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Does Southwest allow pets in cabin?

Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier, as indicated below. Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight.



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An animal no larger than a child under the age of two may sit on your lap, otherwise it must be positioned on the plane floor.

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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. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.

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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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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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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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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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If you find a dog, cat or turkey next to you on your next flight, it probably has a right to be there. If sitting so close doesn't work for you, let the flight attendants know—they will try to help.

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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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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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Your Pet's Plane Ticket: Choosing the Right Route Pets must be carefully routed through pet-friendly airlines, and any extended layovers must include comfort stops at pet hotels. Airlines also charge higher rates for live animals due to liability and the additional attention they require.

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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Once you're on your flight, there's only one rule you need to follow. Your pet must stay in their carrier with the door closed, and under your seat at all times. They need to be able to stand up and turn all the way around while in their carrier.

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We flew on a United A320 today, and on this plane, your best choices with an in-cabin dog are an aisle or middle seat. The cabin is divided into three classes: First, Economy Plus and Economy. First Class has two seats on each side of the aisle; the rest of the plane has three seats on each side of the aisle.

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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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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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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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