pets in the cabin is limited. Southwest generally allows a maximum of 6 pet carriers per scheduled flight. This is on a first-come, first-served basis, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
- Where Can I Sit? If you’re flying with a pet in the cabin, you cannot sit in:
- Emergency exit rows.
- Bulkhead seats (seats with no under-seat storage).
- Seats that would require the carrier to block an aisle or exit path.
- Window seats are often recommended if available, but the carrier must fit entirely under the seat in front of you.
- During the Flight: Your pet must remain inside its carrier (with the door secured) at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. Failure to do so may result in denied transportation.
- Booking Your Pet’s Spot: It is essential to call Southwest Airlines to make a reservation for your pet in advance at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Do this as soon as your human tickets are confirmed, due to the limited space per flight.
- What Does it Cost? The pet fare is collected at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards.
- U.S. Mainland Flights: $125 USD per pet carrier, each way.
- Between Hawaiian Islands: $35 USD per pet carrier, each way (if this service becomes available, as general pet travel to/from Hawaii is restricted).
- Refundable: The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Can My Larger Pet Travel via Southwest Cargo or as Checked Baggage?
No. Southwest Airlines does NOT accept pets as checked baggage or via its cargo service for general pet travel. The only exception for live animals beyond small in-cabin pets are trained service dogs. If your pet is too large to fit comfortably under the seat in a compliant carrier, you will need to find an alternative mode of transportation or another airline.
What Health Documents Do I Need for Pet Travel on Southwest Airlines? (All Pets)
Southwest Airlines has simpler health documentation requirements for most domestic flights compared to other airlines, but it’s still crucial to be prepared.
- Vaccinations: Your pet must be vaccinated, but Southwest generally does not require a health certificate or specific vaccination records for domestic flights on the U.S. mainland.
- Puerto Rico Specifics: For travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination ARE required.
- Responsible Travel: Even if not explicitly required by Southwest, it is highly recommended to carry your pet’s current vaccination records and consult with your veterinarian before any travel to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the journey.
- CDC Dog Import Form (from August 1, 2024): If traveling with a dog to the United States (including Puerto Rico), you need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form.
Can My Service Animal Fly with Me on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines welcomes fully trained service dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Dogs are the only trained service animals accepted. Service animals in training, emotional support animals, and therapy animals may qualify to travel as pets in accordance with Southwest’s pet policy.
Key points for service animals on Southwest Airlines:
- Only Dogs: Only trained dogs are accepted as service animals.
- Training & Behavior: The dog must be individually trained to perform a task(s) or work directly related to your disability and must be well-behaved and under your control at all times. A dog that poses a direct threat, disrupts cabin service, or engages in disruptive behavior will be refused transportation.
- Documentation: You must present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate on the day of travel. This form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration certificate will not be accepted in place of this form.
- At the Airport: You are required to check in with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to present the required form. Southwest Employees may also ask factual questions about the work or tasks your dog has been trained to perform.
- Onboard the Aircraft: You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat. Your dog must be sitting at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under the age of two). If your dog is using a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Your dog is not permitted to block any exits or aisle, occupy an aircraft seat, occupy a tray table, or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
- Leashed/Harnessed: Your trained service dog must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you at all times at the airport and onboard the aircraft.
- International/Hawaii/Puerto Rico: Acceptance restrictions, policies, and documentation requirements for trained service dogs vary by destination when traveling to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally. You are responsible for researching and complying with all applicable laws for your specific itinerary.
Top Tips for a Smooth Journey on Southwest Airlines
- Book Your Pet Early! Due to the strict limit of 6 pet carriers per flight, call Southwest Airlines to reserve your pet’s spot as soon as your own travel is booked.
- Carrier Acclimation: Ensure your pet is completely comfortable and calm in their approved carrier before travel. Practice putting them in it for extended periods.
- Exercise Before Flight: A well-exercised pet is usually a calmer traveler. Take your pet for a good walk or play session before heading to the airport.
- Limit Food/Water: Offer a light meal a few hours before the flight, and limit water intake immediately before and during the flight to minimize the chance of accidents.
- Potty Break: Utilize airport pet relief areas before boarding. Southwest Airlines will not delay flights for pet relief breaks.
- No Sedation: Southwest, like other airlines, generally advises against sedating pets for air travel due to potential health risks at altitude.
- Airport Check-in: You must check in at the airport ticket counter to pay the pet fare and receive a special pet tag for the carrier. Allow extra time for this process (at least 30 minutes before the normal check-in cut-off).
- Security Checkpoint: Be prepared to remove your pet from its carrier at the security checkpoint while the carrier is X-rayed.
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your emotions. Maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor will help them feel more secure.
- Always Verify: Airline policies can change! Always confirm the most current Southwest Airlines pet policy directly on their official website (Southwest.com’s “Pet Policy” or “Traveling with a Trained Service Dog” sections) or by calling their reservations line before finalizing your travel plans.