Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Southwest is a cabin-only airline for pets. No cargo holds, no dark basements—just you, your pet, and hopefully some complimentary pretzels.
Who’s Invited? (The Cabin Club)
Southwest keeps the guest list simple and domestic.
- Species: Only small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs.
- The “Twin” Hack: Each passenger is limited to one pet carrier, but that carrier can contain two animals of the same species (e.g., two cats or two dogs), provided they both fit comfortably and can stand up/turn around.
- Age: Your furry traveler must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Quota: Space is limited to 6 carriers per flight, so call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA as soon as you book to reserve your pet’s spot!
The Cost of the “Bark-gain”
Southwest offers some of the most competitive pet rates in the sky.
- U.S. Mainland: $125 USD each way per carrier.
- Inter-Island Hawaii: Just $35 USD each way per carrier!
- Refundability: Good news! If you cancel your flight or your pet decides they’d rather stay home, the pet fare is fully refundable.
🛑 Important “No-Fly” Zones (International Restrictions)
This is where you need to pay attention. While Southwest flies to many tropical paradises, pets are not allowed on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international leg.
Dogs and cats are NOT permitted on flights to/from:
- Mexico & Central America: Cancun, Cabo, Costa Rica, etc.
- The Caribbean: Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, etc.
- Hawaii (Mainland to Island): While you can fly pets between the Hawaiian islands, you cannot fly them from the U.S. Mainland to Hawaii (or vice versa) on Southwest.
The “Apartment” (Carrier) Specs
Your pet’s carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You can bring a second bag, but one of them must go in the overhead bin!
- Maximum Dimensions: 18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ H.
- Carrier Types: Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are welcome, though soft-sided is recommended for a better fit under the seat.
- The Southwest Store: If you’re in a pinch, you can buy a Southwest-branded pet carrier at the ticket counter for $58.
The “Paws-port” Paperwork
- Domestic Travel: Southwest does not require a veterinary health certificate for pets traveling within the U.S. mainland.
- Vaccinations: Your pet must be vaccinated, though you generally don’t need to flash the papers at the gate.
- Puerto Rico: If you’re heading to San Juan, special entry requirements apply—make sure to check the local PR Department of Agriculture rules!
💡 Expert Tips for 2026:
- Assigned Seating Change: Starting in late January 2027 (and rolling out through 2026), Southwest is moving toward assigned seating. For now, remember: you cannot sit in an exit row or a bulkhead seat (the first row) with a pet.
- The “TSA Shuffle”: At security, you’ll have to take your pet out of the carrier and hold them while you walk through the metal detector. The carrier goes through the X-ray alone.
- Stroller Bonus: For 2026, Southwest allows you to check a pet stroller or a crate for free in addition to your two free checked bags (if booked before May 2025; otherwise, standard fees apply).
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