Traveling with your furry, feathered, or bunny companion? Spirit Airlines understands that pets are family, and you might be wondering, “Can You Fly With A Pet On Spirit Airlines?” The answer is yes, under certain conditions! Spirit Airlines welcomes small domesticated pets to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. However, it’s crucial to understand their specific pet policy to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your animal friend.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with a pet on Spirit Airlines, from the types of pets allowed and carrier guidelines to important restrictions and booking procedures. We aim to provide you with a clear, concise, and helpful resource to prepare for your trip.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy: The Essentials
Before you book your flight, here are the key points of Spirit Airlines’ pet policy you need to be aware of:
- Allowed Pets: Spirit permits domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits in the cabin.
- Emotional Support Animals: As of January 11, 2021, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer classified as service animals by the Department of Transportation and are treated as pets. They must adhere to the same pet policy guidelines.
- Destinations: Pet travel is allowed on all domestic Spirit flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., with some exceptions for birds to/from these locations.
- Carrier Requirement: Pets must travel in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Fees Apply: There is a charge for traveling with a pet, and it’s advisable to add your pet to your reservation in advance as there’s a limit of six pet containers per flight.
- Check-in: Guests traveling with pets must check in at the ticket counter and are not eligible for curbside or self-service check-in.
- Restrictions: Certain types of birds and exotic pets are prohibited. There are also specific guidelines regarding pet age, behavior, and health.
Types of Pets Spirit Airlines Welcomes Aboard
Spirit Airlines is happy to accommodate certain types of pets in the cabin. Here’s a breakdown of the animals they accept:
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Domestic Dogs: Your canine companion is welcome, but remember that certain brachycephalic or “snub-nosed” breeds might be more susceptible to breathing difficulties during air travel. Consult your vet for advice if you have a breed like a Pug, Bulldog, or Persian cat.
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Domestic Cats: Feline friends are also permitted under the same guidelines as dogs.
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Small Household Birds: You can bring your small bird along, but keep in mind that there are restrictions to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. Farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds are not considered household birds and are not allowed.
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Small Domestic Rabbits: Similar to birds, small domestic rabbits are allowed, but they are also restricted to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.
Important Restrictions to Note:
- Prohibited Birds: Travel to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. with birds is not permitted.
- Exotic Pets: Spirit Airlines does not accept exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, and the like. These animals are not permitted in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Spirit Airlines explicitly does not transport pets in the cargo compartment under any circumstances.
Preparing for Your Flight with Your Pet
Planning ahead is essential when flying with a pet. Here’s what you need to do before you head to the airport:
1. Adding Your Pet to Your Reservation:
It’s highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation as soon as possible. Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet containers to six on each flight. To add your pet, you’ll need to contact Spirit Airlines directly, ideally when you are initially booking your travel. You can usually do this through their customer service channels or by chatting with them online.
2. Check-in Procedures:
Forget curbside or self-service check-in! If you are traveling with a pet, you must check in at the ticket counter. This allows Spirit personnel to verify your pet and carrier comply with their policy and answer any questions. Make sure to arrive at the airport with extra time to accommodate this process, beyond the standard check-in recommendations.
3. Required Documentation:
- Health Certificate: For most domestic destinations, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate. However, if you are traveling to USVI, a health certificate is necessary.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: If you are flying to Puerto Rico with your pet, you will need to present a rabies vaccination certificate. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and you have the necessary documentation readily available.
Spirit Airlines Pet Carrier Guidelines: Ensuring Comfort and Safety
The pet carrier is a crucial aspect of flying with your pet on Spirit Airlines. It must meet specific requirements to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, and compliance with airline regulations.
- Carrier Type: Only soft-sided carriers are allowed in the cabin. Carriers that allow the pet’s head to protrude are not permitted.
- Size and Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for your pet carrier are 18″x14″x9″ (length x width x height). This size ensures the carrier will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
- Inspection and Approval: Your pet carrier is subject to inspection and approval by Spirit Airlines staff. Ensure your carrier is in good condition, secure, and allows for proper ventilation.
- Containment: Your pet must remain inside the carrier at all times during boarding, during the flight, and during deplaning.
- Pet Comfort: The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. While maximum dimensions are provided, prioritize your pet’s comfort within those limits.
Important Guidelines for a Smooth Flight with Your Pet
To ensure a pleasant journey for everyone, including your pet, adhere to these important guidelines:
- Pet Age and Weaning: Your pet must be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned to travel on Spirit Airlines.
- Pet Behavior: Your pet must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight. If your animal becomes disruptive or offensive before departure, Spirit Airlines reserves the right to remove it.
- Pet Health: The animal must not be ill, violent, or in physical distress. Airlines have the right to refuse transport to animals that appear unwell.
- Number of Pets per Container: While you can have a maximum of two pets per container, only one container per guest is allowed.
- Seating Restrictions: When traveling with a pet, you can choose most seats on the aircraft, with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.
- Security Screening: You will need to remove the pet carrier and present it to TSA security screeners for inspection. Be prepared to take your pet out of the carrier temporarily as directed by security personnel.
International Travel and Service Animals
- International Flights: Spirit Airlines does not accept pets on international flights, with the exception of trained service animals.
- Service Animals: For international travel with service animals, specific documentation may be required depending on your destination. Contact Spirit Airlines in advance to confirm the necessary paperwork and regulations for your specific destination.
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. By understanding and adhering to Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your beloved animal companion. Always double-check the most current policies on the Spirit Airlines website or contact their customer service directly for the latest updates and any specific questions related to your travel plans.
