Does the thought of leaving your furry friend at home while you’re traveling give you separation anxiety? If so, you might be able to bring them with you, as most U.S. airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly with you in the cabin. Southwest Airlines ranks as one of the most pet-friendly airlines in the United States.
That said, travel with a pet is hardly a free-for-all, as the airline only accepts small dogs and cats. In addition, Southwest Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment. The airline's pet policy requires that you carry your pet in an appropriate pet carrier that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Further, your small dog or cat must be at least 8 weeks old to travel. Southwest Airlines allows only one soft-sided pet carrier per passenger. However, each pet carrier can contain a maximum of two small cats or dogs. This means you can fly with 2 small cats or dogs with Southwest Airlines. If the two animals are small enough to comfortably stay in the same carrier, that is.
Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier Dimensions
Southwest Airlines accepts pet carriers that do not exceed the following dimensions: 18.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches tall. Your small dog or cat must be completely inside the carrier, which must be well-ventilated. In addition, your pet must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around in the carrier with ease. To avoid being turned away with a pet carrier that exceeded SWA's dimension limits, I recommend you buy one that is a bit smaller.
Top 4 Southwest Airline-Approved Pet Carriers
1. Petskd's 17x13x9.5-inch Pet Carrier
Measuring 17" L × 13" W × 9.5" H, this well-ventilated pet carrier is Southwest Airline-approved and can be placed under the seat in the cabin. Mainly designed for Southwest Airlines, this soft-sided carrier has five mesh windows for good ventilation and viewing and 3 entrances. To ensure your pet's safety, each entrance has two non-slip zippers. The mesh material has been upgraded to effectively prevent your pet from tearing the mesh with their nails and from falling out of the carrier. This carrier is suitable for pets that are 8 inches tall x 16 inches long and weigh under 13 pounds (dogs) or 15 pounds (cats).
2. Petskd's Top and Side Expandable Pet Carrier
Here is another Southwest Airlines-approved soft-sided pet carrier from Petskd. Like the one above, this carrier is 17" Long × 13" Wide × 9.5" tall, when not expanded, that is. It is suitable for small dogs or cats within the dimensions of 15"L x 10"H and that weigh under 15 pounds. What's more, the carrier is waterproof and wear-resistant. It has 3 openings, with 2 non-slip zippers on each, and features 5 mesh windows for adequate ventilation. U.S. pet owners appreciate the quality, sturdiness, comfort, and expansion of this well-ventilated pet carrier.
3. GAPZER's 17 x 11 x 9.5-inch Pet Carrier
Measuring 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches (LxWxH), this stylish pet carrier conforms to Southwest Airlines' under-seat requirements. It is recommended for cats, rabbits, and small dogs, and is perfect for traveling by air, car, or train. For easy carrying, the bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and luggage handle sleeve. For extra safety, it is secured with auto-locking zippers and features an inner tether. This will prevent your pet from escaping by pushing against the zipper from the inside. What's more, the carrier also features roll-up privacy curtains and five mesh windows to keep your small dog cool and comfy.
4. Petskd's 17x13x9.5-inch Top-Expandable Pet Carrier
This Southwest Airlines-approved pet carrier can accommodate small dogs and cats under 15 pounds. Like all Petskd pet carriers, it features mesh ventilation on 5 sides and has 3 openings. It is the ideal pet carrier for cats and small dogs that are 15 inches long x 9 to 10 inches tall. According to reviews from the United States, the Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier is well-made, stable, and great for air travel. It is available in four different colors, including black, blue, grey, and pink.
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