Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated cats and dogs to travel in-cabin on domestic flights for a $125 fee each way per carrier. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, remain in a leak-proof carrier under the seat at all times, and count as a carry-on item. Only 6 pet carriers are allowed per flight, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

What does Southwest require for pets to fly?

Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation. Carriers must be stowed under your seat while onboard.

What paperwork do I need to fly my pet?

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

Can my pet sit on my lap during a Southwest flight?

You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat. Your dog must be sitting at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under the age of two). If your dog is using a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing.

How much is the pet fee on Southwest?

Southwest's pet fee is typically $125 each way for small cats and dogs traveling in-cabin on domestic flights, paid at the airport, with space limited and requiring advance booking by phone; pets must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat, with carrier dimensions generally around 18.5" L x 8.5" H x 13.5" W, and pets count as your carry-on.

How To Travel With a Pet on Southwest Airlines (Quick & Easy)

How strict is Southwest about pet carrier size?

Southwest is quite strict about pet carrier size (max 18.5"L x 13.5"W x 9.5"H) because the carrier must fit completely under the seat, but they are flexible with soft-sided carriers that can squish down to fit the space, even if slightly over the height limit, as long as the pet can stand and turn comfortably. While they have an official dimension, the key is fitting it under the seat and ensuring pet comfort; agents might measure, but often rely on visual assessment, so a flexible, well-ventilated carrier is best.
 

How can I take my dog on a plane for free?

We only allow trained service dogs flying with their owners on our flights for free. Please note that if your dog does not behave appropriately in public places, we do not consider them a trained service dog. Some international destinations require your service dog to be trained by a recognized accredited organization.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

Does my pet count as a carry-on Southwest?

Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group. Pet carriers are considered either a personal item or a carryon item. You may board the aircraft with either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a regular size carryon bag.

What is the 3-3-3 rule with cats?

The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...

What are the new rules for traveling with pets?

You may need to show your pet's animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

• microchip.
• rabies vaccination.
• tapeworm treatment (if required)

How to get through TSA with a pet?

Please remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.

Can my dog fly without a health certificate?

Different travel scenarios require specific types of health certificates: Domestic Travel: A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is often required for travel within the United States. Your destination State or Territory may have specific animal health requirements, such as updated vaccinations.

Does Southwest require proof of vaccination for cats?

Health & Vaccination: Southwest requires pets to be vaccinated, and you may be asked to show proof. No Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Southwest no longer recognizes ESAs. Only service animals and standard in-cabin pets are permitted.

What shots does my pet need to fly?

For domestic flights

Most states across America require a rabies vaccination at least thirty days before flying. Your pet's proof of vaccination document must be valid for the length of your trip.

What is the 2 1 rule for dogs?

“The 2:1 crate rule says that for every two hours a dog spends inside their crate, they should spend one hour out of the crate,” explains Lane. “For puppies, especially those still potty training, this is generally a good rule of thumb.

What is 7 hours in dog time?

One human year is 7 dog years. One human day is seven dog days and one human hour is seven dog hours. Time flies.

Is it traumatic for dogs to fly?

A flight can be a traumatic experience for a pet, especially if they are placed in the cargo hold. This is why your pets join you in the cabin. That way, your calming presence will be there, they don't need to suffer separation anxiety, and you can keep an eye on them.

How to protect dogs' ears while flying?

Exposure to Noises of Lasting Duration

Dogs may also react to noises while traveling in cars, on public transportation, or on airplanes. In any of these situations, ear muffs can provide some relief.

Is it scary for dogs to fly in cargo?

Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold

While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and improper handling are often to blame.

How to prove your dog is a service dog?

You don't "prove" a service dog's status by showing paperwork, as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits requiring certification, registration, or ID; instead, a business can only ask two questions: if the dog is a service animal required for a disability and what task it's trained to perform, with proof coming from the dog's well-behaved conduct and your ability to answer those specific questions.

How long can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

Generally, pets must remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. They're required to stay inside that carrier for the entire flight, and you're not allowed to take them out and hold them on your lap.

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