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Southwest Airlines is renowned as a low-cost carrier model headquartered in Love Field, Dallas neighborhood, Dallas-Fort Worth. It lets you reserve your flight ticket on its official website and manage your trip smoothly. It even assists you in adding your pet to your booking and significantly initiates your flight journey with your pet. Sometimes, traveling with your pet can bring numerous challenges, from health check-ups to vaccinations to paperwork. But if you have planned your trip with your pet and are willing to reserve your flight ticket for your pet, you must be mindful of the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy and improve your practice of traveling with your pet conveniently. This guide can help make your trip with your pet and experience your trip hassle-free.
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its budget-friendly fares and relaxed travel policies. This is a massive advantage for pet owners traveling with furry companions. This airline allows your pets to fly in the cabin, making it one of the most pet-friendly airlines. However, as with all airlines, there are specific rules, restrictions, and guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your pet. If you plan our tirp in 2025, Southwest Airlines continues to refine and adjust its pet policy to accommodate pet owners and fellow passengers. Likewise, if you know some of the best rules and guidelines, you will become deft in avoiding the inconvenience and plan your trip with your pet to be pleasant and unforgivable.
On its domestic flights, Southwest welcomes small cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier. It generally recommends you travel with your pet, which is almost 8 weeks old. Also, confirm that your pet is fully vaccinated and show the health certificate when booking a flight with your pet. The airline must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, making a trip comfortable without any inconvenience. In addition, the pet must remain inside the carrier for the flight, and pets cannot be seated on your lap or occupy a seat. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with pets, but if any adult passenger is traveling with a child, pets are permitted under the rules and regulations.
Your pets must not be disruptive when making a flight journey to your desired destination. For example, in disruptive behavior, your bet might be denied boarding, including scratching, growling, biting, lunging, etc. When you travel with your pet, you must be assured that your pet is not barking or whining, as such behavior can disrupt the journey of ohter passengers. So, knowing the dog's behavior and ensuring your pet is fully ready to travel with you quickly is essential.
You are fully permitted to travel with your service animals, such as guide dogs, and you are allowed on Southwest Airlines free of charge. These animals are not required to be in a carrier but must remain under the control of their handler at all times. So, if you are a passenger traveling with service animals, you should inform Southwest Airlines when booking your tickets so the airline can accommodate any special needs.
You will find the non-refundable pet fare on Southwest Airlines for each traveling with you. As of 2025, you will be asked to pay the charges a fee of $95 each way per pet. This fee must be paid when booking, and the pet fare is not eligible for refunds if your travel plans change. You must include the pet in your reservation earlier to get the specific requirements for your pet hassle-free.
How much does it cost for a dog to fly on Southwest Airlines?
The cost for a dog to fly on Southwest Airlines depends on the route, fare types, and booking date. Usually, you have to pay $95 to $125 each way, and this fee must be paid at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
Southwest Airlines allows your small dogs to travel in the cabin, provided they are in an approved carrier. The dog must remain in the carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small dog, and pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter using credit cards.
Several airlines are best for being pet-friendly, including Southwest, Delta, Alaska, American, and JetBlue. Each airline has specific policies based on your pet’s needs, such as carrier size, pet fees, and flight availability.
No, Southwest Airlines does not allow dogs to sit on your lap during the flight. Your dog must remain in the carrier for the entire flight and be secured in the gate area during boarding.
The carrier size must not exceed 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide for your pet to fly on Southwest.
Only small dogs weighing up to 15 pounds can comfortably fit inside an approved Southwest carrier.
No, you can't buy a dog a seat on an airplane, but if you know the rules, dog sizes, and breeds, you can fly with your pet.
Dogs on the plane must be able to stand up, turn up, and lie down, but if there is any turbulence, the crew asks you to place the carrier under the seat in front of yoy.
