How can i fly on Southwest with My Pet

To all the pet parents out there, if you are planning to fly with Southwest airline and worried about your pet, please don't be. Many airlines don't allow the passengers to carry their pets in the aircrafts but the situation is not there with southwest. If you have a well-behaved fur baby with you, you just need to follow the basic guidelines of this airline to let your baby travel with you.

Who are the Eligible Pets to Travel

According to the southwest airlines pet policy you are allowed to carry your small dogs, cats and the birds that can be fitted in the cabin. You are not allowed to use the cargo service for your pets.

• There will be a carrier which will carry your pet and it should fit into the seat right in front of you.
• Your pet must be able to lie down, stand up and turn around in that carrier. There are some prolonged journeys so we are not supposed to suffocate them; they must be comfortable in the flight like you.
• The total weight of your pet along with the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. If your pet is heavier than 20 pounds then it will violate the southwest pet policy.
• Make sure that your pet is toilet trained, well-behaved and don't trouble others during the journey.

Requirements for Pet Carriers-

As the carriers for your pets plays an important role in the southwest airlines animal policy, you must not on all the requirements that the pet carrier fulfills-

• The carrier must be made up of lightweight material and it should fit in the seat.
• It has to be leak proof and well ventilated to make it comfortable for your babies.
• The bottom and sides of your carrier must be made up of the solid material.
• You can't use anything and call it a carrier. If you don't have any then please buy a carrier that is specifically designed for the pets.
• It must meet the IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
• The IATA even mentions the dimensions which an ideal carrier has. Also, it emphasises strongly on a carrier that is size, ventilation, leak proof, escape proof, comfortable, of good material, has a door and must be labelled as the pet’s name.

How to Book a Flight for Your Pet

If you are wondering whether there will be charges for flying with your pet or not, there will definitely be charges because your pet will occupy one seat.

• As per the southwest air pet policy, we would request you to reach out to the customer service number that is available on the official website easily.
• The customer support executive will assist you throughout booking a ticket for your pet.
• There will be a fair which will be around $95 per pet along with the carrier.
• They will demand some necessary documents of your pet as well. Make sure that you get the health certificate of your pet at least 10 days before your booking or travel date.
• The necessary documents will be the vaccination record, the pet's health certificate and other documents which they will let you know.

Tips While Travelling with Your Pet

As you must have noticed that the southwest animal policy is a little bit strict but it is for your own good. They don't want to trouble you or other passengers because of your pet and they don't want to make your fur baby uncomfortable as well. That's why there are some additional tips that you are requested to follow.

• Make sure that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight's departure. It will help you to complete the formalities smoothly and if there will be any hurdles, that will be combatted beforehand.
• The check in area will be different for you if you will be travelling with your pet. Kindly don't check in from the normal area and go to the designated place.
• During the boarding, make sure that you board the plane after the general boarding process is completed. This is not to make you feel isolated but there are many people who are afraid of the animals.

Who are the Prohibited Pets in the Southwest Airline

While travelling or planning to travel with your pets, one thing must be kept in mind that there are some prohibited animals in the flight. Even according to the southwest airlines dog policy, there are some specific breeds that are not allowed to travel with you-

• The snakes and reptiles are very trending as pets nowadays. This is to let you know that even if you have all the required documentation with you, Southwest airline will not allow them to travel.
• Also, if you have hamsters, ferrets and guinea pigs, you won't be allowed to let them travel even if they are in cages.
• That are too large or too small that don't fit in their carriers comfortably will also not be allowed.
• If you're a dog parent, some dog breeds are not allowed in this airline like Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
• Also if your pet is eligible and fulfilling all the requirements but not healthy at the moment, kindly don't plan a trip with him/her.
• Moreover if your pet has some behavioural issues like scratching for no reason, growling, biting and have some other complications then the boarding will be denied.

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