Southwest Airlines should be your ultimate choice if you’re travelling with your furry companion to your favourite destination. They have designed a passenger-friendly Southwest Airlines Pet Policy to make flight journeys smooth and comfortable for dogs and cats. You can only travel with your pet hassle-free if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Henceforth, it’s now time to take a quick look at the significant policies so that you can checklist all of them before heading with them to board the Southwest flight. Do check out this comprehensive guide carefully, where we have briefly mentioned the basic guidelines of traveling with a pet, flight booking procedure and tips and tricks for a relaxed travel experience.
How Does Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Work?
Whether you have a cute pug or a soft kitten, it’s mandatory for every pet owner to have a detailed understanding of the rules and regulations asserted by Southwest Airlines if you wish to fly with them along with your pet in the future. Keeping these aspects as the foremost concern, we have listed down all the fundamental policies for your assistance. Take a quick look below:
- Age limit for a pet is 8 years old.
- Make sure to vaccinate your pet before the flight.
- Southwest doesn’t permit unaccompanied minors to fly with a pet cat or dog.
- Carry your pet in a suitable pet carrier within the cabin if you’re travelling on short-haul flights.
- The pet fare prices change depending on availability. Call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to acquire the latest information about fare prices.
- A pet owner must pay the applicable charges at the airport ticket counter using the acceptable payment method.
- You will receive a refund for pet fare if you decide to cancel your scheduled reservation with them.
- It’s mandatory to call an airline representative and purchase a pet reservation, as limited space is available for carrying a pet on every flight.
- An individual passenger can carry only one pet
- An individual pet carrier cannot contain more than two pets of the same species.
- Domestic pets cannot travel on long-haul flights and to and fro from Hawaii.
- The pet should reside within the pet carrier throughout the journey.
- Make sure to place your pet carrier under your seat while you onboard the flight.
- Rapid Rewards are not applicable to pets.
- If you’re travelling through Puerto Rico, then cross-check the requirements prior to purchasing a reservation.
- One cannot sit on a seat without under-seat storage or near the exit row.
- Only Six pets are acceptable on every flight.
- You and your pet will be denied boarding the flight if you fail to meet any of these requirements.
How Can I Book a Ticket For My Pet On Southwest?
Coming to the most important part of this content, we will now brief you about the procedure to book a reservation for your pet. At present, you can only purchase a flight itinerary by calling an airline representative. To know more, read the step-by-step instructions below.
- Make a phone call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) for a quick interaction with a flight specialist.
- Inform the agent that you’re travelling with a pet cat or dog
- Ask about the policies and fees as per your travel route.
- Address your pet information to them, which should include breed, size, gender, weight, and age.
- Let them check and provide you with information about the availability
- Complete the documentation procedure.
- Pay the booking amount to confirm your reservation.
- Wait for the confirmation.
- Check the details in the flight itinerary.
What Are Southwest Pet Carrier Size Requirements?
When it comes to carrying pets, Southwest makes sure that every pet has a safe and comfortable journey. Henceforth, they have addressed a few requirements for the pet carrier as well.
If you’re a pet owner then going through these terms and conditions is extremely crucial. In case, you don’t fulfil the requirements you will be debarred from entering the departure gate at the departure airport.
- A pet carrier can be either hard or delicate.
- The specific pet carrier should be leak-proof and ventilated enough so that the pet can breathe easily.
- The ideal dimension for a pet carrier is 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
- Southwest considers pet carriers to be a carry-on or a personal item.
- Do note that returns are not acceptable for pet carriers purchased from Southwest Airlines
- If your pet carrier is defective, you can return it within 14 days of the original purchase.
- Passengers can board the flight along with a pet carrier and a normal carry-on bag or a pet carrier and a personal item.
- You can also take a pet in a carrier with 18.5″ (L) x 13.5″ (W) x 9.5″ (H) size and dimension.
Does Southwest Have Any Weight Limit For Pets?
Now that you know about the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy and pet carrier requirements, it’s time to understand the weight limit. Only those pets who weigh up to 15 lbs and are allowed to be carried in a pet carrier. It’s advisable that you check your pet’s weight before purchasing a reservation for them. If they exceed the specified weight limit, Southwest will deny them from boarding the scheduled flight.
How Much Is The Pet Fee On Southwest Airlines?
Travelling with your pet can be a pleasant memory. However, if you’re choosing Southwest Airlines then you need to pay certain charges so that you can take your fur buddy by your side. The charges differ for the U.S Mainland and Hawaiian Islands. For more details, read the information explained below.
- For U.S Mainland Flights: $125 per pet carrier (One-Way)
- For Flights Flying Between Hawaiian Islands: $35 per pet carrier (One-Way)
Does Southwest Permit Pets In The Cargo?
Unfortunately, you cannot send your pet dog or cat in cargo. If you wish to travel with them, you have to take them along with you as a carry-on or a personal item. Before doing so, make sure you call an airline representative and inquire about the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy. Don’t forget to ask about the refund policy and when you will receive it. This information will help you if, by any chance, you make plans to cancel your pet reservation.
Which Kind Of Pets Are Prohibited From Traveling By Southwest Airlines?
Southwest has a very strict policy for dogs and cats. If they detect unusual activity, they will immediately stop you and will prevent your pet from boarding the flight. This is done to prevent any infection or unpleasant activities. Go through the pointers below to get more information on this topic.
- Those pets who growl, bite or show lunging symptoms are violated by travelling with Southwest.
- If your pet urinates or defecates anywhere at the gate or the cabin area, they will be denied boarding.
- If any pet barks continuously, scratches or indulges into excessively whining, the airline will immediately stop them from travelling on the flight.
- Pets suffering from heart disease, brachycephalic airways or anxiety disorders are violated from flying to avoid severe complications.
How Can I Carry Cremated Pet Remains On Southwest Flight?
According to the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy, cremated pet remains can be carried on a flight as a carry-on baggage. Here are the major pointers for better understanding.
- Cremated remains are not accepted as checked baggage.
- The remains will be inspected thoroughly at the security checkpoint.
- Carry the cremated remains in a temporary plastic or cardboard container for seamless X-ray screening.
- If you fail to pack the remains in the containers, security team will open it for physical inspection.
What Tips Should I Consider While Traveling With A Pet On Southwest?
Buying a pet is a huge responsibility and traveling with them is another major add-on. To make sure that your pet doesn’t face any inconvenience while traveling through the flight, checkout the below-mentioned information.
- Take your pet for vaccination before booking a reservation
- Choose a pet carrier inside which your pet can sit, relax and move comfortably
- Familiarize your pet with the flight environment to reduce anxiety and tension
- Carry relevant food items, a soft blanket and medications
- Don’t provide them with heavy meals before boarding the flight
- Aim to reach the airport early and complete security check-in on time
Conclusion
Southwest has implemented a strict set of guidelines for pets so that the passenger nor the pets face any hindrance on the flight. As only limited space is available on every flight, you should book a reservation in advance. Remember to take your pet for vaccination and opt for a regular check-up before you purchase a reservation for them. If they get anxious on the flight, divert them with a positive approach.
See Also: What Is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy?