Traveling can be an exciting experience, and for many pet owners, the thought of leaving their furry, feathered, or bunny companions behind is less than ideal. If you’re considering flying with your pet and Spirit Airlines is on your radar, you’re likely asking: “Can Pets Fly On Spirit Airlines?” The answer is yes, Spirit Airlines welcomes small domesticated pets to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. However, it’s essential to understand the specific rules and guidelines Spirit Airlines has in place to ensure a smooth and safe journey for both you and your animal companion. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, so you can make informed decisions for your travel plans.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy: The Essentials
Spirit Airlines makes it possible to bring your pet along, but there are important stipulations to be aware of before you book your flight. Understanding these from the outset will help avoid any surprises at the airport and ensure your pet is welcomed onboard.
Types of Pets Allowed
Spirit Airlines has specific rules about the types of pets they permit in the cabin. For domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., they typically allow:
- Domestic Dogs: Your canine companions are welcome, but remember size and breed restrictions might apply.
- Domestic Cats: Feline friends are also permitted under similar conditions as dogs.
- Small Household Birds: If you have a small bird, they can travel with you, but there’s an exception: birds are not allowed on flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. It’s also important to note that certain types of birds are not considered household birds, such as farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds.
- Small Domestic Rabbits: These fluffy companions can also fly, with the same restriction as birds – they are not permitted on flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.
It’s crucial to remember that exotic pets like snakes, spiders, rodents, and the like are not accepted by Spirit Airlines. If your pet doesn’t fall into one of the accepted categories, you’ll need to explore alternative travel arrangements for them.
Breed Restrictions (Snub-nosed Dogs)
If you own a brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog breed, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, or Boxers, it’s important to be aware that Spirit Airlines highlights potential risks for these breeds during air travel. Snub-nosed breeds can be more susceptible to breathing difficulties due to the stress of flying and changes in air pressure. Spirit Airlines recommends consulting with your veterinarian to discuss any special precautions you should take if you plan to fly with a snub-nosed dog. This consultation is a vital step to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being during the flight.
Booking Your Pet’s Flight
Adding your pet to your Spirit Airlines reservation requires a proactive approach. You can’t simply add a pet during online check-in; you’ll need to contact Spirit Airlines directly. The best way to do this is to chat with a Spirit Airlines representative through their website. It’s advisable to arrange pet travel when you initially book your flight, as Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet containers to six per flight on domestic routes. This early booking ensures space for your pet and avoids potential disappointment if the pet limit is reached. Be sure to inquire about any applicable pet fees at the time of booking, as Spirit Airlines does charge for pet travel.
Check-in Procedures for Pets
When traveling with a pet on Spirit Airlines, the check-in process is a little different than usual. You must check in at the ticket counter; curbside or self-service check-in is not an option when you have a pet in tow. This is to ensure that Spirit Airlines staff can verify your pet’s carrier and documentation. It’s wise to allow extra time at the airport beyond the standard check-in guidelines to accommodate this process. This extra time will help make the check-in experience less rushed and more comfortable for both you and your pet.
Important Guidelines for Pet Travel on Spirit
To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet, Spirit Airlines has established important guidelines that must be followed when traveling with animals. These guidelines cover health requirements, carrier specifications, and onboard behavior.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
For domestic flights within the U.S., Spirit Airlines generally does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, there are exceptions. If you are traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), a health certificate is required. Furthermore, if your destination is Puerto Rico, Spirit Airlines requires a rabies vaccination certificate for all pets traveling in the cabin. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary documentation based on your destination. Always double-check the specific requirements for your travel route before your flight to avoid any last-minute issues.
Pet Types and Restrictions in Detail
Spirit Airlines is specific about the types and quantities of pets allowed per passenger and per container. Only small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits are permitted. Exotic pets are strictly prohibited. You are limited to a maximum of two pets per carrier, and each passenger is allowed only one pet carrier. This restriction ensures there’s enough space for all passengers and their carry-on items, including pet carriers.
Carrier Guidelines and Comfort
The pet carrier is a crucial element of traveling with your pet on Spirit Airlines. The carrier must be approved by Spirit Airlines and is subject to inspection. It counts as one carry-on item, plus your personal item. The maximum dimensions for the pet carrier are 18″x14″x9″ (L x W x H), ensuring it can fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Your pet must be able to stand upright and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. Only soft-sided carriers are allowed in the cabin, and carriers that allow the pet’s head to protrude are not permitted. Ensuring your carrier meets these guidelines and is comfortable for your pet is essential for a stress-free flight.
Behavior and Well-being During Flight
Spirit Airlines emphasizes that pets must be well-behaved and pose no disturbance during the flight. Animals must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight. They must remain inside their carriers for the entire duration of the flight, from boarding to deplaning. The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to travel. If a pet becomes offensive or causes a disturbance before departure, Spirit Airlines reserves the right to remove the animal. Additionally, pets that are ill, violent, or in physical distress are not allowed to fly. These rules are in place to ensure a pleasant environment for all passengers and the safety of your pet. You can sit in any seat except for the first row and emergency exit rows when traveling with a pet.
Spirit Airlines Pet Travel: What You Need to Know
Beyond the essential policies and guidelines, there are a few more key aspects to understand about pet travel with Spirit Airlines, including cargo transport, international travel, and security procedures.
Pets in Cargo – Not an Option
It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment under any circumstances. This means your pet must travel with you in the cabin if they are to fly on Spirit Airlines. If your pet is too large to fit in an approved under-seat carrier or is a type of animal not permitted in the cabin, Spirit Airlines might not be a suitable option for your travel needs.
International Flights – Restrictions
Spirit Airlines has restrictions on international pet travel. They do not accept animals on international flights, with the exception of service animals. If you are traveling internationally and require service animal accommodation, you will need to contact Spirit Airlines in advance to understand the specific documentation and regulations that apply to your destination. For standard pet travel, if your journey includes an international segment, you’ll need to consider alternative airlines or make separate arrangements for your pet’s travel.
Security Screening with Your Pet
When going through airport security, you will need to present your pet in its carrier to the security screeners for inspection. Be prepared to remove your pet from the carrier if requested by TSA agents so that the carrier can be screened. Cooperation with security personnel and patience during this process will help ensure a smooth transition through the security checkpoint for both you and your pet.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines offers a pet-friendly travel option for owners of small domesticated animals looking to fly within the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (with some restrictions). By understanding and adhering to Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, including the types of pets allowed, carrier guidelines, health documentation, and onboard behavior expectations, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for both you and your beloved companion. While advance notice is recommended, it’s not mandatory, but making arrangements early, particularly when booking, is highly advised to secure space for your pet, given the limited number of pets allowed per flight. If Spirit Airlines’ pet policy aligns with your needs and your pet meets their requirements, it can be a viable option for traveling together.
