Rochdi Rais ·
Updated July 7, 2026
When it comes to pet shipping, choosing the right airline is crucial for a stress-free and comfortable journey for your furry companion. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using Southwest Airlines for pet shipping to help you make an informed decision when booking your animal’s travel.
1. The Pros: What Makes Southwest Airlines a Good Option for Pet Shipping?
Affordable Pricing
One of the most significant advantages of using Southwest Airlines for pet shipping is its affordable pricing. Compared to other major airlines, Southwest’s pet fees are generally lower, making it a cost-effective option for pet owners on a budget.
Excellent Customer Service
Southwest Airlines is known for its friendly and helpful customer service, which can be especially reassuring when shipping your pet. Their staff are typically well-trained in handling furry friends and can provide valuable assistance and support throughout the travel process.
Straightforward Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Southwest Airlines pet policy is clear and easy to understand, simplifying shipping your pet. Their guidelines outline specific requirements for pet carriers, documentation, and breed restrictions, helping you ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
2. The Cons: What Are the Limitations of Using Southwest Airlines for Pet Shipping?
In-Cabin Travel Only
One of the most notable drawbacks of using Southwest Airlines for animal shipping is that they only allow pets to travel in the cabin. This means that larger cats and dogs, which require a bigger carrier than the allowed in-cabin size, cannot be transported as cargo. Owners with larger pets may need to explore other airline options or consider ground transportation services.
Limited Availability
Southwest Airlines has limited spots on each flight, making securing a reservation for your pet during peak travel seasons challenging. Additionally, certain routes or destinations may not accommodate pet travel, requiring alternative travel arrangements.
Breed Restrictions
While Southwest Airlines allows many dog and cat breeds to travel in the cabin, they do have some breed restrictions. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are not permitted due to their increased risk of respiratory issues during air travel. This may require owners of these breeds to seek alternative cats and dogs shipping options.
3. Making the Decision: Is Southwest Airlines the Right Choice for Pet Shipping?
The pros and cons of using Southwest Airlines for pet shipping largely depend on your specific pet and travel needs. Southwest Airlines can be an affordable and reliable option for smaller pets that can comfortably fit in an in-cabin carrier. However, pet owners with larger pets or those with breed restrictions may need to explore other transportation methods, such as CitizenShipper.
4. Tips for a Successful Southwest Airlines Pet Shipping Experience
To ensure a smooth and positive pet shipping experience with Southwest Airlines, consider the following tips:
Book Early
Due to limited spots on each flight, booking your reservation as early as possible is essential. This will increase your chances of securing a spot and help you avoid last-minute stress or complications.
Familiarize Yourself with Southwest’s Pet Policy
Review the Southwest Airlines pet policy thoroughly before booking your pet’s travel. Ensure your pet meets all requirements, such as carrier size, weight limits, and breed restrictions. This will help prevent any issues or delays during check-in or boarding.
Prepare Your Furry Friend’s Carrier
Ensure your pet’s carrier meets Southwest Airlines‘ requirements, including size, weight, and construction materials. The carrier should also be well-ventilated and comfortable for your animal to lie down, stand up, and turn around in.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Schedule a pre-travel visit to your veterinarian to ensure your feline is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Obtain a health certificate, if required, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your pet’s ability to handle air travel.
Arrive Early at the Airport
On your travel day, arrive at the airport well in advance to allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and any last-minute issues or concerns. This will also help reduce stress for both you and your pet.
New CDC Rule
The CDC recently passed new laws concerning flying with pets. These new rules are meant to limit rabies exposure in the United States. Due to these new rules, airlines have decided to embargo pets from flying into the U.S. from countries or territories considered “high risk” for rabies or if the pet has been in a high risk location within the past six months.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Southwest Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in the aircraft cabin on most domestic flights for a $125 pet fee each way. Unlike some other major airlines, Southwest does not offer cargo pet transportation or checked pet travel, so only pets that fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you are eligible to fly.
Each passenger may bring one pet carrier, and the carrier can contain up to two cats or dogs of the same species, provided they fit comfortably together. Southwest limits the number of pets allowed on each flight to six, so reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a spot for your pet, you’ll need to contact Southwest Airlines directly before your trip, as pet reservations cannot always be guaranteed at the airport. Because space is limited, it’s best to book as early as possible.
Southwest Airlines Pet Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
Southwest Airlines charges a $125 pet fee each way for eligible dogs and cats traveling in the cabin. This fee is separate from your passenger ticket and applies to every one-way flight segment. Since Southwest does not transport pets as checked baggage or cargo, the in-cabin pet fee is the airline’s only pet travel option.
Here’s how Southwest compares with other popular pet transportation options:
| Airline | In-Cabin Pet Fee | Cargo Pet Option |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | $125 each way | Not available |
| American Airlines | $150 each way | Available on select routes |
| Delta Air Lines | $150 each way | Available via Delta Cargo |
| United Airlines | $150 each way | Available through PetSafe (limited availability) |
| JetBlue | $125 each way | Not available |
| CitizenShipper (Ground Transport) | Approximately $1.00 per mile | N/A – Door-to-door ground transportation |
If your pet is too large to travel under the seat, Southwest isn’t an option because it doesn’t offer cargo service. In that case, professional ground transportation may provide a safer and more flexible alternative, particularly for medium and large dogs.
Southwest Pet Carrier Requirements and Size Limits
Southwest requires pets to travel in an approved pet carrier that fits completely beneath the seat in front of you. The maximum permitted carrier dimensions are:
- 18.5 inches long
- 13.5 inches wide
- 8.5 inches high
Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted as long as they fit within these size limits. Soft-sided carriers are often recommended because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat more easily.
The carrier must be:
- Leak-proof
- Well ventilated
- Securely enclosed
- Large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, including boarding, taxiing, takeoff, landing, and while the aircraft is in the air.
Southwest Airlines Pet Weight Limit
Unlike many airlines, Southwest Airlines does not publish a specific pet weight limit. Instead, eligibility is determined by whether your pet and its carrier fit completely underneath the seat in front of you.
In practice, this generally limits travel to small dogs and cats weighing approximately 20 pounds or less, although the exact limit depends on your pet’s height and body shape as well as the size of the carrier. Pets that cannot comfortably fit inside an approved carrier under the seat are not permitted to travel on Southwest.
Does Southwest Airlines Ship Pets as Cargo?
No. Southwest Airlines does not offer cargo pet shipping, checked pet baggage, or any below-cabin transportation option. All pets must travel in the passenger cabin inside an approved carrier that fits beneath the seat.
This policy is one of Southwest’s biggest limitations for pet owners with medium and large dogs, since larger pets simply cannot fit under the seat. Unlike some other airlines, there is no alternative cargo service available through Southwest.
If your dog is too large to fly in the cabin, professional ground transportation through CitizenShipper can be an excellent alternative. Ground transport offers door-to-door pickup and delivery, regular exercise and bathroom breaks, and personalized care throughout the trip without the restrictions associated with airline cargo travel.
Can You Fly with a Dog on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Southwest Airlines allows small dogs to travel in the passenger cabin provided they fit comfortably inside an approved carrier placed underneath the seat in front of you. Each passenger may bring one pet carrier, and the dog must remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight.
Southwest does not permit pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo, so larger dogs cannot fly on the airline.
Additionally, Southwest restricts certain brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, including Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and similar breeds, due to concerns about respiratory health during air travel. Always confirm your dog’s eligibility before booking, as breed policies may change.
Because only six pets are permitted on each flight, it’s recommended that you reserve your pet’s space as early as possible.
Can You Fly with a Cat on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Cats are permitted to travel in the cabin under the same rules that apply to dogs. Your cat must remain inside an approved carrier that fits completely beneath the seat in front of you throughout the flight.
Southwest charges the same $125 each-way pet fee for cats. Because only a limited number of pets are allowed on each flight, booking your cat’s reservation in advance is strongly recommended to ensure space is available.
Ground Transport: A Better Option for Large Dogs and Restricted Breeds
Southwest Airlines is a convenient option for small pets that fit under the seat, but it isn’t suitable for every dog. If your dog is too large to travel in an airline-approved carrier, belongs to a restricted brachycephalic breed, or becomes highly anxious during flights, professional ground transportation may be a safer and more comfortable alternative.
CitizenShipper connects pet owners with experienced, background-checked drivers who provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate busy airports or coordinate cargo terminals. Unlike airlines, independent transporters can accommodate dogs of virtually any size, making ground transport an excellent solution for large breeds that cannot fly in the cabin.
Ground transportation also allows for personalized care throughout the journey. Drivers make regular stops for exercise, bathroom breaks, meals, and water while maintaining communication with pet owners along the route. For dogs that experience anxiety, senior pets, or breeds with respiratory concerns, traveling in a climate-controlled vehicle is often less stressful than flying.
Every shipment booked through CitizenShipper also includes valuable protections designed to provide additional peace of mind. Drivers are background-checked before joining the marketplace, qualifying shipments include up to $1,000 in Pet Protection Coverage for unexpected illness or injury during transport, and transporters have access to 24/7 FirstVet veterinary telehealth support if medical guidance is needed while your pet is on the road.
For pet owners whose dogs cannot fly on Southwest Airlines, professional ground transport offers a flexible, personalized, and reliable way to safely reach your destination.
FAQ: Southwest Airlines Pet Shipping Policies
To provide further guidance, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to using Southwest Airlines for pet shipping. Southwest does not publish a specific weight limit. Instead, your pet and its carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. In practice, this generally limits travel to small dogs and cats weighing about 20 pounds or less, depending on their size and the carrier dimensions. Pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of six pets allowed per flight. Because availability is limited, you should contact Southwest Airlines as soon as you book your ticket to add your pet to your reservation and confirm space is available.
1. Does Southwest Airlines allow pets?
2. What size pet can fly on Southwest Airlines?
3. Can large dogs fly on Southwest Airlines?
4. How do I reserve a pet on a Southwest Airlines flight?
5. Is ground transport better than flying for some pets?
Conclusion
By carefully considering the pros and cons of using Southwest Airlines for pet shipping and following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure your pet’s successful and stress-free journey. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Southwest’s pet policy, book early, and prepare both yourself and your pet for the travel experience.
However, if you’re looking for alternative pet shipping options, consider using a reliable transportation platform like CitizenShipper. CitizenShipper connects clients with thoroughly screened drivers to offer dependable, cost-effective pet shipping services. You can select between terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door shipping options to best accommodate your requirements and budget.
Rochdi Rais is a senior editor and author at CitizenShipper. He has been a senior editor for ParadiseMedia, USA Herald, and more. He also loves writing about himself in 3rd person.
