Is there a weight limit for pets on Southwest Airlines?

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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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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As Checked Bags. 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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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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In-cabin rules generally allow only one pet per carrier per person. If you're traveling with another person you should each be able to bring one pet per carrier on board.

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At the time of publishing, to travel with a pet on Delta, United, or American Airlines, your soft-sided pet carrier must be 18 by 11 by 11 inches or smaller. To travel with a pet on JetBlue, your in-flight carrier can't exceed 17 by 12.5 by 8.5 inches, and cargo hold dimensions vary.

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How much is the Pet Fare? 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.

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Make sure your pet fits While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet.

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They can. But basically, they take a look at the pet when you get to the counter and determine if the pet and it's carrier will fit under the seat. A pet who is not a service animal can only travel in the cabin if he weighs 20 pounds or less and is inside an approved carrier.

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Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).

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In-Cabin Pet Policy Emirates does not permit any pets to travel in the cabin of their aircraft except guide dogs for the blind.

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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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