Written by: 
Southwest Airlines has a strict but pet-friendly policy. The airline allows domestic dogs and cats to travel on domestic flights, permitting up to two pets per passenger and a total of six pets per flight.
Southwest complies with the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). These regulations allow service dogs to travel at no charge and do not require them to be confined to pet carriers.
However, pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not covered by the DOT and ACAA regulations. Travel for pets and ESAs depends on Southwest Airlines pet policy and availability.
Southwest Airlines traveling with pets is possible if the animal meets specific criteria, including size limits and pet carrier requirements. Additionally, pets must be vaccinated and at least two months old.
According to the Southwest Airlines pet travel policy, pets, ESAs, and service animals in training are subject to pet fees. Southwest flying with pets is only possible in the cabin, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with pets.
To add a pet to a Southwest flight, make your reservation and contact the airline directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Always make pet reservations as early as possible, as space is limited and the number of pets permitted per flight is restricted.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Southwest Airlines’ pet policy has strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both passengers and animals. The airline allows pets to travel in the cabin on domestic flights only. Southwest does not accept dogs and cats in the cargo hold and on international flights.
Only small dogs and cats are allowed under the Southwest animal policy. These pets must be vaccinated, at least eight weeks old, and must remain in carriers during travel.
The Southwest pet policy allows one per carrier per traveler. The airline can transport two pets of the same species, provided they fit comfortably in the same cage or container.
Due to pet carrier size limitations, passengers with large dogs may need to consider other pet-friendly airlines. Southwest is not among the airlines that allow ESAs. Emotional support animals are accepted on flights if they are checked as regular pets and subject to the airline’s pet policies.
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with pets. Additionally, the total number of pets allowed per flight on Southwest Airlines is limited to six, so it is recommended to make pet bookings in advance.
What Types of Pets Does Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy Allow?
Types of animals allowed on Southwest Airlines are small dogs and cats. They are permitted on all domestic flights if they meet size and age requirements.
Southwest Airlines’ dog policy allows small dogs to travel in the cabin if they are confined in a pet carrier, vaccinated, and at least eight weeks of age. The airline does not impose breed restrictions on dogs. Still, it reserves the right to deny boarding to dogs exhibiting disruptive or aggressive behavior.
The Southwest Airlines cat policy permits cats to accompany their owners in the cabin. They must be in carriers, at least eight weeks old, and up to date on vaccinations. Southwest Airlines does not impose breed restrictions on cats; however, animals that appear ill, aggressive, or disruptive may be denied boarding at the airline’s discretion.
Does Southwest Airlines Allow Dogs?
Yes, dogs on Southwest Airlines are permitted on all domestic flights, as well as travel to and from Puerto Rico and between the Hawaiian islands.
Dogs must be vaccinated and at least two months old. During the flight, they are required to stay in pet carriers that meet specific dimensions.
There is no Southwest large dog policy, as the airline only accepts small dogs that can fit in the approved pet carriers and be placed beneath the seats.
Does Southwest Airlines Allow Pets for International Travel?
No, Southwest Airlines does not allow pets for international travel. Pets are not permitted on the airline’s international flights and itineraries. Only service animals are allowed on international flights.
Southwest Airlines only allows vaccinated small dogs and cats confined in pet carriers in the main cabin. They are only accepted on domestic flights within the United States, flights to and from Puerto Rico, and flights between the Hawaiian islands.
Does Southwest Airlines Allow Pets in Cargo Travel?
Southwest Airlines does not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. According to Southwest Airlines pet cargo policy, dogs and cats are not permitted to fly in the baggage compartment.
Instead, Southwest Airlines only allows small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, provided that the pets meet certain size, age, and carrier requirements.
Does Southwest Airlines Restrict Pet Travel for Specific Destinations?
Yes, Southwest Airlines restricts pet travel for specific destinations. The airline’s policy does not allow dogs and cats on international flights and travel itineraries. Pets are also not allowed to travel to and from Hawaii.
Southwest, however, allows pets on flights between the Hawaiian islands. Pets are permitted on flights to and from Puerto Rico but are subject to specific requirements.
How Much Does Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Charge for Pet Travel?
Southwest Airlines charges a fee of $125 for traveling with pets. For travel between the Hawaiian islands, the Southwest pet fee is $35 per carrier. This cost is in addition to the standard passenger fare and applies to all dogs and cats traveling in the cabin.
The Southwest Airlines pet fee is paid at the airport ticket counter during check-in and is applicable for one direction of travel only. This fee is refundable if the flight is canceled.
What Is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for Southwest Airlines??
The in-cabin pet policy for Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated dogs and cats to travel on domestic flights.
Domestic dogs and cats are the only eligible pets for travel. They must be confined in carriers during the flight and placed beneath the seats. Pets must remain in their carriers and cannot sit in laps or roam freely.
The pet carriers must feature approved dimensions, be leak-proof, and well-ventilated. Up to two pets of the same species may be accommodated in the same carrier if they can fit properly.
The Southwest pet policy in the cabin does not impose breed restrictions; however, it does have age limitations. Pets must be at least two months old to travel on their flights.
Passengers are permitted to travel with one pet carrier, which is considered either a personal item or a carry-on item, in the cabin under the Southwest pet policy in cabin.
Southwest Airlines limits the total number of pet carriers per flight to six. Always book flights in advance and inform the airline you are traveling with that you will be traveling with a pet to ensure your spot.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Size Policy?
The Southwest Airlines pet carrier size is very strict. The airline allows its approved and branded pet carrier or other carriers with specific dimensions.
The Southwest approved pet carrier measures 17 inches x 10 inches x 9.5 inches. The size of other accepted carriers is within the limits of 18.5 inches x 13.5 inches x 9.5 inches.
The carrier must allow the pet to move and stand freely while fitting beneath the seat in front of the passenger traveling with a pet, according to Southwest’s pet carrier policy.
The Southwest pet carrier requirements state that the airline accepts both soft and hard-sided carriers that are leak-proof and well-ventilated for safety reasons.
Is There a Weight Limit for Pets for In-Cabin Travel in Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
No, there is no Southwest Airlines pet weight limit for in-cabin travel. Although Southwest Airlines does not have a specific pet weight limit, a restriction is imposed by the pet carrier size policy.
Southwest Airlines states that the pet carrier must fit beneath the seat in front of the passenger accompanying the pet and have limited dimensions.
To fit correctly, the general standard is that the combined weight of the carrier and pet should not exceed 15 to 20 pounds.
Can You Bring More Than One Pet In-Cabin in Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
Yes, you can bring more than one pet in the cabin on Southwest Airlines. The airline allows one pet carrier per ticketed passenger.
You can have two pets of the same species in one carrier, provided that they fit comfortably and can move freely inside it.
In summary, Southwest Airlines permits passengers to travel with up to two small dogs or two small cats in the cabin.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In-Cabin on a Southwest Airlines Flight?
No, emotional support animals are not allowed in the cabin on a Southwest Airlines flight. Emotional support animals are permitted to travel but only as regular pets.
The Department of Transportation changed its ESA regulations in 2021. Now, US-based airlines are not obliged to accept emotional support animals.
The Southwest Airlines ESA policy requires that emotional support animals meet the same criteria as regular pets to travel in the cabin with their owners.
What Is the Policy of Southwest Airlines for Service Animals?
Southwest’s service dog policy regarding service animals is that fully trained service dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin free of charge.
The Southwest service dog policy does not accept ESAs and service dogs in training, only fully trained service animals and psychiatric service dogs.
Southwest Airlines does not have breed or size restrictions for service animals, as it must comply with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and rules imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Service animals must be well-behaved, supervised, and harnessed, leashed, or tethered during the flight, according to Southwest Airlines’ service animal policy.
Southwest Airlines has the right to deny boarding to service dogs if they engage in disruptive behaviors or pose a threat to the safety and health of other passengers and airplane staff.
How Can I Add Service Animals to a Southwest Airlines Flight?
Here are the instructions for adding a service animal to a Southwest Airlines flight:
- Confirm Service Animal Eligibility. Southwest Airlines accepts fully trained dogs as service animals. The airline does not permit emotional support animals and service dogs in training.
- Obtain the DOT Form. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website and download its Service Animal Air Transportation form. The document is the primary Southwest service animal form required for traveling with a service animal.
- Complete the Documentation. Fill out the DOT form. The form confirms the animal is a trained service dog necessary for a disability, that it will behave appropriately in public, and that it is fully vaccinated.
- Submit the Paperwork before Flying. Meet a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter and present the completed DOT form to finalize the reservation.
Please note that the service dog handler is responsible for the animal’s behavior and safety. Service dogs on Southwest flights must be harnessed or leashed and under constant supervision. The owner must ensure that the service dog does not relieve itself or misbehave in public.
Do You Need to Notify Southwest Airlines Pet Policy in Advance for Flying With a Service Dog?
Yes, you need to notify Southwest Airlines in advance if you plan to fly with a service dog. Notifications are not mandatory, but allow for better preparation and avoidance of issues at the airport.
The DOT says that airlines must make reasonable efforts to accommodate service animals even without prior notification. However, if you fail to notify Southwest Airlines, there is a slight chance your service dog will be denied boarding.
The general recommendation is to notify Southwest when making a reservation online or by contacting the airline directly.
Southwest Airlines does not require health certificates for service animals flying in the cabin; however, it requests a completed US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form. The form confirms the dog’s service animal status, its proper behavior, and vaccination record.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free With Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
Yes, service dogs fly for free with Southwest Airlines. According to the rules imposed by the Department of Transportation, airlines are not permitted to charge flight fees for trained service animals.
Southwest, like other US-based airlines, is allowed to charge fees to regular pets and emotional support animals.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs at Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
No, there are no breed restrictions for service dogs at Southwest Airlines. Unlike other airlines, Southwest does not impose breed restrictions.
Southwest Airlines accommodates service dogs of all breeds and sizes, provided they behave well and are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
Can You Bring More Than One Service Dog on a Southwest Airline Flight?
Yes, you can bring more than one service dog on a Southwest Airlines flight. The airline permits passengers to travel with multiple service animals, provided that each animal is individually trained to perform different tasks for the person with a disability and meets the airline’s requirements.
Southwest Airlines mandates that service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times, and they must remain under the handler’s control.
Are There Size Restrictions for Flying With a Service Dog With Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
No, there are no size restrictions for flying with a service dog on Southwest Airlines. According to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), Southwest is obligated to accommodate service dogs of any size.
When flying with a service animal on Southwest, the dog must either remain in the handler’s foot space or sit in their lap if it is no larger than a child under two years old.
No pet deposit 
Travel with your PSD at no cost 
No pet rent fee 
Easy ESA letter renewal plans 
No size or breed restrictions 
Continued care from your licensed professional