Traveling with your furry friend on Southwest Airlines? Understanding the Southwest Pet Fee and policy is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. Southwest Airlines welcomes small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in-cabin, but it’s important to be aware of the costs and regulations involved. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Southwest pet fee, ensuring you and your pet are prepared for your flight.
Currently, Southwest Airlines charges a pet fare of $125 each way per pet carrier. This fee is subject to change, so it’s always recommended to verify the most up-to-date information on the Southwest Airlines website or by contacting their customer service before booking your flight. This pet fee applies to in-cabin pets and is in addition to your own ticket.
When flying with your pet on Southwest, it’s essential to remember that each pet carrier counts as either a carryon item or a personal item. This means you’ll need to factor in your pet carrier when considering your carry-on baggage allowance. Southwest allows one pet carrier per ticketed Customer. It’s important to ensure your pet carrier meets Southwest’s size requirements to fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for pet carriers are generally 18.5” long x 13.5” wide x 8.5” high. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are accepted, provided they are leak-proof and well-ventilated.
To ensure your pet’s travel is accepted, Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines regarding the types of pets and their health. Only small domestic cats and dogs that are vaccinated are allowed in the cabin. Southwest does not accept pets traveling as cargo. It is always a good practice to have your pet’s vaccination records readily available, although Southwest primarily relies on your confirmation of vaccination at the time of booking and check-in.
Before you head to the airport, remember these key points about the Southwest pet fee and pet policy:
- Pet Fee: $125 each way per pet carrier (subject to change).
- Pet Types: Small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs only.
- Carrier Requirement: Pet carrier counts as a carryon or personal item and must meet size restrictions.
- In-Cabin Only: Pets travel in-cabin only; no pets as cargo.
- Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated (honor system, but be prepared with records).
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, and by understanding the Southwest pet fee and policy, you can ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey for both you and your beloved companion. Always check Southwest Airlines’ official website for the most current pet travel information and to confirm the pet fee before your travel date.
