Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about flying with your pet on Southwest Airlines? Whether a vacation or a necessary trip, bringing your pet along requires some planning. Southwest Airlines offers an accommodating pet policy, but you need to follow specific details and guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your furry companion.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines’ pet policies, from booking your pet’s ticket to preparing for the flight. Keep reading to make your trip with your pet as seamless as possible!

Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Rules

When traveling with pets on Southwest Airlines, it’s essential to understand the specific regulations. Small domestic cats and dogs are allowed, provided they are at least 8 weeks old and vaccinated. Pets must stay in their carriers throughout the plane flight, and these carriers count as either a personal item or a carry-on bag. 

Note that pets cannot travel on flights to and from Hawaii or international flights, though inter-island flights within Hawaii are permitted for pets. If you are traveling to Puerto Rico, ensure you review the pet entry requirements.

Each passenger is permitted one pet carrier, which can house up to two pets of the same species. The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers with pets should board with their assigned group and cannot sit in exit rows or seats without under-seat storage.

Pet reservations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of six pets per flight. Any pet showing disruptive behavior, such as excessive barking, scratching, or biting, may be denied boarding. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and comfortable flight for you and your pet.

TLDR: Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin if they are at least 8 weeks old. Pets must stay in carriers, which count as carry-on items. Pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii but can travel between Hawaiian islands. Only six pets are allowed per flight, and disruptive pets may be denied boarding.

Southwest Airlines Fees for Pet Travels

Southwest Airlines pet fees are $95 each way for pet travel. This non-refundable fee means you will not get this money back if your travel plans change. The fee applies to each direction of travel, so a round trip will cost $190 for your pet.

This charge is separate from your ticket fare and any other pet fares you might have. Planning is crucial because the number of pets allowed on each flight is limited. It’s best to reserve your pet’s spot as soon as you book your ticket.

The pet fee covers the cost of bringing your pet into the cabin, where it must remain in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Understanding these fees and making reservations early can help ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your pet.

ESAs are Exempt from Pet Fees for Housing

According to the FHA, Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs are exempt from any housing pet fees, deposits or pet rents. Learn More about Pet Fees

Southwest Airlines Standards for ESA and Service Animals

Southwest Airlines allows service animals to travel in the cabin without any additional fee. These animals must be trained to assist passengers with disabilities and must behave properly in public settings.

Southwest Airlines no longer permits emotional support animals (ESAs) on flights. According to their pet policy, you can only bring pets such as trained service dogs. This policy change applies regardless of certification. There are many pet friendly airlines that allow ESAs to accompany their owners in-cabin, although, each airline has its own pet fees policies for ESAs.

A service animal must be leashed or harnessed and under control at all times, both in the airport and on the aircraft. Documentation or advance notice may be required for service animals, so it’s important to check the latest policies before your trip.

Pet carriers for pets in the cabin must fit under the seat in front of you. They should be secure and well-ventilated to ensure your pet’s safety. Typical dimensions for an approved pet carrier are:

• 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide
• There must be ventilation in the pet carrier
• Hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are both possible
• The carrier needs to be impermeable

Southwest Airlines and the ACAA

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) originally required airlines to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) without additional charges. However, regulation changes now allow airlines to set their own policies for ESAs.

In response to these updates, Southwest Airlines revised its policy and no longer permits ESAs on their flights. This change aligns with the new ACAA guidelines, which no longer mandate airlines to accommodate ESAs.

Instead of accommodating ESAs for free, Southwest Airlines treats them as regular pets. This means ESAs can travel in the cabin, but they must be in an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat, and the pet owner must pay the standard pet fee. By enforcing these rules, Southwest Airlines ensures compliance with the current ACAA regulations, which no longer extend special privileges to ESAs.

Allowed Support Animals

Southwest Airlines permits small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to ride in the cabin on domestic flights. Pets must be in appropriate carriers and fit under the seat in front of you. There is a limit of six pets per flight, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each paying adult can bring one pet carrier, holding up to two small dogs or cats.

 

Animal	Permitted on	Fees
Small Dogs (Service)	All flights (domestic and international)	No fee
Small Cats (Service)	All flights (domestic and international)	No fee
Psychiatric Service Dogs	All flights (domestic and international)	No fee
Small Domestic Cats (Pets)	Domestic flights only	$95 each way
Small Domestic Dogs (Pets)	Domestic flights only	$95 each way

Breed Restrictions on Southwest Airlines

There are no specific breed restrictions, meaning all cat and dog breeds are permitted to fly as long as they are well-behaved and fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier. However, any animal displaying aggressive behavior will not be allowed to travel.

Allowed Cat Breeds in Cabin

• All domestic cat breeds
• Mixed breed cats

Allowed Dog Breeds in Cabin

• All domestic dog breeds
• Mixed breed dogs

Southwest Airlines ESA Requirements

Southwest Airlines welcomes Emotional Support Animals on its flights. They understand the important role they play in keeping passengers happy and comfortable. For the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, Southwest Airlines offers specific regulations for traveling with ESAs. Here are the allowances and restrictions for ESAs on Southwest Airlines.

Allowances

• ESAs can travel in the cabin in an approved pet carrier.
• Up to 2 cats or dogs of the same species can be in one carrier.
• The carrier will count as the passenger’s carry-on allowance.

Restrictions

• ESAs are no longer permitted to travel for free.
• The standard pet fee applies to ESAs.
• ESAs must remain in the carrier for the entire flight.
• Aggressive animals are not allowed to travel.

What to Know Before Flying Southwest Airlines With Pets

Knowing Southwest Airlines’ specific policies and requirements is important when traveling with pets. Southwest allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat.

Each passenger is allowed one carrier, which can contain up to two cats or dogs of the same species. The pet carrier counts as either a personal item or a carry-on bag.

Southwest does not have breed restrictions, so all breeds of cats and dogs are permitted to fly as long as they behave appropriately.

Aggressive animals will not be tolerated and will not be allowed to board. It’s essential to book your pet’s travel in advance, as the number of pets allowed on each flight is limited.

Prepping the ESA for Travelling

Here are some best practices to help make the trip easier for you and your pet.

• Veterinary Check-Up: Ensure your ESA is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations before the trip.
• Familiarize With the Carrier: Before the flight, let your pet get used to the carrier at home. This can reduce anxiety during travel.
• Comfort Items: Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy to help calm your ESA.
• Hydration and Food: Ensure your pet is hydrated and fed before the trip, but avoid feeding them right before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
• Practice Trips: Take your pet on short car trips in the carrier to familiarize them with the experience.
• Calming Products: Consider using vet-approved calming sprays or anxiety wraps to help relax your pet.
• Exercise Before Flight: Give your pet plenty of exercise before the flight to help them burn off excess energy and stay calm.

Required Forms and Documents for ESAs

To travel with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on Southwest Airlines, you must have specific documents. Here is a list of the required paperwork.

ESA Letter or PSD Letter

An ESA or Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter can significantly impact your travel experience, fees, and permissions. An ESA letter confirms that you need the animal for emotional support due to a mental or emotional disability. In contrast, a PSD letter certifies that your dog is trained to perform tasks to assist with a psychiatric disability. 

With an ESA letter, you may be subject to standard pet fees and restrictions. Under the updated Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations, ESAs are no longer entitled to free travel. However, a PSD letter may allow you to avoid certain fees and grant more rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ESA letter must be from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating that you have a mental or emotional disability recognized in the DSM and need the animal for support. This letter must be current (within the last year) and include the professional’s license details.

The requirements for a PSD letter are similar but also confirm the dog’s training to assist with specific tasks. ESA Pet provides these letters to streamline the process of acquiring the necessary documentation.

While an ESA letter primarily helps with housing accommodations, as they are no longer given special travel privileges under the ACAA, a PSD letter offers broader rights, including access to public spaces where pets are typically not allowed. Obtaining either letter requires a professional evaluation of your mental health needs.

Behavior Form

A behavior form is necessary to ensure your ESA behaves appropriately in public settings. This form confirms that your animal does not exhibit disruptive behaviors like excessive barking, scratching, or biting. ESA Pet offers this service as part of the ESA letter acquisition process, making it easier for you to ensure all required documentation is in order.

Health Form

A health form verifies that your ESA is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. This documentation is crucial for the safety and well-being of all passengers. ESA Pet provides this service as an additional option during the ESA letter acquisition, streamlining the process for obtaining all necessary paperwork to travel with your emotional support animal.

Getting an Official ESA Letter and Additional Documentation

If you need an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to help with your mental or emotional health, obtaining an official ESA letter through ESA Pet is essential. Here’s a 3-step simple process:

Step 1: Complete the Simple 2-Minute Screening

Start by taking a brief survey and answering a few straightforward questions. Your responses will help mental health care providers assess your eligibility for an ESA. The survey is confidential, so only authorized personnel can view your answers.

Step 2: Connect With a Licensed Healthcare Professional

After making a secure payment, ESA Pet will connect you with a licensed healthcare professional in your state. This professional will evaluate your mental and emotional health to determine whether an emotional support animal is appropriate.

Step 3: Get Your ESA Letter

If approved, the licensed health professional will provide a signed ESA letter. You will receive a digital copy of the ESA letter within three business days.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

How Do I Add a Pet to My Flight?

To add a pet to your Southwest Airlines flight, you need to call the airline’s reservations line to secure a spot. Pets are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to book early. Each passenger is allowed one pet carrier, which can hold up to two small cats or dogs of the same species.

Can Emotional Support Dogs Fly on Southwest?

Under the updated Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can no longer fly for free. They are treated as pets, meaning they must travel in an approved carrier and are subject to the standard pet fees and restrictions. Only trained Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) with proper documentation can fly with additional rights.

How Much Does It Cost for a Pet to Fly on Southwest?

The cost to bring a pet on a Southwest Airlines flight is $95 each way. This fee applies to pets traveling in the cabin and must be paid when booking. The pet carrier counts as a carry-on item or personal item.

How Strict Is Southwest With Pet Policy?

Southwest Airlines has a strict pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Pets must remain in their carriers, which must fit under the seat in front of them for the entire flight. Disruptive pets or those showing signs of aggressive behavior may be denied boarding.

Can My Dog Sit on My Lap During a Flight to Southwest?

No. Pets must always remain in their carriers during the flight. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you. This policy ensures that all passengers have a safe and comfortable experience.

Wrapping Up Southwest Airlines Pet Policy

Under Southwest Airlines’ pet policy, traveling with small, vaccinated cats and dogs in the cabin is permitted. To add a pet to your flight, you must call the airline’s reservations line and pay a $95 fee each way.

Emotional Support Animals are treated as pets and must follow the same rules and fees. Pets must stay in their carriers throughout the flight, and any disruptive behavior may result in denied boarding. 

Understanding these guidelines helps ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your pet on Southwest Airlines.