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Conditions matter. These details describe a specific type of trip, not every Southwest Airlines itinerary.
Can your dog fly in the cabin?
Yes, with conditions
Small, vaccinated dogs may travel in the cabin.
One carrier per ticketed customer; up to two small pets of the same species can share it. Keep pets fully enclosed and the carrier under the seat onboard.
What does it cost?
$125.00 each way · per carrier
Mainland pet fare; pay at the airport ticket counter.
The pet policy specifies accepted credit cards and a refundable pet fare if you cancel.
Choosing a carrier
18 × 10.5 × 10 in · maximum
Maximum for other pet carriers: 18 in long, 10.5 in wide, 10 in high.
Soft-sided is recommended. Your dog must stand and move easily inside; under-seat space varies. The Southwest-branded carrier has different dimensions.
Reserve a place for your dog
Call Southwest to reserve a pet space before travel.
Space is limited. Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
Minimum age
Is there a weight limit?
No published numeric limit
The reviewed guidance gives fit requirements rather than a numeric weight limit.
Your dog, including head and tail, must fit completely inside and move easily.
Decisions before you book
The additional baggage detail was checked against indexed official text. Confirm it alongside the airline’s full current policy.
Carrier, backpack and trolley? Not all three
Southwest describes the carrier as your personal item or carry-on. In addition to the carrier, you may take one personal item or one regular carry-on, subject to its baggage rules. Choose that remaining item before packing.
Southwest — official carrier guidanceConfirm seating and pet check-in together
QUESTION TO CONFIRM
When arranging the pet reservation, ask which seat restrictions apply to your flight and where to present your dog and pay at the airport. Keep the pet confirmation with the passenger reservation rather than relying on a carrier purchase receipt.
Southwest — carrier and travel guidanceUse the answers for the route and operating flight you will actually take. A different cabin, aircraft or connection can change the result.
Keep your booking answers
Use this short record while speaking to the airline. Do not enter payment details or identity-document numbers.
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READ THIS ALONGSIDE THE RULES
What this guide covers
Southwest Airlines-operated domestic cabin travel in the contiguous U.S. Confirm your aircraft, seat and pet space. International travel, Hawaii, partners and service animals are outside this guide.
The date records a review of the linked sources. Confirm your itinerary with the operating airline.
Open Southwest Airlines’s complete pet policyPrepare for your flight
Measure your dog and carrier Plan your dog’s first flight Check travel documents Compare airlinesOther airlines to check
If these airlines serve your route, compare their carrier, seating and booking rules before choosing your flight.
Read Frontier Airlines’s cabin travel guide Read Allegiant Air’s cabin travel guide Read Breeze Airways’s cabin travel guide