Southwest Airlines Pet Policy [2025-26]: Carrier Size, Fees & Rules
Take your pet along on your next trip and relax with the accommodating pet policy of Southwest Airlines. Southwest has been known to offer customer-friendly services where small cats and dogs can be taken in the cabin during domestic flights. Knowing their pet Southwest Airlines Pet Policy is a guarantee of a seamless journey with your pet. Southwest is reliable and cost-efficient in terms of carrier size, charges, and more.
Being informed of the Southwest Pet Policy will ensure you pack well, whether you are moving or going on holiday. Everything you want to know about traveling with pets on Southwest Airlines is described below for your better understanding. FlyoGarage is your reliable companion in flight booking, travel support, and airline policy advice.
What Are the Rules for Pets in the Cabin on Southwest Airlines?
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They should be small cats or dogs and should fit in a pet carrier that is within the size limit of Southwest. One carrier can carry a maximum of two pets of the same species, and these carriers can be carried by each passenger only.
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The pets should also be placed inside the carrier and beneath the seat in front of the traveler throughout the flight. Anything inside the pet should not stick out of the carrier with respect to the rules of Southwest's pet policy in the cabin.
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The passengers should take care of their pets because rowdy animals might not be allowed to board. Passengers who travel with pets are not allowed to sit in exit rows or in seats where there is no storage under the seats.
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Pets are not permitted to board the airplane during international flights and must be at least eight weeks old. Reservations are very advisable, since the number of pets on board a flight is limited. Travel disruptions should be prevented by proper documentation and pre-approval.
What Is the Size Limit for Pet Carriers on Southwest Airlines?
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Southwest Airlines insists that any pet carrier should be able to fit beneath the seat in front of you by following some strict size restrictions. The largest Southwest Airlines pet carrier dimensions are 18.5 inches in length, 9.5 inches in height, and 13.5 inches in width.
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The Southwest Airlines pet carrier should be properly ventilated, leakproof, and secure enough to keep your pet safe on the flight. Carriers are not limited to either soft- or hard-sided when they meet the size requirements to be used in the cabin.
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Dependent on the size of your pet, you should be able to have it stand and move about in the carrier. Each paying passenger can only have one carrier, but they can have two small pets of the same kind.
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Any carriers that are overweight will not be allowed on board, and your pet may be denied travel. It is strongly suggested to stick to an exact Southwest Airlines pet carrier that is approved by the airline to be sure that it will be comfortable.
How Much does Southwest Airlines charge for carrying a pet?
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Southwest Airlines has a pet carrier charge of 125 US dollars per carrier, each way, which is non-refundable. Southwest Airlines' pet fee applies to all domestic flights that carry pets. The pet fee is not exempt from any type of fare or loyalty status.
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It has to be paid at the time of booking or at the time of check-in and is limited in number per flight. Note that Southwest Airlines' pet travel fee is independent of your ticket price and has to be paid regardless of whether or not the pet is sharing your seat area.
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A passenger is required to pay their own fee when bringing a pet. Whether the trip is cancelled or changed, the pet fee is not refunded.
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Before making the pet reservation, it is better to call Southwest Airlines or FlyoGarage to check whether the pet is eligible and the flight has the capacity, as it is not always obvious.
Conclusion:
Pet travel is easy at Southwest Airlines as long as you know their regulations and plan ahead. The Southwest Airlines pet carrier size, cabin requirements, and charges are just a few things to be in the know of to guarantee an easy ride. To get in touch with someone directly, call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792. Have bookings or airline policy questions? Reach out to FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 to get professional help regarding Southwest Airlines' pet policy. When you know how and are prepared, taking pets on a trip is not a stressful job.
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