Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier for Safe Pet Travel!

When you plan to travel with your pet, especially by air, ensuring their safety and comfort is paramount. Southwest Airlines, like many others, has rules regarding pet carriers to make this possible. Knowing these rules can sometimes feel confusing, but understanding them is crucial for a good trip. This article simplifies the Southwest Airlines pet carrier requirements, providing you with required information on size restrictions, approved carrier types, and other important details. 

This post will walk you through the specifics to confidently choose the right carrier for your pet. You will learn everything from understanding the maximum dimensions allowed to know what constitutes an acceptable carrier. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions and prepare for a stress-free travel experience with your beloved pet.

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Overview

This airline has clear rules for pet travel, and you need to know them. It wants your pet to be safe and comfortable, so follow these rules.

Key Pet Policy Details

It lets small, vaccinated cats and dogs travel in the cabin on domestic flights. 

• Only pets that are eight weeks old or older can travel.
• Kids flying alone cannot bring pets. 
• You need to pay the pet fee for Southwest Airlines at the airport ticket counter.
• Each person can bring one pet carrier, which can hold two small cats or dogs of the same kind. 
• Some destinations have special rules, and Puerto Rico trips might have extra rules.
• This airline does not allow pets on flights to or from Hawaii or international flights.
• Keep pets in carriers at all times in the gate area, during boarding, and the flight. 
• It may not let the pet fly if it is not in the carrier. 
• Put the carrier under the seat during the flight. 

Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Southwest Airlines has a specific pet carrier size Southwest Airlines, and getting it right matters. Here’s a simple look at what they want:

Maximum Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Dimensions

Southwest Airlines says your pet carrier must fit under the seat. They give you Southwest Airlines pet carrier size to help: your carrier should be no bigger than 18.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 9.5 inches tall. These are the most enormous sizes they allow. If your carrier is too big, they might not let your pet fly.

Things To Consider

This airline lets you use soft or hard pet carriers as long as they fit its size rules. Soft carriers squeeze under seats easier, so many people like them. Remember, seat sizes change slightly between planes, so get a slightly smaller carrier to be safe. Your pet must easily fit comfortably, standing, turning, and lying down. Measure your pet when it stands, and measure the carrier itself to make sure it all fits right.

Approved Pet Carrier Types

When selecting an approved pet carrier for Southwest Airlines, understanding the different types and their quality is crucial for a safe journey. Look at approved pet carrier types:

Soft-Sided Carriers

People like soft pet carriers because they bend and fit under seats easily, even in small spaces. 

• They’re light so that you can carry them through the airport without trouble. 
• Mesh sides let air in, keeping your pet calm, and soft insides make them comfy.
• Strong zippers keep your pet inside, and some have leashes for extra safety. 
• Plus, you can fold them up when you don’t need them, saving space.

Hard-Sided Carriers

It protects pets well, especially if they get nervous or scratched. 

• They give pets a strong, sturdy space. 
• Make sure any rigid carrier fits airline pet carrier dimensions. Southwest rules exactly because hard carriers don’t bend. 
• They also need more storage space at home. 
• Buy hard carriers with air holes or grates. Get ones with strong locks or latches so your pet stays safe inside.

Important Features for All Carriers

Get a carrier with a waterproof bottom to stop leaks. 

• Pick a carrier you can clean easily for any messes. 
• Make sure it has good airflow so your pet breathes well. 
• Check that the zippers or latches close tightly so your pet stays inside.

Recommendations

Choose a carrier that keeps your pet safe, comfortable, and fits Southwest’s size rules.

• Check what other customers say and compare the carrier’s features before you buy it. 
• Always measure the outside of the carrier to make sure it matches the airline’s size limits.

Purchasing a Pet Carrier

You need to pick the right pet carrier Southwest Airlines, to fly. Here’s how to choose one:

Official Southwest Airlines Carrier:

Southwest sells its own pet carrier, which is made to fit its size rules, so you don’t have to guess. 

• The carrier is 17 inches long, 9.5 inches high, and 11 inches wide. This size fits under the seat. 
• You must measure your pet to make sure they fit comfortably inside. 
• You must pay Southwest Airlines pet fees of $58. You cannot return it but can exchange it if it’s broken within 14 days. 
• Buying it from Southwest means you know it will fit their rules. 
• It’s easy to buy it right from them. But you can’t return it if you just change your mind, and you have to make sure your pet is comfortable in it.

Alternative Purchasing Options

You can buy pet carriers online. They come in many types and sizes. Read the details and reviews to make sure the carrier meets Southwest’s rules. 

• Local pet stores let you see the carriers in person before buying. 
• Store workers can help you pick the right one. Always check the carrier’s size against the airline’s rules. 
• Look for good airflow, strong locks, and a comfy inside. 
• Compare prices and read what other people say before you buy.

Tips for Choosing a Carrier

First, measure your pet while it stands. This makes sure it fits comfortably inside the carrier.

• Next, pick a carrier where your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down without trouble. 
• Then, make sure the carrier has good air flow, so your pet can breathe easily.
• Choose a carrier with strong zippers or locks your pet can’t open. 
• Finally, buy a carrier that is strong and made well.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Preparing your pet for air travel can reduce stress for both you and your pet. Check out this section to help you prepare your pet for a great travel on Southwest Airlines:

Adjusting Your Pet to the Carrier

Start showing your pet the carrier weeks before you travel. Put the carrier in a place your pet knows, and leave the door open. Put treats, toys, or blankets inside to make it fun for your pet to go in. Give your pet praise and treats when it goes inside. Slowly make your pet stay in the carrier longer and longer. Drive your pet around in the airline to practice for the flight.

Pre-Travel Veterinary Checkup

Make an appointment with the vet. They will check your pet’s health and make sure it’s okay to fly. Talk to them about any worries or fears your pet has. Also, check your pet’s shots are current. Get copies of all their health papers and vaccination records. If your pet gets nervous, ask the vet about things that can help, like calming medicine.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Don’t give your pet a big meal right before the flight. Do give them water a few hours before you leave. Walk or play with your pet to burn off their energy before getting on the plane. Put a familiar blanket or toy in their carrier to make them feel better. You can also spray a calming scent in the carrier.

Travel Day Necessities

Put your contact info clearly on your pet’s carrier. Also, microchip your pet; it helps find them if they get lost. Put pads inside the carrier to catch any messes. Keep your pet’s health papers and travel info where you can easily reach them. If your vet gave you calming medicine, give it to your pet, as they said.

During the Flight

Put the carrier safely under the seat in front of you. Don’t take your pet out of the carrier during the flight. Watch how your pet acts and if it’s comfortable. Talk to your pet gently and calmly.

Pet Travel: Check-in and Boarding Procedures

To bring your pet on a Southwest flight, you must plan carefully and follow their rules. This section will make it easier for you to understand all the steps:

Making a Pet Reservation

Southwest Airlines only allows a few pets on each flight, usually six. So, book your pet’s spot early. Call the airline and tell them you’re bringing a pet. Give them your pet’s breed, size, and weight. Also, ask about the Southwest Airlines pet fee and how you pay it.

Airport Check-In

You need to reach the airport early! This gives you a comfortable amount of time to check-in. Southwest wants you to pay the pet fee at their ticket counter, so go there first. Show your pet in its carrier to the airline staff. Pay the cost with a credit card, and show them any required papers. The airline staff will look at the carrier. They need to make sure it’s the right size and safe. Be ready to show them your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.

Security Screening

At airport security, you must take your pet out of its carrier. You can carry your pet through the metal detector or ask a security person to check your pet by hand. Security will put the empty carrier through the X-ray machine. Make sure you put a leash or harness on your pet during this time. Keep your pet calm and make sure it behaves well.

Boarding the Aircraft

When it’s time to get on the plane, listen to the gate agents and do what they say. They will tell you when to board. Keep your pet safe and sound inside its carrier while you walk onto the plane. Once you’re on the plane, put the carrier under the seat right before you. Make sure that you tucked it in tightly so it doesn’t move around. Also, check that the carrier isn’t sticking out into the walkway or blocking anyone from passing by. You want to make sure everyone, including your pet, is safe and comfortable.

During the Flight

You must keep your pet inside the carrier the whole flight—don’t take it out. Pay close attention to your pet. Watch for signs that your pet feels stressed or uncomfortable. Talk to your pet in a soft, calm voice. This helps them stay relaxed during the trip.

Leaving The Plane

Listen to the flight attendants when the plane lands and do what they say. They will tell you when and how to leave the aircraft. Keep your pet safe and sound inside its carrier. Don’t take your pet out until you are completely off the plane and inside the airport. This keeps everyone safe and makes sure your pet doesn’t get lost or scared.

Handling Pet Emergencies

If your pet gets upset or has a medical problem on the plane, tell the flight attendants immediately. Keep your vet’s phone number handy. You need to notify the flight attendants immediately if your pet seems to be in pain, breathing heavily, or acting strangely. They can help you figure out what to do. Make sure you have the vet’s information written down or stored in your phone so you can give it to the flight attendants if needed. Don’t wait; tell them as soon as you see something wrong.

FAQs Section