What types and sizes of pets can fly on Spirit?

Spirit Airlines permits dogs and cats either in a carrier that fits under the seat. The pet carrier cannot be larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches high. You can bring one pet per passenger. Perhaps rumors of Spirit shipping pet snakes or tarantulas in luggage aren’t accurate!n

Is there an extra fee for pets on Spirit?

Indeed, there is an additional fee for bringing your furry companion along. The charge is 0 each way for the pet to travel in the cabin. That fee sort of adds up if you’ve got Fluffy with you roundtrip! Nonetheless, it can be worthwhile for some pet owners to keep their pets by their side on flights.n

What paperwork is required for a pet on Spirit?

To avoid surprises, be sure to have the kennel or carrier, vaccination records, and any other paperwork showing your pet is fit to fly. Spirit lists full details on their website. But if you forget something, hopefully they’ll work with you instead of leaving Fido at the terminal! Triple check requirements ahead of time for a smoother furry flying experience.n

Can I travel with an unusual or exotic pet on Spirit?

While Spirit allows traditional dogs and cats, bringing more unusual pets may be iffy. Flight attendants have enough to deal with as it is. Imagine the chaos if something went awry with snakes, chickens or tarantulas zipping around the cabin at 35,000 feet! Unless its an certified emotional support iguana perhaps, stick with plain old dogs and cats on Spirit for a low-stress journey.n

What if my pet becomes disruptive during the flight?

If little Toto acts up and refuses to settle down, Spirit reserves the right to remove the pet from the flight if it causes disturbances. No one wants to listen to a barking pooch for hours! Hopefully, with training your pet will behave. But if not, you may need to reconsider flying versus other ground transport for your unruly animal. Safety comes first, after all.

Is Spirit Airlines Pet Friendly? Do They Allow Pets Onboard?

Q: Is Spirit Airlines Pet Friendly?

nnPet TypenRulesnFeesnnnCats and dogsnMust remain in carrier under seat during entire flight.n$125 per carrier, each way.nnnSnakes, birds, and other exotic petsnNot allowed as carry-on or checked baggage.nN/AnnnEmotional support animalsnRequire veterinary health form and note from mental health professional. Must remain harnessed or leashed during flight.n$125 each way.nnnMaximum sizenPet and carrier cannot exceed combined weight of 20 lbs.nOverweight pets not accepted.nnnAdvanced bookingnReservations must be made at least 1 hour before flight departure.nNo same-day reservations.nn

Is Spirit Airlines Pet Friendly? Answers to Your Pet Travel Questions

If you’re planning to fly with your furry companion, you may be wondering whether budget airline Spirit Airlines is a pet-friendly option. In this article, I’ll answer common questions travelers have about Spirit’s pet policies and provide tips based on my own experiences flying pets on different airlines.

Does Spirit Allow Pets in the Cabin?

Spirit does permit most cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, either in a carrier that fits under the seat or in a soft-sided carrier that you can keep at your feet. The animal must remain in its carrier for the entire flight. However, there are some size and quantity limits:

Pets cannot exceed 20 pounds
You’re only allowed one pet per passenger
Emotional support animals or service animals do not count toward the weight or number limits

Spirit also reserves the right to refuse any animal that shows signs of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or anything else that could potentially disrupt the cabin. So if Fido is under the weather, it’s best to reschedule your travel until he’s feeling better.

What About Larger or Multiple Pets?

If your pet exceeds 20 pounds or you need to bring more than one animal, Spirit allows transport in the cargo hold for an added fee. But from my experience, flying a pet as cargo introduces more potential stresses and risks. I’d generally avoid it if possible due to changes in air pressure, temperature variations, and the potential for longer delays on the tarmac.

Another option is to check your extra-large pet as oversized luggage. You’ll pay hefty baggage fees, but at least your pal will stay inside the aircraft rather than riding below in cargo. Of course, you won’t have the animal with you on the flight either way, so it’s not an ideal solution if your pet gets nervous traveling alone.

What About Emotional Support or Service Animals?

If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal, Spirit considers these animals to be a “Service Animal” and waives pet-related fees. However, you must complete Spirit’s online ESA/Service Animal Form and submit it along with supporting documentation from your licensed mental health professional or medical doctor at least 48 hours before your flight.

Documentation cannot be older than one year. Spirit may also require additional examination of your animal if the need for it isn’t obvious. So plan ahead and be prepared to provide the proper paperwork if you need to travel with an ESA.

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What Fees Are Involved?

There is a non-refundable $110 pet carrier/crate fee each way for animals flying in the cabin on Spirit. This fee includes a maximum of one pet per ticketed passenger. You’ll pay this fee when you book your reservation online. Additional check baggage fees may apply depending on the size of your pet’s carrier.

If your pet must fly in the cargo hold, the potential fees are considerably higher – anywhere from $150 to $300 each way depending on the route. So cabin transport is definitely less expensive if your pet qualifies.

What About Reservations and Check-In?

You’ll need to enter your pet’s details, including weight, breed, age, and other ID information during the booking process. Spirit highly recommends purchasing a refundable ticket in case your pet circumstances change. Once booked, you cannot make any changes to bring additional pets without paying change fees.

When checking in for your flight, arrive at least 90 minutes before your departure to handle any pet paperwork requirements or inspections. Spirit also advises keeping pets confined during airport check-in and at the gate to avoid other travelers who may have pet allergies. Make sure Fido is well-behaved and comfortable in public places before traveling by air too!

What Can I Bring for My Pet’s Comfort?

Spirit allows small amounts of food, treats, toiletries, toys, and other items to comfort or entertain your pet. But avoid bringing excessive amounts, as cabin space is limited. Your pet’s carrier should also be leak-proof in case of accidents. Bring plastic bags, paper towels, cleaning solution and make sure your pup is well-exercised before boarding just to be safe.

Some other handy items include water and bowls (sealed), a favorite blanket or toy, calming treats if your pet gets nervous flying, and identification tags in case you get separated at the airport. Prepare your pet by getting them accustomed to the carrier before travel day too. The more comfortable they are, the less stress for both of you on flight day!

What About Connecting Flights?

Spirit does not have direct flights to all destinations, so you may need to make a connection when traveling with a pet. Layovers of 3 hours or longer are not recommended for animals. If your itinerary includes a layover exceeding 3 hours, you’ll need to work with Spirit’s Special Assistance desk to coordinate transporting your pet directly to the next departure gate without having to retrieve them from the cargo hold.

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Speakers who have found themselves in this situation recommend giving yourself at least a 4-hour layover buffer to account for any potential delays. It helps to call Spirit ahead of time to confirm handling procedures too, just to be safe. The last thing you want is showing up to claim a delayed pet only to find out they’ve already been loaded onto the next flight without you!

And remember, even with the best laid plans travel delays are always possible. So build in extra time between connections if at all able when flying with pets on budget carriers like Spirit that may have less flexibility for schedule adjustments compared to larger airlines.

What’s the Verdict on Spirit Airlines for Pet Travel?

Overall, Spirit Airlines can work for flying with small pets assuming your animal meets the weight limits for cabin transport. Just be prepared for some higher out-of-pocket costs compared to other airlines. Communication is also key when connecting flights or special circumstances are involved.

While Spirit’s basic pet policies seem straightforward, the reality of pet air travel always carries uncertainties. Factors like sudden flight changes, delayed baggage, and your own pet’s personality are hard to fully account for. So flexibility is key when traveling by air with animals.

If at all possible, I’d opt for more pet-friendly carriers like Alaska Airlines that offer pet-specific amenities and shorter connections whenever schedules allow. But if Spirit gets you where you need to go for a reasonable price, just go in with realistic expectations and a backup plan to keep stress levels low for you and your furry friend.

Hope this helps shed some light on Spirit Airlines’ pet travel policies! Let me know if any other questions come up as you plan your furry family’s next flying adventure.