Does Southwest allow large dogs?

What is the weight limit for pets on Southwest Airlines? Southwest Airlines doesn't list a specific weight limit for pets, rather it limits the size based on the carrier size. The dog or cat flying needs to fit comfortably in a pet carrier measuring 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide.



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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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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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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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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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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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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements.

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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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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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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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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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For travelers bringing their pets in the cabin, she said, book a window seat, as the pets will be farther from commotion in the aisle. Those seats also may have more space underneath. Thompson said most airlines only allow dogs and cats in the cabin, though some allow birds.

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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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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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On by-the-seat flights, pets under 25 pounds can sit in a carrier on their owner's lap for a pet fee of $95. For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat.

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A 40-pound dog is indeed too large to travel in-cabin on most (if not all) airlines and will have to ride as cargo. Besides very small pets, only trained and certified service or support dogs with legitimate documentation can sometimes accompany their owners in-cabin.

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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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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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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Bringing your pet on the plane We only accept small dogs and cats. No large dogs are accommodated on JetBlue. The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.

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Southwest Airlines will only carry pets in the cabin; pets are not permitted as checked baggage. There will be no more than six (6) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than six (6) pet carriers per scheduled flight.

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