Planning to take off on a new journey but feeling anxious about leaving your beloved pet behind? With Southwest Airlines, that worry melts away. The airline welcomes pets on board and ensures your travel is smooth, simple, and budget-friendly. Thanks to the thoughtfully crafted Southwest Airlines pet policy, your furry companions can fly with you in comfort and safety.
If you’re getting ready for a flight with Southwest and want to bring your pet along, it’s important to understand the rules and procedures outlined in their policy. From making your booking to ensuring your pet meets carrier guidelines, every detail plays a part in creating a stress-free journey for both you and your four-legged friend.
What is the Southwest Airlines Pet Service?
Whether you have a small dog or a cuddly cat, Southwest allows vaccinated pets to travel with you in the cabin. This in-cabin travel arrangement means your pet will be right under the seat in front of you, making it easier to keep them calm and reassured during the flight.
Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a limit on how many pets are allowed per flight. This means it’s a good idea to make arrangements early to secure a spot for your pet. While there is a maximum number of pet carriers allowed per flight, the actual number may vary slightly depending on the aircraft and circumstances.
Southwest allows dogs and cats that are at least eight weeks old to travel in the cabin. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, your pet must remain in their carrier at all times. This includes when you’re in the gate area, during the entire boarding and debarking process, and for the full duration of the flight. Keeping pets secured in their carrier helps reduce stress for your animal and other passengers while complying with federal regulations.
Related Guidelines for the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Before boarding, your pet must go through a check-in process at the airport ticket counter. This quick check ensures that all pets traveling meet the airline’s requirements. However, if your pet displays disruptive behavior, they may be denied boarding. Southwest aims to create a peaceful environment for all passengers, and this includes ensuring pets do not cause disturbances.
Disruptive behaviors that may lead to denied boarding include barking, growling, or excessive whining. Physical behaviors such as scratching, biting, or even having accidents in the gate area or on board can also be considered problematic. That’s why it’s important to prepare your pet for air travel in advance and make sure they are calm and well-behaved in unfamiliar settings.
Traveling with Cremated Pet Remains
In addition to live animals, Southwest also has a considerate policy for those traveling with cremated pet remains. These remains are allowed onboard as carry-on items, provided they have been screened and approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The remains must be in a temporary container, such as the one provided by the crematory. If the container fails to pass the required security screening, it will not be allowed past the security checkpoint. Being mindful of this requirement helps avoid any delays or complications during travel.
What is the process for booking the Pet Travel Service with Southwest Airlines?
Booking travel for your pet with Southwest is a straightforward process. If you’re flying within the United States, all it takes is a quick call to the airline’s customer support to let them know you plan to bring your pet along. Once you arrive at the airport on the day of your flight, visit the ticket counter with your pet. This is where the airline will approve both your pet and its carrier before you proceed to the departure gate.
After approval, you will need to pay the pet fee before moving forward with your journey. This fee is applied for each one-way trip and helps cover the added service of accommodating pets on board. One of the thoughtful aspects of the Southwest Airlines pet policy is that the pet fee is refundable. If your pet does not travel for any reason, or if your flight is canceled and not rebooked, you can request a refund. This can be done by speaking to a Southwest representative or by visiting the airport ticket counter.
What are the Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements?
When selecting a pet carrier, make sure it meets the airline’s dimensions. These guidelines help ensure your pet can be stowed properly without encroaching on the space of fellow passengers or flight crew. Southwest provides the option to purchase a branded airline-approved pet carrier:
- Each passenger is allowed to bring only one pet carrier. However, it is permitted to carry two pets of the same species in a single carrier, such as two cats or two small dogs. The carrier must be properly ventilated and leak-proof to ensure safety and hygiene.
- The size of the carrier is important because it must fit under the seat in front of you. This is in line with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and ensures both your comfort and your pet’s safety.
Whether you choose a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier, it must allow your pet to move comfortably inside. Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down without difficulty. If you have queries, communicate with the customer service team and discuss the Southwest Airlines pet policy as per your destination your furry friend’s breeds.
What are the Travel Restrictions to consider while flying with Southwest Airlines?
While Southwest Airlines is pet-friendly, there are some significant restrictions to keep in mind before booking your trip. First, pets are only permitted in the cabin and must travel with a passenger. They are not allowed as checked baggage or in the cargo area under any circumstances.
International flights are not included in Southwest’s pet travel policy. This means you cannot bring your pet on any international itinerary, including those that include even a single international leg. Additionally, unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with pets. If your child is flying solo, they won’t be able to bring a pet along.
When flying with a pet, you also won’t be able to book certain seats. These include exit row seats or any seat that does not have space under the seat in front for proper pet carrier storage. If you’re unsure about seating options, the airline staff can help you find a suitable arrangement during booking or check-in.
If you need to take your pet to an outside relief area at the airport and miss your flight as a result, Southwest will not delay or hold the flight. Remember that Southwest does not provide medical assistance to pets in flight. This means no oxygen masks or in-flight first aid are available for animals in case of emergencies. Travelers should be prepared for this and ensure that their pet is in good health before boarding.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines has a pet policy that makes traveling with your furry companion organized and affordable. If you adhere to the guidelines regarding carrier requirements and behavioral expectations, your pet can enjoy a comfortable flight right by your side. Ensure your pet is the appropriate size, fits within the designated carrier, and is prepared for a calm and secure journey. Southwest’s commitment to pet-friendly travel makes flying with your dog or cat not only possible but also enjoyable and cost-effective.
