What methods of transport does Southwest Airlines provide for my pet?
Southwest Airlines will only accept small cats and dogs in carriers that can be stowed under the passenger's seat.
What are the fees associated with pet transport?
The Pet Fare is $95 each way per pet carrier.
What are the kennel requirements?
Passengers may bring a soft or hard-sided pet carrier that is leak proof and well ventilated. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passenger and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The dog or cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease.
The pet carrier will count as the passenger's carry-on bag.
What health documentation is required?
Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the passenger's veterinarian for pets to travel.
Are there any other restrictions?
Passengers are permitted to travel with no more than one pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier.
Southwest Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.
Are reservations required?
Yes. To make reservations for a pet, the Customer will need to call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and the Customer Representative will gladly create a booking for the pet.
Initially, Southwest's pet policy states that we the airline accept up to five pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals). However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than five pet carriers on a flight during the evaluation period, so reserve your spot well in advance.
Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.
