Understanding Southwest Airlines’ pet policy before making travel plans is crucial. Here is everything you need to know, from breed restrictions and carrier dimensions to required documentation and travel tips.
What is Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Southwest Airlines has a pet-friendly policy. The airline accepts small dogs and cats, provided they meet specific criteria and are confined in pet carriers.
Southwest Airlines allows small and vaccinated dogs over the age of eight weeks to travel in the cabin with their owners. Dogs are permitted on all domestic flights, including flights to and from Puerto Rico and between the Hawaiian islands.
The dog must be placed in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of the owner. Each passenger is entitled to have one carrier. Southwest allows having two pets of the same species in one carrier if they can fit comfortably. The total number of pets per flight is limited to six.
Southwest Airlines’ pet fee is $125. The cost for pet travel between the Hawaiian islands is $35 per carrier. The fee is paid during check-in, applies to one direction, and is refundable.
In accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), Southwest accepts fully trained service dogs on all flights and at no cost. Emotional support animals (ESAs), however, are not protected and can only travel as regular pets.
Traveling with a pet can be a stressful experience, but Southwest has made it its mission to make it as easy and comfortable as possible.
What Are the Reasons Behind Southwest’s Pet Policy?
Southwest Airlines has implemented its pet-friendly policy to provide better travel experiences to its pet-owning customers. Due to limited space, the airline does not accept large dogs.
Cargo travel is not available via Southwest Airlines due to safety reasons. The airline prohibits minors from traveling with pets unless an adult accompanies them.
The policy for service and emotional support animals is unique to comply with the law. Service dogs enjoy protection under multiple federal laws; hence, they are permitted to travel for free.
State and federal laws, however, do not mandate U.S.-based airlines to accept ESAs on their flights. Therefore, Southwest Airlines’ policy for emotional support pets is the same as that for regular pets.
What Are the Requirements for Traveling with Your Dog on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines’ pet policy is inclusive but has certain limitations. It is important to make sure your dog meets all criteria before making plans and reservations.
Breed Restrictions
Southwest Airlines does not impose specific breed restrictions. The company understands that every dog is an individual and that breed does not necessarily determine behavior.
However, other policies indirectly restrict certain breeds. For example, the airline requires dogs to be small enough to fit in their approved carriers, which practically restricts large dogs.
While there is no official breed restriction on Southwest flights, the airline reserves the right to deny boarding to dogs that are aggressive or unable to remain calm and quiet.
Age Requirements
Southwest Airlines requires all dogs traveling with the company to be at least eight weeks old. The age requirement may appear strict, but it is vital to ensure that the traveling pet is physically and emotionally ready for the trip.
Destination Limitations
Southwest Airlines does not allow pets on international flights and itineraries. Pets are permitted to fly on all domestic flights within the United States. Pets are also accepted on flights between the Hawaiian islands and flights to and from Puerto Rico.
Service animals are permitted on all flights operated by Southwest Airlines, both domestically and internationally.
What are Southwest Airlines Health and Vaccination Requirements
All dogs traveling with Southwest Airlines must be up to date on vaccinations. The airline does not require official paperwork for domestic flights; however, it is recommended that you have a rabies certificate.
Always inform yourself about local, destination-specific pet health and vaccination requirements before making flight reservations.
Please note that if your dog is found to be ill or exhibiting obvious signs of illness, Southwest Airlines reserves the right to deny boarding. The goal is to protect the health and safety of all passengers and other pets on board.
Documentation and Paperwork
Southwest Airlines does not require official paperwork for dogs flying in the cabin on domestic flights. However, it is advisable to have a copy of the dog’s vaccination record on hand.
Emotional support animals traveling with Southwest do not need an official letter since they are considered as regular pets and must adhere to the airline’s official pet policy.
Service dogs traveling with Southwest must have a digital or printed version of the US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Also known as the DOT form, the document confirms that the dog is trained for service work, behaves appropriately in public, and is up to date on its vaccines.
The DOT form must be completed and presented at the ticket counter or gate. It must also be dated on or after the date of your ticket purchase.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Service Dog Policy?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring fully trained service dogs into the cabin at no additional cost.
The airline’s rules are clear: only fully trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs are accepted. Emotional support animals (ESAs) and dogs still in training are not recognized under Southwest’s policy.
Unlike some carriers, Southwest does not impose breed or size restrictions. This is because it must follow the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
That said, service dogs are expected to be well-behaved, under the handler’s supervision, and properly restrained with a harness, leash, or tether for the duration of the flight. Southwest may refuse boarding if a dog is disruptive, aggressive, or poses a safety risk to passengers or crew.
How Do You Add a Service Dog to a Southwest Airlines Reservation?
To travel with a service dog on Southwest, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Only fully trained service dogs are accepted. Emotional support animals and service dogs in training are not permitted.
- Download the DOT Form: Go to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website and obtain the required Service Animal Air Transportation form.
- Complete the Form: This document confirms that the dog is a trained service animal, behaves appropriately in public, and has up-to-date vaccinations.
- Present the Paperwork: On the day of travel, bring the completed DOT form and provide it to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate.
Handlers are fully responsible for their service dog’s conduct. The animal must remain harnessed or leashed at all times and should not relieve itself or act out in public spaces.
Do You Need to Notify Southwest Airlines Before Flying With a Service Dog?
Southwest encourages passengers to notify the airline in advance if traveling with a service dog. While advance notice is not mandatory, it helps prevent complications at the airport.
According to the DOT, airlines are required to make reasonable accommodations even without prior notification. However, failing to alert Southwest beforehand could increase the chance of boarding issues.
It is best practice to provide notification when booking online or by calling customer service. No health certificate is required, but the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form must be submitted to verify the dog’s status, behavior, and vaccinations.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, service dogs fly for free on Southwest Airlines. There are no charges for flying with a service dog on Southwest. DOT regulations prohibit airlines from applying pet fees to trained service animals.
However, Southwest does charge fees for pets that do not qualify as service animals, including ESAs.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest does not enforce breed bans on service dogs. All breeds are permitted, provided the dog is trained to assist with a disability and behaves appropriately in public.
Can You Travel With More Than One Service Dog on Southwest Airlines?
Passengers may bring more than one service dog on a Southwest flight, as long as each dog is specifically trained to assist with a disability-related task and meets the airline’s behavior and restraint standards.
Dogs must remain harnessed, tethered, or leashed, and handlers are expected to keep them under control at all times.
Are There Size Restrictions for Service Dogs on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest does not limit service dogs by size. Under the ACAA, the airline must accommodate service animals regardless of weight or breed.
The only stipulation is that the service dog must fit in the handler’s foot space on the floor or sit on the handler’s lap if it is no larger than a child under two years old.
How to Prepare for Your Southwest Flight
Once you have ensured your dog meets Southwest’s flying requirements, it is time to book the flight, choose the correct carrier, and pack for the trip. Being prepared ensures a stress-free and smooth journey for both you and your dog.
Booking Your Pet’s Reservation
Book your dog’s reservation in advance since the airline limits the number of pets per flight. You can add a pet to the flight arrangement by making an online reservation or contacting the airline directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
Always notify Southwest if traveling with a service dog. The DOT says that airlines must accept service animals even without prior notification.
However, making timely notifications gives Southwest time to make necessary arrangements and avoids possible issues during check-in and boarding.
Choosing the Right Pet Carrier
Southwest Airlines allows pets to travel confined in its approved and branded transporters or other carriers that meet the airline’s standards.
The airline’s approved carrier measures 17 inches x 10 inches x 9.5 inches. The dimensions of other accepted carriers must be within the 18.5 inches x 13.5 inches x 9.5 inches limit. It can be soft or hard-sided, as long as it is well-ventilated and leak-proof.
According to Southwest Airlines’ pet carrier policy, the transporter must be large enough to allow the dog to move freely, yet small enough to fit beneath the seats.
Packing Essentials for Your Dog
Pack your dog’s essentials, such as food, water, medications, and comforting toys, when getting ready for a flight with Southwest. You should also always pack a copy of the dog’s vaccination and medical records.
We recommend having a recent photo of your dog on hand when traveling. The photo can be helpful if the dog gets lost. Remember, the dog must be microchipped for objective identification purposes.
Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience
For a stress-free travel experience, familiarize yourself with the travel procedure in advance and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed.
Keeping the dog calm adds to the stress-free experience. We recommend exercising the dog before the flight and bringing along its favorite item, such as a toy or blanket.
It is inadvisable to give dogs calming medications during flights. However, you can use calming pheromones with the vet’s approval.
Pet Relief Areas
The airport you are departing from provides the pet relief areas, and they are not operated by Southwest Airlines.
Check the airport’s website or contact them directly to find information and locate the designated pet relief areas. They usually include indoor or outdoor stations, but their locations vary from airport to airport.
Boarding and In-Flight Procedures
Once cleared, you and your dog can proceed with boarding. You will board with your assigned boarding group, while the pet carrier counts as a carry-on bag or a personal item.
Southwest Airlines has the right to deny boarding to dogs presenting disruptive or destructive behaviors, including whining, scratching, barking, or jumping. Dogs that relieve themselves in inappropriate places can also be denied.
During the flight, the dog must remain in the carrier, and the carrier must be placed beneath the seat in front of you.
Due to safety concerns, passengers with pets are not permitted to sit in exit rows. Owners are responsible for keeping their dogs calm and quiet during the flight.
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