Southwest Airlines Pet Fee: Everything You Need to Know
Traveling with your dog or cat on Southwest? Here's the exact cost, carrier requirements, and booking process for 2026.
Southwest Pet Fee Summary
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Pet fee | $125 per carrier, each way |
| Travel location | In-cabin only (under the seat) |
| Cargo/checked baggage | Not accepted |
| Pets per carrier | 1–2 of the same species |
| Max carriers per passenger | 1 |
| Max pets per flight | 6 carriers total (first come, first served) |
| Round trip cost | $250 ($125 × 2 segments) |
Accepted Pets
Allowed Animals
- • Dogs (domestic)
- • Cats (domestic)
- • Small household birds (excluding birds of prey)
Not Accepted
- • Exotic or wild animals
- • Reptiles
- • Rodents / ferrets
- • Spiders / insects
- • Birds of prey
- • Any animal in cargo
Carrier Requirements
Your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and remain there for the full duration of the flight.
Carrier Specifications
Soft-sided carriers recommended
Soft-sided carriers compress to fit under seats more easily than hard-sided ones
Must be well-ventilated
Mesh panels on multiple sides required for airflow
Pet must fit comfortably
Pet must be able to turn around and stand naturally inside the carrier
Leak-proof bottom
Carrier must have a waterproof or absorbent liner
How to Book a Pet on Southwest
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Book your flight first
Complete your passenger booking at southwest.com or through the Southwest app
- 2
Call Southwest to add your pet
Pets cannot be added online — you must call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to reserve a spot
- 3
Reserve early — only 6 carriers per flight
Southwest limits pet carriers to 6 per flight on a first-come, first-served basis
- 4
Pay the $125 fee at check-in
The pet fee is collected at the airport, not during booking
- 5
Keep your pet in the carrier throughout the flight
Pets must remain in their carrier and under the seat for the entire flight
Total Cost: Pet + Bags on Southwest
When traveling with a pet, your pet carrier counts as your personal item or carry-on. Plan your bag situation accordingly:
| Travel Scenario | One Way Cost | Round Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pet only (no checked bags) | $125 | $250 |
| Pet + 1 checked bag | $160 ($125 + $35) | $320 |
| Pet + 2 checked bags | $205 ($125 + $35 + $45) | $410 |
Calculate Your Full Trip Cost
Use our baggage fee calculator to see the total cost of your checked bags alongside your pet fee.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the pet fee on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines charges $125 per pet carrier, each way. This fee is non-refundable and applies to in-cabin travel only.
Does Southwest allow pets in cargo?
No. Southwest Airlines does not accept pets as checked baggage or in the cargo hold. Pets must travel in-cabin in an approved carrier.
What size carrier does Southwest require for pets?
The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions are approximately 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" for soft-sided carriers.
Can I bring two pets on Southwest?
You may bring one pet carrier per ticketed passenger. The carrier can contain up to two pets of the same species that can comfortably fit together.
Do I need to reserve space for my pet on Southwest in advance?
Yes. Southwest limits the number of pets allowed per flight (typically 6 pet carriers per flight). You should call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to reserve space for your pet as soon as you book your ticket. The $125 fee is collected at check-in.
Does the pet fee apply on a round trip or per segment?
The $125 fee applies per flight segment, not per round trip. A round trip is two segments, so you'd pay $250 total. A trip with a connection is three segments = $375.
Can two pets share one carrier on Southwest?
Yes, two pets of the same species can share one carrier if they can both fit comfortably and stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. Only one fee ($125) applies per carrier.
Is the Southwest pet fee refundable if I cancel?
The pet fee is non-refundable. If you cancel your flight, the pet fee is not returned. Contact Southwest at 1-800-435-9792 for specific situations.
Does my pet carrier count as a carry-on?
Yes. When you bring a pet carrier, it counts as your personal item or carry-on allowance. You may still bring one carry-on bag in the overhead bin in addition to your pet carrier.
Do service animals or emotional support animals pay the pet fee?
Trained service animals (as defined by the DOT) are accepted free of charge. Southwest no longer accepts emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. ESAs travel under the standard $125 pet fee policy.
Can I book a pet online on Southwest?
No. Southwest does not allow online pet reservations. You must call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to add a pet to your reservation. Since only 6 pet carriers are allowed per flight, book early.
All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.