For any questions or assistance call +1(888)-889-2015 OTA Traveling with your emotional support pet can be an essential part of maintaining comfort and mental well-being during your journey. Southwest Airlines has a specific process for booking emotional support pets, but there are some changes you should be aware of. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking, from requirements to policies and how to ensure a smooth travel experience.
What is Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking?
Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking refers to the process of reserving a spot for your emotional support animal (ESA) on a Southwest Airlines flight. Previously, airlines allowed emotional support animals to travel for free and under different conditions than regular pets. However, changes to policies mean that emotional support animals are now treated like regular pets on Southwest Airlines.
Despite these changes, Southwest still allows you to bring your emotional support animal in the cabin, subject to certain rules and requirements. If you’re planning to fly with your ESA, it’s crucial to understand these updated guidelines to ensure a smooth flight.
Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking: Updated Policy
In recent years, Southwest Airlines has updated its emotional pet booking policy in line with regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. As of January 2021, emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals, which means they are subject to the same pet policies as regular pets. Here’s what you need to know about the updated process:
1. Emotional Support Pets Are No Longer Free to Fly
Under the updated policy, Southwest Airlines now requires emotional support animals to be booked under the same terms as regular pets. This means you will have to pay the standard $95 pet fee per flight segment for your ESA. Unlike before, where ESAs could fly free of charge, this fee is applied just like it would be for any other pet traveling in the cabin.
2. Booking Process for Emotional Support Pets
To book your emotional support pet, you must contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service or reservations team. It’s important to understand that Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking cannot be completed online. You’ll need to call ahead to confirm your ESA’s place on your flight and pay the applicable pet fee.
- Booking Tip: Given that there are limits to how many pets can be on a flight, it’s best to book your emotional support pet as early as possible to ensure a spot.
Requirements for Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking
There are several key requirements and guidelines you must follow when making a Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking. These include size restrictions, carrier requirements, and documentation for your emotional support animal. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Carrier Size and Requirements
Just like with regular pets, your emotional support animal must travel in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must meet the following dimensions:
- Maximum dimensions: 17″ L x 9.5″ W x 10.5″ H (43 cm x 24 cm x 27 cm)
Your ESA must remain inside the carrier at all times during the flight, and the carrier should be well-ventilated and secure to keep your animal safe and comfortable.
2. Size Limitations for Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals are required to fit in the carrier and remain under the seat in front of you. Southwest Airlines allows only small emotional support pets to travel in the cabin. Larger animals will not be permitted on the flight.
- Tip: If you have a larger ESA, you may need to explore other travel options, as Southwest doesn’t permit animals that cannot fit in an under-seat carrier.
3. Documentation for Emotional Support Animals
To bring an emotional support animal onboard, Southwest Airlines requires specific documentation. You must provide:
- A letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and that your ESA is necessary for your emotional well-being during the flight.
- Health certification for your emotional support animal, confirming that they are healthy and fit to fly.
This documentation must be provided at least 48 hours before your flight to ensure your ESA is approved to travel.
Key Considerations for Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking
Before finalizing your Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
1. Emotional Support Animal Limits Per Flight
Southwest Airlines has a limit of six pets per flight. This means you should book your ESA early, especially if you’re flying during busy travel times, as spots for emotional support animals are limited.
2. Travel Restrictions for Emotional Support Pets
- Hawaii: Emotional support animals cannot fly to or from Hawaii due to state regulations, so if you’re planning to travel there, your ESA will not be allowed on board.
- International Flights: Southwest Airlines only permits emotional support animals on domestic flights. They are not allowed on international flights, so if you’re flying overseas, you’ll need to make different arrangements for your ESA.
How to Prepare for Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking
Ensuring your emotional support animal is well-prepared for the journey can make a huge difference in the overall flight experience. Here are some tips for preparing your ESA for their trip:
1. Familiarize Your Pet with the Carrier
Before the flight, give your emotional support animal plenty of time to get comfortable in their carrier. This will help reduce anxiety and make them feel secure during the flight. Consider placing familiar blankets or toys inside the carrier to make it more inviting.
2. Ensure Your ESA is Well-Behaved
Emotional support animals must be well-behaved during the flight. While Southwest Airlines is generally pet-friendly, any disruption caused by an ESA, such as excessive barking or moving around too much, can affect other passengers’ comfort and lead to complications. Make sure your pet is calm and accustomed to being in the carrier.
3. Arrive Early at the Airport
To allow enough time for checking in your emotional support animal, be sure to arrive at the airport early. Pets must be checked in at the ticket counter (not through the self-service kiosk), so ensure you have enough time for the process.
Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking FAQ
1. Are emotional support animals still allowed to fly for free on Southwest Airlines?
No, as of January 2021, emotional support animals are no longer allowed to fly for free. They must now be booked under the regular pet travel policy, which includes a $95 pet fee per flight segment.
2. Can I bring a large emotional support dog on Southwest Airlines?
No, Southwest Airlines only allows small emotional support animals that can fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Larger dogs or animals will not be permitted in the cabin.
3. What documents do I need to provide for my emotional support animal?
You must provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that your ESA is necessary for your well-being and a health certification for your animal, ensuring they are fit for travel.
Conclusion: Simplifying Southwest Airlines Emotional Pet Booking
While traveling with an emotional support animal on Southwest Airlines is now subject to the same policies as regular pets, the process remains relatively simple. By understanding the Southwest Airlines emotional pet booking process, preparing your ESA for the journey, and following the airline’s updated guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable and smooth experience for both you and your pet. Whether it’s a short flight or a longer journey, Southwest Airlines offers a pet-friendly environment that allows you to bring your emotional support animal along, keeping you comfortable and at ease throughout your travels.
