Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting prospect, and Spirit Airlines understands this. For pet owners looking to bring their furry, feathered, or hopping companions along, Spirit Airlines offers a pet-friendly policy on domestic flights. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to add a pet to your Spirit flight reservation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for both you and your animal companion.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy: Key Things to Know Before You Book
Before you finalize your travel plans, it’s crucial to understand Spirit Airlines’ pet policy. Spirit welcomes small domesticated pets to travel in the cabin on all domestic routes, including flights to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. However, there are specific regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet.
Which Pets Are Allowed?
Spirit Airlines permits the following types of pets in the cabin:
- Domestic Dogs: Your canine companion is welcome aboard, provided they meet the size and carrier requirements.
- Domestic Cats: Feline friends can also join you in the cabin, adhering to the same guidelines.
- Small Household Birds: Certain small household birds are allowed, but it’s important to note that birds are not permitted on flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Always confirm the specific types of birds allowed as farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds are not considered household birds by Spirit Airlines.
- Small Domestic Rabbits: Similar to birds, small domestic rabbits are permitted on most domestic flights, but not to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Alt: Small dog comfortably inside an airline-approved pet carrier, peeking out, ready for a Spirit Airlines flight.
Important Note on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
It’s vital to be aware of a policy change regarding Emotional Support Animals. As of January 11, 2021, due to updated regulations from the Department of Transportation, Emotional Support Animals are no longer classified as service animals by Spirit Airlines. If you wish to travel with an ESA, they will need to travel as a pet and adhere to all the standard pet travel requirements and fees.
Considerations for Brachycephalic Breeds (Snub-nosed Dogs)
If you plan to fly with a brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog breed (like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Boxers), it’s essential to consult your veterinarian beforehand. These breeds can be more susceptible to breathing difficulties during air travel due to their facial structure. Your vet can provide advice on any necessary precautions to ensure your dog’s well-being during the flight.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Your Pet to Your Spirit Flight Reservation
Adding your pet to your Spirit flight reservation is a straightforward process. It’s highly recommended to make these arrangements as early as possible, ideally when you book your own flight. Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet containers allowed in the cabin to a maximum of six per flight.
How to Add Your Pet to Your Booking:
The most direct way to add a pet to your existing or new reservation is to contact Spirit Airlines directly through their chat service.
- Initiate a Chat: Visit the Spirit Airlines website and look for the “Chat with Us” option, usually found in the “Contact Us” or “Help” section.
- Inform the Agent: Let the chat agent know that you want to add a pet to your flight reservation. Provide them with your booking details and information about your pet (type of pet).
- Pay the Pet Fee: Spirit Airlines charges a fee for pets traveling in the cabin. Be sure to inquire about the current pet fee during your chat and arrange for payment. You can find the most up-to-date information on pet fees on Spirit’s Optional Services page.
View current charges for pets here
When to Add Your Pet:
It’s always best to add your pet to your reservation as soon as you decide to travel with them. This ensures space for your pet on the flight and allows you to complete all necessary arrangements in advance. While advance notice is recommended, it may not always be explicitly required, but early booking is highly advisable due to the pet limit per flight.
Airport and Flight Day: What to Expect When Traveling With Your Pet
Traveling with a pet requires a bit more preparation on the day of your flight. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth airport and in-flight experience.
Check-In Procedures:
When traveling with a pet, you must check in at the ticket counter at the airport. Curbside check-in and self-service check-in are not permitted when you are traveling with a pet. Make sure to arrive at the airport with extra time beyond the standard check-in guidelines to accommodate this process.
Required Documentation:
- Health Certificate: For most domestic flights, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, if you are traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a health certificate is required.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: If you are flying to Puerto Rico with your pet, Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate. Ensure you have this document readily available during check-in.
In-Cabin Pet Guidelines:
To ensure a comfortable flight for everyone, Spirit Airlines has several guidelines for pets in the cabin:
- Pet Carrier: Your pet must remain inside its carrier for the entire duration of the flight, from boarding to deplaning.
- Carrier Size and Type: The pet carrier must meet specific size restrictions to fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are 18″x14″x9″ (L x W x H). Only soft-sided carriers are allowed in the cabin; hard-sided carriers are not permitted. Carriers that allow the pet’s head to protrude are also not allowed.
- Pet Comfort: The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand upright and turn around comfortably inside.
- Pet Behavior: Your pet must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and not require attention during the flight. If your pet becomes disruptive or offensive before departure, Spirit Airlines reserves the right to remove the pet from the flight.
- Pet Health: Your pet must be healthy and not in distress. Spirit Airlines will not accept ill or violent animals.
- Age of Pet: The pet must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to travel.
Alt: A soft-sided pet carrier with a cat inside, properly stowed under the airplane seat in front of a passenger on Spirit Airlines.
Security Screening:
Be prepared to present your pet in its carrier to TSA security screeners at the checkpoint for inspection. Follow their instructions to ensure a smooth security process.
Important Restrictions and Considerations
Before traveling with your pet on Spirit Airlines, keep these important restrictions and considerations in mind:
- Pets in Cargo: Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment under any circumstances. Your pet must travel with you in the cabin.
- International Flights: Spirit Airlines does not accept pets on international flights, with the exception of trained service animals. For service animals on international flights, specific documentation may be required depending on the destination. Contact Spirit Airlines in advance to understand the regulations for your specific destination if you are traveling internationally with a service animal.
- Number of Pets: A maximum of two pets are allowed per carrier, but each passenger is limited to only one pet carrier.
- Seating Restrictions: When traveling with a pet, you can choose most seats on the aircraft, but you are not permitted to sit in the first row or in emergency exit rows.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet on Spirit Airlines can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared and understand the airline’s pet policies. By planning ahead, adding your pet to your reservation in advance, ensuring you have the necessary documentation, and adhering to the carrier guidelines, you and your furry, feathered, or hopping friend can enjoy a smooth journey together. Remember to always prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the travel process. Book your Spirit flight and bring your beloved pet along for the adventure!
