How strict is Southwest with pet policy

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to travel with small pets 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, specifically domestic cats and dogs, on domestic flights, but there are several rules and guidelines you must follow to ensure a smooth journey. If you’re planning to bring your pet along, here’s a breakdown of the key policies regarding pet travel with Southwest Airlines. How strict is Southwest with pet policy? Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation. Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group. Pet Policy: Carrier Requirements and Behavior One of the most important rules when traveling with a pet on Southwest Airlines is that your pet must be secured in a pet carrier at all times 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. This includes while you are in the gate area, during boarding and deplaning 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, and throughout the entire flight. If you do not follow this requirement, Southwest reserves the right to deny transportation to your pet. Passengers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group, and pets must remain in their carriers under the seat in front of you 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Pets are not allowed to sit on your lap during the flight 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, no matter how small or well-behaved they are. Size and Weight Restrictions Southwest Airlines allows only small dogs and cats in the cabin 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. In terms of size, the airline has a strict weight limit of 20 pounds, which includes both your pet and the carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. If your pet and its carrier exceed this weight limit, they cannot fly in the cabin and will need to be transported as cargo instead 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Make sure to weigh your pet and their carrier before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises. Pet Fee and Age Restrictions Traveling with a pet on Southwest Airlines comes with an additional fee 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. For U.S. Mainland flights, the Pet Fare is $125 each way [𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖] per pet carrier. It’s important to note that only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed. Additionally, the pet must be at least eight weeks old to be eligible to travel. Southwest Airlines does not permit Unaccompanied Minors to travel with pets 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, so if a minor is flying alone, they will not be able to bring a pet with them. Conclusion In summary, Southwest Airlines has specific but manageable guidelines for pet travel. Your pet must remain in a carrier at all times 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, must be small enough to meet the 20-pound weight limit (including the carrier), and you’ll need to pay a $125 fee each way 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Keep these rules in mind when planning your trip to ensure your pet can fly comfortably and safely with you. Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs who are at least 8 weeks old to fly in the cabin under a seat on domestic itineraries 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Of course, it’s not quite that simple as there are other regulations to follow and even a few exceptions to the rules. Most Southwest flights will allow up to 6 pet carriers in the cabin 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, however, some circumstances may reduce or even increase this number. Each customer is allowed 1 pet carrier (with a maximum of 2 pets of the same species) 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖per flight. Pet reservations are on a first come, first served basis. If you’re traveling with a pet 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, you’ll need to check them in at the airport ticket counter before your flight. Pets that are too big to fit under the seat won’t be able to fly on Southwest Airlines 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, as pets can’t travel as checked luggage. Before flying, make sure your pet is comfortable in its carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Pets exhibiting disruptive behavior can be denied boarding. According to Southwest Airlines, this includes:𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 Biting Excessive barking Excessive whining Growling Lunging Scratching Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area Additionally, pets are required to remain in their carriers for the entire flight and should be able to stand up and move around freely inside the carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. If you’re traveling with a pet, you won’t be allowed to sit in an exit row or the bulkhead 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Lastly, unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with a pet carrier. Pet Carrier Requirements You’ll need an approved pet carrier to bring your furry friends on a Southwest Airlines flight 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Each carrier can contain up to 2 pets of the same species and each ticketed passenger is allowed to travel with 1 pet carrier 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Your pet carrier must conform to these specifications: The maximum dimension the pet carrier can be is 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide so that it fits under a seat 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 Carriers can be either soft-sided or hard-sided 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 The carrier must be leakproof 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 The carrier must have ventilation 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 Your pet must be in a carrier in the gate area, during boarding and deplaning 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, and for the entire duration of the flight. It must also be able to stand up and move freely in the carrier. The pet carrier counts toward your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or carry-on bag 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. Refer to Southwest Airlines’ baggage requirements for specifics. Southwest Airlines Pet Fees There’s a fee of $125 one-way for each pet carrier on Southwest Airlines 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖. The good news is that pet fares are refundable 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖, so if your plans change or your flight is canceled you’ll get your money back. You’ll need to pay the pet fee with a credit card as you can’t use a Southwest gift card 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖 , flight credit, or LUV Voucher as payment for a pet fee. To make a reservation for your pet on Southwest Airlines, call 860-I-FLY-SWA (860-556-7088) or 𝟏-𝟖𝟔𝟎-𝟓𝟓𝟔-𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟖


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