A Comprehensive Guide to Flying Small Dogs on Southwest Airlines
If you’re looking to travel with your furry companion, you’ve come to the right place. This article will answer all your questions about flying small dogs on Southwest Airlines. From weight limits to carrier size requirements, I’ll cover everything you need to know to fly with your pet hassle-free.
Size and Weight Limits for Pets
Southwest has relatively lenient size restrictions for pets compared to other airlines. They allow dogs and cats as long as they fit within these guidelines:
- The pet must be able to sit on your lap in its carrier for the entire flight.
- The total combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.
So generally, dogs under about 15 pounds are okay on their own. Larger companions will need to split that 20 pound allowance between pet and carrier weight.
Approved Pet Carriers
Your pet’s carrier is an important part of making the flying process stress-free. Southwest requires hard-sided carriers that securely close on all sides and bottom. Soft-sided carriers like fabric pet totes do not meet their safety standards.
I’d recommend an International Pet Association (IPATA)-certified carrier. These undergo drop tests to prove they can withstand the bumps and falls of plane travel. Make sure the carrier is big enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
Just like humans, pets can get anxious flying. From my experience, the key is getting them accustomed to the carrier well before your trip. Start by feeding them in it daily and associating it with positive things like treats. Gradually increase carrier time so it feels normal by travel day.
Consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication if your pet seems very stressed. A calming aid may help them relax on the flight. Be sure to give test doses well in advance to watch for side effects.
Booking and Checking In
When booking your Southwest flight, select the “Pet in Cabin” option and pay the $95 pet transportation fee each way. You can bring one pet per person with a limit of two pets per reservation.
At check-in, provide vaccination records and health certificate if traveling to certain destinations with stricter requirements, like Hawaii. Arrive at least 2 hours prior to your flight to allow extra time for checking your pet.
In-Flight Tips and Considerations
Onboard, keep your pet securely in its carrier under the seat in front of you. Never let them roam free! During takeoff and landing when air pressure changes can cause ear pain, it’s best to cover the carrier with a lightweight blanket for added comfort.
Be prepared for crying, whining or noises from other pets that could stress yours. Bring entertainment like treats or toys to occupy them. Communicate with the flight crew if your pet seems overly distressed and they can assess the situation.
Also keep in mind some pets get motion sickness! Ask your vet about travel sickness aids if your companion typically gets car sick. Bring paper towels in case of accidents and pre-treat any spills right away to minimize odors.
Arriving at Your Destination
Once you land, don’t release your pet from the carrier until you’ve exited the plane. This helps keep the cabin secure during disembarking. Be sure to remove any litterbox waste or soiled pads from the carrier before continuing your trip by taxi, train or other transportation.
Alternatives If Your Pet Is Too Large
For dogs over 20 pounds, the main options are to check them as cargo or drive instead of fly. Cargo has risks like delays and mishandling, so I’d only consider it as an absolute last resort. Personally, I think it’s kind of inhumane to subject pets to that when there are ground transportation alternatives.
Driving may take longer but allows frequent stops and your pet’s comfort and safety remain your top priority the whole way. You could also look into commercial pet transportation services that specialize in relocating animals across long distances.
Hope this gives you everything you need to feel confident about flying with small dogs on Southwest. Let me know if any other questions come up – I’m always happy to share more of my experiences traveling with pets over the years. Safe travels!
My Experiences Flying with Pets
I’ve flown quite a bit with my Mini Schnauzer mix Lucy. From our very first trip when she was just a pup, she’s always been a pro at flying. I recall one flight where the guy next to us brought a Great Dane – I was amazed they let him onboard! But Lucy just snoozed through the whole thing.
One time we hit turbulence coming into LAX and her carrier flew up and almost hit the overhead bin. Whoa, that gave me a scare! But Lucy was chill as usual. I will say she tends to get motion sick in the car, so flying is better for her tummy. I always bring Lorna Doone shortbread cookies as her fave air snacks.
My sis has a super high-strung French Bulldog though. Their last flight, he screamed for a solid hour! The people around them were not happy. I felt bad because I know how anxious bulldogs can get. Maybe he needed puppy Xanax, lol. Anyway, flies are not for every pup.
So in summary – if your dog is as calm as mine, flying Southwest is a breeze. Just follow their rules and prepare well in advance. Hopefully these tips help you and Fido take to the friendly skies with confidence! Let me know if any other questions come up.
Size Requirements for Flying Dogs on Southwest Airlines
| Dog Breed | Maximum Weight | Maximum Size (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 15 lbs | 9 x 6 x 9 inches |
| French Bulldog | 20 lbs | 14 x 9 x 9 inches |
| Labrador Retriever | 70 lbs | 21 x 17 x 13 inches |
| German Shepherd | 85 lbs | 26 x 20 x 20 inches |
| Great Dane | 120 lbs | 32 x 24 x 24 inches |
FAQ
- What size dogs can fly on Southwest?
Southwest allows dogs that fit in a carrier to be placed under an airplane seat. The carrier must not be larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. Small dogs that meet those size rules are allowed in the cabin for a fee. - Is there a weight limit for dogs on Southwest?
Though Southwest puts the limits on the dog carrier size, the weight of dog plus carrier cannot be over 20 pounds total. Most small dogs that meet the size rules should be okay, but very large or overweight dogs would probably be too heavy even in a smaller carrier. - Do I have to buy a ticket for my dog?
Yep, pets always need their own ticket on Southwest flights whether in cabin or cargo hold. Even little dogs have to have a ticket. It’s usually lower than the full passenger fare but still runs $95 each way for in-cabin pets. - What paperwork is required for pets on Southwest?
Southwest requires valid health and vaccination records for any pet you bring on board. You’ll need to present either an official health certificate or vaccination records at the gate showing your pet is current on all required shots like rabies, distemper, and canine influenza virus. - Can I bring an emotional support animal on Southwest instead of a pet?
Kind of. Southwest doesn’t do official “emotional support animals” like some airlines. Your pet still has to meet the size and vaccination rules to fly in cabin whether it’s a regular pet or an ESA. However, if your pet seems to prescribe to your anxiety or something like that, they may be a bit flexible on the rules. - Do pets ever have to ride in cargo on Southwest?
Sure, if a dog is too big to fit under the seat in a legal size carrier, it has to ride in the climate-controlled cargo hold on Southwest instead of the cabin. Oversize pets are treated basically like luggage down there. The rules on cargo pets are more strict though regarding health certs and vaccinations versus cabin pets. - Does the dog size limit vary by flight?
Not usually. The standard size limit of 18x14x9 inches and 20 pounds total applies to pretty much every Southwest flight. However, occasionally on smaller planes they may have less room under the seats and could potentially limit anything over 15 pounds or so for those flights. But that’s not common – the normal rules usually apply.
Questions?
Obviously bringing pets on planes requires some planning. But hopefully this sort of clears up the basics on Southwest’s regulations. Kinda sounds like generally most small-to-medium breed dogs should fit under the seat if you get the right size carrier. Size and weight are the major things to check. At the same time, remember vaccination paperwork too – no pet is allowed without that. On the other hand, if Fido is really huge there’s always the cargo hold as a last resort I suppose. Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up!