For many pet parents, leaving their furry companions behind when traveling simply isn't an option. Whether you're relocating, vacationing, or visiting family, Southwest Airlines offers a straightforward pet policy that can make traveling with your four-legged friend less stressful. Based on our comprehensive research at Sniffspot, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Southwest Airlines dog policy.
Not sure if Southwest is right for your dog? Consider our full dog airline policy breakdown.
Southwest Airlines Dog Policy Overview
Southwest Airlines welcomes small cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights, though there are some important restrictions and requirements you should be aware of before booking.
How Does Southwest's Dog Policy Compare?
Based on our 2024 Sniffspot travel survey of dog owners, Southwest Airlines emerged as the second most popular airline for pet travel, with 3.6% of respondents choosing it as their preferred carrier.
Travelers appreciate Southwest's straightforward approach, with one respondent noting, "Southwest offers easy seating when traveling with my dog." Another mentioned they chose Southwest because it was "friendly and America's most reliable for pet travel." The airline's simplified boarding process seems particularly appealing to those traveling with pets.
Below, see how Southwest Airline's fees and pet limits compare to other popular airlines.
Source: Airline Policy Websites
Quick Facts About Southwest's Dog Policy:
- Pet Fee: $95 each way
- Allowed Pets: Small, vaccinated cats and dogs only
- Carrier Size: Maximum dimensions 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H
- Cabin Limit: 6 pet carriers per flight
- Restrictions: No pets on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii
Review Southwest Airline's pet policy on their website.
Service Dogs on Southwest Airlines
Source: Southwest Airlines service dog policy
Southwest Airlines has specific policies for service animals that differ from those for pet dogs. As required by Department of Transportation regulations, Southwest accommodates trained service dogs for passengers with disabilities.
- No Fee Required: Unlike pet dogs, properly trained service dogs fly free on Southwest.
- No Carrier Required: Service dogs can sit at their handler's feet or in their lap (if small enough) and aren't required to remain in a carrier.
- Size Restrictions Don't Apply: Southwest accommodates service dogs regardless of breed or size.
- Documentation Requirements: Southwest may request: DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (must be submitted 48 hours before travel), or confirmation that the dog is trained for specific tasks related to the handler's disability
One survey respondent with a service dog noted: "I chose Southwest because it's easy to board with my service dog. Their staff is well-trained in accommodating service animals and they never questioned the legitimacy of my service dog like I've experienced on other airlines."
It's important to understand that since 2021, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals under Department of Transportation rules. On Southwest, emotional support animals now fall under the standard pet policy, including size restrictions and fees.
"Southwest makes the distinction between service dogs and emotional support animals very clear on their website, which I appreciate," shared another survey participant. "The process for bringing my service dog was straightforward and dignified."
Navigating Southwest's Open Seating with Dogs
Southwest's unique open seating policy (no assigned seats) requires special consideration when traveling with a dog. Here's how to make it work for you:
Before You Board
- Check Your Boarding Position: Consider purchasing Early Bird Check-In or upgrading to Business Select for a better boarding position, giving you more seating options.
- Request Pre-Boarding if Needed: If you have a service dog that requires additional space, you may qualify for pre-boarding. Speak with the gate agent about your needs. "As someone with a service dog, Southwest's gate agents have always been accommodating in letting me pre-board to find appropriate seating for my dog," shared one survey respondent.
Choosing the Right Seat
- Window Seat Advantage: A window seat often provides more floor space for your pet carrier and minimizes disruptions from other passengers needing to get up. "I always aim for a window seat when flying Southwest with my dog. It gives us a bit more space and prevents people from stepping over the carrier," recommended a frequent Southwest flyer from our survey.
- Middle Seat Considerations: If you can't get a window seat, the middle seat allows your carrier to extend slightly under both adjacent seats.
- Avoid Bulkhead Rows: These seats have no under-seat storage, making them unsuitable for pet carriers.
- Exit Row Restrictions: Passengers with pets (including service dogs) cannot sit in exit rows due to safety regulations.
Communicating with Fellow Passengers
- Be Upfront: Let the passengers seated next to you know you're traveling with a dog, especially if you have a service animal that will be at your feet.
- Offer to Switch: If someone next to you expresses discomfort or allergies, be prepared to find another seat or ask a flight attendant for assistance. One survey respondent shared: "Southwest's open seating initially worried me when traveling with my dog, but I've found that being friendly and communicative with nearby passengers has always resulted in positive experiences."
- Mind Your Space: Ensure your pet carrier doesn't extend into another passenger's foot space.
Southwest Staff Assistance
Don't hesitate to ask Southwest staff for help navigating the open seating process with your dog. Flight attendants can often assist in finding appropriate seating or mediating any concerns.
"What I appreciate about Southwest is that their flight attendants are genuinely helpful when I'm trying to get settled with my dog," noted a survey participant. "They understand the challenges of their open seating policy when traveling with pets and actively help make it work."
By planning ahead and using these strategies, you can successfully navigate Southwest's open seating policy while keeping both your dog and fellow passengers comfortable throughout the flight.
Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements
Southwest's branded pet carrier
Your pet carrier counts as either a personal item or a carry-on item, meaning you can board with either:
- A pet carrier and a personal item, OR
- A pet carrier and a regular-sized carry-on bag
The airline requires that:
- The carrier must be specifically designed as a pet carrier (soft or hard-sided)
- It must be leak-proof and well-ventilated
- Your pet must be completely inside the carrier and able to stand up and move around easily
- The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
Southwest offers their own branded pet carrier (dimensions: 17" L x 10" W x 9.5" H), though you can use other carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H.
Southwest Airlines Pet Reservation Process
Space for pets is limited on Southwest flights, so it's advisable to make a reservation in advance. According to the airline, you should:
- Book your own ticket first
- Call Southwest to add your pet to your reservation
- Pay the pet fare at the airport ticket counter upon check-in ($95 one-way)
The pet fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Important Restrictions to Remember
When planning to fly with your dog on Southwest, keep these restrictions in mind:
- Hawaii Travel: Pets are not allowed on flights to/from Hawaii, though they are accepted on flights between Hawaiian islands
- International Travel: Pets are not allowed on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight
- Puerto Rico Travel: Specific requirements may apply for travelers to Puerto Rico
- Pet Limits: One pet carrier per ticketed passenger, with a maximum of two animals of the same species per carrier
- Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel
- Unaccompanied Minors: Cannot travel with a pet
How Difficult Is It to Travel with Dogs?
Our 2024 Sniffspot survey revealed some interesting insights about traveling with dogs:
According to our Sniffspot research with real dog owners, 82% of respondents had no airline preference when traveling with dogs, suggesting that many pet parents either don't fly frequently with their dogs or find the experience similar across carriers.
Additionally, the survey showed that traveling with dogs presents challenges:
According to our 2024 Sniffspot research, 88% of respondents found traveling with dogs either "somewhat more difficult" (48%) or "much more difficult" (40%) than traveling without pets.
Tips for Flying with Your Dog on Southwest
Based on feedback from Southwest passengers and our 2024 Sniffspot survey results, here are comprehensive tips to make your journey smoother:
Before Booking
- Secure your reservation early: With only 6 pet spaces per flight, call Southwest to add your pet to your reservation immediately after booking your own ticket.
- Consider flight timing: Book direct flights when possible and avoid peak travel times to minimize stress for both you and your pet. "Southwest offers easy seating when traveling with my dog, which makes the whole experience much less stressful," shared one survey respondent.
- Check destination requirements: If traveling to Puerto Rico or between Hawaiian islands, verify any additional documentation or health certificate requirements well in advance.
Preparing Your Pet
- Carrier training is essential: Get your dog comfortable with their carrier weeks before your flight by creating positive associations through treats and short practice sessions. "I brought my dog's favorite blanket and toys in the carrier during our Southwest flight. That familiarity really helped keep him calm," noted a frequent Southwest flyer from our survey.
- Exercise before flight: A tired dog is typically a calmer traveler. One survey respondent recommended: "I always take my dog for a long walk or to a dog park before heading to the airport when flying Southwest. It makes a huge difference in their behavior during the flight."
- Consider a vet visit: Discuss travel anxiety with your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of stress. Some dogs benefit from natural calming supplements or prescribed medications for air travel.
- Identification is critical: Ensure your dog wears ID tags with your current contact information, and consider a microchip as additional protection.
Airport Day Strategies
- Arrive with plenty of time: Allow at least an extra 30-45 minutes beyond your normal airport arrival time to check in and pay the pet fare at the counter.
- Limit food and water: Feed your dog a light meal 4-6 hours before the flight and offer small amounts of water to prevent accidents. One Southwest traveler in our survey shared: "I always make sure my dog has a small meal early in the day before our flight, then just offer ice cubes for hydration at the airport. This has prevented any accidents in the carrier during our Southwest flights."
- Pre-flight potty break: Use pet relief areas at the airport immediately before boarding. Many airports now have designated pet relief areas past security.
- Keep documentation handy: Bring vaccination records and health certificates in your carry-on, even for domestic flights where they aren't required.
During the Flight
- Placement matters: Try to position the carrier so your dog can see you during the flight. This maintains a reassuring connection.
- Stay calm yourself: Dogs are sensitive to their owners' emotions. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps keep your dog relaxed. "My dog picks up on my energy, so I make sure to stay relaxed while flying Southwest. When I'm calm, she's calm," explained a survey respondent who regularly travels with her small dog.
- Discreet comfort: While the carrier must remain closed and under the seat, you can quietly slip your fingers through air holes to provide reassurance during turbulence.
- Be respectful of others: Remember that not all passengers are comfortable around animals. Keeping your dog quiet and contained helps ensure everyone has a pleasant flight.
After Landing
- Immediate relief: Head straight to a pet relief area upon landing to allow your dog to stretch and relieve themselves.
- Decompression time: Allow your dog ample time to decompress after the flight before engaging in strenuous activities. "After flying Southwest with my dog, I always find a quiet spot away from the airport chaos where he can chill out for a bit before we continue to our final destination," advised a Southwest pet traveler from our survey.
- Reward good behavior: Positive reinforcement after a successful flight helps establish flying as a positive experience for future travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Southwest Airlines Dog Policy
How much does it cost to bring a dog on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest charges $95 one-way for each pet carrier. This fee must be paid at the airport ticket counter upon check-in. The fee is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Can large dogs fly in cabin on Southwest?
No, Southwest only allows small dogs that can fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot exceed what you can safely place under the seat.
Does Southwest airlines allow dogs in cargo?
No, Southwest does not offer pet cargo services. They only allow small cats and dogs in the cabin. If your pet is too large for cabin travel, you'll need to consider another airline.
How many dogs can I bring on Southwest?
Each passenger can bring one pet carrier. Each carrier can contain up to two dogs of the same species, provided they both fit comfortably in the single carrier.
Do I need to make a reservation for my dog?
Southwest airlines doesn't require you to make a reservation for your dog. However, it's a good idea to do so since they limit the total number of pets allowed in cabin. To add your dog to your reservation, call the airline after purchasing your ticket.
Final Thoughts: Flying with Your Dog on Southwest
Southwest Airlines offers a relatively straightforward approach to traveling with small dogs, though restrictions do apply. With proper planning and preparation, their pet policy can make bringing your furry friend along on your journey less stressful.
Remember that requirements may change, so always verify the most current information directly with Southwest Airlines before booking. Safe travels to you and your four-legged companion!
Additional dog airline resources:
Looking for a place to help your dog decompress after a long flight? Check out Sniffspot to find private, safe spaces where your dog can stretch their legs and enjoy some off-leash time after being cooped up in a carrier.
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