Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy Overview

Southwest Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel with you in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo. Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know to fly safely with your pet on Southwest.

The good news: Southwest has a straightforward pet policy. The important part: you must book your pet in advance, and there are strict limits on breed types, carrier size, and animal age.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: $95 USD per pet, one-way
  • Maximum carrier dimensions (cabin): 55cm L × 35cm W × 25cm H (21.6" × 13.8" × 9.8")
  • Maximum carrier weight (cabin): 10 kg (22 lbs) including pet
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 16 weeks
  • Minimum pet age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Maximum pets per flight: 6 total
  • Maximum pets per passenger: 1 per passenger
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

Traveling with your pet in the cabin is the most common option on Southwest. Your pet stays with you under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin

Dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin. Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin with Southwest.

Important breed restriction: Certain brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are banned from cabin travel due to respiratory risks. Banned dog breeds include Bulldogs and Pugs. Banned cat breeds include British Shorthairs, Burmese, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, Persians, and Scottish Folds.

If your pet is visibly pregnant, Southwest will not allow cabin travel. Contact the airline directly if your pet is pregnant.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your pet must travel in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact requirements:

  • Maximum dimensions: 55cm long × 35cm wide × 25cm high (21.6" × 13.8" × 9.8")
  • Maximum weight: 10 kg (22 lbs) total, including your pet
  • Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred and fit better under seats
  • Ventilation: Carriers must have adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard)
  • Absorbent liner: Place an absorbent mat or pad inside the carrier to manage accidents

Your pet must remain in the carrier under the seat throughout the entire flight. You cannot remove your pet or let it occupy a seat.

Cabin Travel Fees and Booking

Cabin pet travel costs $95 USD per pet, one-way. You must book your pet in advance—you cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Southwest limits cabin pets to 6 per flight, so book early.

Health certificates are not required for cabin travel, but we're still verifying the exact booking process—contact Southwest Airlines directly to add your pet to your reservation.

Checked Baggage Travel: Traveling in the Cargo Hold

If your pet is too large for the cabin or you prefer not to keep it with you, checked baggage travel is an option. Your pet travels in the cargo hold with other luggage.

Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage

Dogs and cats can travel as checked baggage. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

Brachycephalic breeds are restricted for checked baggage travel due to respiratory risks. Contact Southwest directly if your breed may be affected.

Visibly pregnant animals are not accepted. Animals in heat: we're still verifying this—contact Southwest directly.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers have stricter requirements than cabin carriers:

  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (per IATA standards)
  • Water bowl: An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Live animal label: Clearly marked "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent liner: Absorbent mat or pad inside to manage accidents

We're still verifying specific carrier dimensions for checked baggage—contact Southwest Airlines directly for exact size limits.

Health Certificate Required

A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is required for checked baggage travel. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your departure date. Get it as close to your travel date as possible to be safe.

Temperature Restrictions

Southwest will not accept pets for checked baggage travel if temperatures exceed certain thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

If your destination is experiencing extreme heat or cold, your pet may not be able to travel. A veterinary acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions—ask your vet.

Advance Booking Required

You must book your pet in advance. We're still verifying the exact number of hours required—contact Southwest Airlines directly.

Cargo Travel: Professional Pet Shipping

Southwest also offers dedicated cargo service for pets. This is typically used for long-distance relocations or when cabin and checked baggage options aren't suitable.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers must meet strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR):

  • Hard-sided crate only: Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo
  • IATA-compliant: Crate must meet IATA LAR container standards
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough fillable from outside
  • Live animal label: "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent liner: Absorbent mat inside the crate

Cargo Eligibility and Health Requirements

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Brachycephalic breeds are restricted. A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required.

Temperature embargoes apply: no travel above 29.4°C (85°F) or below -6.7°C (20°F) without special acclimation certification.

We're still verifying cargo fees and specific booking procedures—contact Southwest Airlines directly.

Important Rules for All Travel Methods

No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Only sedate your pet if explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and Southwest Airlines.

Assistance Animals

We're still verifying Southwest's specific policy for service animals and emotional support animals—contact the airline directly.

What You Need to Do: Action Checklist

  • Check your pet's age: Minimum 16 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked/cargo
  • Verify your breed: If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, confirm it's allowed with Southwest before booking
  • Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before travel (required for checked baggage and cargo; not required for cabin)
  • Choose a carrier: Soft-sided for cabin (max 55×35×25cm, 10kg total); hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo
  • Add absorbent liner: Place a mat inside the carrier
  • Book your pet in advance: Call Southwest or book online—do not show up at the airport with an unbooked pet
  • Check temperature forecasts: Confirm origin and destination temperatures won't trigger embargoes
  • Prepare your pet: Practice carrier time before the flight; bring familiar items and water

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet on Southwest

  • Book early: Southwest limits cabin pets to 6 per flight, so reserve your spot as soon as you book your own ticket
  • Measure your carrier carefully: Use a tape measure to ensure it fits the exact dimensions (55×35×25cm for cabin)
  • Weigh your pet and carrier together: The combined weight must not exceed 10kg for cabin travel
  • Bring water and food: For cabin travel, bring a collapsible bowl and water; for checked/cargo, ensure the carrier has an attached bowl
  • Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at the airport to check in your pet
  • Keep documentation handy: Have your health certificate and booking confirmation ready
  • Avoid peak heat/cold seasons: If possible, travel during mild weather to avoid temperature embargoes

Related Resources

For more detailed information, see our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

If you're flying internationally, check the entry requirements for your destination country. For example, United States and United Kingdom have specific import rules for pets.

Get Help Planning Your Trip

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate Southwest's pet policy and prepare all required documents.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on auto-verified information extracted from official Southwest Airlines sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with Southwest Airlines before booking. Contact them at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or visit southwest.com.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026