If you're planning to fly with your pet on Southwest Airlines, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) it's important to understand the fees, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) rules, and requirements. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) Southwest has a straightforward inβcabin pet policy, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) but there are critical limits and costs. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) This guide will help pet owners navigate the process and avoid surprises. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
β Overview: Southwest Pet Policy
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin only; they do not transport pets in cargo. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
You must travel with a pet carrier under your seat, containing the pet for the entire journey. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
There is a limit of six pet carriers per flight, so it's important to notify Southwest and book your pet early.
Only one carrier per passenger is allowed, but two pets of the same species may share a carrier. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Southwest Pet Fee Details
Pet Fare / Fee
The pet fee is $95 each way per pet carrier. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Itβs paid at the airport counter during check-in β you cannot pay for the pet fee online. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
The fee applies to the carrier, so even if there are two pets in one approved carrier, you pay a single pet fee. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Refundability
The pet fee is refundable if you cancel the reservation or donβt fly with the pet. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Refund depends on when and how the cancellation happens, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) so itβs best to check with Southwest. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Pet Carrier Requirements
The carrier must be small, leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
It should allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Soft-sided carriers are often preferred because they compress easily into tight spaces. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Onboard & Seating Rules With a Pet
During the entire trip β in the gate area, during boarding, flight, and deplaning β the pet must stay inside the carrier. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Because the carrier takes up the spot that would typically go under the seat, you cannot choose seats that donβt have forward under-seat storage, such as exit rows. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Your pet counts as part of your carryβon allowance: either your pet carrier is your personal item, or itβs your carry-on.
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πΎ Booking & Check-In Process for Pets on Southwest
After booking your flight, call Southwest early to notify them youβll be traveling with a pet. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Confirm there is space for your pet (max six carriers on each flight). Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
At the airport, check in at the counter β the staff will accept the pet, attach a pet tag, and collect the $95 pet fee. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Once tagged, bring the carrier to the gate. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Board with your pet, and place the carrier securely under the seat. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Pet Behavior & Health Requirements
Southwest expects pets to be healthy, clean, and odor-free. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Pets must behave well, without showing signs of aggression. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Southwest does not provide oxygen masks or medical support for pets on board. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Make sure pets are vaccinated, and have any required documentation ready when traveling. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Service Animals vs. Pets
Trained service animals, such as service dogs, do not pay a pet fee β they travel for free. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are treated as pets; Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) they must travel in a carrier like other cabin pets. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Even service animals must follow certain seat restrictions and cannot occupy exit rows or seats where under-seat stowage is not available. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
πΎ Pros & Cons of Traveling With a Pet on Southwest
Pros:
Relatively low fixed fee ($95) for an inβcabin pet
Predictable, simple fee structure
Refundable fee if you cancel or donβt travel with your pet
Pets travel in cabin β no cargo stress
Cons:
Only six pet carriers are allowed per flight β space limited
Fee must be paid at the airport (not online)
Restrictions on seat choice
No medical care for pets onboard
πΎ Tips to Travel With Pets Smoothly on Southwest
Call as soon as possible after booking to reserve a pet spot.
Use a soft-sided pet carrier β easier to fit under seat.
Line the carrier with a pad or blanket for comfort.
Put absorbent material inside in case of accidents.
Donβt feed your pet right before flying (small meal hours ahead is better).
Give your pet a chance to stretch and use the bathroom before boarding. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Practice carrying your pet in their carrier to get used to the dimensions. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Choose non-stop flights to limit stress on your pet. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
β SEO-Optimized FAQ β Southwest Pet Fees
Q1. How much does Southwest charge for pets?
The fee is $95 per pet carrier each way. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q2. Can I bring more than one pet?
Yes, two pets of the same species may share one carrier if space allows. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q3. Is the pet fee refundable?
Yes, if you cancel your flight or donβt travel with the pet, you can get a refund. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q4. Where do I pay for the pet fee?
At the airport ticket counter during check-in. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q5. Can my pet stay out of the carrier during the flight?
No, the pet must remain inside the carrier at all times. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q6. Do service animals pay the pet fee?
No, trained service animals fly free. Emotional support animals do not count as service animals and must fly as pets. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
Q7. How many pet carriers are allowed per flight?
A maximum of six pet carriers per flight, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) first-come, Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§) first-served. Call π£~(πͺπ€πͺ)β’β (π€π€π«)β’β (πͺπ₯π£π§)
