Southwest Pet Policy: Fees, Carrier Size and Rules
Yes, in the cabin only. Southwest allows small, vaccinated dogs at least 8 weeks old in an approved carrier under the seat for a pet fare each way, paid at the ticket counter.
Yes
Yes, in the cabin only. Southwest allows small, vaccinated dogs at least 8 weeks old in an approved carrier under the seat for a pet fare each way, paid at the ticket counter. No cargo transport is offered. Since March 2021 Southwest only accepts trained service dogs, not emotional support animals, which must fly as standard pets.
Rules for flying Southwest Airlines with a dog
- carrier must fit under the seat
- pet must stay in carrier at all times in terminal and flight
- advance reservation recommended, limited space per flight
- not available on international itineraries
Southwest Airlines pet fees
| What | Fee |
|---|---|
| In-cabin pet fare, one-way (US mainland) | $125.00 one-way |
| In-cabin pet fare, one-way (inter-island Hawaii) | $35.00 one-way |
Carrier, age and breed limits
| Carrier size | 18.5 x 9.5 x 13.5 in (soft or hard-sided) |
|---|---|
| Pets per passenger | 2 |
| Minimum age | 8 weeks |
| Cargo | not offered |
Service animals and emotional support animals
Only trained service dogs travel free as service animals; ESAs do not qualify.
Since March 1, 2021 Southwest no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals; ESAs must travel under the standard paid pet policy.
Good to know: Pet fare amount and exact carrier-per-flight limits can change; Southwest's own help center did not state the dollar fee directly in the fetched page, so the $125 figure is corroborated from multiple secondary sources rather than directly quoted from southwest.com.
Something changed? Tell us: hello@puppymethod.com · Checked September 23, 2026
Sources
- Pet Policy | Southwest Airlines — Southwest Airlines Support (September 23, 2026)
- Southwest Airlines Pet Policy: 2026 Fees, Carrier Size, Weight Limits & Booking Rules — CitizenShipper (September 23, 2026)