Traveling with your furry friend can be a hassle, but it's possible with Southwest Airlines. The airline allows you to bring your pet on board as checked baggage or carry-on luggage, depending on the size of your pet and the type of aircraft you're flying on.

Can Pets Fly Southwest?

Checked Baggage

If your pet is too large to fit in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you, they will need to travel as checked baggage.

To check your pet, you will need to:

1. Purchase a pet carrier that meets Southwest's size and weight restrictions.

2. Bring your pet to the airport at least two hours before your flight.

3. Check your pet in at the ticket counter.

The cost to check a pet varies depending on the size of the pet carrier. For a carrier that is 20 x 16 x 10 inches or less, the cost is $95 each way. For a carrier that is larger than 20 x 16 x 10 inches, the cost is $175 each way.

Carry-On Luggage

If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you, they can travel as carry-on luggage.

To bring your pet on board as carry-on luggage, you will need to:

1. Purchase a pet carrier that meets Southwest's size and weight restrictions.

2. Place your pet in the carrier before you arrive at the airport.

3. Bring your pet to the airport at least two hours before your flight.

4. Check in your pet at the ticket counter.

5. Place your pet carrier under the seat in front of you during the flight.

There is no charge to bring a pet on board as carry-on luggage.

Pet Restrictions

Southwest Airlines does not allow the following pets on board:

1. Animals that are sick or injured.

2. Animals that are pregnant.

3. Animals that are aggressive or likely to cause injury to other passengers or animals.

4. Animals that are not properly vaccinated.

5. Animals that are not properly restrained in a carrier.

If you are traveling with a pet, be sure to check with Southwest Airlines before your flight to make sure that your pet is allowed on board.