Does Spirit Airlines Allow Pets in Cabin? A Guide to Spirit’s Pet Travel Policies

Does Spirit Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin?

One of the most common questions passengers have when traveling by air is whether they can bring their furry companion along. If you’re considering flying with Spirit Airlines and want to know if pets are permitted in the cabin, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Spirit’s Pet Policy

Unlike many major carriers, Spirit Airlines has a strict no-pets-in-cabin policy. They do not allow any animals, with the exception of trained service animals, to fly in the main cabin where passengers sit. All pets must be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage.

From my experience working at an airport, I’ve seen how disappointing it can be for passengers to have to check their pets. However, Spirit has this policy for several important safety reasons. Keeping pets out of the cabin eliminates any potential allergens or distractions that could impact passenger or crew health and comfort during the flight.

What Types of Animals Can Fly?

The only animals permitted in the cabin on Spirit flights are trained service animals like guide or assistance dogs that provide physical support to passengers with disabilities. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and pets do not qualify to accompany passengers in the main cabin.

The animal must be housebroken and able to fit on the floor at the passenger’s feet without taking another seat. Spirit requires service animals to be leashed or otherwise under the handler’s control at all times. Documentation from a licensed mental health professional may also need to be provided ahead of time.

How to Check Pets as Baggage

If you have a pet that does not qualify as a trained service animal, the next best option is to transport them in the aircraft cargo hold as checked baggage. Here are the key guidelines for checking pets on Spirit:

1. You must provide a pet carrier that’s properly ventilated on at least three sides, has food and water bowls attached, and can fit under the seat in front of you.
2. Your pet should travel with ID tags, vaccinations records, and an information sheet inside the carrier.
3. Advance notice is required – you’ll need to let Spirit know you’re traveling with a pet at least 24 hours before departure.
4. There is a $125 per container fee each way to check your pet in cargo.
5. Only dogs and cats under 20 lbs are accepted.

As with any air travel, it’s crucial to consider your pet’s welfare and comfort. Check with your vet to make sure they’re able to tolerate flight stress before arranging cargo transport.

Alternatives If You Can’t Check Your Pet

If for any reason Spirit is unable to accommodate your pet in the cargo hold due to animal restrictions, health/vaccination paperwork issues, or lack of availability, there are a few alternatives you could consider:

1. Fly with another airline that allows pets in-cabin like most legacy carriers.
2. Drive part or all of the trip rather than fly if distance allows.
3. Board your pet at a reputable facility near your destination for the duration of your trip.
4. Consider re-homing your pet with a trusted friend or family member temporarily.

As a last resort, you may need to reschedule your travel for a time when you have pet-sitting support or Spirit cargo space becomes available. Your pet’s safety should always take priority over inconveniencing travel plans.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Whether flying in cargo or staying home, it’s never fun for pets to be separated from their owners. There are some steps you can take to help your furry friend cope:

1. Desensitize them to noises, handling, and their carrier well in advance through positive reinforcement training.
2. Consult your vet about medications to reduce stress and anxiety for flight day.
3. Bring familiar items like a toy or blanket that smells like home.
4. Give lots of love and affection before drop-off for reassurance.

Proper planning is key to make transport as low-stress as possible. Your pet will thank you later for doing everything to ease what can be a frightening ordeal.

Things to Watch Out For

When checking pets as cargo, there are a few potential issues to be aware of. Although rare, incidents do occasionally arise:

• Delays – Pets fly in the belly of the plane, so they may depart or arrive later than your flight if it gets diverted or rescheduled.
• Mishandling – While most pets travel safely, overworked employees could cause injury through rough handling or leaving animals in extreme temperatures.
• Escapes – If someone fails to secure the crate properly, an anxious pet may break out during transport.
• Mortalities – Unfortunately, on very long hauls or in heat waves, a tiny fraction of pets do not survive the stresses of travel.

Buying travel insurance is a good idea in case of medical costs or having to reimburse a pet sitter if plans change. Spirit provides compensation up to $2500 for proven mishandling claims too. Thinking positive but having a backup plan offers the most peace of mind.

Is it Worth the Expense?

Weighing animal comfort against costs can be a tough call. For shorter trips, leaving your pet at home under the care of a good friend may kind of be the best option. But if you’re moving permanently or the separation would be too difficult emotionally, then maybe paying $250 round-trip extra for checked baggage isn’t so bad.

At the end of the day, as a pet parent I think comfort is priceless. If choosing to fly, do your diligence to stack the odds in your pet’s favor for a smooth journey. With prep work and vendors who care, many animals tolerate flights surprisingly well with minimal stress. But you know your pet best – follow your instincts on what feels right!

Final Thoughts

I hope this overview helps provide clarity on Spirit’s pet policies and gives you confidence for making the choice that’s best for your four-legged family member. Flying with animals certainly involves compromise. But with awareness of the precautions to take, chances are good everything will turn out just fine in the end.

Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up! Wishing you and your furry friend safe and happy journeys wherever the road may lead.

Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Pet Type	Cabin	Crate Size	Fees
Cats	Cabin	Small, soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat	$125 each way
Dogs	Cabin	Small, soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat	$125 each way
Emotional Support/Service Animals	Cabin	N/A	No fee, but require pre-clearance
Other pets	Cargo hold only	Hard-sided IATA-compliant kennel	$150 each way
Weight limitations	N/A	Pet plus carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs.	N/A
Health regulations	N/A	Vet health certificate may be required	N/A

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on Spirit Airlines?

   Generally no, Spirit does not allow pets in the cabin except for service animals. All other pets must be checked as cargo.

   

2. What size dog can I bring?

   Spirit has a size limit of just 20 pounds for pets travelling in cargo. Any dog bigger than that can’t fly with Spirit unfortunately.

3. How much does it cost?

   The fee for checking a pet in the cargo hold is usually around $125 each way. But you’ll want to double check the exact cost on Spirit’s website since fees can change.

4. Are there any restrictions?

   In addition to size limits, Spirit doesn’t allow snub-nosed dogs like pugs or bulldogs as cargo due to health risks. You’ll need to provide various documents like health and vaccination records too.

5. Is it safe for my pet?

   While most pets travel cargo without issues, there are inherent risks to flying in the unpressurized cargo hold below the plane. Temperatures can vary widely. It’s best to consider your pet’s needs and whether they’d do better staying home.

6. What about emotional support animals?

   Spirit does allow ESAs in the cabin, but has stricter documentation requirements than other airlines. You’ll need recent medical records and an advisor’s note to qualify. But like dude, who gets their pet “certified” as an ESA just to dodge pet fees? That’s kind of bogus if the animal isn’t genuinely providing support to a disability.

7. Any other options?

   If Spirit won’t work for flying with your pup, you may want to consider driving instead or look at other airlines that are more pet-friendly like Alaska Airlines. But hey, maybe it’s a sign the pup should stay home with a sitter this trip. Who’s a good boy!