Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for 2022 – Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re planning a trip with your furry friend or need to transport animals for work, understanding Spirit Airlines’ pet policy is essential. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover Spirit’s rules for traveling with pets and provide answers to common questions passengers have.
What Types of Animals Can Fly with Spirit?
Spirit allows both cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin, provided they meet certain requirements. No exotic or wild animals are permitted. The carrier must be soft-sided (such as a pet carrier or travel kennel) and can’t exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Pets must remain in their carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
Are Emotional Support or Service Animals Allowed?
Yes, Spirit accepts trained service and support animals to assist passengers with disabilities. These animals fly free of charge and can sit at your feet, but their training must be properly documented. Be prepared to show identification or certification for emotional support animals proving they are needed for your mental health condition.
What Are Spirit’s Advance Check-In Requirements?
All pets, including service/support animals, must be checked in at least 1 hour before your domestic flight or 2 hours before an international one. During check-in, you’ll pay the pet transportation fee and provide vaccination records. Pets not pre-checked cannot fly. It’s a good idea to arrive extra early if traveling internationally with animals.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Pet on Spirit?
Spirit charges a non-refundable, one-way fee of $110 for the first pet and $100 for each additional pet per one-way flight when traveling with your pet in the cabin. Emotional support and service animals fly without charge. These fees help cover any potential cleaning or delays pets may cause. Spirit does not offer pet checked baggage services.
What Documentation is Required?
When checking in your pet, you must present vaccination records signed by a licensed vet showing the animal is current on rabies, distemper and influenza (if flying internationally) vaccines. Documents cannot expire within 30 days of your travel dates. Consider getting vaccinations early if cutting it close to expiration. Records must include your name and pet’s description.
Are There Any Breed or Weight Restrictions?
Spirit does not have breed restrictions like some carriers. However, pets cannot weigh more than 20 pounds each with no single dimension of the carrier exceeding 18 inches. Larger animals won’t fit safely under the seat as required. Snub-nosed breeds prone to breathing issues also face hot weather restrictions from June 1 – September 30 for their safety.
What If My Pet Becomes Disruptive or Unruly?
Spirit reserves the right to refuse any animal causing a disturbance or health/safety risk. Pets must remain in their carrier for the entire flight without exception. If barking, crying or other disruptive behavior occurs, you may be asked to deplane with your pet. Repeated issues could lead to being banned from future travel. It’s wise to consider your pet’s temperament and crate train them for flying.
What About Special Needs for My Pet’s Safety and Comfort?
Bring plenty of water for your pet during the flight. Spirit will not provide food, but you can pack small, sealed treats. Consider anxiety wrap suits or calming supplements and toys for nervous fliers. Never sedate pets without a vet’s approval. Bring newspaper, waste bags, and kitty litter if traveling with cats. Proper car restraints are required if transporting animals in rental vehicles at your destination.
Can I Book Pet-Friendly Hotels Through Spirit?
For passenger convenience, Spirit partners with hotels like Best Western, Choice Hotels and Wyndham that typically allow small pets with an extra nightly fee. Look for the “Pet Friendly” filter when booking your hotel through Spirit’s website. Always confirm pet policies and any size/breed limits directly with the hotel too for peace of mind.
What Happens if My Flight is Canceled or Delayed?
Spirit cannot guarantee on-time pet travel since animals are carried as cargo. Delays or canceled flights due to weather or mechanical issues could disrupt your itinerary. Be prepared with backup boarding, pet sitters or relatives ready to take care of your pet if delays leave you stranded overnight. Consider travel insurance if timeliness is critical. Spirit won’t reimburse lodging, food or inconvenience costs due to flight interruptions.
Any Other Tips for Smoother Pet Air Travel?
From my experience flying with pets, arrive extra early and check your pet’s vaccination records the night before your trip to avoid issues at the airport. Bring backup copies and keep records in an accessible pocket. Consider booking non-stop flights if possible rather than connecting plans. And don’t forget to pamper your pets with treats and belly rubs after a long travel day! Safe travels to all.
In conclusion, carefully reviewing Spirit’s pet requirements well in advance and properly preparing your pet for flying will help ensure a smooth trip. With the right carrier, documents and mindset, most pets can endure brief flights with minimal stress when certain guidelines are followed. Don’t hesitate to contact Spirit directly with any other inquiries before booking animal travel. Safe and happy journeys to all passengers and their pets!
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2022
| Pet Type | Fee | Size Restrictions |
| Cats | $125 one-way | Must be in animal carrier under seat in front of you |
| Dogs | $125 one-way | Must be in animal carrier under seat in front of you |
| Emotional Support / Service Animals | No charge | Proper documentation required – no size limit |
| Maximum number of pets per passenger | 3 | Multiple pets must be traveling together in the same carrier |
| Advance notice to reserve pet space | At least 1 business day before departure | Availability is limited for each flight |
FAQ
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Does Spirit Airlines allow pets in the cabin?
Generally, Spirit Airlines does allow most pets, other than snakes, reptiles and spiders, to fly in cabin. However, there are some size and quantity limits that owners must follow. Basically, pets must fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.
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What types of pets are allowed on Spirit flights?
Spirit Airlines allows dogs and cats as well as smaller pets like rabbits or birds. Snakes, other reptiles, rodents and spiders are not permitted in cabin. Certain exotic pets may require pre-approval, so it’s best to check Spirit’s pet policy page if you have an unusual pet. Besides, pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
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Is there a size limit for pets in cabin?
Yes, there is a size limit. Pets and their carrier cannot be larger than 20 pounds or 20 inches long. It’s important to double check your pet meets this qualifier before flying. The carrier also needs to fit completely under the seat in front of you. As the saying goes, “if your pet is too big, don’t cry – check them in the bag below.”
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How many pets can I bring in the cabin?
Spirit Airlines allows a maximum of one pet per passenger in the cabin. So if you’re traveling alone, just one pet. However, if traveling with another person, each of you could bring one small pet on board. Any more than that and Spirit says the pets must be checked as cargo.
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Is there a pet fee for flying Spirit?
Yes, there is a 5 per direction, per pet charge when bringing a pet in the cabin on Spirit. This fee is non-refundable, even if your pet ends up not flying for some reason. Thankfully, if you check your pet in the cargo hold instead of cabin, the fees may be lower – sometimes $100 each way. So check both options.
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What paperwork is needed for a pet on Spirit?
Spirit requires pets flying in cabin to have an approval form filled out, as well as proof of current rabies vaccination. The paperwork should be brought to the airport. Pets in cargo may require additional vet records and health certificates depending on the destination. It’s always good to prepare documentation early or check Spirit’s website for their latest pet rules to avoid surprises.
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Does Spirit allow emotional support animals?
Yes, Spirit Airlines does allow properly documented emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly without charge or container. However, they must be contained in a harness, leash or carrier. Spirit requires a note signed by a licensed mental health professional to prove the animal is needed for emotional support. Basically, an ESA is different from a service animal. Some airlines are stricter, so be aware of each carrier’s ESA policies.
In summary…
Spirit’s pet policy is on the strict side compared to some major carriers. At the same time, they do try to accommodate small pets in cabin within reason. Nevertheless, it’s best to thoroughly research their rules, like weight and paperwork requirements, before any pet flies with Spirit. On the other hand, for comfort concerns or larger pets, checking them as cargo may be the safer bet. Despite some limitations, with proper planning most pets should travel well on Spirit Airlines.