How strict is Southwest with pet policy?

Southwest Airlines maintains a relatively firm pet policy to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. It has a strict pet policy and only permits travel with small vaccinated dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin. Pets should remain in the carrier at all times while on board. You must adhere to this Southwest Airlines pet policy to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for both animals and easily follow passengers. So, if you want to secure your booking and don’t need to experience it during your flight journey, you must be aware of the strict pet policy.

• Before you enjoy your tour, pets must fit in a carrier that can be stowed under the seat to reach your destination comfortably.
• Your pet must be at least eight weeks old to travel in and check out the carrier, which should be small enough not to exceed 45 linear inches in length, width, and height.
• Pets are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, and only six pets are allowed on most flights; if you are traveling with your pets, they must be boarded with your assigned boarding.
• It is essential to check your pet’s disruptive behavior when it boards, such as scratching, excessive barking, growing, biting, etc.

How do I make a pet reservation on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines only permits travel with a maximum of five pet carriers per flight, excluding service animals. Space can be limited, so you need to check out the space. You need to check out the Southwest pet reservation requirements, which can be made when booking a ticket or added to an existing reservation. But if you forget to book online or cannot add your pet to your existing booking, you can call a travel agent and request to make a part reservation easily. If you want to make a reservation for your pet during booking, go through the sample steps below.

• First, visit the official website of Southwest Airlines and select the booking option.
• Choose one way or round trip and select the destination and arrival details with a valid date and time.
• Select the passenger, ensure you selected the preferable class, and click on the search button.
• You can select the flight, enter the personal and contact details, and select the Pet option.
• It is important to enter some necessary details about your pet and make the reservation quickly by selecting online payment.

You can also add your pet to an existing Southwest Airlines booking, but you must contact the reservation team at least 48 hours before your flight departure. You can check in at the ticket counter with valid documents and your dog’s health certificate and get the extra check-in time, which must be around 2 to 3 hours before your flight.

How much does it cost for a pet to fly on Southwest?

When you plan your flight journey with your pet, you might have to pay Southwest Airlines’ cost, which is around $95 to $125 each way. You must check out the fee per carrier, not per pet, and ensure you have one small pet in the same carrier and pay the cost accordingly. You also need to understand that the Southwest pet fee waiver depends on the types of classes, routes, and dates of booking.

What is the weight limit for dogs on Southwest?

Southwest has no specific weight limit for dogs traveling in the cabins. Hence, you need to check out the primary instructions for the pet, and its carrier must be fitted under the seat. Also, ensure you are in front of your dog and check out the Southwest pet weight limit accordingly. Typically, your dog’s weight limit must be around. 20 lbs for pets, including the carrier, but if this weight limit is exceeded, they can’t travel in the cabin and must be reported as cargo.

What is the size limit for a Southwest pet carrier?

Southwest requires that pet carriers meet specific size requirements to fit under the seat. The Southwest pet carrier size with maximum dimensions is 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.

Does Southwest require proof of vaccination for pets?

Yes, Southwest requires proof of vacation for your pets when traveling in the cabin. Your cat must be at least 8 weeks old and show vaccination proof of document. If you travel with your dog, showing vaccination certification during check-in time is crucial.

What size kennel for a dog on Southwest?

The Kennel for a Dog on Southwest must meet the size limit of 18.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 9.5 inches high. You must ensure the kernel is large enough to stand and turn around to do some activities comfortably. Both soft-sided and hard-sided kennels are acceptable while traveling in the cabin.

Does Southwest require a health certificate for pets?

Southwest doesn’t require a health certificate for pets on domestic flights, but you must show one if you are traveling with your pet on an international flight. You must be healthy and fit to travel, mainly if your travel plans include connecting flights with other airlines or traveling to a destination requiring you to show your pets a health certificate.

How to bring a dog on a plane in Southwest?

If you want to bring a dog on a Southwest plane, you must use the Southwest pet reservation service when booking a flight. You can also call the travel agent to add your dog to your reservation, confirm availability, and quickly provide the necessary details about the dog. You will also get the chance to bring your dog to the check-in time and arrive at the airport earlier.

What size pet carrier will fit under a Southwest airline seat?

The pet carrier must be 18.5×13.5×9.5 and fit properly under a Southwest Airlines seat. All parts are secured in the carrier during takeoff and landing.

Can my dog sit on my lap on Southwest?

Yes, your dog can sit on your lap on Southwest, and it must be no longer than a child under two years old.