Does Spirit Airline Allow Dogs? A Guide to Spirit’s Pet Policy in 2024

Does Spirit Airlines Allow Dogs as Carry-On or Checked Baggage?

If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend by plane, one of the main questions on your mind is undoubtedly whether Spirit Airlines will accommodate your dog. As one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the U.S., Spirit has some specific policies regarding traveling with pets that are important to understand before booking your flight.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy Overview

At a high level, here are the key things to know about Spirit’s pet policy:

• Spirit allows both carry-on and checked pets traveling in approved kennels.
• There is a maximum of 5 pets per flight in the cabin and 40 pets in the cargo hold.
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
• Additional fees ranging from $95-$125 apply depending on pet size and transport method.

While Spirit does accommodate dogs and cats as cargo or cabin pets, some restrictions apply. Let’s take a deeper dive into their policies for carrying pets on board versus checking them into the cargo hold.

Carry-On Pets on Spirit Airlines

Dogs and cats small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you can travel as carry-on pets. The specific requirements are:

1. Pet must be able to fit completely within a sturdy carrier no larger than 18x14x8 inches.
2. Carrier must remain on the floor at your feet for the entire flight – it cannot go in the overhead bin.
3. One pet carrier is allowed per passenger as your personal item.
4. Weight limit is 20 pounds or less for the combined weight of pet and carrier.
5. $125 carry-on pet fee applies per direction of travel.

As an experienced pet owner who has flown with dogs before, I’d advise going a size smaller than the maximum if possible for comfort. It’s also a good idea to take your pet carrier through security beforehand to ensure it meets airline dimensions. With a little preparation, most small dogs can travel as carry-on.

Checked Baggage Pets on Spirit Airlines

If your pup is too big for the cabin, or you have multiple pets traveling together, checking them as baggage may be your best option. Here are the Spirit Airlines policies for checked pets:

• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Hard-sided kennels specifically designed for air travel are mandatory.
• Maximum kennel size is 24x24x24 inches, with under-crate padding or blankets.
• $125 checked baggage pet fee applies per pet per direction of travel.
• Pets fly in the pressurized cargo hold, not the main cabin.
• A maximum of 40 pets are allowed total per flight as checked baggage.

From my experience traveling with pets, checking them gives you more flexibility in kennel size. But it’s important to remember they are in cargo without you. Make sure to check with your vet if any medications are needed.

Other Important Pet Travel Policies on Spirit

A few other policies you’ll want to keep in mind include:

1. Young puppies under 10 weeks cannot fly per FAA regulations due to vaccinations.
2. Unfit or ill animals will be denied boarding at the airport.
3. Soft-sided carriers, pet carriers with wheels, and breakable bowls are prohibited.
4. Current vaccination and health records from your vet must be brought.
5. You can check a maximum of 2 pets (dogs or cats) per person.

Spirit Airlines also restricts certain breeds perceived as dangerous like pit bulls, rottweilers, chow chows and others. Make sure to review the “excluded” pet breeds list before booking.

Tips for a Stress-Free Flight with Fido

To help keep things calm and make your pet as comfortable as possible, here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years:

1. Get your pet accustomed to their carrier before the flight with treats and short practice trips.
2. Bring your pet’s favorite toys, bedding or clothes that smell familiar for comfort.
3. Consider calming treats, supplements or medication from your vet depending on your pet’s tolerance for stress.
4. Bring water, plastic bags, paper towels and poop bags in an easy-to-access bag.
5. Talk with your vet about acclimating your pet to new environments with positive associations.
6. Find out if the hotel or destination allows pets before assuming they can come along.

Travelling with pets by plane does require some prep work, but Spirit Airlines has fairly reasonable policies compared to other carriers. With the right carrier, documents, and strategies to keep Fido chill – most dogs can handle a flight just fine. Just be sure to check all rules and prepare ahead of time!

Do you have any other questions about Spirit’s pet travel policies? Feel free to ask in the comments. I’d be happy to share more of my experiences flying with pets over the years. Safe travels to all you furry friends out there!

SPIRIT AIRLINES PET POLICY

Pet Type	Cabin	Size Restrictions	Fee
Cats	Cabin	Must be in approved pet carrier that fits under the seat	$125 each way
Dogs	Cabin	Must be in approved pet carrier that fits under the seat without protruding	$125 each way
Emotional Support/Service Animals	Cabin	No size restriction	No charge, but documentation required
Cats/Dogs	Hold	As sized allowable per regulations	$125 each way
Other Common Pets	Hold	Determined by regulations	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Does Spirit allow dogs as carry-on?

   Basically, Spirit lets you bring small pets in a carrier as carry-on for a fee. The pet has to fit under the seat in front of you in an approved pet carrier. Anything bigger needs to be checked in the cargo hold.

2. What size carrier is allowed?

   Spirit permits pet carriers up to 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches high. Nevertheless, the carrier plus pet must fit completely under the seat. So if you have a big dog, it likely won’t meet the size mandate.

3. Is there a fee for carry-on pets?

   Indeed, Spirit charges $110 total per direction for one pet in the cabin. However, emotional support animals approved by a medical professional may fly for free in the cabin if paperwork is provided. Does that sound right?

   

4. What paperwork is required?

   You’ll need proof of current vaccinations and possibly a health certificate. On the other hand, emotional support animals require a note from a psychiatrist or doctor stating they’re essential for your well-being. Yet I wonder, where’s the line between support animal and pet?

5. Are there any restrictions on breeds?

   Other than dangerous breeds, like pitbulls, there’s no limits based on dog type. At the same time, it’s up to Spirit whether an animal seems too big or unruly for the cabin. Perhaps email or call ahead to check if you’ve got an extra large pet?

6. Can you check pets in cargo?

   Absolutely, you can check pets in cargo for just $125 each way with Spirit. On the other hand, checked pets must be at least 8 weeks old. I’d safely assume no reptiles or other exotic pets are approved for transport. Better check Spirit’s rules beforehand, right?