Ruth Haines
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring cats and dogs on domestic flights and flights to the Hawaiian Islands. However, there are specific requirements that must be met for a smooth journey. Pet carriers must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Passengers can purchase a Southwest-branded pet carrier online or at the ticket counter. However, it is unclear whether this can be done at the airport or if it must be purchased in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of pet carriers allowed per flight | 6 |
| Number of pets allowed per carrier | 2 of the same species |
| Number of carriers allowed per customer | 1 |
| Check-in location | Airport ticket counter |
| Pet carrier size | 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (47 cm x 22 cm x 34 cm) |
| Pet carrier type | Hard or soft-sided, leak-proof, well-ventilated |
| Pet carrier availability | At the ticket counter or online |
| Pet carrier cost | $95 per carrier each way (refundable if not travelling) |
| Pet fee | $125 on flights in the U.S. and $35 on flights between Hawaiian islands each way |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a Southwest pet carrier
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs over 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin for a $125 fee each way. Your pet must fit in an airline-approved carrier under a seat, and they can’t travel with checked luggage. Pet carriers can be purchased at the ticket counter or online. The Southwest-branded pet carrier is 17 inches long by 9 1/2 inches high by 10 inches wide, which is slightly smaller than the maximum size allowed.
You can also purchase a Southwest pet carrier from third-party retailers such as Walmart and swathestore.com. Walmart offers a range of Southwest-approved pet carriers for cats and dogs of various sizes, with prices starting at $21.24. Similarly, swathestore.com sells a Southwest-approved pet carrier for smaller pets up to 15 lbs for an unspecified price. This carrier features a removable floor for easy cleaning and mesh construction for proper ventilation.
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Pet carrier specifications
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs over 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin for a \$125 fee each way. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless, and mannerly, and they must remain in their carriers for the entire flight. The carrier must be an airline-compliant pet carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. Southwest-approved pet carriers are available for purchase online and fit easily under the seat for smaller pets up to 15 lbs.
The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 18.5″ long x 8.5″-9.5″ high x 13.5″ wide. Hard or soft-sided carriers are accepted, and the carrier counts toward your carry-on baggage allowance. The pet carrier must be able to accommodate the entire pet, with no body parts extending out. Two pets of the same species can fly in the same carrier if there is adequate room for both animals to stand up and move around freely.
It is important to note that pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and only 6 pet carriers are permitted per flight. Pets that are too big to fit under the seat will not be able to fly on Southwest Airlines, as pets cannot travel as checked luggage. They must be checked in at the airport ticket counter before the flight, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with a pet carrier.
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Pet carrier costs
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs over 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin for a fee. The fee is $125 each way on flights in the US, and $35 on flights between Hawaiian islands. Southwest Airlines also charges a refundable $95 per pet carrier each way.
Pet carriers are only allowed to travel with a paid customer, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed to bring a pet on board. Each customer is allowed 1 pet carrier (with a maximum of 2 pets of the same species) per flight. The pet carrier counts toward your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or carry-on bag.
You can purchase a Southwest-branded pet carrier at the ticket counter or online. This Southwest-approved pet carrier is 17 inches long by 9.5 inches high by 10 inches wide, which is slightly smaller than the maximum size allowed. The maximum dimensions of a pet carrier are 18.5 inches long by 8.5 inches high by 13.5 inches wide.
It is important to note that pets are required to remain in their carriers for the entire flight and should be able to stand up and move around freely inside the carrier. Southwest Airlines does not carry any pets as cargo.
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$49.99
Checking in with a pet carrier
Booking and Reservation:
Before your arrival at the airport, it is crucial to book your pet's reservation early. Southwest Airlines allows a limited number of pets per flight, usually up to six pet carriers, and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add your pet to your reservation by booking online or contacting customer service. It is important to note that pet reservations are subject to specific circumstances, and the number of allowed pet carriers may vary depending on flight and region.
Pet Carrier Requirements:
Southwest Airlines has specific requirements for pet carriers. Your pet carrier must conform to the maximum dimensions of 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are permitted, but the carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Ensure your pet can fit entirely inside the carrier and has enough space to stand up and move around freely. The carrier must be placed under the seat in front of you during the flight.
Check-in Process:
Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the ticket counter to check in your pet. Southwest personnel will approve your pet and ensure they meet the required pet and carrier specifications. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your pet, including vaccination records and any other required entry or transit documents. You will be responsible for providing these documents. At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your pet from the carrier as it goes through the X-ray machine, and your pet must remain leashed and under control.
Fees and Charges:
Southwest Airlines charges a pet fee for each pet carrier, which is typically $95 or $125 per carrier each way. This fee is fully refundable if your travel plans change, and it is essential to pay this fee at the time of booking. The pet fee covers the cost of your pet's travel in the cabin and counts towards your carry-on baggage allowance.
Additional Considerations:
Please note that pets are not allowed to travel as checked luggage and can only fly as carry-on items. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with a pet carrier. Additionally, pets must remain in their carriers at all times during the flight, including in the gate area, during boarding and deplaning. Ensure your pet is comfortable and well-behaved in its carrier to avoid any disruptions that may result in denied boarding.
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Pet carrier restrictions
Southwest Airlines has specific requirements for the pet carriers that can be brought on board. The carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 18.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 9.5 inches high. The airline also offers an official pet carrier measuring 17 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9.5 inches high, which fits comfortably under the seat. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are acceptable, as long as they are leak-proof and well-ventilated.
The IBIYAYA JetPaw Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack is another carrier that conforms to Southwest Airlines' maximum under-seat dimensions. It provides enhanced convenience and comfort for both pets and their owners, with features such as breathable mesh panels, a secure locking mechanism, and a backpack design for hands-free carrying.
It is important to note that pets are required to remain in their carriers for the entire flight and should be able to stand up and move around freely inside. Each customer is allowed one pet carrier, with a maximum of two pets of the same species, per flight. Pet reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and pets that exhibit disruptive behaviour can be denied boarding.
Southwest Airlines' pet carriers are available for purchase online at Southwest.com. However, it is unclear whether these can be purchased at the airport. It is always best to check with the airline directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their pet carrier restrictions and purchasing options.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can purchase a Southwest-branded pet carrier at the ticket counter or online.
The Southwest pet carrier is 17 inches long, 9.5 inches high, and 10 inches wide. It is slightly smaller than the maximum size allowed, which is 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide.
The pet fee is $95 per carrier each way, according to Southwest's website. However, other sources state that the fee is $125 on flights in the US and $35 on flights between Hawaiian islands.
Southwest allows small vaccinated cats and dogs over 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. Pets must remain in their carriers for the entire flight and should be able to stand up and move around freely inside. Only 6 pet carriers are permitted per flight.
First, reserve your pet's spot in advance by adding them to your reservation online or by calling customer service. Pay the pet fare when you book your flight. Upon arrival at the airport, check in your pet at the ticket counter.
