Q: Can my pet fly in cargo?

No, pets will not be allowed in cargo .

Question 1

What species and size of pets are allowed?

Accepted Answer

We welcome small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier (see below for pet carrier details) in the cabin on domestic flights. Carriers must be stowed under your seat. For Customers traveling to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply. We do not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii.

Question 2

How old does my pet need to be to travel?

Accepted Answer

Domestic cats and dogs must be at least (8) weeks old to travel.

Question 3

Do pets require any type of vaccinations or documentation?

Accepted Answer

Pets must be vaccinated, but we don’t require documentation.

Question 4

What do I do with my pet when I get to security?

Accepted Answer

You’ll hold your pet and walk through the screening device while the carrier is X-rayed. All pet carriers are subject to being searched.

Question 5

Will I get to preboard because I'm traveling with a pet?

Accepted Answer

Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.

Question 6

Where do I sit with my pet onboard the aircraft?

Accepted Answer

We have an open seating policy; however, Customers traveling with pets may not sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of them.

Question 7

Can my pet fly in cargo?

Accepted Answer

No, pets will not be allowed in cargo.

Question 8

Do airports have relief areas for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pet relief areas are available at each of the locations we serve. Keep in mind that we will not "hold" a flight for you to take your pet to a relief area.

Question 9

Can Unaccompanied Minors travel with a pet?

Accepted Answer

No, Unaccompanied Minors cannot travel with a pet.

Question 10

Can pets be denied boarding?

Accepted Answer

A pet that shows disruptive behavior may be denied boarding. Examples of disruptive behavior include (but are not limited to):

Scratching, excessive whining or barking
Growling, biting, lunging
Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

Question 11

Can I travel with cremated pet remains?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can take cremated pet remains onboard as a carryon item. Cremated remains must be inspected at the security checkpoint and cannot be accepted as checked baggage. We recommend transporting the remains in a temporary plastic or cardboard container typically provided by the crematorium to help ensure that the item can be cleared by X-ray screening. If it cannot, it will be opened for a physical inspection. If a remains container cannot be screened, it will not be allowed past the security checkpoint.

Question 12

Can pets travel on international flights?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed to travel on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight.

Question 13

Can pets travel to/from Hawaii or between Hawaiian Islands?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed to travel on flights to/from Hawaii. Pets are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands. Visit our Hawaii travel Help Center page to learn more.

Question 14

What else should I consider when traveling with a pet?

Accepted Answer

Air travel can be stressful for your dog or cat. You and your vet are best suited to determine if your pet can travel safely.

Animals with heart disease, anxiety disorders, or brachycephalic airways are more susceptible to complications during flight.

Question 15

Can I hold my pet instead of using a pet carrier?

Accepted Answer

No. Pets must be secured in the pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation.

Question 16

How many pet carriers can I bring on the plane?

Accepted Answer

We allow one pet carrier per ticketed Customer. Each pet carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog.

Question 17

How many pet carriers are allowed on the plane?

Accepted Answer

Six pet carriers are generally allowed per flight. However, sometimes we will allow more (or fewer) than six carriers. Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Question 18

How big can my pet carrier be?

Accepted Answer

Your pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. The cat or dog must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease. Pet carrier requirements:

Question 19

What type of pet carriers can I bring?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable pet carriers must be:

Specifically designed as pet carriers (can be soft or hard).
Leak-proof and well ventilated.
Within the dimensions described above.

Question 20

Will pet carriers count as my carryon bag or personal item?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pet carriers are considered either a personal item or a carryon item. You may board the aircraft with either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a regular size carryon bag.

Question 21

Does Southwest Airlines accept pet crates/strollers as checked baggage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Customers traveling with a pet may check a pet stroller or crate for free (this is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance). Southwest does not assume liability for damage to pet strollers.

Question 22

Are pet reservations required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, space is limited, so we ask that you make a reservation in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA®. We will accept pets on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach our six-carrier capacity. However, sometimes we will allow more (or fewer) than six carriers.

Question 23

How much is the Pet Fare?

Accepted Answer

For U.S. Mainland flights, the Pet Fare is $125 each way per Pet carrier. For Customers traveling between Hawaiian Islands, the Pet Fare is $35 each way per Pet carrier. Pricing can also be found on our Optional Travel Charges page. Please note, Pet Fare pricing is subject to change at any time.

Question 24

Where do I pay the Pet Fare? What form of payment(s) is accepted?

Accepted Answer

The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards.

Question 25

Will the Pet Fare be refundable if I decide not to travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled and you do not rebook. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or visit the ticket counter to request a refund.

Question 26

Can pets earn Rapid Rewards® points?

Accepted Answer

No.