Traveling with your furry friend can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to do your research and make sure you're prepared before you book your flight. Here are the steps you need to take to add a pet to your Southwest flight:

How to Add a Pet to Your Southwest Flight

1. Check the Southwest Pet Policy

Before you book your flight, be sure to check the Southwest Pet Policy to make sure your pet is eligible to fly. Southwest allows small dogs, cats, and rabbits to fly in the cabin, as long as they meet the following requirements:

  • The pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
  • The pet must be healthy and have a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.
  • The pet must be properly vaccinated.
  • The pet must be able to fit comfortably in a hard-sided carrier that meets Southwest's size and weight restrictions.

2. Book Your Flight

Once you've confirmed that your pet is eligible to fly, you can book your flight online or through a Southwest reservations agent. When you book your flight, be sure to mention that you'll be traveling with a pet. You'll need to provide the pet's name, weight, and breed, as well as the size and weight of the pet's carrier.

3. Prepare Your Pet for Travel

Before your flight, there are a few things you can do to help your pet prepare for travel:

  • Introduce your pet to its carrier well in advance of your trip. Place the carrier in a familiar area of your home and let your pet explore it at its own pace.
  • Take your pet for a short drive in the carrier to help it get used to the feeling of being in a moving vehicle.
  • Make sure your pet has a clean bill of health from a veterinarian within 10 days of your flight.
  • Pack a small bag of food, water, and treats for your pet to bring on the flight.

4. Check In for Your Flight

When you arrive at the airport, you'll need to check in your pet at the Southwest ticket counter. You'll need to provide the pet's carrier, as well as the pet's health certificate and vaccination records. You'll also need to pay a pet fee, which is $95 each way. You can pay this fee at the ticket counter or online in advance.

5. Board Your Flight

Once you've checked in your pet, you can proceed to the gate for your flight. When it's time to board, you'll need to place your pet's carrier under the seat in front of you. You'll also need to keep your pet calm and quiet during takeoff and landing.

6. Arrive at Your Destination

When you arrive at your destination, you'll need to claim your pet's carrier at the baggage claim area. Once you've retrieved your pet, you can take it home and let it settle in.