Anyone taken a pet on SW?

[coastgirl]

We thought we had a pet sitter for our trip but now we don't. We are flying on Southwest. I just checked their pet policy and it looks like first come/first served--e.g., I can't reserve a spot for her. Did I get that wrong? That is kind of unnerving for me. I.e., what happens if I can't take her on the flight? I can't quite turn around and go home and forget the whole thing.

Anyone have experience with this, or advice?

I'm not worried about her being refused...she's a tiny 7 lber. (Havanese) One of the reasons we picked her breed is that I know she can travel with us.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you traveling from NS on Southwest? I see this on their page: "International Flights: Animals are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight."

If you're getting yourself and your dog to the US some other way for the Southwest flight: "U.S. Domestic Flights: Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). On the day of travel, Customers must bring the pet to the airport in an approved pet carrier. Proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the pet in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate."

So it sounds like "first come" means the first to make that reservation for the pet, not the first to get to the gate or airport.

 

[coastgirl]

Oh, phew, thank you Molly. I am in a bit of a panic as my pet-sitter just cancelled, so I guess I didn't read everything properly. No, we are flying from NH, not NS. Sadly SW doesn't fly from Canada.

 

[SteveMouse]

You'll need to comply with regulations for dining pets into the U.S. (And don't forget about going home). See http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/dogs.html for regulations from the Centers for Disease Control.

 

[Disneytam]

On our return flight from Orlando to Albany NY last Sept. a women with a small yorkie sat beside me in the aisle seat and just placed the dog under the seat in front of her (in the carrier of course). She said that she traveled Southwest often with her dog with no trouble. The dog whined a little when we took off but then was silent as a mouse for the rest of the trip. Hope this helped. The flight attendants were very good with her and helped her to slide the carrier under the seat as well.

 

[nighttowll]

I was just looking at this yesterday. Here's a few things to keep in mind:

1. Pets are not allowed on international flights.

2. They must be kept in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.

3. Pets must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier.

4. You can buy approved carriers from SW, but you do not have to as long as the carrier meets all of SW requirements.

5. You do need to make a reservation for your pet ahead of time.

"Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)."

6. There is a limit to the number of pets allowed per flight, so there is a small chance your pet could be refused if the max has been reached.

7. You must pay a fee of $95 each way.



https://www.southwest.com/pets/

 

[anonymousegirl]

Also, remember to check with hotel about their pet policy, and you will need to verify that the kennels at WDW have room for your pet for the days you will be there.