Can you fly Southwest with a large dog?

A Southwest Airlines® Pet Carrier with the dimensions of 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H) is always permitted. Other pet carriers are allowed with the maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). All kennels must be specifically designed as pet carriers, but can be soft- or hard-sided.



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What species and size of pets are allowed? We welcome small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier (see below for pet carrier details) in the cabin on domestic flights. Carriers must be stowed under your seat. For Customers traveling to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply.

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So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.

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Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

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If you're considering flying with a dog If you want more space, some airlines let you buy an extra seat that you might be able to use to place your pet's carrier on during the flight. However, your pet generally needs to stay in its carrier the whole trip.

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If you have a large dog, you can still take them on the plane but not in the cabin. Depending on how large your dog is, they could travel as checked baggage or as cargo. The first option means your dog is on the same flight but crated and placed in the cargo hold beneath the plane.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Yes, you can fly with large dogs so long as they are properly crated and prepared to fly. Many airlines require your pet to be at least 8-weeks old before flying. Any younger and dogs are thought to be too fragile for long flights. Your pet must also be free of fleas, ticks, and or infectious diseases.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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In general, yes, flying with a dog in cargo is safe. Thousands of animals fly in cargo across the globe annually. We just hear about the unfortunate cases where something goes wrong. Think about how many shelters transport cats and dogs every day.

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Are pets allowed in first class?
  • Delta Airlines permits no more than 2 pets in Domestic First Class and Domestic Business Class. ...
  • United Airlines similarly permits 2 pets per flight in premium cabins, although there are certain restrictions. ...
  • American Airlines offers First Class Pet Cabinson A321T aircraft.


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Per the Delta dog policy, your dog must fit in an approved pet carrier tha can fit under the seat in front of you — so larger dogs usually can't travel with you on Delta.

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U.S. Domestic Flights: Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). On the day of travel, Customers must bring the pet to the airport in an approved pet carrier. Proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the pet in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate.

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The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

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Bigger dogs: Bend at the knees! Place one arm around the front of their chest (under the neck) and one arm around their back legs underneath the rump. Lift up with your legs.

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Small cats and dogs weighing up to 20 pounds can travel in a carrier with a pet care charge of $300. For medium and large pets between 20 and 65 pounds, you must purchase an additional seat at full price.

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Flying with a larger dog as either check-in baggage or in cargo can cost anywhere between $200 to over $1000. The range between prices is why it's vital to contact your airline or research online to see what costs may be involved.

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For U.S. Mainland flights, the Pet Fare is $125 each way per Pet carrier. For Customers traveling between Hawaiian Islands, the Pet Fare is $35 each way per Pet carrier. Pricing can also be found on our Optional Travel Charges page. Please note, Pet Fare pricing is subject to change at any time.

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Can I buy a seat for my dog on United Airlines? Yes, if you're traveling with an additional pet. United will let you buy an extra seat if you're traveling with more than one dog – you'll need to buy an extra ticket for the pet and pay an additional $125 each way. Read more detailed info here on flying with your dog.

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These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey.

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For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger. For a single passenger with more than one pet, an additional seat must be purchased for the second pet, regardless of the pet's weight.

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