Traveling with Animals

Pets

Southwest Airlines welcomes small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the aircraft cabin. We require a $75 Pet Fare per pet carrier each way and accept payment at the ticket counter. Learn more about traveling with your pet.

Shared itineraries, or AirTran-only itineraries booked through Southwest channels, cannot be purchased for Pets. Learn More

Law Enforcement/Search and Rescue Dogs

Southwest Airlines accepts fully-trained law enforcement service dogs trained in explosives or drug detection (or other specific functions) and search and rescue dogs for transportation, without charge, when accompanied by their respective handlers on official business.  Each Customer traveling with a law enforcement or search and rescue dog must present a letter of mission and a copy of the animal’s certification.  In accordance with federal safety regulations, the dog(s) must be positioned so as not to obstruct Customers’ expeditious evacuation in the unlikely event of an emergency.  In addition, law enforcement and search and rescue dogs may not occupy a seat or sit in an emergency exit row.

Assistance Animals

Trained assistance animals traveling with and providing assistance to a Customer with a disability are accepted in the aircraft cabin. Learn more about traveling with your assistance animal.