Updated Southwest Airlines ESA Policy and Guidelines

In response to new regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest Airlines updated its policies regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) and trained service animals, effective March 1, 2021. This revision no longer allows emotional support animals to travel, but it ensures that passengers with disabilities can still travel with their trained service dogs. These changes aim to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers. Below, we’ll outline Southwest Airlines’ current policies for traveling with service dogs, emotional support animals, and pets.

Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy

These pet travel guidelines ensure a smooth journey for your furry friends. Now, let’s take a look at Southwest Airlines’ policy for service animals and psychiatric service dogs:

Pet Carrier Requirements
Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin, provided they are in an appropriate pet carrier. The pets must be at least 8 weeks old to qualify for travel.
One Pet Carrier Per Customer
Each ticketed customer is permitted to bring only one pet carrier, with a maximum of two pets of the same species per carrier.
Advance Reservations
Due to limited space, passengers must make pet travel reservations in advance by calling Southwest Airlines.
Pet Fare
A refundable Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter. If a reservation is canceled, the Pet Fare is refunded.
In-Carrier Policy
Pets must remain secured in their carrier at all times during the flight, including at the gate, boarding, and deplaning.
Travel Restrictions
Pets are not permitted on flights to/from Hawaii, nor on any international routes. Specific travel requirements also apply for trips to Puerto Rico.

Key Updates to Southwest Airlines ESA Policy

Under the updated policy, only trained service dogs are permitted, addressing concerns about untrained animals in the cabin and enhancing the overall flying experience.

These updates are designed to ensure safer and more consistent travel experiences for all passengers, while also addressing concerns related to the transport of untrained animals in aircraft cabins.

Here are the key policies of Southwest Airlines for traveling with your ESA:

No Longer Accepting ESAs:
Southwest no longer accepts emotional support animals for travel starting March 1, 2021.
Only Trained Service Dogs Allowed:
Only trained service dogs are permitted. These dogs must be trained to assist individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, or other mental disabilities.
Service Animal Documentation:
Passengers traveling with service dogs must submit a completed Department Of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to confirm the animal’s health, behavior, and training.
Pet Travel Program:
Passengers can still travel with pets (dogs and cats) via the airline’s pet program, subject to size and in-cabin stowage requirements.

Southwest Airlines Policy for Service Animals

Southwest Airlines accepts only trained service dogs for travel, in compliance with new U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

Eligible Animals: Only trained service dogs are accepted for travel. These dogs must be individually trained to assist with disabilities such as physical, sensory, psychiatric, or other mental conditions.
Accepted Species: Only dogs are recognized as service animals; no other species are allowed.
Documentation Required: Passengers must present a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the gate or ticket counter. This form affirms the dog’s health, behavior, and training.
Behavior Expectations: Service dogs must remain under control and not disrupt the flight. Passengers must ensure their service dog is well-behaved throughout the journey.
No Additional Pet Fees: Service dogs can travel with their owners at no extra cost, provided all applicable requirements are met.

Summing Up Southwest Airlines Policies for ESA and Service Animals

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer accepted for travel.
Only trained service dogs are allowed for travel.
Service dogs must be individually trained to assist with specific disabilities.
Passengers must submit a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Pets (dogs and cats) can travel through the pet program with a fee.
Pets must remain in their carrier at all times during the flight and at the gate.
No pets are allowed on flights to/from Hawaii or on international routes.
Service dogs travel at no extra cost if all requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit any documents when traveling with a service dog?

Yes, passengers traveling with service dogs must submit a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to confirm the dog’s health, behavior, and training.

Can I bring multiple pets on the same flight?

You are allowed to bring one pet carrier per ticketed customer, with a maximum of two pets of the same species in the carrier.

Are there any restrictions on where pets can travel?

Pets are not allowed on flights to/from Hawaii or on international flights. Specific requirements also apply for travel to Puerto Rico.

How do I make a reservation for traveling with a pet?

Reservations for pet travel should be made in advance by calling Southwest Airlines, as space is limited. The Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter.

What happens if my pet is not in the carrier during the flight?

Pets must remain in their carrier at all times during the flight, boarding, and deplaning. If not, the pet may be denied transportation.

How strict is Southwest with its pet policy?

Southwest Airlines enforces its pet policy strictly to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Pets must remain in their carrier at all times during the flight, and reservations must be made in advance due to limited space. Pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii.

What documents do I need to fly with my emotional support dog?

Since Southwest no longer accepts ESAs, emotional support dogs are not permitted to travel. However, if you're traveling with a trained service dog, you will need to submit a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the gate or ticket counter to confirm your dog’s health, behavior, and training.

What is the number for the Southwest pet policy?

To inquire about Southwest Airlines’ pet policy or make a reservation for your pet, you can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).