Southwest Airlines
Pet travel policy for Southwest Airlines (WN) — based at Dallas Love Field (DAL), United States.
Policy summary
Southwest Airlines is one of the simpler US carriers to fly with a pet because the program is cabin-only and the rules are uniform across all domestic flights. Small vaccinated cats and dogs are allowed in a soft-sided pet carrier no larger than 18.5 by 8.5 by 13.5 inches that fits under the seat in front of you. The fee is 125 USD per pet carrier each way (95 USD on California intra-state itineraries), and Southwest caps the number of pet carriers per flight at six on a first-come, first-served basis — so call Southwest Airlines reservations to confirm pet space before you finalise your itinerary. Two pets of the same species and size may share one carrier as long as they fit comfortably without exceeding the weight that you can lift. Southwest does not offer cargo or checked-baggage pet shipping under any circumstance, including for connecting itineraries to Hawaii or international destinations served from California and Texas. Service animals are accepted at no charge on Southwest with proper US DOT documentation; emotional-support animals are no longer treated as service animals and must travel under the standard pet program.
Quick reference
| Cabin pets | Yes — cats & small dogs in approved under-seat carrier |
|---|---|
| Cargo / checked program | Not currently offered |
| Cabin fee (one-way) | $125 USD (typical, route-dependent) |
| Carrier max dimensions | 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 in |
| Weight limit | pet must fit comfortably |
| Breed restrictions | Cabin only; no cargo program; six pets per flight maximum. |
| Reservations | 1-800-435-9792 |
| Hub airport | Dallas Love Field (DAL) |
| Country | United States |
How to book a pet on Southwest Airlines
Almost every airline requires you to add a pet to your reservation by phone — there is no online self-service for in-cabin or cargo pets at the major carriers, because the airline must confirm there is space on the specific aircraft type and route. Call 1-800-435-9792 within 24 hours of buying your ticket and ask the agent to add the pet to your booking. You will be quoted the fee at the time of booking and pay it at airport check-in. Bring printed proof of vaccinations and a recent veterinary health certificate, especially for international itineraries.
At the airport, plan to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic departure or three hours before an international departure. The airline gate agent will inspect your carrier, attach an in-cabin pet tag, and confirm that your pet meets the under-seat dimension and weight limits. If your animal is travelling in cargo, you will drop them off at the carrier's dedicated cargo-acceptance facility (separate from the passenger terminal) at least four hours before departure for kennel inspection and loading.