Pet Carrier Size and Weight

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 109 views

How Much Does it Cost to Take a Pet on Southwest?

Are you a pet owner who loves to travel? Do you have a favorite airline that you always choose for your flights? If so, you might be wondering how much it costs to take your pet on Southwest Airlines. In this article, we will explore the costs associated with traveling with your pet on Southwest and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

The pet carrier fee on Southwest Airlines is a flat rate of $125 per one-way flight. This fee applies to all pets, regardless of their size or breed. However, there are some exceptions and additional costs that you should be aware of.

Pet Carrier Size and Weight

The pet carrier must meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards for pet carriers. The carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, and it must be able to accommodate your pet comfortably. The maximum weight for a pet carrier is 22 pounds, and the maximum size is 18.5 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high.

Additional Costs

In addition to the pet carrier fee, you may also need to pay for additional services, such as:

Pet carrier rental: If you don't have a pet carrier, you can rent one from Southwest for an additional fee.
Pet travel kit: Southwest offers a pet travel kit that includes a pet carrier, a pet blanket, and a pet toy. The kit costs $50.
Pet health certificate: You will need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Pet Travel Restrictions

There are some restrictions on pet travel on Southwest Airlines. For example:

Service animals: Service animals are allowed in the cabin, but they must be trained to behave in a calm and quiet manner.
Emotional support animals: Emotional support animals are not allowed in the cabin, but they can travel in the cargo hold.
Pets in cargo: Pets can travel in the cargo hold, but they must be in an approved carrier and meet the IATA standards.

How to Book a Pet-Friendly Flight

To book a pet-friendly flight on Southwest Airlines, you can follow these steps:

Visit the Southwest website: Go to the Southwest website and click on the "Book a Flight" button.
Enter your travel dates: Enter your travel dates and select your flight.
Add your pet: Click on the "Add a Pet" button and select your pet's type (in-cabin or cargo).
Pay the pet carrier fee: Pay the pet carrier fee of $125 per one-way flight.
Book your flight: Book your flight and make sure to include your pet in the booking.

Traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. However, it's essential to be aware of the costs and restrictions associated with pet travel. By understanding the pet carrier fee, pet carrier size and weight, additional costs, pet travel restrictions, and how to book a pet-friendly flight, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for you and your pet.

Q: How much does it cost to take a pet on Southwest? A: The pet carrier fee on Southwest Airlines is a flat rate of $125 per one-way flight.
Q: What is the maximum weight for a pet carrier? A: The maximum weight for a pet carrier is 22 pounds.
Q: Can I rent a pet carrier from Southwest? A: Yes, you can rent a pet carrier from Southwest for an additional fee.
Q: Do I need to obtain a health certificate for my pet? A: Yes, you will need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: www.southwest.com
IATA Pet Carrier Standards: www.iata.org
Pet Travel Kit: www.southwest.com
Southwest Pet Travel Q&A ==========================

Are you planning to travel with your pet on Southwest Airlines? Do you have questions about the pet carrier fee, pet carrier size and weight, additional costs, pet travel restrictions, and more? Look no further! We've got you covered with our comprehensive Q&A article on Southwest pet travel.

Q: What is the pet carrier fee on Southwest Airlines?

A: The pet carrier fee on Southwest Airlines is a flat rate of $125 per one-way flight. This fee applies to all pets, regardless of their size or breed.

Q: What is the maximum weight for a pet carrier?

A: The maximum weight for a pet carrier is 22 pounds. However, the maximum size for a pet carrier is 18.5 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high.

Q: Can I rent a pet carrier from Southwest?

A: Yes, you can rent a pet carrier from Southwest for an additional fee. However, you must book the rental carrier at least 24 hours in advance.

Q: Do I need to obtain a health certificate for my pet?

A: Yes, you will need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This is a requirement for all pets traveling on Southwest Airlines.

Q: Can I bring my emotional support animal on a Southwest flight?

A: No, emotional support animals are not allowed in the cabin on Southwest flights. However, they can travel in the cargo hold.

Q: Can I bring my service animal on a Southwest flight?

A: Yes, service animals are allowed in the cabin on Southwest flights. However, they must be trained to behave in a calm and quiet manner.

Q: Can I bring my pet in the cargo hold on a Southwest flight?

A: Yes, pets can travel in the cargo hold on Southwest flights. However, they must be in an approved carrier and meet the IATA standards.

Q: How do I book a pet-friendly flight on Southwest?

A: To book a pet-friendly flight on Southwest, you can follow these steps:

Visit the Southwest website and click on the "Book a Flight" button.
Enter your travel dates and select your flight.
Click on the "Add a Pet" button and select your pet's type (in-cabin or cargo).
Pay the pet carrier fee of $125 per one-way flight.
Book your flight and make sure to include your pet in the booking.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a connecting flight?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a connecting flight. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a layover?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a layover. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a red-eye flight?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a red-eye flight. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a international flight?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with an international flight. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight and meet the requirements for international pet travel.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a pet that requires a special carrier?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a pet that requires a special carrier. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight and meet the requirements for special carriers.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a pet that requires a special health certificate?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a pet that requires a special health certificate. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight and meet the requirements for special health certificates.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a Southwest flight if I have a pet that requires a special travel document?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a Southwest flight with a pet that requires a special travel document. However, you must book the pet carrier fee for each leg of the flight and meet the requirements for special travel documents.

Traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. However, it's essential to be aware of the costs and restrictions associated with pet travel. By understanding the pet carrier fee, pet carrier size and weight, additional costs, pet travel restrictions, and more, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for you and your pet.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: www.southwest.com
IATA Pet Carrier Standards: www.iata.org
Pet Travel Kit: www.southwest.com