Southwest Airlines Pet Policy

Southwest Airlines welcomes pets to fly with passengers, provided they are following the rules and regulations of air travel with pets. To ease your journey and simplify the preparation process, we’ve listed these rules here. Here is a list of everything you’ll need and all the regulations you must comply with to fly your pet on Southwest Airlines flights.

Flying & Preparations Before Flying

• Small domestic cats & dogs who have been vaccinated are welcome to travel in the cabin with passengers, provided their carrier can fit under your seat.

• Pets are not allowed on flights to and from Hawaii.

• The fare for pet travel (pet fare) must be paid at the airport ticket counter.

• All pet carriers are subject to search. Pets must be held by their owners and stroll through the screening device while the pet carrier passes through an x-ray.

• The airline has an open seating policy. However, passengers with pets on board with them cannot sit in a seat with no under-seat storage or in an exit row seat.

• Pets are not allowed to fly in cargo.

• Pets must be at least 2 months or 8 weeks old before any form of travel.

• Pets do not require documentation but must be vaccinated.

• Pet relief areas are available at destinations served by Southwest Airlines. Passengers should note that no flight will be “held” so a passengers can take their pet to a relief area.

• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with a pet.

• Pets that demonstrate disruptive behaviour like scratching, growling, biting, lunging, or excessive whining could be denied boarding.

• Pets are not permitted on international flights or on any itinerary which has an international flight on them.

Pet Carrier Guidelines

• Pets must always be in their carrier during travel, from the gate area to boarding to the duration of the flight. Pets who violate this guideline may be refused boarding.

• Passengers are allowed one pet carrier per ticketed passenger. A maximum of two pets of the same species are permitted to travel in the same carrier.

• As a rule, six pet carriers are permitted per flight. This number may be higher or lower depending on the exact flight. Pets are accepted on a first come first serve basis until available slots are filled.

• The carrier is permissible only if it fits under the seat in front of the passenger.

• Maximum carrier dimensions must not exceed 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). Carriers may be soft or hard but must be ventilated and leak-proof.

• Pets must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier comfortably.

• Pet carriers are classified as either a personal item or a carry-on item. You can board the flight with a pet carrier plus a personal item or a pet carrier and a normal sized carry-on bag.

Booking & Reservation

• Passengers must make a reservation ahead of time if travelling with a pet as the number of slots is limited per flight. Pet reservations are mandatory for pet travel.

• The pet travel fare is $95 per trip per pet carrier.

• The pet travel fare is refundable if you choose to cancel your reservation or if your flight has been cancelled. You may visit the ticket counter to request a refund (note: Pet Fare pricing is subject to change at any moment).

• The pet fare can be paid using accepted credit cards. Please pay the Pet Fare at the ticket counter on the day your travel is scheduled.