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A Must Read for Passengers of Southwest Airlines with Pets


Category: Airline

Have chosen Southwest Airlines for your next flight? Here first you are assured of a cozy and affordable flying joinery, accompanied with humorous yet committed airlines staff.
Unlike other major airlines which don't allow pets onboard, Southwest Airlines take passengers' every need into consideration and accepts little vaccinated pet dogs and cats on to the planes. If you are longing for a trip with your beloved little pet, take a look at our article. Promise you will get wowed after learning more about Southwest Airlines pet policy.

General Info:

Southwest Airlines allows and accepts small vaccinated domestic pets like cats and dogs which must be kept in a secure and appropriate carrier (specific regulations on the carrier will be talked in the following part). Customers are subject to pay $75 pet fare for each way each carrier. These carriers will be counted as carry-on bags when passengers get onboard.

Southwest Airlines doesn't accept any pet without a customer on the plane. Plus, pets are not allowed to fly with unaccompanied minors. However, all requirements on pets are not applied to assistance animals or emotional support animals with disabled passengers, and in fact, Southwest Airlines welcomes trained assistance animals on flights accompanying their masters with a disability. Related info about this issue is available on the dedicated page about Customers with Disabilities on Southwest Airlines website.

How to Reserve for Your Pet:

Reservations for these little "customers" are required and can only be made by calling 1-800-435-9792.
As there is limited capacity on the plane for pets, pets are accepted onboard on a first come, first served basis. So to secure the space for your pet, please make reservation in advance.

The pet fare is collected at the ticket counter only where your pets will go through a check for the safe of other passengers. Pet ticket is non-refundable and not valid for future-date travel if unused on the ticketed date.

Please note that Southwest Airlines maintains the right to refuse your pet onboard if it exhibits aggressive behaviors or other performance incompatible with the flight travel.

In-Cabin Pet Carriers:

Customers can either take their own pet kennels or get an official Southwest Airlines branded pet carrier at any Ticket Counter or online at the Freedom Shop which costs $45 per including tax. Once sold, no refund!

If you would love to use your own pet carrier, be sure your carrier are leak-proof and well ventilated, small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passengers, and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Listed below are the under-seat dimensions of Southwest Airlines planes:

- Window Seat: 19"L x 14"W x 8.25"H

- Middle Seat: 19"L x 19"W x 8.25"H

- Aisle Seat: 19"L x 14"W x 8.25"H

For each ticketed customer, only one pet carrier is permitted. Each carrier may be allowed to carry 2 cats or dogs which must be of the same species. The pet/pets must be completely inside the carrier, able to stand up and move freely in the carrier. They must be hold in the carrier throughout the flying. If you fail to follow this regulation, this may result in the denial for your pet onboard Southwest Airlines.

To take any possible hassle out of your flying with pets, reading more about in-cabin pet restrictions is wise. You can visit the Pet Policy page of Southwest Airlines website for details.

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