We welcome fully trained service dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Dogs are the only trained service animals we accept. Service animals in training, emotional support animals, and therapy animals may qualify to travel as pets in accordance with our pet policy.
Your trained service dog must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you at all times at the airport and onboard the aircraft. The dog must also be trained to behave and under your control. A dog that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, disrupts cabin service, or engages in disruptive behavior will be refused transportation.
Documentation requirements
You'll need to present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate on your day of travel. The form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration certificate will not be accepted in place of the form.
At the airport
You are required to check in with a Southwest® Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to present the required form. Our Employees may also ask fact-finding questions to determine whether your dog is a trained service dog or eligible to be accepted as a pet, including asking what work or task your dog has been trained to perform.
Service dog relief areas are available at each of the locations we serve.
Onboard
Depending on the type of fare you purchase, you may be able to select the seat that will best accommodate you and your trained service dog at the time of booking. You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat. Your dog must be sitting at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under the age of two). If your dog is using a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Your dog is not permitted to block any exits or exit paths, extend into the aircraft aisle, occupy an aircraft seat, occupy a tray table, or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
If you require a bulkhead (first row) or other specific seat because of your trained service dog, please call us after booking but no later than 24 hours prior to your flight’s original scheduled departure.
Additional information
When packed separately from other personal items, standard checked bag fees do not apply to bags containing service dog equipment (e.g., food, bowl, blanket, harness). If carried onboard, a bag containing service dog equipment (and no other personal items) will not count toward a Customer’s carryon bag limit.
Acceptance restrictions, policies, and documentation requirements for trained service dogs vary by destination when traveling to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally. You're responsible for researching and complying with the animal travel and acceptance laws, requirements, and procedures of each location on your itinerary. Your animal may be refused transportation if you do not comply.
If you are traveling on a Getaways by Southwest™ vacation booking, be sure to check with your hotel/airport transportation and/or rental car supplier for details about traveling with a trained service dog before travel.
You can tell us in advance if you'll be traveling with a trained service dog by managing your reservation online.
