Does Southwest still allow emotional support dogs?

Southwest Airlines' service dog policy no longer includes emotional support animals. You can fly with a psychiatric service dog in the cabin. What Is a PSD Letter? A PSD letter certifies that you have an eligible disability that permits you to travel with a psychiatric service dog.



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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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At least six major carriers have already taken action to ban emotional support animals:
  • Alaska Airlines.
  • American Airlines.
  • Frontier Airlines.
  • United Airlines.
  • Delta Airlines.
  • Southwest Airlines.


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The airlines also apparently believe that ESA certification is a scam to avoid paying travel fees for pets. After nearly a year of debate, the DOT announced the rule revisions to the Air Carrier Access Act service animal rule “to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.”

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Small dogs that can fit in a pet carrier measuring 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide can fly on Southwest Airlines. The dog needs to be small enough to be able to stand and move around in the carrier.

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All pets should be brought to a security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier on the checkpoint conveyor belt so it can be X-rayed.

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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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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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Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

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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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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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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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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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