How Do You Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines
🐶 Traveling with Fido on Southwest: A Hilarious, Super-Stretched, Step-by-Step Guide to Not Messing it Up!
Listen up, pet parents! Thinking of taking your precious pooch on a trip with Southwest Airlines? That's awesome! Southwest is like the cool, laid-back cousin of the airline family, but even they have rules, especially when it comes to your furry travel companion. This ain't like throwing your backpack in the overhead bin. You gotta be slick, prepared, and ready for the epic journey that is flying with a dog in the cabin. Consider this your hilarious, information-packed playbook to avoiding a total fiasco at the airport!
Step 1: Is Your Dog Even on the Guest List? (The Vetting Process)
First thing’s first, we need to know if your dog is even allowed to crash this party. Southwest isn't running a petting zoo, they're running a plane, so there are limits.
1.1. Species and Size Check: The VIP (Very Important Pooch) Criteria
Southwest only rolls with small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats. Sorry, no emotional support pythons or tiny pet horses. Your dog needs to be the kind of pup that can literally chill out under the seat in front of you.
Size Matters, Big Time: The carrier must fit under the seat. Maximum dimensions are crucial—generally no more than 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H. Get a soft-sided carrier; they are way more forgiving when squeezing them into that under-seat nook. If your dog can’t stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in that space, they are, sadly, too big for the gig. No exceptions!
Age Requirement: Your little traveler needs to be at least eight (8) weeks old. You gotta be off the bottle, kiddo!
Two of the Same: You can squeeze up to two small, compatible pets of the same species into one carrier, as long as they meet the "comfortable fit" rule. Good luck with that!
1.2. The 'Chill Out' Clause: No Drama Allowed
Your dog needs to be totally chill. Southwest can, and will, deny boarding if your pup is showing disruptive behavior. This means no excessive barking, scratching, growling, or (heaven forbid) lunging. Basically, if your dog acts like a total menace at the airport, they are getting bounced from the flight. Practice makes perfect; get them used to that carrier!
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
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| How Do You Take A Dog On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Locking Down the Spot (Booking Like a Boss)
Booking a flight for your dog is not the same as booking for yourself. It’s a separate, special operation, so put on your spy-level planning hat.
2.1. The Pet Carrier Limit: A Race Against Time
Here’s the kicker: Southwest typically limits the whole plane to only SIX pet carriers per flight. Six! That is a super exclusive club. It’s a first-come, first-served situation, so you can’t just waltz up to the gate.
Call, Don’t Click: You cannot add your dog during the online booking process. You need to call Southwest Customer Service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA—seriously, that's the number) after you’ve booked your own flight to secure that coveted pet spot. Do this ASAP. Like, before you even order your celebratory post-booking pizza.
2.2. The Dough: Shelling Out the Pet Fare
Bringing a dog is not free, buddy. It costs a pretty penny, and it’s due on the day of travel.
The Price Tag: The fee is generally $125 per pet carrier, each way (it’s lower for interisland Hawaii flights). Ouch. That's more than some people pay for their own ticket!
When to Pay: You pay the fee at the airport ticket counter on your travel day. Bring a major credit card. This means you must check in with an agent, even if you’ve already checked yourself in online.
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Step 3: Carrier and Carry-On Shenanigans (Packing the Essentials)
The pet carrier isn't just a stylish little dog purse; it's a de facto piece of luggage, and it affects your packing game.
3.1. The Double-Duty Carrier Rule
Your pet carrier is going to count as either your one personal item OR your one regular carry-on bag. You cannot bring all three (a carry-on, a personal item, and the pet carrier).
Pro Tip: If you roll up with a large carry-on bag, a backpack (your personal item), and a dog carrier, you are going to be forced to check one of those bags. Plan to travel light!
3.2. Prep the Carrier Like a Pro
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Make that little carrier the Taj Mahal of dog travel. It needs to be a fortress of comfort and cleanliness.
Must-Haves: The carrier must be leak-proof and have adequate ventilation. Put an absorbent pad or a cozy, familiar blanket inside.
ID Tagging: Slap an ID tag on that carrier with your name and phone number. Think of it as a "Lost Pet, Please Call My Human!" emergency beacon.
Avoid the Bulge: Don't stuff toys or food in there that will make the carrier bulge past the dimensions. Seriously.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Step 4: Airport Day: The Great Gate Gambit
This is where the rubber meets the runway. You need to be early, calm, and ready for the scrutiny of the gate agent.
4.1. Check-In & Paperwork Tango
Arrive Early: Get to the airport at least 2 hours before departure. You have to deal with the ticket counter to pay the fee and get your special Pet In Cabin tag.
Documentation: While Southwest doesn't typically require a health certificate for domestic flights, always bring a copy of your pet’s current vaccination records (especially Rabies). Better safe than sorry if an agent is having a bad day or if there’s a bizarre local ordinance.
4.2. Security Checkpoint Acrobatics
This part is like a mini-circus performance:
Human First: At TSA, you will have to take your dog OUT of the carrier.
The Hug-and-Walk: You will walk your dog, on a leash, through the metal detector (or hold them while you go through the scanner).
The X-Ray: The empty carrier gets to take a solo trip through the X-ray machine. Ensure your dog is securely on a leash! You don't want a runaway pup delaying the line!
4.3. Boarding and Onboard Etiquette
You board with your assigned group, but remember: no exit rows or seats without under-seat storage. Once you're on the plane and settle into your seat (middle or window seats often have slightly better under-seat space than the aisle), the carrier goes under the seat in front of you.
The Golden Rule: The dog must remain secured in that carrier, completely stowed under the seat, for the entirety of the flight. That means during the gate area, boarding, and the whole flight. No peeking, no paws out, no exceptions! Trying to sneak a cuddle is a recipe for a flight attendant shut-down.
If you follow these steps, your journey will be smoother than a freshly paved Texas highway. You'll be one of those cool passengers whose dog is so quiet, the flight attendants don't even know they're there. You got this, champ!
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FAQ Questions and Answers
How much is the pet fee for a dog on Southwest? The pet fee is $125 one-way per pet carrier for domestic flights on the U.S. mainland. This must be paid at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel.
How many pets are allowed per Southwest flight? Southwest Airlines generally limits the number of pet carriers to six (6) per flight. It is essential to call to reserve a spot for your dog as soon as your own flight is booked.
What are the maximum pet carrier dimensions for Southwest? The maximum size for an approved pet carrier (soft or hard-sided) is typically 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H), as it must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
Can I take my dog out of the carrier during the flight? Absolutely not. Your dog must remain fully inside the secured, stowed carrier for the entire time you are in the gate area, boarding, and throughout the duration of the flight.
Where do I check in when traveling with a dog on Southwest? You must check in and pay the pet fee at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. You cannot complete the entire check-in process online when traveling with a pet.
Would you like me to find the Southwest Airlines Customer Service phone number for pet reservations?
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