Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know Before Flying With Your Pet

Taking a pet on a journey can be an enjoyable experience; however, it must be planned. Each airline has its regulations, and it is better to know them in advance and not to be stressed in the last minute. This detailed guide explains the Southwest Airlines pet policy, including in-cabin rules, pet carrier requirements, costs, weight considerations, emotional support animal policies, health guidelines, and important travel restrictions.

If you are wondering “what is Southwest Airlines pet policy?”, this guide covers everything in simple, easy-to-understand language.

What Is Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?

The Southwest Airlines pet policy allows passengers to travel with small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs on select flights. Southwest specializes in in-cabin pet travel, which implies transportation of pets with their owners in the cabin of an aircraft.

Southwest does not carry pets in the cargo or checked luggage. This is why it is essential to make sure that their pet can be put in a carrier that is approved and can be placed under the seat by the travelers.

Types of Pets Allowed on Southwest Airlines

Under the Southwest Airline pet policy, the airline accepts:

• Domestic cats and dogs only
• Pets should be aged 8 weeks and above.
• Pets must be vaccinated
• Pets have to be transported in a carrier.

Birds, reptiles, rodents and exotic animals are not permitted on any flight of Southwest.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy In Cabin

The Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin is strict and must be followed throughout the journey.

Key In-Cabin Rules

• Animals should always be kept in the carrier.
• The carrier has to fit in the seat before you.
• The carrier is not put on the lap or a vacant seat.
• Animals cannot sit in the aisle or obstruct access to the emergency.

During the pet boarding, taxi, landing, and the entire flight, Southwest will demand that the pet be kept in full enclosure.

Southwest Airlines Carry On Pet Policy

The Southwest Airlines carry on pet policy treats the pet carrier as part of your carry-on allowance.

Such details should not be overlooked:

• The pet carrier qualifies as a carry-on or personal item.
• Other cabin baggage may have to be restricted.
• Each passenger should not carry more than one pet carrier.
• The number of pets of the same species that can be transported in one carrier is up to two.

In case you typically carry a carry-on bag and a personal item, then make plans.

Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Policy

The Southwest Airlines pet carrier policy focuses on comfort, safety, and proper fit.

Carrier Requirements

The pet carrier must be:

• Leak-proof
• Well-ventilated
• Securely closed
• Large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and move comfortably
• Small enough to fit under the seat in front of you

The soft-sided carriers are usually the choice since they can fit under the seats with ease, although hard-sided carriers can also be accepted provided that they are of the right size and comfortable.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Weight Limit

Many travelers search for the Southwest Airlines pet policy weight limit, but Southwest does not publish a specific weight restriction.

Rather, Southwest has a size-and-fit rule:

• The carrier should be large enough to accommodate the pet.
• The carrier should be able to fit under the seat.

Southwest might not be the right airline to use in your travel plans in case your pet is too large to fit the requirements.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Cost

Understanding the Southwest Airlines pet policy cost is essential for budgeting your trip.

Pet Fee Details

• $125 per pet carrier (one-way) for flights within the U.S. mainland
• $35 per pet carrier (one-way) for flights between Hawaiian islands

The pet fee is charged per carrier, not per pet.

When to Pay the Pet Fee

• The pet fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter
• Online payment for pets is not available
• The fee is refundable if the flight is canceled

How to Add a Pet to Your Southwest Reservation

Pets cannot be added online.

To travel with a pet:

1. Call Southwest Airlines directly to request a pet reservation
2. Confirm pet space availability (limited to six carriers per flight)
3. Arrive early at the airport
4. Pay the pet fee at the ticket counter
5. Check in your pet before going through security

Pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early planning is recommended.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Cargo

Passengers often ask about the Southwest Airlines pet policy for cargo, especially for larger pets.

Southwest does not transport pets in cargo. This includes:

• No checked pets
• No cargo hold transportation
• No exceptions for large dogs

Only in-cabin pet travel is allowed.

Southwest Airlines Emotional Support Pet Policy

The Southwest Airlines emotional support pet policy has changed in recent years.

Current Policy

• Southwest just identifies trained service dogs as service animals.
• Service animals are not welcomed as emotional support animals.
• Animals that are used as emotional support animals are required to adhere to the general pet policy.
• Emotional support pets are subject to pet fees and carrier regulations.

In case your emotional support animal cannot be carried in a carrier under the seat, you cannot take it.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Health Certificate

Travelers often ask about the Southwest Airlines pet policy health certificate.

Health and Documentation Rules

• Southwest is not demanding a health certificate in case of standard domestic in-cabin pet travel.
• Animals should be seen to look healthy and well-behaved.
• Pets should be vaccinated

Although a health certificate might not be obligatory, documentation might be needed in certain destinations. Vaccination records are always a good thing to carry with one during travel.

Route Restrictions for Pets

Southwest has specific route limitations for pets.

Where Pets Are Not Allowed

• International flights
• Flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii

Where Pets May Be Allowed

• Domestic U.S. flights (excluding Hawaii routes)
• Inter-island flights within Hawaii (pet fee applies)

Always confirm route eligibility before booking.

Seating Restrictions When Traveling With a Pet

Passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in:

• Exit rows
• Seats without under-seat storage
• Bulkhead seating areas

These restrictions exist to ensure safety and proper placement of the pet carrier.

Pet Behavior Expectations

Southwest requires pets to be:

• Clean
• Odor-free
• Quiet
• Non-aggressive
• Comfortable inside the carrier

Pets that appear distressed, aggressive, or disruptive may be denied boarding.

Tips for Flying With Pets on Southwest Airlines

• Choose nonstop or shorter flights
• Exercise your pet before traveling
• Use absorbent pads inside the carrier
• Avoid feeding your pet immediately before the flight
• Arrive at the airport early

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth travel experience.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines pet policy is designed for travelers flying with small cats and dogs who can comfortably travel in the cabin. Although the airline does not carry pets as cargo, its in-cabin policy is simple to adhere to provided one does it properly.

It is best to know the carrier regulations, charges, route options, and health requirements beforehand so that your travel can be stress-free both on your part and your pet.

In case you have some trouble with reserving a flight with Southwest or planning your trip, Cheap Fare Freak will be glad to help you out through the whole process.