Traveling with your furry companion can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but flying with pets also raises questions, concerns, and costs. If you’re planning to fly with your dog on Southwest Airlines, understanding the current in‑cabin pet policy is essential. This guide provides a thorough, expert analysis of Southwest’s rules, fees, carrier requirements, tips for stress‑free travel, and more.
We reference official airline policies, expert travel resources, and real‑world examples to give you accurate, trustworthy information. Where precise data is unavailable or evolving, we note that clearly.
1. Overview of Southwest Pet Policy
Southwest Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in‑cabin when certain conditions are met. Pets must be healthy, properly contained, and their travel must be arranged before departure.
According to Southwest’s Contract of Carriage, pets are accepted in the cabin only if:
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They are small vaccinated domestic cats or dogs (minimum age 8 weeks).
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They fit inside a pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
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You pay the applicable pet fare.
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Pets must remain in the carrier at all times.
Important: Southwest does not allow pets in cargo on passenger flights — only in the main cabin.
2. Eligibility: Which Pets Are Allowed
Southwest’s policy is specific:
Small domestic dogs and cats
At least 8 weeks old
Must remain in a carrier the entire time
Can include up to two pets in one carrier if the same species
Not allowed: reptiles, birds, exotic animals, large dogs that cannot fit in a carrier
Pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii (except between Hawaiian islands)
3. Rules for Dogs in Cabin
Here’s what you need to know when flying with a dog on Southwest:
In‑Cabin Only
Southwest allows pets only in the cabin. There is no cargo pet service for dogs.
One Carrier per Passenger
Each ticketed passenger may bring one pet carrier. The carrier may contain up to two small animals of the same species.
First‑Come, First‑Served
Southwest limits the number of pet carriers on a flight (common estimates are about five or six per flight). Spots often fill quickly, so arrange early.
Pets Must Stay in Carrier
Dogs must remain in the carrier:
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In the gate area
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During boarding
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Throughout the flight
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During deplaning
Head, tail, or any part of the dog must not extend outside the carrier.
Seating Restrictions
If you fly with a dog, you cannot sit in exit row seats or seats without under‑seat storage.
4. Southwest Carrier Requirements
The carrier is the centerpiece of pet travel on any airline. For Southwest:
Size & Type
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Must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you
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Must be leak‑proof and well ventilated
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Hard‑sided or soft‑sided carriers are typically accepted — but soft‑sided carriers offer more flexibility under seats.
Recommended dimensions commonly referenced by repeated travelers are approximately:
| Carrier Type | Typical Maximum Size |
|---|---|
| Soft‑sided | ~18” × 11” × 11” |
| Hard‑sided | Slightly smaller, but must still fit under the seat |
5. Fees and Costs
Southwest charges a pet fare for in‑cabin pets. Fees are collected at the airport ticket counter when traveling with a dog.
Standard Pet Fare (Domestic)
Commonly reported current fare ranges:
| Route Type | Pet Fee (One Way) |
|---|---|
| Domestic U.S. | ~$125 (varies by route & date) |
| Between Hawaiian islands | ~$35–$95 (reported possibility, based on local practices) |
6. Booking & Reservations
Southwest’s website does not currently offer an online pet booking form. You must call Southwest at 1‑800‑I‑FLY‑SWA (1‑800‑435‑9792) to reserve a space for your dog on a specific flight.
Travelers report that if you don’t call in advance, the limited spots may be filled by the time you check in at the airport.
7. At the Airport: Check‑in and Security
Step‑by‑Step
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Arrive early. Aim for at least 90–120 minutes before departure.
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Check in at the ticket counter. You must declare your dog and pay the pet fare.
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Security screening (TSA). You may have to remove the dog from the carrier when going through the security scanner unless a private room inspection is requested.
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Board with your group. Southwest boards pets with their assigned boarding group — no special pet boarding lane.
8. During the Flight
Once onboard:
Pets must remain in their carrier under the seat throughout the flight.
Do not remove your dog during takeoff, landing, or while in seat rows.
Flight attendants do not provide food, water, or medical support for pets.
In case of disruptive behavior, airline crew may refuse transportation.
9. Health & Safety Tips (Vet‑Approved)
Although airlines don’t require veterinary health certificates for cabin pets, health experts such as those cited in CDC travel guidance recommend:
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Ensure pets are up‑to‑date on vaccinations.
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Avoid tranquilizers unless a vet advises — they may affect breathing at altitude.
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Provide familiar blankets or toys to reduce stress.
According to NIH‑indexed research, stress levels in animals increase with unfamiliar environments, so acclimatize your dog to the carrier weeks before travel. Source: pet anxiety research on PubMed. (NIH.gov; PubMed).
10. Comparing Southwest to Other Airlines
Southwest’s pet policy is similar to other major U.S. carriers in allowing only in‑cabin dogs, but differs in specifics:
| Airline | In‑Cabin Pets | Cargo Pets | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Yes | No | ~$95–$150+ |
| United | Yes | Limited cargo | ~$125 |
| Delta | Yes | Cargo possible | ~$95–$125+ |
| American | Yes | Cargo possible | ~$125 |
| JetBlue | Yes | Cargo possible | ~$100+ |
Reserve your pet’s spot as soon as you book your flight.
Step 2: Choose an Appropriate Carrier
Ensure spaciousness and ventilation.
Step 3: Call Southwest to Confirm Pet Space
Southwest is first‑come, first‑served for pets.
Step 4: Arrive Early at Airport
Pet reservation must be acknowledged at ticket counter.
Step 5: Go Through TSA Screening
Ask for a private screening room if your dog gets nervous.
Step 6: Board and Fly
Board with your group — no pre‑boarding for pets.
12. Troubleshooting Common Issues
My Pet Was Denied Boarding
This often happens due to carrier sizing issues or lack of space on flight — confirm in advance.
TSA Screening Hassles
If TSA insists your dog go through the scanner, politely request a private screening room. This is your right under TSA procedures.
I Paid Fee But No Space
If Southwest’s pet spots were full, ask staff to rebook your dog on the next flight with availability.
13. Expert Safety & Comfort Tips
Acclimate your dog to the carrier well ahead of travel.
Offer short trips in the carrier before your flight day.
Perform a walk and relief break close to boarding.
Hydrate but avoid heavy meals right before flight.
Veterinarians widely recommend exercise, familiar bedding, and positive reinforcement to reduce travel anxiety in dogs. (See pet behavioral studies on PubMed and NIH.gov.)
14. Structured FAQ
1. Can my dog travel in checked baggage on Southwest?
No. Southwest allows pets only in the cabin.
2. How old must my dog be?
At least 8 weeks old.
3. How many pets can fly in the cabin?
Southwest limits cabin pets per flight (commonly about six), first‑come, first‑served.
4. How much is the pet fee?
Typically around $125 each way on domestic flights; fees vary.
5. Do I need a health certificate?
Southwest generally does not require one, but check destination requirements if applicable. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed universal requirement. (This differs by destination.)
6. Can I sit anywhere with my dog?
No — you may not choose exit rows or seats without under‑seat storage.
7. Can two dogs share a carrier?
Yes, if they’re the same species and fit comfortably.
8. Are emotional support animals treated differently?
Southwest’s policies for emotional support animals align with overall pet rules — restrictions apply. Service animals have separate allowances.
9. What if my flight is full of pets?
Limit per flight means call ahead; if your pet space isn’t confirmed, staff may ask you to rebook.
15. Conclusion
Flying with your dog on Southwest can be straightforward with the right preparation:
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Understand the pet policy
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Reserve your pet space early
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Use the right carrier
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Allow time for check‑in and security
Southwest’s emphasis on in‑cabin safety, clear rules, and first‑come, first‑served policy makes it a viable option for pet owners flying domestically. With careful planning, you and your dog can share comfortable skies together
