Flying with a Dog on Southwest Airlines

Flying with a dog can be a stressful experience, especially when it’s your first time traveling with your pet. Southwest Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel with their owners on both domestic and international flights, as long as certain guidelines are followed. This includes having all necessary documentation, choosing the appropriate kennel, and following the airline’s rules for bringing a service dog on board.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about flying with a dog on Southwest Airlines, including how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friend.

Traveling with a Dog on Southwest

First, it is important to understand the different options available for traveling with a dog on Southwest Airlines. Southwest allows small dogs, cats, and birds to travel in the cabin with you, as long as they are in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. Southwest specifies the following size requirements:

• The maximum size for the carrier is 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches wide x 13.5 inches tall.
• The maximum weight for the carrier and pet is 20 pounds.

If you’re flying with a service dog, you’ll need to bring a leash and harness for the dog to wear on the plane. If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin with you, or if you are traveling with a large number of pets, Southwest does not offer cargo travel for pets. However, Southwest does partner with PetSafe, a program that allows pets to travel as cargo on select flights.

It is important to note that Southwest only allows a maximum of six pets in the cabin per flight, and only one carrier per passenger. If you are traveling with more than six pets, or if your carrier does not meet the size requirements, you will need to look into other options for pet travel, such as the PetSafe program.

Flying with a Service Dog on Southwest

Service dogs are dogs that are trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as assisting with mobility or alerting to an impending seizure. Service dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners at no additional charge on Southwest Airlines, as long as they meet the requirements for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To travel with a service dog on Southwest Airlines, you will need to provide documentation from a licensed medical professional stating that you have a disability and that the service dog is necessary for your travel. You will also need to provide documentation from the service dog’s training program, as well as proof of the dog’s health and vaccinations.

In addition to the documentation requirements, there are also specific guidelines for traveling with a service dog on Southwest Airlines. Service dogs must be trained to behave properly in public and must be able to remain calm and quiet during the flight. They must also be harnessed or leashed at all times and must not occupy a seat.

If you are traveling with a service dog on Southwest Airlines, it is important to inform the airline at the time of booking, as well as at the airport during the check-in process. This will allow the airline to make necessary accommodations for your service dog and ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

It is also important to note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and therefore do not have the same rights as service dogs. However, Southwest does allow emotional support animals to travel in the cabin with their owners, as long as they meet the requirements for emotional support animals and the necessary documentation is provided. The fee for traveling with an emotional support animal is $95 each way.

Booking your Flight

Now that you have an understanding of the options available for dog travel on Southwest, let’s discuss the process for booking a flight with a pet. When booking a flight on Southwest’s website, simply select “add a pet” under the “passenger information” section during the booking process. You will then be prompted to enter your pet’s information and choose a carrier. It is important to book your pet’s travel as soon as possible, as there is a limited number of spaces available for pets on each flight.

Pet Fee

Southwest charges a pet fee of $95 each way for each pet that travels in the cabin. The fee for service animals is waived. The fee is non-refundable and is not eligible for Rapid Rewards points.

International Flights

It is important to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements for the destination country, as some countries have specific requirements for pet travel. Southwest recommends contacting the embassy or consulate of the destination country to obtain the necessary documentation and information on entry requirements.

Prepare your Dog

Before you head to the airport, it’s a good idea to prepare your dog for the flight. This can include getting your dog used to being in a carrier or kennel, getting them used to the sounds and movements of an airplane, and making sure they are well-behaved in public. You should also make sure your pet is well-fed and hydrated before the flight, as they may not have access to food or water during the trip.

At the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to check in for your flight and for larger dogs that you are not allowed to bring with you on the plane, check your pet’s kennel as baggage. Southwest allows small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners. Kennels will need to be checked as baggage. You’ll need to bring the kennel to the baggage counter, where a Southwest employee will check it in and attach a baggage tag to it.

Southwest does not have designated pet relief areas at the airport, so you’ll need to take your pet to a grassy area outside the airport to use the bathroom. If you’re flying with a service dog, the dog will be allowed to use the bathroom in the airport as needed.

Passing through Security

Once you’ve checked in and checked your pet’s kennel as baggage, you’ll need to go through security. If you’re flying with a service dog, you’ll be allowed to go through the security checkpoint with your dog. If you’re flying with a small pet, you’ll need to go through the security checkpoint without your pet, as pets are not allowed in the security area. After you’ve passed through security, you’ll be able to board the plane and find your seat.

On the Plane

If you’re flying with a small pet, you’ll need to stow the pet’s carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest recommends that you bring a small blanket or towel to place in the kennel to make it more comfortable for your pet. It’s also a good idea to bring a small bag of treats and a water bottle with a spill-proof top to give your pet during the flight.

If you’re flying with a service dog, you’ll be allowed to keep the dog with you in the cabin. The dog should remain on a leash and harness at all times and should be well-behaved throughout the flight. You may be asked to move to a different seat if your service dog is blocking the aisle or causing a disturbance.

Keep in mind that Southwest does not provide food or water for pets during the flight, so make sure your pet has enough food and water for the duration of the trip.

Conclusion

Flying with a dog on Southwest Airlines can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend, as long as you follow the airline’s guidelines and prepare in advance. By following these tips and making sure you have all necessary documentation and supplies, you can make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.