In order to allow small cats and dogs on domestic flights, Southwest Airlines has a simple and user-friendly pet policy. Therefore, according to the Southwest Airlines pet policy 2026, pets are only allowed to ride in the cabin to provide comfort and safety beneath the passenger’s seat in an authorized carrier. To carry the same, there are some charges applicable. Further, it prohibits pets in cargo and on overseas flights. In this regard, pet owners can plan easily with first-come booking availability and set a fare per carrier. Hence, the airline strikes a balance between safety, animal welfare, and fliers’ convenience by upholding established regulations, making it a well-liked option for pet travelers.
What is the Southwest Airline Pet Policy?
As per the Southwest Airline pet policy, small dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin on domestic flights. It guarantees pet travel that is convenient and safe by establishing clear guidelines for carriers, costs, and reservations.
- On domestic flights, Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats in the cabin in the proper pet container.
- To travel, domestic dogs and cats must be at least 2 months or eight weeks old.
- Pets are not allowed with unaccompanied minors.
- For pets, there are some charges levied.
- The cost of the pet fare could vary at any time.
- Credit cards that are accepted must be used to pay for the pet fare at the airport ticket counter.
- In the event that the reservation is canceled, the pet fare is refundable.
- Owing to the Southwest Airlines pet policy domestic flights, 1 pet carrier per ticketed customer is permitted.
- A single pet carrier can hold no more than two small dogs or cats of the same species.
- The air carrier asks that passengers call in advance to make a pet reservation because space is limited.
- Customers may be subject to special rules for pets when visiting/traveling to Puerto Rico.
- In compliance with the Southwest Airlines in cabin pet policy, pets are not permitted on foreign routes or on flights to or from Hawaii.
- During the gate area, boarding/deplaning, and the duration of the flight, pets should always be kept safely in a pet carrier.
- The pet might not be allowed to travel when a flier does not comply with the terms and conditions.
- Onboard, carriers must be stored beneath the seat.
- Prior to departing on a Getaways by Southwest™ vacation package, make sure to inquire about the applicable Southwest Airlines pet travel policy with the particular hotel and/or rental vehicle provider.
- Rapid Rewards points are not awarded to pets.
- Flight problems are more likely to occur in animals with brachycephalic airways, heart illness, or psychological issues.
- Customers who purchase tickets and/or change their reservations can check strollers or pet crates for free on or before May 27, 2026.
- If reservations are made, tickets are given, and/or adjustments are made voluntarily on or after May 28, 2026, pet strollers will be charged the standard checked baggage rates.
- Pet stroller damage is not Southwest’s responsibility.
- Customers will board with their designated boarding groups if they are traveling with pets.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy in Cabin for Cremated Pet Remains
Cremated Pet Remains are allowed as a carry-on item on Southwest Airlines. In line with the Southwest Airlines carry on pet policy, these cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Further, they must be examined at the security checkpoint.
- To help guarantee that the remains can pass X-ray screening, the airline advises transferring them in temporary cardboard or plastic containers that are usually supplied by the cremation.
- It will be opened for a physical examination if it can’t.
- A container will not be permitted to pass the security checkpoint when it cannot be screened.
Understanding Southwest Airlines in Cabin Pet Policy
Travelers should be aware of the Southwest Airlines pet carry on policy. In order to ensure that pets travel in safety and comfort, it specifies regulations about pet eligibility, carrier requirements, prices, and reservations.
- An adult passenger must accompany pets in the cabin.
- They can be stored under the seat in an airline-compliant carrier.
- Fliers’ pets must use an airline-compliant pet carrier when it satisfies the standards outlined in the pet policy to travel in the cabin.
- This can be possible unless they are traveling with service dogs, which are trained to help them with tasks necessary to address physical or medical disabilities.
Pets Traveling in the Cabin on Southwest Flights
Small dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin on Southwest flights to Puerto Rico and other domestic locations. Pets must be clean, safe, well-mannered, and hygienic, as per the Southwest Airlines in cabin pet policy.
- Reservations: Tourists can use this contact number: 1-800-435-9792 to book reservations for their pet with Southwest Airlines.
- Age Restrictions: Pets cannot travel in the cabin unless they are at least eight weeks old.
- Forms Needed: Pets must have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination when they go to Puerto Rico. As per the Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin, for domestic travel, a health certificate is advised but not necessary.
To and from the country, state, or territory where the pet is being transported, the passenger bears all liability and costs for adhering to any laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions. Based on their pet’s journey, local authorities can request import permits, health certificates, and other documents upon arrival.
What is the Southwest Airlines Emotional Support Pet Policy?
In accordance with revised Department of Transportation standards, Southwest Airlines will no longer accept emotional support animals as of 2021. Only approved service animals are permitted in the cabin. Under the Southwest Airlines emotional support pet policy, pets, including dogs and cats, are still allowed to travel as ordinary passengers, subject to carrier rules and taxes.
Explaining the Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Policy
In accordance with the Southwest Airlines pet carrier policy, flyers’ pet carriers must fit in the area beneath the seat in front of them. The dog or cat must be fully contained within the pet carrier and be able to stand and walk around it without difficulty.
- Pet carriers that are acceptable must be:
- Well-ventilated and impervious to leaks.
- Specially made pet carriers, which can be either soft or hard.
- The dimensions of the pet carrier are 17 inches (L)* 10 inches(W)* 9.5 inches (H).
- Additional pet carriers that are no larger than 18.5 inches (L)* 13.5 inches (W)* 9.5 inches (H).
- Owing to the Southwest Airlines pet carrier policy, pet carriers can be classified as carry-on or personal belongings.
- Travelers are permitted to transport either pet carriers and personal belongings or pet carriers and regular-sized carry-on luggage.
- Pets must always be kept in a pet carrier during the whole flight, while in the gate area, and when boarding and disembarking.
- The pet could not be allowed to travel if fliers disregard the set rules.
What is the Southwest Airlines Pet Cargo Policy?
By following the Southwest Airlines pet policy cargo, pets are not permitted on cargo flights. Only small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin; they must be in approved carriers that slide under the seat.
Fees for Pets on Southwest Airlines Flights
On domestic flights, Southwest Airlines charges a fixed price for pet travel. Small dogs or cats must comply with airline regulations for safe in-cabin transportation, and passengers are required to pay the fees per carrier. Moreover, for pet carriers, passengers are required to pay USD 58 per carrier.
| Pet Traveling to | Fees for One Way Carry On |
| Between the Hawaiian Islands | USD 35 per pet carrier |
| U.S. Mainland | USD 125 per pet carrier |
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy for Service Animals
Southwest Airlines accepts service canines who are completely trained and specifically taught to carry out duties or work for a certified person with a disability. It only accepts dogs as trained support animals. According to the Southwest Airlines pet policy 2026, therapy animals, service animals in training, and emotional support animals can be allowed to travel as pets.
The trained assistance dog must always be carried by a passenger on a leash, harness, or other attachment while in the airport and aboard the aircraft. Additionally, fliers must control the dogs and train them to behave.
A dog will not be allowed to travel when it directly endangers the health or safety of other people, interferes with cabin service, or behaves disruptively.
Documentation Required
On the day of the flight, a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form, in paper or digital version, must be shown at the gate or ticket counter. As per the Southwest Airline pet policy, the date on the form must be the same as the day fliers bought their tickets. The form will not be accepted in lieu of a service animal harness, ID card, vest, or registration certificate.
At the Airport
Travelers must fill out the necessary form at the ticket or departure gate offices in order to check in with Southwest Customer Service Agents. To find out if their dogs are trained service dogs or qualified to be recognized as pets, the airline’s staff members can ask fact-finding inquiries, such as what job or task the dog has been trained to perform.
Flights Operated by Southwest That Have Available Seats and Leave on or before 26 January 2026
In compliance with the Southwest Airlines in cabin pet policy, passengers can sit anywhere on the aircraft after boarding, with the exception of emergency evacuation seats. Their dogs need to be in their lap or at their feet (assuming it isn’t bigger than a child under two). The dog must be tucked under the seat in front of them during taxiing, takeoff, and landing if they are in a carrier.
Tourists’ dogs are not allowed to obstruct any exits or escape routes, stray into the aisle, take up seats on an airplane, occupy a tray table, or intrude on a seat next to them.
Southwest Flights That Leave on or after 27 January 2026, and Have Assigned Seating
When making the reservation, visitors might be able to choose the seat that will work best for them and their trained service dog, depending on the type of tickets they choose. Based on the Southwest Airlines pet policy in cabin, except for the emergency escape seat, they are free to sit anywhere on the airplane.
Please contact Southwest Airlines at the time of booking, but no later than 24 hours before the original scheduled departure of the trip, if fliers need bulkhead (first row) or any other specific seats due to their trained service dog.
Breed-Specific Limitations on Southwest Airlines
There are no breed limitations for pets flying in the cabin on Southwest Airlines. When traveling with specific breeds, there are a few things to consider.
- By following the Southwest Airlines carry on pet policy, due to the inability to fit under the seat of the carrier, large breeds are effectively banned.
- Although respiratory issues are less of an issue when traveling in a cabin, there are still some dangers associated with brachycephalic breeds.
- The airline has the right to refuse animal transportation if the dog is hostile or interferes with other customers’ flights.
How Can I Reserve a Pet Flight on Southwest Airlines?
Travelers can make reservations at the ticket counter or by calling Southwest Airlines’ reservation services to plan pet travel. According to the Southwest Airlines pet policy domestic flights, due to space constraints, pet reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, they are required to adhere to carrier size limitations and pay some charges per carrier each way.
Behavior of Pets on Southwest Airlines Flights
In case a pet behaves disruptively, it could not be allowed to board. In line with the Southwest Airlines pet travel policy, disruptive conduct examples include, but are not restricted to:
- Defeating or urinating at the gate area or cabin.
- Lunging, growling, and biting.
- Excessive barking, whining, and scratching.
Southwest Airlines Pet Concerns Handled via Social Media Platform
Through its social media channels, Southwest Airlines responds to pet-related issues by providing prompt help, policy changes, and attentive support to travelers who are flying with pets.
| Social media platform | Link |
| https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestAir | |
| https://www.instagram.com/southwestair/ | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/southwest-airlines/ |
In Sum,
Small dogs and cats can travel safely and comfortably on domestic flights with Southwest Airlines. Convenience and safety are given first priority by providing the Southwest Airlines pet policy on carrier size, penalties, and reservations. Further, in relation to the same, it provides travelers with furry friends with a dependable in-cabin option, even if pets are not permitted in cargo.
Some Useful Links About Southwest Airlines
- How to Change a Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?
- Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance 2026
- Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
FAQs on Southwest Airlines Pet Policy 2026
Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin on domestic flights.
No, Southwest Airlines does not accept pets in cargo or as checked luggage. All pets must travel in-cabin.
The pet fare is $125 each way, payable at the airport ticket counter. It is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for travel.
You may bring one pet carrier per ticketed customer, with up to two pets of the same species inside, if they fit comfortably.
Yes, Southwest allows a maximum of 6 pet carriers per flight, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
Pet carriers must fit under the seat and should not exceed 18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ H. Southwest also offers its own branded carrier.
No, passengers with pets cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
Pets are not permitted on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries. Only domestic U.S. flights and Puerto Rico are allowed.
Pets showing disruptive behavior—like biting, growling, excessive barking, or urinating—may be denied transport.