Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: Fees, Rules & Carrier Guidelines (2025)

Whether you are planning a long-distance move or flying with your furry friend, Southwest may allow you to bring your animal on the flight. However, those traveling with their four-legged companion must understand all aspects of the Southwest pet policy beforehand to avoid any fuss later on. Southwest allows small cats and dogs (8+ weeks old) to fly in-cabin on most domestic routes, except Hawaii. Pets must stay in a carrier under the seat, and a $95 fee applies each way.

The airline allows small, vaccinated cats and dogs on board, provided that you follow the mentioned pet carrier restrictions and other guidelines. Want to learn more? Continue scrolling the page and find out all the details about the airline’s pet policy here. From pet bookings to eligibility to fees, the guide covers everything you need to know.

Understanding the Southwest Pet Policy

Southwest allows travelers to bring their pets on the flight; however, they must ensure to meet all eligibility conditions to avoid any last-minute hassle. Also, Southwest Airlines pet policy states that you can bring animals on board only, and they aren’t allowed to fly in cargo. Make sure you know everything about the airline’s pet policy beforehand and make your pet bookings accordingly.

• Passengers can bring only small, vaccinated dogs and cats on the flight.
• Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to travel on Southwest flights.
• Unaccompanied minors on Southwest flights aren’t allowed to travel with pets.
• Southwest pet policy states that passengers must pay the pet fare to bring their animals on the flight.
• Only one pet carrier is allowed per ticketed customer.
• Since Southwest Airlines only allows six pet carriers on board, passengers are advised to make advanced flight bookings to avoid the last-minute rush.
• As per the Southwest Airlines dog policy, each pet carrier cannot contain more than two of the same species.
• Make sure pets are secured in the pet container all the time, right from boarding to reaching the destination.
• Those flying on a Getaway by Southwest vacation package must check the pet eligibility with their hotel and rental car supplier to avoid any last-minute hassle.
• Pets don’t earn Rapid Reward points.

What are Southwest Air Pet Carrier Requirements?

Now that you know the airline’s pet policy, it’s time to understand the Southwest Air pet carrier requirements. Make sure your pet carrier meets all the guidelines and is able to fit under the seat in front of you. The cat or dog must be completely inside the container throughout the journey. Scroll down and find the pet carrier guidelines here.

• The pet carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, so your pet won’t face any difficulty in breathing during the journey.
• You can either purchase the pet carrier via the airline or bring your own. Make sure your carrier is within the following dimensions.
• Southwest Airlines pet carrier: 17” X 10” X 9.5”
• Other pet carriers: 18.5” X 13.5” X 9.5”
• Pet carriers are either considered a carry-on or a personal item, depending on the dimensions.
• No pet carrier above these dimensions will be accepted on the Southwest flight.
• Make sure your pet can easily sit or move around in the pet container throughout the journey.

Note: If your pet carrier doesn’t meet any of these guidelines, then your pet may be denied boarding or transportation at the airport.

How to make pet bookings on Southwest Airlines Flights?

Since Southwest Airlines allows only limited pet carriers, it’s important for passengers to make advanced pet bookings to avoid any last-minute surprises. For pet bookings, you must contact the airline’s customer support agent directly and get assistance. No idea where to get started? Scroll down the page and learn more.

• First of all, dial Southwest Airlines’ customer support number, 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-860-374-0002 or 1-800-435-9792).
• Listen to the IVR menu and select your preferred language to continue.
• Press the right option to speak to the live agent and wait patiently until the agent connects to you.
• Once the agent is on the call, you first confirm your pet’s eligibility.
• If your pet meets all the conditions, then ask the agent to book your pet on the desired flight in advance.
• Provide them with your flight details and booking info.
• Confirm the pet bookings and ensure to reach the airport on time to complete other formalities, like pet carrier check and pet fee payment.

Note: Southwest Airlines doesn’t accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii or on flights with international itineraries. Also, you cannot carry pets as a checked baggage, so plan your vacation accordingly, as per the Southwest Airlines pet policy.

How much does Southwest charge to bring pets on board?

All set for pet travel? Hold on and check out the Southwest Airlines pet fee before proceeding further. The airline charges a dedicated fee from passengers to accept their pets on the flight. The pet fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards. Also, this fee is refundable if you cancel your bookings.

The pet fee depends on your destination and is applied for each leg of your journey. Here are the details.

Please note that pet fare pricing is dynamic and subject to change at any time, so it’s important to get updated with the latest price when making Southwest pet bookings to avoid any surprises.

What to expect at the airport and onboard when traveling with pets?

So, you have made Southwest pet bookings and are ready to enjoy your journey with your four-legged friend. But the question is – what to expect at the airport on the day of travel? Well, passengers traveling with pets must arrive early at the airport to complete some formalities. Here’s how the timeline goes.

At the Airport

• First of all, you have to go to the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards. Show them your pet booking confirmation and pay the pet fare.
• Thereafter, hold your pet in the carrier at the security checkpoint and walk through the screening device. All pet carriers are subject to being searched.
• Note that pets must remain in the pet carrier at all times when in the gate area, during boarding/ deplaning, and for the entire flight.
• Passengers flying with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.
• In case your pet struggles with any discomfort, you can visit pet relief areas. However, the airline won’t hold a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.

Onboard

• As per the Southwest pet policy, passengers flying with pets may not sit in an exit row seat.
• Besides, those traveling with animals must sit on the seat with under-seat stowage, which means that they are not allowed to sit in the front row.
• Carriers must be stowed under the seat in front of you throughout the journey.
• A pet that shows disruptive behavior may be denied boarding. The behavior includes:
• Scratching and excessive barking
• Growling, biting, and lunging
• Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

What are the specific requirements when flying to Puerto Rico with pets?

While the standard Southwest pet policy remains the same, there are some specific pet requirements that you must follow when traveling to Puerto Rico. Here’s a quick rundown of some instructions.

• Passengers carrying pets must present their vaccination and health documents to the authorities.
• If any livestock, poultry, birds, or other animals that enter the territory of Puerto Rico is found to be affected, then the carrier shall be returned to the point of origin.
• For animals that originate outside of the US or its territories, Federal regulations are in effect, and you must check their guidelines before proceeding further.
• As per the Southwest dog policy, all dogs and cats over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within six months before their shipment.
• Dogs and cats don’t need a PRDS import permit for interstate movement.

Pets traveling to Puerto Rico must have the following documents to travel. Check the list below.

• An official health certificate stating that the animal didn’t originate from an area quarantined for rabies. The certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian
• An official individual identification (microchip or collar with a metallic ID tag)
• Treatment for external parasites within 72 hours prior to entry is stated on the health certificate.

Note: Each state of origin may use different interstate forms and CVI, including USDA APHIS Form 7001.

Summing Up

That’s all about the Southwest pet policy. We hope our guide will help you know everything about bringing your pet on board. Southwest only accepts pets in the cabin and not as checked baggage, so make sure your pet carrier meets the dimension guidelines to avoid any fuss later on. Additionally, the airline only accepts a limited number of pet carriers in the cabin, so it is recommended to make bookings as early as possible to ensure a hassle-free travel experience with your pet. What are you waiting for? Call our experts at Fareasky and enjoy your vacation with your furry friend. Our experts are readily available to fix your queries and make your journey memorable.