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What to Know Before Flying Southwest Airlines with Pets

Southwest typically allows six spots per flight for eligible cats and dogs to travel in under-seat carriers in the main cabin.

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Updated · 3 min read
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Written by Natasha Etzel
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Edited by Meghan Coyle
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Update: On March 11, 2025, Southwest announced that two bags will no longer fly free for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, ending a longstanding and popular policy that had defined the airline. However, select Southwest flyers — including those with elite status, Business Select flyers and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders — will still get at least one free bag. Other changes of note for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025:

  • Southwest will replace its Wanna Get Away fares with a new Basic fare that earns only 2 points per dollar and implement dynamic pricing for award redemptions.

  • Flight credits will now carry a one-year expiration date, or six months for Basic tickets.

The airline also plans to begin operating flights with seat assignments and extra-legroom seats in 2026, ending its open-seating policy.

Read NerdWallet's story on Southwest's changes for details.

If you have a furry companion and want to bring them on vacation or are planning a long-distance move and want to fly with them, you’ll need to consider airline pet policies before booking an airline ticket.

So, can pets fly on Southwest Airlines? Yes, but only in the main cabin.

Here’s what you need to know to fly with pets on Southwest. 

The Southwest Airlines pet policy

Southwest Airlines allows travelers to fly with their pets as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. However, pets aren’t allowed to fly in cargo. Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in appropriate pet carriers are welcome to travel in the cabin on domestic flights. 

Pet carriers must be stowed under the seat in front of you during the flight, and your pet must always remain in its carrier. Only one pet carrier is allowed per ticketed passenger. Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed to travel with a pet. 

Only six carriers are allowed per flight, and pet fares are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. However, sometimes the airline will allow exceptions and forgo the six-pet cap. 

Before traveling, it’s always wise to review the Southwest Airlines pet travel rules so you know what to expect. 

» Learn more: A guide to traveling with pets

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Southwest in-cabin pet options

Photo courtesy of Southwest.

While Southwest doesn't allow pets to fly in cargo, you can bring an eligible pet in-cabin as long as they meet the requirements. 

Keep these Southwest Airlines pet travel rules in mind:

  • You can travel with only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs. 

  • Cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel on a Southwest flight. 

  • Your pet must remain inside its carrier at all times. 

  • Your pet carrier counts as a personal item or a carry-on item. 

  • Carriers must not exceed 18.5 in. x 8.5 in. x 13.5 in. (length x height x width) in size, must fit under the seat in front of you, and must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. 

  • Pets can't travel on flights to and from Hawaii or international flights. 

  • Pets are allowed to travel on flights between Hawaiian islands. 

  • Passengers traveling to Puerto Rico should review entry requirements before flying with a pet.

  • Each passenger is allowed to bring one carrier with up to two pets of the same species. 

  • Pet carriers must be put under the seat in front of you during the flight.

  • Customers traveling with pets must board with their assigned boarding group. 

  • When traveling with a pet, you can't sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front. 

  • Pets are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, and only six pets are allowed on most flights. 

  • If your pet shows signs of disruptive behavior, such as scratching, excessive barking, growling or biting, they may be denied boarding. 

» Learn more: How to fly with a dog

Southwest Airlines pet fees

So, how much does it cost to fly a dog on Southwest? What about other animals?

When flying with a pet on a Southwest flight, passengers must pay a $95 pet fare fee per carrier, each way. This additional expense is worth considering as you plan out your trip costs. This fee is refundable if you decide not to travel with your pet, you decide to cancel the flight or your flight is canceled. 

For those traveling between Hawaiian Islands through June 30, 2023, the fare is $35 each way per pet carrier.

Most pet-friendly airlines

In our most recent analysis on flying with pets, we ranked the major U.S. airlines on various factors including fees, types of animals allowed, whether you can bring pets in cargo and number of pets allowed per passenger, among other facrtors.

Here's how they stacked up:

» Learn more: The best hotels that allow pets 

Southwest Airlines pet travel, recapped

While Southwest Airlines doesn't allow passengers to travel with their pets in cargo, other options exist.

If you are traveling with an eligible pet to or from a domestic destination or between Hawaiian Islands, pay the appropriate fee and keep your pet in its approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you, it's possible to fly with your furry companion while on a Southwest flight.

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