

Feel free to have your animal utilize a relief station before and after flying.įor more information on how to fly with a service dog on Southwest Airlines, take a look at the customer service site or call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. airports have animal relief stations available. Some locations may have additional health regulations for dogs, so do check the animal requirements for your destination. Other Considerations When Flying with a Service Dog on Southwest Service dogs who are disruptive, aggressive, or pose a safety or health issue may be asked to travel as pets.The service dog may not consume food off the tray tables.The service dog may not obstruct the aisle or occupy a seat.A service dog may sit on the customer’s lap as long as the animal is no larger than two-year-old.If traveling with an animal carrier, the carrier must be safely stowed under the seat in front of the handler while the plane is taking off, landing, or taxiing.The service dog can not obstruct the exit of their handler or others in the event of an emergency.Individuals with service dogs may not sit in an emergency exit seat.The following regulations apply to service dogs while on-board: Southwest does not allow you to replace the form by simply using an ID card, registration, or service animal vest.Īs with all airlines, space and safety are vitally important. Be especially careful to thoroughly complete the form, as an incomplete form is grounds for denial of transport. DOT Service Animal Form dated on the ticket purchase date or afterward. The form is available on the Southwest Airlines website and at airports. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form must be completed accurately and presented at the gate or ticket counter before boarding on the day of travel. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form attests to the health, training, and behavior of the service dog that is traveling. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form before flying with a service dog. If you purchase your ticket in advance, you must submit your form at least 48 hours in advance to Southwest. Southwest Airlines requires completing the U.S. Pet carriers are only allowed to travel with a paid customer and unaccompanied minors aren't allowed to bring a pet on board. In particular, your cat or dog can fly under the seat in front of you. When traveling with a service animal, Southwest allows customers to notify the airline in advance through the “Special Assistance” link, which is accessible through the Passenger & Payment page (when booking online) or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-80) before the travel date. With the Southwest pet policy, small domestic cats and dogs of at least 8 weeks old can travel with you in the cabin. Other non-canine service animals must fly as pets. Southwest Airlines only recognizes dogs as service animals.
Service dogs are individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability and are welcome to fly the cabin with their handler. Because of those changes in federal regulations, Southwest only accepts trained service dogs for travel. Pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals do not qualify under the existing ACA laws. How to Fly With Your Service Dog On Southwest Airlines Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.Before booking a flight on Southwest Airlines with your service dog get to know their service dog policy. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than five pet carriers on a flight during the evaluation period, so reserve your spot well in advance.

Initially, Southwest's pet policy states that we the airline accept up to five pet carriers per scheduled flight (excluding service animals). To make reservations for a pet, the Customer will need to call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and the Customer Representative will gladly create a booking for the pet. Southwest Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports. Each pet carrier can have no more than two of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier. Passengers are permitted to travel with no more than one pet carrier per person. Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the passenger's veterinarian for pets to travel. The pet carrier will count as the passenger's carry-on bag. The dog or cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passenger and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Passengers may bring a soft or hard-sided pet carrier that is leak proof and well ventilated. The Pet Fare is $95 each way per pet carrier. What are the fees associated with pet transport? Southwest Airlines will only accept small cats and dogs in carriers that can be stowed under the passenger's seat. What methods of transport does Southwest Airlines provide for my pet?
