Traveling with your pet can be a joyful experience, and Spirit Airlines understands this. That’s why their Spirit Pet Policy is designed to allow your small domesticated pets to join you in the cabin on all domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. It’s important to note that effective January 11th, 2021, emotional support animals are considered pets and must adhere to the standard pet policy as per Department of Transportation updates. To ensure a smooth journey for you and your animal companion, it’s crucial to understand and comply with Spirit Airlines’ pet policy guidelines.
Which Pets Are Allowed On Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines welcomes specific types of pets to travel in the cabin. According to the spirit pet policy, the following domesticated animals are permitted on board:
- Domestic Dogs: Your canine companions are welcome, provided they meet the size and carrier requirements outlined below.
- Domestic Cats: Feline friends are also allowed to travel in the cabin under the same conditions as dogs.
- Small Household Birds: You can bring your small pet birds, with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s important to clarify that this category excludes farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds.
- Small Domestic Rabbits: Similar to birds, small domestic rabbits are permitted on most flights, but not to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
It’s essential to remember that exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, and the like are not accepted under the spirit pet policy.
Considerations for Brachycephalic Breeds
Spirit Airlines advises that brachycephalic breeds, often known as snub-nosed dogs, might face increased health risks during air travel. If you plan to fly with a snub-nosed dog, consulting your veterinarian for advice on any necessary precautions is highly recommended to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the flight.
Booking Your Pet’s Travel with Spirit
To include your pet in your travel plans, it’s advisable to make arrangements when booking your own tickets. You can easily add a pet to your reservation by contacting Spirit Airlines through their chat service. Due to a limit of six pet containers allowed in the cabin on any domestic flight, arranging pet travel in advance is highly recommended. For information regarding current pet travel charges, you can refer to Spirit Airlines’ optional services page.
Guests traveling with pets are required to check in at the ticket counter at the airport. Curbside or self-service check-in is not available for passengers traveling with animals. Make sure to allocate extra time for check-in beyond the standard recommended guidelines to accommodate this process.
Important Guidelines for Traveling with Your Pet
Spirit Airlines has established important guidelines within their spirit pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including those traveling with pets:
- Health Documentation: For most domestic destinations, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, a rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory for pets traveling to Puerto Rico. For guests traveling to USVI, health certificates are required.
- Permitted Pet Types: As reiterated in the spirit pet policy, only small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits are allowed. Certain restrictions apply to birds going to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.
- Exotic Pets: Exotic pets are strictly prohibited from traveling on Spirit flights.
- Pet Container Limits: A maximum of two pets are allowed per container, and each guest is limited to one pet container.
- Container and Pet Size: Animals must be able to stand upright and move comfortably within their carrier. They are required to remain inside the carrier for the entire duration of the flight.
- Age and Weaning: The spirit pet policy specifies that pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before they can travel.
- Pet Behavior: Animals must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and not require attention during the flight. Any animal exhibiting offensive behavior or causing a disturbance before departure may be denied boarding.
- Health Condition: Spirit Airlines will not accept pets that are ill, violent, or in physical distress.
- Advance Notice and Seating: While advance notice for traveling with a pet is recommended but not mandatory, it is helpful for planning. When it comes to seating, guests with pets can choose any seat except for the first row and emergency exit rows.
Pets in Cargo and International Flights
It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment under any circumstances. Furthermore, the spirit pet policy states that animals are not accepted on international flights, with the exception of trained service animals. For those traveling internationally with service animals, specific documentation might be necessary depending on the destination. It is advised to contact Spirit Airlines to verify destination-specific regulations for service animals prior to travel.
Security Screening for Pets
During security screening, you will be required to present your pet and their carrier to the security checkpoint screeners for inspection. Cooperation with security personnel is essential to ensure a smooth process.
Pet Carrier Guidelines
The spirit pet policy includes specific guidelines for pet carriers to ensure safety and compliance. The pet carrier is subject to inspection and approval by Spirit Airlines. It will be considered as one carry-on item. The maximum dimensions for pet carriers are 18″x14″x9″ (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm) (L x W x H), and it must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Pets must be able to stand and turn around inside the carrier. Only soft-sided carriers are permitted in the cabin; carriers that allow pets to extend their heads outside are not allowed. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure the carrier complies with all government regulations for safe animal transportation.
By adhering to Spirit Airlines’ spirit pet policy, you can ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience for both you and your beloved pet. Always prioritize pre-planning and communication with Spirit Airlines to guarantee a smooth journey.
