Southwest Airlines Pet Policy & Requirements

So, you have a Southwest Airlines booking and have a cute little cat to accompany you on board? Well, if it is a “yes!” Then this is your call to read the given travelogue about the Southwest Airlines pet policy and plan things accordingly. Indeed, pets are love, especially by some humans; they are family! From being our constant companions to loyal protectors, furry friends tend to keep us humans intact with unconditional love, emotional balance, and a sense of purpose.

And so with time, it gets difficult to stay away from them as they become our greatest comfort, silent healers, and irreplaceable part of our everyday life. However, things get difficult when it comes to flight journeys because some airlines restrict pet travel on board. But worry not, because Southwest has everything sorted for you! Thus, make sure to read till the end and get the right idea about all the aspects. Here we go!

What is Southwest Airlines Pet Policy?

The Southwest Airlines Pet Policy allows flyers to bring at least 8-week-old vaccinated pets on board for a $95 fee each way.

Before getting into the deeper details, you must have a brief about the pet guidelines by Southwest Airlines. To get the ball rolling, you need to make a note that the airline permits travelers to bring their furry friends on board. But as long as they meet the designated eligibility requirements.

This might surprise you, but yes, the airline allows pets to fly in cargo. Yet if your pets are caged and vaccinated, then you can have them in the cabin on a domestic flight. However, the pet carriers should be stowed beneath the seat in front of you, with the pet inside them. On every passenger booking, you can bring only one furry friend. Also, the unaccompanied minors are not allowed to fly with furry friends.

You know what the Southwest pet policy in cabin​ allows only six pet carriers on every flight, and the pet bookings are given on a “First Come & First Serve” basis. However, at times, the airline will allow for some exceptions and waive the six pet caps. But before you embark on your journey, you really must review all the pet travel rules of airlines to stay convenient.

Rules for the Southwest Airlines In-Cabin Pet

While Southwest Airlines in-cabin pet policy restricts pets from flying in the cabin, in any case, if your furry friend meets the eligibility requirements, then you can accompany them. But yes, there are some travel rules that you need to keep in mind, and they are:

1. Passengers can bring their small and vaccinated domestic pets. 
2. Cats should be at least 8 weeks older to travel on a Southwest Airlines plane. 
3. The pet carriers should not be more than 18.5 in. x 8.5 in. x 13.5 in. (length x height x width) in size, and would fit under the seat. 
4. Furthermore, the pet carriers must be leak-proof and well-ventilated for the ease of furry friends. 
5. Southwest Airlines restricts flight travel to and from Hawaii or any international destinations, with permission only between the Hawaiian islands. 
6. If flying to Puerto Rico, just make sure to review the entry requirements before you fly with a pet. 
7. You must board your flight with the assigned boarding group while having your pet along with you. 
8. All the travelers flying with their loved ones need to sit in an exit row seat or a seat that has no underseat stowage in front. 

Applicable Pet Fares on Southwest Airlines Flights

No doubt, you would be pondering how much it would cost to bring my pet along on the flight, right? Well, just clearing you out with this, it is all simple with the best Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin​! So, when flying with a furry friend, you will have to pay around $95 pet fare fee for a carrier each way. However, this entire additional expenditure is worth it to be paid if you want to keep things as per your convenience. But yes, the entire fare is a refundable amount, and you would expect all your money if the ticket is canceled. 

Final Words

With this, here comes an end to the preceding travelogue about the Southwest Airlines pet carrier policy​. No doubt, the airline has no privilege for its flyers to travel with their furry friends in cargo, yet they have options to explore. In short, for your flight, just make sure to get the right assistance with the pet travel guidelines and keep it in its approved carrier just under the seat in front of you. Hope that by now you have the nitty-gritty about the Southwest’s ground rules on pet travel. Still, if you have any doubts or queries, just feel free to reach out to the professionals for quick travel support. Bon voyage! 

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