The Southwest Airlines Pet Policy allows passengers to travel with small domestic cats and dogs on eligible domestic flights within the United States. Pets must travel in an airline-approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger and meet the airline’s health, size, and age requirements. Southwest does not transport pets in the cargo hold, making cabin travel the only option for eligible animals. Travelers should understand the airline’s pet reservation process, carrier requirements, fees, documentation, and travel restrictions before booking. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy, helping you prepare for a safe and comfortable journey with your furry companion.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?

The Southwest Airlines Pet Policy outlines the rules and requirements for traveling with small pets in the aircraft cabin.

Unlike many airlines, Southwest only permits eligible pets to travel in the cabin and does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo.

The policy is designed to ensure:

Passenger safety
Pet comfort
Cabin cleanliness
Compliance with federal regulations

Passengers must reserve pet space in advance because the number of pets allowed on each flight is limited.

Does Southwest Airlines Allow Pets?

Yes.

Southwest Airlines allows small domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on eligible flights.

However, pets are only accepted under specific conditions, including:

Travel within the contiguous United States
Approved pet carrier
Payment of the pet fare
Available pet space on the flight

Southwest does not transport pets on international flights or flights to and from Hawaii.

Which Pets Are Allowed?

Southwest Airlines accepts only:

Small domestic cats
Small domestic dogs

Other animals, including:

Birds
Rabbits
Ferrets
Reptiles
Rodents
Exotic animals

are not accepted under the airline’s standard pet travel policy.

Are Pets Allowed in the Cabin?

Yes.

All eligible pets travel in the passenger cabin.

Southwest does not transport pets:

As checked baggage
In the cargo compartment

Your pet must remain inside its approved carrier throughout the flight.

The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

Pets Not Accepted by Southwest Airlines

The airline does not accept:

Large dogs
Large cats
Exotic pets
Livestock
Wildlife
Aggressive animals
Cargo pet shipments

Passengers traveling with animals that do not meet the airline’s cabin requirements should consider alternative transportation options.

Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements

Pets must travel inside an approved pet carrier.

The carrier should:

Fit under the seat
Be leak-proof
Be well ventilated
Be secure
Provide adequate space for the pet

The pet must be able to:

Stand naturally
Turn around comfortably
Lie down inside the carrier

Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are accepted if they meet the airline’s size requirements.

Southwest Airlines Approved Pet Carrier Size

The carrier must fit under the aircraft seat.

Typical maximum dimensions are approximately:

Length: 18.5 inches
Width: 8.5 inches
Height: 13.5 inches

Passengers may also purchase Southwest’s branded pet carrier, although using it is not mandatory as long as another carrier meets the airline’s requirements.

Pet Age Requirements

Southwest requires pets to meet minimum age requirements.

Generally:

Cats should be at least 8 weeks old
Dogs should be at least 8 weeks old

Young animals should also be fully weaned before traveling.

Pet Health Requirements

Pets should be:

Healthy
Clean
Well behaved
Non-aggressive

Animals that appear ill or show signs of distress may not be accepted for travel.

Passengers should consult a veterinarian before flying if they have concerns about their pet’s health.

Southwest Airlines Pet Reservation Process

Since cabin pet space is limited, passengers should reserve as early as possible.

Step 1

Book your own flight.

Step 2

Contact Southwest Airlines or notify the airline that you plan to travel with a pet.

Step 3

Confirm pet space availability.

Step 4

Arrive early at the airport.

Step 5

Pay the applicable pet fee during check-in if it has not already been arranged.

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

How Many Pets Are Allowed Per Passenger?

Generally:

One pet carrier is allowed per paying passenger.
The carrier may contain:
- One cat or dog
- Two cats of the same species
- Two dogs of the same species

The animals must fit comfortably inside the same carrier.

Southwest Airlines Pet Fee

Traveling with a pet requires payment of a pet transportation fee.

The fee is charged:

Per carrier
Each direction of travel

The exact amount is subject to change, so passengers should verify the current fee before departure.

The pet fee is separate from the passenger’s airfare.

Is the Pet Fee Refundable?

Generally:

The pet fare may be refundable if the reservation is canceled before travel according to the airline’s applicable rules.
Once travel has been completed, unused pet fees typically are not refundable.

Passengers should review the fare conditions before canceling.

Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Rule

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to cancel eligible reservations within 24 hours of booking for a full refund when the reservation is made at least seven days before departure.

If you booked pet travel and cancel within the eligible period, the pet reservation is generally canceled along with the flight reservation.

Always review your confirmation for the exact cancellation terms.

Where Can Pets Travel?

Southwest permits pets only on eligible domestic flights within the continental United States.

Pets are generally accepted on flights between eligible U.S. destinations.

Routes Where Pets Are Not Allowed

Pets are not accepted on flights:

To Hawaii
From Hawaii
On international flights

International travel regulations and quarantine requirements prevent Southwest from transporting pets outside eligible domestic routes.

Airport Check-In Requirements

Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the airport.

Bring:

Booking confirmation
Government-issued identification
Pet carrier
Payment method (if required)
Any applicable health documentation

Online check-in alone is generally not sufficient for passengers traveling with pets.

Security Screening with Pets

At the airport security checkpoint:

Remove your pet from the carrier.
Carry or walk the pet through the screening area.
The carrier will pass through the X-ray machine separately.

Follow all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) instructions during screening.

Can Your Pet Leave the Carrier During the Flight?

No.

Your pet must remain inside the carrier:

During boarding
During takeoff
Throughout the flight
During landing
While deplaning

Opening the carrier during the flight is not permitted except when instructed by airline personnel.

Southwest Airlines Service Animal Policy

Service animals travel under different rules than household pets.

Passengers traveling with trained service dogs should:

Notify Southwest before travel if required.
Complete any necessary documentation.
Follow Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Service animals do not count as pets under the airline’s pet policy.

Emotional Support Animals

Southwest Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.

Emotional support animals traveling on Southwest must comply with the standard pet policy, including:

Applicable pet fees
Carrier requirements
Cabin eligibility

Pet Seating Rules

Passengers traveling with pets cannot occupy:

Emergency exit rows
Seats without under-seat storage
Certain bulkhead seats where the carrier cannot be safely stored

Flight attendants may assign a different seat if necessary.

Pet Behavior Requirements

Pets should:

Remain quiet
Avoid aggressive behavior
Not disturb other passengers
Stay inside the carrier

Disruptive animals may be denied boarding or removed before departure.

Can Children Travel with Pets?

Children traveling alone under the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor program generally cannot travel with pets.

Adult passengers accompanying children may travel with eligible pets, provided all requirements are met.

Can Two Pets Share One Carrier?

Yes.

Two cats or two dogs of the same species may share one carrier if:

They fit comfortably.
Both animals can stand and turn around.
They remain safely inside throughout the journey.

Can Pregnant Pets Travel?

Southwest recommends consulting a veterinarian before transporting pregnant animals.

The airline may refuse transportation if the animal appears unfit for travel.

What Happens If Your Pet Does Not Meet the Requirements?

Southwest may refuse pet transportation if:

The carrier is oversized.
The pet appears sick.
The animal behaves aggressively.
Required fees are unpaid.
Cabin pet capacity has been reached.
The pet is an ineligible species.

Passengers should verify all requirements before arriving at the airport.

Pet Travel Rules

Before traveling, remember these important rules:

Reserve pet space early.
Use an approved carrier.
Keep your pet inside the carrier.
Arrive early for airport check-in.
Pay the required pet fee.
Travel only on eligible domestic routes.
Follow airport security procedures.

Benefits of Traveling with Your Pet on Southwest Airlines

Many travelers appreciate Southwest’s pet-friendly approach because it offers:

Cabin-only pet travel
No cargo transportation for pets
Simple reservation process
Affordable pet transportation
Convenient domestic route network
Friendly customer service

For small pets, remaining in the cabin often reduces travel stress.

Tips for Flying with Pets on Southwest Airlines

Reserve Early

Cabin pet space is limited.

Choose the Right Carrier

Ensure it meets Southwest’s size requirements.

Visit Your Veterinarian

Schedule a health check before travel.

Arrive Early

Extra time helps with pet check-in and airport security.

Keep Your Pet Comfortable

Place a familiar blanket or toy inside the carrier if appropriate.

Avoid Feeding Immediately Before the Flight

A light meal several hours before departure may help reduce discomfort during travel.

Common Reasons Pets Are Denied Boarding

A pet may not be accepted if:

The carrier exceeds size limits.
The pet is too large.
Cabin capacity has been reached.
The animal appears unhealthy.
The pet behaves aggressively.
The passenger arrives too late for check-in.
The route does not permit pet travel.

Preparing in advance greatly improves the likelihood of a smooth travel experience.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy for Service Dogs vs. Household Pets

Feature	Household Pets	Service Dogs
Cabin travel	Yes	Yes
Pet carrier required	Yes	No
Pet fee	Yes	No
Cargo travel	No	No
DOT documentation	No	May be required
International travel	Not permitted	Subject to applicable regulations

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Pet Policy provides a convenient option for passengers traveling with small domestic cats and dogs on eligible domestic flights. Since Southwest only allows pets to travel in the cabin, owners can remain close to their animals throughout the journey. To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers should reserve pet space early, use an airline-approved carrier, arrive at the airport with enough time for check-in, and comply with all airline and airport requirements. Understanding the carrier size limits, pet fees, route restrictions, and behavior expectations will help you and your pet enjoy a safe, comfortable, and stress-free flight with Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy FAQs

1. What is the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
The Southwest Airlines Pet Policy allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin.

2. What pets are allowed on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines accepts only small domestic cats and dogs on eligible flights.

3. Can pets travel in the cabin on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, approved pets may travel in the cabin inside a compliant pet carrier.

4. Does Southwest Airlines allow pets in cargo?
No, Southwest Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment.

5. How much is the Southwest Airlines pet fee?
Southwest Airlines charges a pet fee for each carrier traveling on a flight.

6. What size carrier is allowed under the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
The carrier must fit under the seat and meet Southwest Airlines size requirements.

7. Can I bring two pets on Southwest Airlines?
Two small pets of the same species may share one approved carrier.

8. Are pets allowed on international Southwest Airlines flights?
No, Southwest Airlines pet travel is generally limited to domestic routes.

9. Do emotional support animals fly free on Southwest Airlines?
Emotional support animals are treated as pets and are subject to pet policies.

10. Does Southwest Airlines allow service dogs?
Yes, trained service dogs may travel without a pet fee on eligible flights.

11. How do I add a pet to my Southwest Airlines reservation?
Contact Southwest Airlines early, as pet space is limited on each flight.

12. What documents are required under the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?
Southwest Airlines may request vaccination records and compliance with applicable travel regulations.