Southwest Airlines Pet Policy The Only Way to Fly with Your Furry Friend |
Posted: June 17, 2022 |
Southwest Airlines (SWA) might be the best airline in the world, but their pet policy isn’t quite as amazing as their flights. In fact, if you don’t meet all of the requirements and restrictions, you may not even be able to bring your furry friend on the plane with you. Let’s take a look at what kind of animals are allowed, how much they can weigh, how much they cost to bring along and some other considerations you need to make when flying with your cat or dog. Read the useful information about Southwest Airlines Pet Policy. How much does it cost in Southwest AirlinesFees will vary based on your pet’s size and age, where you are traveling from and where you are traveling to. Both domestic and international travel is available, but it may be more cost effective if you fly into a location that Southwest Airlines fliesinto (such as Houston or Chicago) because they partner with local transportation companies that can bring pets straight to your doorstep. Otherwise, depending on how many stops you have in between your final destination, pet transport can be quite costly. Pets must also be at least eight weeks old before flying and remain in a carrier during flight. Whether flying with a cat or dog, whether domestic or international, there is an additional $100 fee for each way for a maximum of two animals per adult customer traveling. Who qualifies for free travel?To qualify for pet travel on Southwest Airlines, your pet must fit in a carrier that can be stowed under an airline seat or in an overhead bin (ideally a soft-sided kennel). The same basic rules apply for cats and dogs. Cats weighing up to 20 pounds are eligible for complimentary travel if they’re at least eight weeks old, and weigh two pounds or more. Dogs weighing up to 20 pounds are eligible for complimentary travel if they’re at least eight weeks old, and weigh 40 pounds or more. All pets traveling within these guidelines are permitted as standard class on one flight only. If you have additional questions about traveling with pets, please contact our reservations agents by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Rules about carriers and seatsSouthwest Airlines has some of the most stringent rules about flying with pets, especially emotional support animals. According to Southwest airlines website, your pet must be in a carrier and carried on at all times. If it's an emotional support animal, it can't take up a seat. For pets that are service or guide dogs, they will sit with you under their own seat in front of you. A $100 per flight non-refundable fee applies to each ticket for one carry-on pet and its carrier under 40 lbs; additional fees apply for larger pets and multiple animals. What about on flights within the U.S.?Most airlines that fly within and between states require you to pay a fee to bring your pet on board. Southwest Airlines is an exception because they don’t allow pets in their cabins at all—not even small, in-cabin pets such as cats and dogs. Instead, your furry friend will be transported as checked baggage. Pets must weigh less than 100 pounds total (including both your pet and its carrier) and can only travel in specific carriers approved by Southwest Airlines flightsbetween Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and smaller cities, you have options for connecting service or even domestic travel with a layover but do not book through DFW if traveling from one city outside of Texas. How do I use my pet as a service animal?SWA allows customers with service animals and emotional support animals on all flights, provided that they have current documentation from a licensed mental health professional. Customers can travel with service or emotional support animals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Before traveling, you will need to provide Southwest airlines customer care team with either written verification that your animal is trained as a service animal or a letter from your mental health professional on their office letterhead. This should be provided by any passenger who wishes to travel with an animal that is not a dog or cat, regardless of whether it is claimed as an ESA or a service animal. Any passenger who travels under these conditions must adhere to Southwest airlines travel policies and complete online check-in procedures through our website at least 48 hours before their flight. Are there weight limits?Pets that are too big or heavy to be accommodated in a single passenger's lap will be required to purchase a ticket. Other restrictions and fees may apply depending on your pet's size, weight, and species, so it is best to check with a Southwest airlines customer servicesrepresentative if you have any questions. Southwest Airlines has strict restrictions on traveling with pets. If your pet is too large, they might not let him/her fly with you in the cabin of their aircraft. Smaller pets are welcome as long as they fit comfortably on your lap or under your seat without disturbing other passengers. Can my pet fly in cargo instead of with me?Under Southwest airlines Pet Policy, pets in cargo are considered checked baggage and must travel in a kennel that meets certain size requirements. It’s important to note that these requirements may vary between aircraft types. If you have questions about whether your pet will be able to travel with you or if your pet will have access to oxygen, please speak with a Customer Service Agent before traveling. The following is specific information regarding pets traveling as checked baggage on a selection of aircraft types operated by Southwest Airlines . For more details, including restrictions for flights departing from Hawaii and/or connecting flights, please contact Southwest Airlines flights reservationsdirectly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Pets in cabin should remain under customer control at all times; do not leave them unattended at any time while they are onboard. Failure to adhere to policy could result in refusal of transportation for either your pet or yourself (depending on which one was out of compliance). Can I change my flight?SW airlines flights allows you to make a flight change up until 24 hours before your flight. To do so, you’ll need to call and speak with an agent about your change. Changing your flight does not mean you will be eligible for a refund on your fare, but you will have an opportunity to re-book Southwest airlines flights without additional cost. So if SWA Flights isn’t able to book you onto a new flight at no additional cost (which is pretty common with larger domestic flights), they will give you a credit towards future travel. This credit can be applied on tickets that are booked within 24 hours of when they were issued; so don’t go booking yourself first class tickets right away! What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?See below for details. If your reserved SW flights is delayed or canceled, Southwest airlines will provide you with a meal voucher. All vouchers are good for one free breakfast, lunch or dinner at any airport location (excluding bars and clubs). Vouchers may not be used towards gratuities. Meal vouchers are valid 24 hours after they’re issued (excluding bar purchases). Additionally, if a customer is scheduled on a delayed Southwest Airlines flights operated that departs after 6pm and arrives at their destination past midnight (local time), that customer may be eligible for lodging in certain circumstances.
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