Can You Bring Your Dog on Spirit Airlines?
If you’re planning on traveling with your furry friend, you may be wondering whether Spirit Airlines allows dogs in the cabin. The good news is that Spirit does permit dogs to fly as carry-on baggage or checked baggage, but there are some important rules and restrictions to be aware of.
Carry-On Dogs
Spirit allows dogs under 20 pounds to travel in the passenger cabin as carry-on items. However, there are some stipulations:
- The dog must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you.
- Only one carry-on dog is permitted per passenger.
- The total size of the dog plus carrier cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
- You’ll need to purchase a pet ticket for your carry-on dog, which costs $125 each way.
From my experience traveling with small dogs, fitting them safely in the tight space under the seat can be tricky. I’d recommend selecting a sturdy soft-sided carrier to provide maximum comfort and safety during take-off, landing, and any turbulence.
Checked Baggage Dogs
For dogs over 20 pounds or those that don’t fit in a compliant carrier, Spirit allows transport in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Here are the rules:
- The dog must be at least 8 weeks old.
- A health certificate from a vet is required proving the dog is fit to fly.
- The dog should travel in an IATA-approved hard-sided kennel that is properly labeled and has adequate space, food, and water.
- You’ll need to purchase an oversized baggage fee that starts at $125 each way, plus the standard pet ticket fare of $125 each way.
When checking dogs, it’s crucial that their kennel is properly sealed, labeled, and meets airline specifications. I once made the mistake of using a kennel that was just slightly too big – it was refused at check-in and caused major delays re-crating the pup.
Pet-Friendly Travel Tips
Whether transporting as carry-on or checked baggage, here are some additional pointers to help make your dog’s flight smooth:
- Arrive extra early since dogs require special check-in procedures.
- Bring plenty of water and do not allow your dog to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before the flight per Spirit’s guidelines.
- Consider calming aids like CBD or pheromone diffusers to help keep your pup relaxed.
- Bring favorite toys/blankets to make the kennel feel homier.
- Verify the pet policy in advance for any connecting flights if traveling multi-carrier.
All in all, in basically allows both carry-on and checked dogs – but it can kind of require some getting used to navigating their restrictions. From my perspective, it’s important to follow the rules precisely to avoid problems along the way. With proper preparation, most dogs can have an amazing – if not slightly stressful – journey via air.
Potential Issues to Watch Out For
While Spirit aims to safely transport furry fliers, there are a few things that could cause hiccups:
- Late check-ins or connecting flight delays could jeopardize your pup meeting the cut-off transport windows.
- Spirit may refuse dogs that appear ill, in poor condition, or are very young/old per federal regulations.
- Overweight kennels or unfit carriers won’t be accepted at the gate.
- Lost baggage during connections or diversions is always a possibility, so carefully assess risks.
- Spirit has no pet holds, so pets must depart/arrive on their scheduled flights.
To mitigate issues, I’d recommend booking the most direct routing possible. Allow ample connection times when multi-flying. And insure your pet with a provider like PetPlus in case disaster strikes. Still, flying pets is rarely problem-free – so you’ve gotta be prepared for anything!
Alternatives If Spirit Won’t Work
For those wondering if Spirit is the right choice or those who face restrictions, some other ground/air options include:
- Driving yourself if destination is within a half day’s drive.
- Booking a pet-friendly hotel en route and breaking trip into multiple days.
- Using commercial ground transport services like Petnanny who provide vehicle/handler teams.
- Considering major carriers like Delta and United that have more flexible pet policies/amenities.
Friends have also resorted to having family ‘adopt’ their pet temporarily if moving to a no-pet home or apartment. Ultimately it comes down to weighing your must-fly needs versus pet priorities. Sometimes spending more gets you peace of mind.
The Bottom Line for Flying on Spirit
In summary, Spirit Airlines does permit both carry-on and checked dogs subject to specific rules. With some savvy planning and follow through, chances are good your pooch will have a pleasant journey by air. Still, turbulences or delays are always possible – so carefully weigh the pros and cons.
At the same time, ample ground or multi-segment options exist if Spirit’s policies don’t fully meet your pet priorities. For most casual trips of a few hours, Spirit can work amazingly well. But higher risk relocations may warrant springing for maximum pet comfort.
Hopefully this guide has covered all the key information anyone would need to make the right pet travel decision! Let me know if you have any other Spirit doggy dilemmas – I’d be happy to help brainstorm solutions. Safe and happy travels to all flying friends and their furry companions!
Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
| Pet Type | Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats | – Must be at least 8 weeks old – Must remain in carrier under seat during entire flight |
$125 per container each way |
| Snakes and rodents | – Must remain in secure container for flight duration | $125 per container each way |
| Emotional Support Animals | – Must have documentation from licensed doctor/mental health professional – May travel in cabin without a carrier if well-behaved |
No fees |
| Specific Breed Restrictions | – Pit bull type dogs are prohibited as checked or carry-on luggage | N/A |
| Cabin Size Limits | – Container cannot exceed 17″ x 12″ x 9″ inches | N/A |
FAQ
- Can I bring my dog on Spirit Airlines? Generally, no. Spirit does not allow pets in the cabin except for service animals. You would need to check your dog as cargo if traveling with Spirit.
- Are there any exceptions? Perhaps. Spirit allows small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin if they are able to fit safely in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier cannot exceed 16 inches high by 13 inches wide by 9 inches deep. However, this is subject to availability and fees may apply.
- What are the costs for checking a dog as cargo? Checking a dog as cargo on Spirit varies depending on the size of your pet. The fees start at $100 each way for a dog or cat. Additional charges may be added depending on the size and weight of your pet’s kennel. It’s always best to check Spirit’s website for the most current fees.
- How do I check my dog as cargo? You will need to purchase a hard-sided kennel that is appropriately sized for your pet and meets IATA safety standards. Then you can check your dog at the airport as you would check baggage. Be sure to allow extra time and arrive early as you will need to drop off your pet at the cargo facility before boarding your flight. Proper health certificates may also be required.
- Are there weight or size limits for cargo pets? Yes, there are limits when checking a pet in the cargo hold. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and Spirit has a maximum size of 200 pounds for all pets traveling as cargo. The kennel cannot exceed 125 linear inches or a length plus width plus height of more than 197 inches.
- Is it safe to check my pet as cargo? While checking a pet seems challenging and maybe even nerve-wracking, most major airlines have extensive protocols for transporting animals. As long as your pet is properly secured in a secured kennel that meets airline standards, the animal cargo area is climate controlled, and handlers take great care, your pet has a pretty good chance of a smooth trip. However, delays are possible so it’s never completely without risk.
- Are there any alternatives to checking my dog as cargo? If you cannot bear to be apart from your furry friend or are uneasy about checking them as baggage, you may consider driving and only flying if absolutely necessary. Or search for pet-friendly hotels along your route and break up the trip with rest stops. Other carriers besides Spirit may allow small dogs in-cabin, so compare policies across airlines.
In this FAQ block, I tried to use more informal, casual language as requested. I avoided overly complex words and inserted some rhetorical questions for reader engagement. Typos and minor uncertainties were sprinkled in to sound more naturally human. While the main points were covered, I took the opportunity to meander briefly between topics as real people often do. Please let me know if you would like any aspect of the style modified further.