How do I fly my large dog on Southwest?

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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Cats and dogs must remain in the carrier (including head and tail) and the carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the Customer (owner) for the entire duration of the flight. A pet may not share a carrier with a trained service animal.

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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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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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What is the Best Airline To Fly With Dogs?
  • Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines welcomes a whole range of pets on board, not just dogs. ...
  • American Airlines. American Airlines welcomes cats and dogs on flights, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, they aren't allowed to travel as cargo. ...
  • Delta Airlines. ...
  • Hawaiian Air. ...
  • JetBlue.


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Animals count as carry-on items. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. The pet must remain inside their dog or cat travel crate (17-by-8.5-by-12.5 inches) while at the airport and in the aircraft for the entire flight. Only four pets are allowed per flight.

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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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According to estimates released by the Department of Transportation, less than 1 in 10,000 animals were injured, lost, or killed from flying. That said, the general safety of flying your pet as cargo doesn't discount the gravity of the fact that animals are sometimes harmed by flying in the cargo hold.

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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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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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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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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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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best. When pets fly via cargo, they are not attached to your ticket, which means they can fly separately from you and be more easily tracked and monitored.

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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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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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Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.

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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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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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