Make a Reservation With Pets on Southwest Airlines

How do I make a pet reservation on Southwest? 

You can make a Southwest pet reservation on your flight booking by calling the airline customer service team at the toll-free number 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792), which is available for 24 hours and seven days. The number can be dialed from any preferred region, and you can speak in your select language with the executive so that the conversation will be clear and smooth; then, you can make a reservation for your pet without any hassle. 

After making the reservation, you can bring the pet to an approved pet carrier. Finally, pay the pet fare at the ticket counter to check the pet in, then move to the departure gate. 

What is Southwest Airlines' pet policy? 

According to Southwest Airlines' pet policy, pets( cats or dogs) are not allowed to travel without the customer. Pets are not allowed to trip with unaccompanied minor passengers. Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary involving an international flight.

  • If traveling with a pet, you may be allowed a seat near an exit row or with no forward under-seat stowage.
  • Southwest Airlines is only allowed to carry pets in the cabin, and pets are not allowed as checked baggage. There will be no more than six pets per flight. But sometimes, the number can be lower due to exceptional circumstances. 
  • The pets should be harmless, not disruptive, odorless, and require no attention during flight. It has been advised to keep the cats and dogs inside the carrier ( including head and tail), and the carrier must remain under the seat in front of the owner for the entire trip till the flight arrives at its destination. 
  • Oxygen or other first aid will not be administered if your pet gets ill. 

How much does it cost for a pet to fly on Southwest? 

According to the airline team, the Southwest pet carrier fee will be 125$ each way per pet carrier. For customers traveling between Hawaiian islands, the fare will be 35$ per pet carrier. Pet carrier fares should be paid through credit cards at the airport counter. 

How strict is Southwest Airlines with pet policy?

Southwest Airlines permits those pets ( cats and dogs ) to be vaccinated in the cabin under the seat before you. The pets should be carried by the approved carrier specified below. 

  • The pet carrier must be within this dimension limit ( 17" length x 9.5" height x 10" wide).
  • Other pet carriers with the maximum dimensions of 18.5" long x 8.5" high x 13.5" wide)
  • Soft-side and hard-sided carriers should be appropriately designed as acceptable pet carriers.
  • Carriers must be leakproof and well-ventilated.
  • Pets that are aggressive in behaviors may be denied boarding. Behavior includes scratching, excessive whining or barking, the pet growling, etc.

Pets are allowed based on availability; otherwise, six pets are allowed per flight. 

Can my dog sit on my lap on Southwest? 

No, your dog cannot sit on your lap on Southwest; you must carry them inside the pet carrier if they are small enough to fit under your seat. According to the airline authority, Southwest must always be leashed. During security checks, the passenger must hold the pet and walk through the screening area while the carrier is X-rayed.

What is the weight limit for dogs on Southwest?

The weight limit for dogs must be within 20 pounds, including the Southwest pet carrier, and it may vary that. You can reach the customer service team at the toll-free number 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). The team will let you know the pet weight eligibility criteria. 

For future queries, follow this article and clear your doubts completely.