SkyWest Airlines Pet Travel Overview

When I booked Luna's first flight with SkyWest Airlines, I spent hours cross-referencing policies from multiple sources. As a data-driven traveler, I wanted exact numbers—not vague guidelines. Here's what I found: SkyWest allows both cats and dogs in the cabin, but the rules are specific and non-negotiable. This guide breaks down every requirement so you can travel with confidence.

Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Checked Baggage: Which Option Is Right?

SkyWest offers three ways to travel with your pet. Let me compare them head-to-head:

Travel Method Allowed? Carrier Type Cost (One-Way) Best For
Cabin Yes Soft-sided, under-seat $100 USD Small pets; you stay together
Cargo Yes Hard-sided, IATA-compliant Contact airline Larger pets; separate transport
Checked Baggage Yes Hard-sided, IATA-compliant Contact airline Larger pets; checked with luggage

My recommendation: If your pet fits the cabin requirements (which Luna does at 5 kg), book cabin travel. You'll know your pet is safe, climate-controlled, and nearby. The $100 fee is worth the peace of mind.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: $100 USD (one-way)
  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 9 kg (19.8 lbs)
  • Carrier dimensions: 43 cm long × 28 cm wide × 22 cm tall (17" × 11" × 9")
  • Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin); 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
  • Maximum pets per passenger: 1 carrier in cabin

Cabin Travel: The Complete Breakdown

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

Cats and dogs are both allowed in SkyWest's cabin. However, your pet must meet these criteria:

  • Minimum age: 8 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 9 kg (19.8 lbs)
  • Not visibly pregnant
  • Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, or cleared by your vet
  • Valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

Luna, my 5 kg tabby, easily qualified. Her carrier weighs 1.2 kg, bringing the total to 6.2 kg—well under the 9 kg limit.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions SkyWest enforces:

  • Length: 43 cm (17 inches) maximum
  • Width: 28 cm (11 inches) maximum
  • Height: 22 cm (9 inches) maximum

The carrier must also have:

  • Mesh ventilation on multiple sides (IATA standard)
  • Absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents
  • Secure closures so your pet cannot escape

I invested in a collapsible soft-sided carrier specifically designed for airline travel. It cost $45 but has paid for itself in peace of mind. Measure your carrier before booking—airlines enforce these limits strictly.

The $100 Cabin Fee

SkyWest charges $100 USD per pet, one-way. This is a fixed fee, not a percentage of your ticket price. If you're flying round-trip, budget $200 total for your pet's airfare.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, SkyWest accepts pets in cargo and checked baggage. The requirements differ significantly:

Carrier Requirements (Cargo & Checked Baggage)

  • Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • IATA-compliant construction
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner inside the crate
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides

Age and Temperature Restrictions

Cargo and checked baggage travel have stricter age requirements:

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)
  • Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)—your vet can issue an acclimation certificate to override
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)—no exceptions

These temperature limits exist because cargo holds aren't climate-controlled like the cabin. If you're traveling in summer or winter, cargo may not be an option.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: You must have a vet-issued health certificate. Even if SkyWest's website doesn't explicitly mention it, you will be denied boarding without one.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Valid for 10 days before your departure date
  • Issued as close to departure as possible (I got Luna's 3 days before flying)
  • Must confirm: Species, breed, age, weight, microchip number (if applicable), and general health status

Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel. Many vets book up quickly, and you don't want to rush this critical document.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

SkyWest, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. The restricted breeds include:

  • Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs (all types), Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, Japanese Chins, and others
  • Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds

If your pet is on this list, contact SkyWest directly. Some airlines allow these breeds with a vet's clearance certificate. Don't assume you're blocked—verify first.

Advance Booking: The 24-Hour Rule

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to board. SkyWest requires advance booking at least 24 hours before departure. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight to maintain cabin comfort and safety.

How to Book Your Pet

We're still verifying the exact booking method—contact SkyWest Airlines directly to add your pet to your reservation. Have ready:

  • Your confirmation number
  • Pet's name, species, breed, and weight
  • Carrier dimensions (to confirm it meets requirements)
  • Your vet's contact information

Important Restrictions & Rules

Sedation Is Prohibited

Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because sedated animals cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Your vet will refuse to prescribe sedatives for flight, and the airline will refuse boarding if your pet appears sedated.

Pregnant Animals Are Not Accepted

If your pet is visibly pregnant, SkyWest will not allow travel due to health risks. If you're unsure, get a vet's confirmation before booking.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying SkyWest's specific policy on animals in heat—contact the airline directly if this applies to your pet.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

4-6 weeks before travel:

  • Confirm your pet meets all SkyWest requirements (age, weight, breed)
  • Measure and test your carrier to ensure it fits under the seat
  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate

2 weeks before travel:

  • Book your flight
  • Confirm your vet appointment is scheduled
  • Research pet-friendly accommodations at your destination

1 week before travel:

  • Get your pet's health certificate from the vet (within 10 days of departure)
  • Contact SkyWest to add your pet to your reservation (24+ hours before flight)
  • Pack: carrier, absorbent liners, food, water, medications, comfort items

Day of travel:

  • Arrive at the airport early (SkyWest may require extra time for pet check-in)
  • Have your health certificate ready at the gate
  • Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Comparing SkyWest to Other Airlines

If you're considering alternatives, here's how SkyWest stacks up. United Airlines charges $125 for cabin pets, while American Airlines also charges $100. Southwest Airlines is known for pet-friendly policies with lower fees. For detailed comparisons, see our pet travel costs guide.

Special Considerations for Your Pet

Flying is stressful for pets. Here are practical tips:

  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks before travel. Leave it open at home so they explore it voluntarily.
  • Exercise your pet before the flight to reduce anxiety and the urge to use the bathroom mid-flight.
  • Avoid feeding 2-3 hours before departure to reduce nausea and accidents.
  • Use calming aids (pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps) if your vet recommends them—just not sedation.
  • Keep your pet's routine consistent at your destination to minimize stress.

Luna traveled well because I prepared her. We practiced carrier time at home, and I kept her routine consistent on travel day. Small steps make a big difference.

Traveling to Specific Countries?

Pet import rules vary by destination. If you're flying to the United Kingdom, Australia, or Canada, you'll need additional documentation beyond SkyWest's requirements. Check our country-specific guides before booking.

Need More Help?

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel documents, see our documents checklist. If you're flying with a dog, our dog travel guide covers breed-specific considerations. For brachycephalic breeds, read our brachycephalic breed guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Luna taught me that preparation eliminates stress. SkyWest's policies are clear—follow them exactly, book early, and get your health certificate. Your pet will arrive safely, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you did everything right.

Data auto-verified from official SkyWest Airlines sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with SkyWest before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026