Like many airlines, Southwest allows pets to travel with their owners. However, unlike carriers that accept pets as checked baggage or in the cargo hold, Southwest does not transport pets in the hold at all. Pets are only permitted in the cabin – and only cats and dogs on domestic routes within the continental U.S. (excluding Hawaii). Pets are not permitted in-cabin on any Southwest international flight, even when that international leg is just one part of your overall trip.
If you are traveling with a trained service animal or emotional support animal, Southwest does allow them to accompany you on international flights as well. Keep in mind that certain countries have regulations that may prevent Southwest from accepting even service animals on routes to or from that destination. Emotional support animals must have current, valid documentation, which you will be required to present.
As with other airlines that allow in-cabin pets, animals on Southwest flights must remain in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. This naturally limits eligibility to cats and very small dogs. In addition to size, Southwest requires that your pet be “harmless, not disruptive, odorless and require no attention during flight.”
Southwest requires that your pet be vaccinated, but they do not ask you to present a veterinary health certificate or other medical documentation at check-in.
Making flight arrangements
Pets may not travel as unaccompanied animals on Southwest. They must travel with an adult passenger, not an unaccompanied minor. You may bring one pet carrier on board, and that carrier may contain up to two cats or two dogs, provided they are small enough to stand, lie down, and move around comfortably inside. Each pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
Your pet’s carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag, so you cannot bring a third item. Although Southwest generally offers open seating, passengers traveling with pets may not sit in bulkhead rows or exit rows. Your cat or dog must remain fully inside the carrier at all times while you are in the gate area and on the aircraft.
Southwest requires advance reservations for pets, though you do not pay the pet fare until you depart. The current pet fare is $125 each way per pet carrier, but you should confirm the latest pricing when you book, as fares can change. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Under normal circumstances, Southwest allows a maximum of six pet carriers per flight.
Approved pet carriers
Southwest sells its own branded pet carrier, which you can purchase online or at any Southwest ticket counter.
Regardless of whether you choose their carrier or another brand, your carrier must be:
- Specifically designed for pet transport, either hard-sided or soft-sided.
- Well-ventilated and leak-proof.
- No larger than 18.5" long x 8.5" high x 13.5" wide, since it must fit completely under the seat in front of you. (The Southwest-branded carrier measures 17" long x 10.5" high x 10" wide.)
Checking in for your flight
You can check in through any standard Southwest option – online, curbside, kiosk, or ticket counter. However, you will still need to stop at the ticket counter to check in your pet and pay the applicable pet fare.
In-cabin pets must go through TSA security screening just as you do. You will remove your pet from the carrier and hold them in your arms while you walk through the screening device. The empty carrier will pass through the x-ray machine with your other carry-on items. TSA officers and airline personnel also have the authority to inspect the carrier.
Plan ahead for your pet’s needs before and between flights, including identifying the location of pet relief areas in relation to your departure gate at each airport. Southwest makes it clear that they will not delay a departure if you are running late because your pet needed a last-minute break. If you are not at the gate on time, the flight will leave without you.
