Can You Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Your pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Acceptable pet carriers include the Southwest Pet Carrier (

17” long x 9.5” high x 10” wide

), and other pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide.

How do I fly with my dog 2021 Southwest?

U.S. Domestic Flights:

Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)

. On the day of travel, Customers must bring the pet to the airport in an approved pet carrier. Proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the pet in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate.

Can my dog sit on my lap on Southwest?

Re: Pets On Board

When not inside a carrier, Southwest's policies require animals to be leashed at all times.

Onboard they may be on the floor or in the passengers lap (if small), but cannot be on a seat

. Please alert a flight attendant if you see otherwise.

Can I take a 25 lb dog on a plane?

Generally,

if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin

. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

Can my cat or dog sit on my lap?

No. Pets are required to stay in their carrier throughout your domestic flight, stored under the seat in front of you.

Which airline is the most pet friendly?

1.

Alaska Airlines

. Alaska Airlines is the best for traveling with a pet. It had among the lowest fees and the most flexible pet policy in terms of what types of pets you can bring.

Does Southwest airlines allow small dogs on board?


Southwest Airlines will only accept small cats and dogs in carriers that can be stowed under the Customer's seat

. For Customers traveling to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply. How much is the Pet Fare? Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.

Can dogs walk on leash in airport?

Traveling with an animal at the airport


Handlers should keep pets leashed at all times while going through TSA screening, at the Pet Relief Areas, and throughout the terminal

. When navigating the terminal with a pet please use the elevators, not the escalators, in order to prevent injury.

Can I buy a seat for my large dog on an airplane?

Unfortunately, most airlines will only allow small and light dogs in the cabin. This is because they usually must comfortably fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you are traveling with a large dog,

it is likely that you will need to ship him or her in the cargo hold of the plane

.

How do I add a pet to my flight?

  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.

Can puppies fly on planes?


Puppies must be at least eight weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days for air travel

, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it's a small breed dog, there may be weight and age minimums, too. The CDC requires all dogs entering the United States to be immunized against rabies.

How do you fly with a dog in the cabin?

A pet traveling in cabin

must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel

. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there at all times. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).

Can I buy my dog a seat on Southwest?


Yes, absolutely you can purchase a ticket for your pet on Southwest Airlines

. Southwest Airlines permits little vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to go with you in the Cabin under the seat before you.

What if your dog barks on an airplane?

If your dog does keep barking on a plane that results in upsetting the passengers then

the flight attendants may take your dog to the cargo hold, supervised by an onboard veterinarian for the remainder of the flight

.

Do airlines weigh dogs in the cabin?


We've never had a dog weighed in the US

. Usually the desk folk just want to see whatever is in the carrier. Generally, they make you take the pet out of the carrier, walk them through the security area while the bag is x-rayed.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for flying?

The Merck Veterinary Manual states that

diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel

. It also may help relieve motion sickness.

What can I give my dog before a flight?

  • A swaddling shirt, like the Thundershirt, can help reduce anxiety.
  • A pheromone-calming collar may be able to reduce stress.
  • Prescription anxiety medicine from your veterinarian can calm your dog's nerves.
  • A favorite toy or blanket to provide added comfort.

How stressful is flying for dogs?

Think about it:

Flying can be a stressful experience for your dog

. It removes them from comfortable and familiar surroundings, then forces them into a situation with loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and a limited ability to use the bathroom.

How much does it cost to bring my dog on a plane?

Airlines typically charge a

$100 to $125 one-way fee

to bring your dog in the cabin. And, if you want your pet to fly in the cabin, you'll need to purchase an airline-compliant pet carrier, which can cost from $30 up to $250, according to Consumer Reports.

How do you fly a big dog on a plane?


Dogs usually need to be 20 lbs or less to fly with you inside the plane

. As Checked Bags: The majority of airlines allow crated dogs to fly as checked bags. This means you will bring your dog's crate to check-in like your other baggage, and he or she will be weighing and transported like the rest of the plane's bags.

How do I fly with my emotional support dog?

To fly with an emotional support animal on participating airlines,

you will need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional

. The LMHP will also need to fill out forms provided by the airline. Most airlines require that ESA documents be submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

What airlines fly pets as cargo?

Airline Price per pet Allowed in cargo? American Airlines $125 No, due to COVID-19 United Airlines Cabin: $125 Cargo: Varies by weight Yes Delta Airlines $125 to/from US, Canada, Puerto Rico $75 to/from Brazil $200 Virgin Islands/International No, due to COVID-19 Southwest Airlines $95 No

Where do dogs pee in the airport?

According to Mercury News,

major air hubs are building pet relief facilities inside of the airports where dogs can physically use an actual bathroom

. The paw-print marked door even has a fire hydrant behind it. A doggie bag dispenser and a hose are also available for travelers to use in the 70-foot-square room.

Where do dogs pee on long flights?

Dogs must go to

the bathroom inside their carrier

. This is true for pets that travel in-cabin or in the hold, and even on cargo flights. Service dogs (and sometimes emotional support animals) are often the exception. They may be allowed to use the airplane's bathroom.

Do dogs ears hurt when flying?


Flying can hurt a dog's ears

. It doesn't happen with every dog, but they're as sensitive to changing air pressure as much as we are. When a plane climbs or descends quickly the air pressure changes rapidly, too, and the ear can't balance the pressure in time. That's when you get that stuffy sensation in the ears.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.