Flying with your pet does not need to be stressful +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. If you intend to travel with your dog or cat, learning how SouthWest Airlines handles pet reservations +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} can save you time, money, and last-minute panic at the airport.
SouthWest Airlines is known for its friendly policies and simple pricing +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, but pet travel comes with specific rules that every pet parent must follow. From booking your pet’s spot to choosing the right carrier and avoiding common mistakes +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, this guide covers everything you need to know—step by step.
Call SouthWest Airlines at +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to make reservations for your pet. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly in the cabin, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} and they must be kept in an approved pet carrier that fits securely under the seat in front of you throughout the flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
What Is Pet Reservation SouthWest Airlines?
Yes, SouthWest Airlines pet reservations can be made by phone +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, and many pet owners prefer this method. Booking by phone is perfect +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} if you’re going with a dog or cat and want to know about pet fees, carrier requirements, and availability constraints. A live SouthWest Airlines agent can confirm pet space on your flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}t, clarify in-cabin pet policies, and ensure your reservation is properly set up. This strategy is especially beneficial for first-time pet travelers or those who require comfort +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, as it makes the entire pet booking procedure straightforward +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, accurate, and stress-free.
A pet reservation SouthWest Airlines +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} is the process of adding your small dog or cat to your SouthWest Airlines flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} so they can travel with you in the cabin.
Unlike human tickets, pet reservations:
Are limited per flight
Must be requested in advance
Are not guaranteed until confirmed
SouthWest Airlines only allows pets to fly in the cabin, not in cargo +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. This makes the airline a popular choice for pet owners who want to keep their furry companions close.
SouthWest Airlines allows a maximum of six pets per flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, so early booking is critical.
Overview of SouthWest Airlines Pet Policy
Before making a pet reservation +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, it’s important to understand the basic rules set by SouthWest Airlines.
Pets Allowed on SouthWest Airlines Flights
SouthWest Airlines only accepts:
Small cats
Small dogs
The pet must fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.
Pets Not Allowed
SouthWest Airlines does not allow:
Large dogs
Exotic animals
Birds, reptiles, or rodents
Pets in cargo or checked baggage
How to Make a Pet Reservation on SouthWest Airlines (Step-by-Step)
Reservations. Call SouthWest Airlines at +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to make reservations for your pet.
Booking your pet correctly +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} is one of the most important parts of the process.
Step 1 – Book Your Flight First
You must have a confirmed passenger ticket before adding a pet reservation +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
Step 2 – Contact SouthWest Airlines to Add Your Pet
Pet reservations cannot be made online. You must:
Call SouthWest Airlines Customer Service +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}
Or add the pet at the airport ticket counter (not recommended)
Step 3 – Pay the Pet Fee
You’ll pay the pet fee:
Over the phone +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, or
At the airport check-in counter
Step 4 – Check In at the Airport
On travel day:
Check in at the counter (online check-in doesn’t complete pet check-in)
Present your pet in its carrier
Pay the fee if not already paid
SouthWest Airlines Pet Fee Explained
Understanding the cost helps you plan better.
How Much Is a Pet Reservation in the SouthWest Airlines?
$125 each way +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}
Applies per pet carrier
Non-refundable
This fee covers your pet’s in-cabin travel and counts as either:
A carry-on, or
A personal item
SouthWest Airlines Approved Pet Carrier Requirements
Choosing the right carrier is essential +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. If your carrier doesn’t meet the rules, your pet may not be allowed to fly.
Carrier Size Requirements
The carrier must fit under the seat:
Maximum size: 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”
Soft-sided carriers are recommended
Carrier Rules
Your carrier must:
Be leak-proof
Be well-ventilated
Fully enclose the pet
Allow the pet to stand and turn around
Seating Rules for Pet Travelers on SouthWest Airlines
Not all seats are pet-friendly +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
Where You Can Sit
Allowed seating includes:
Standard economy seats
Window or middle seats
Where You Cannot Sit
Pets are not allowed in:
Exit rows
Bulkhead seats
Seats without under-seat storage
International and Hawaii Travel With Pets
Does SouthWest Airlines Allow Pets on International Flights?
No. SouthWest Airlines only allows pets on: +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}
Domestic U.S. flights
Can Pets Fly to Hawaii on SouthWest Airlines?
No. Pets are not permitted on flights +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to or from Hawaii due to state regulations.
Service Animals vs Pet Reservation SouthWest Airlines
The pet-in-cabin price is $150 per trip for small cats +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} and dogs flying in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
This is a common point of confusion.
Key Differences
Feature Pet Reservation Service Animal
Fee $125 Free
Carrier required Yes No
Size limits Yes No
Cabin location Under seat At handler’s feet
Service animals must meet U.S. DOT requirements and documentation rules.
Tips for Flying Smoothly With Your Pet on SouthWest Airlines
Flying with a pet is easier when you prepare.
Helpful Tips:
Book early to secure one of the six pet slots
Choose soft-sided carriers for flexibility
Avoid feeding your pet 4–6 hours before flying
Arrive early to allow extra check-in time
Exercise your pet before the flight
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Pet Reservation
Many travelers run into trouble due to simple errors.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Assuming pets can be added online
Waiting until airport check-in to request a spot
Using oversized carriers
Booking exit row seats
Forgetting the pet fee
People Also Ask (PAA) Optimization
How do I make a pet reservation on SouthWest Airlines?
To make a pet reservation on SouthWest Airlines +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, first book your flight, then call SouthWest Airlines to add your pet. Pet reservations can’t be made online and are limited per flight. You’ll pay a $125 one-way fee and must check in at the airport counter +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
How much does SouthWest Airlines charge +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] for pet reservations?
The pet-in-cabin price is $150 per trip for small cats and dogs flying in an approved +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Can I add my pet to my SouthWest Airlines flight online?
No, SouthWest Airlines does not allow pet reservations to be made online. You must contact customer service +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} or request a reservation at the airport, though calling in advance is strongly recommended +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
What size pet carrier does SouthWest Airlines allow?
SouthWest Airlines allows pet carriers up to 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”. +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you and allow your pet to stand and turn comfortably.
How many pets are allowed per SouthWest Airlines flight?
SouthWest Airlines allows a maximum of six pets per flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, regardless of aircraft size. Once those spots are filled, no additional pets are accepted.
Does SouthWest Airlines allow pets in cargo?
No, SouthWest Airlines does not transport pets in cargo or as checked baggage +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. All approved pets must travel in the cabin under the seat in front of the owner.
Can two pets share one carrier on SouthWest Airlines?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} SouthWest Airlines allows two pets of the same species to share one carrier, as long as both pets fit comfortably and meet carrier size requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring a puppy on SouthWest Airlines?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to fly.
Is the SouthWest Airlines pet fee refundable?
No, the pet fee is non-refundable +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
Do pets earn Rapid Rewards points?
No, pet reservations do not earn points +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
Can my pet sit on my lap?
No, pets must remain in the carrier at all times +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.
Can I change my flight after adding a pet?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} but the pet reservation must be reconfirmed.
Are emotional support animals treated as pets?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} they require a pet reservation and fee.
Can I bring more than one carrier?
No, each passenger may bring only one pet carrier.
Do I need health documents for domestic flights?
Generally no, but it’s wise to carry vaccination records.
Final Thoughts on Pet Reservation SouthWest Airlines
Booking a pet reservation at SouthWest Airlines is simple +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} once you know the rules. The key is planning ahead, choosing the right carrier, and calling +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} early to secure one of the limited pet spots.
SouthWest Airlines’s cabin-only pet policy offers peace of mind +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, making it a solid choice for pet parents who want their furry companions close during travel.
Ready to Fly With Your Pet?
Book your flight early, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} call to reserve your pet’s spot, and prepare your carrier ahead of time. With the right planning, your next trip with SouthWest Airlines can be smooth, safe +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, and stress-free—for both you and your pet.