I’ve traveled dozens of times flying with a french bulldog in the cabin, domestically, overseas, and to Alaska and Hawaii. My 20-pound frenchie, Helga, has become quite a world traveler, but only recently did we have an opportunity to fly Southwest Airlines – once from Denver to Nashville, and then from Nashville to Pittsburgh. Here’s everything you need to know about flying with a french bulldog (or any dog) in the cabin on Southwest!
The experience went smoothly from start to finish. Well, we did actually miss our flight from Denver to Nashville by 7 minutes… but that’s our fault for underestimating the time it would take to charge our electric vehicle and get a shuttle bus from the rental car return to the terminal. Amazingly, I got a nice phone call from a Southwest agent asking if we were ok and if we were still planning on making the flight, which was a nice personal touch I was not expecting!
Pet Eligibility
Southwest Airlines does not allow any animals to travel in the hold, so your only option is in the cabin. Please note that it is not safe for french bulldogs and other brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds to travel in the hold on any airline.
Limited Flight Destinations
On Southwest, pets are accepted for travel on flights only:
- Within the United States
- To/from U.S. cities in the contiguous 48 states and Puerto Rico
- Between the Hawaiian Islands
Southwest Airlines does not accept pets on international flights, or to/from Hawaii from the mainland.
Accepted Breeds
There are no specific breed restrictions for in-cabin dogs, but your dog must fit comfortably in a pet carrier that will be placed under the seat in front of you.
Weight Limits
There is no specific weight requirement or limitation for your dog, but again, they must be able to fit comfortably inside the carrier.
Number of Pets per Person
Southwest Airlines will allow only one pet carrier per passenger, but you can have up to two small dogs or cats in the same carrier as long as they fit comfortably inside together.
Number of Pets per Flight
Southwest, like all airlines that accept in-cabin pets, limits the number of pets per flight. Only six in-cabin pets are allowed per flight so it’s important to book your pet reservation as early as possible to secure a space.
Cleanliness and Behavior
Southwest does not mention anything specifically in their pet policy about this, but it’s always best practice to give your doggo a good bath before your flight to be considerate to those around you.
You and your dog can also run into problems if they bark a lot or display aggressive behavior. If your dog is scratching; excessively whining or barking; growling, biting, or lunging; or if they pee or poop in the cabin or gate area, Southwest can deny them and you boarding.
Behavioral training with a professional can help some of these things, and also talk to your vet to see if a mild sedative will ease stress. You and your vet know your dog best. We have flown with Helga both with mild sedation and without.
Age of Dog and Human:
You cannot travel on Southwest Airlines with a dog in cabin that is less than 8 weeks old. You also must be 18 years of age or older to bring an in-cabin dog on the flight.
Booking and Fees for Southwest Airlines with a dog in cabin:
Advance Notice:
Southwest requires that you notify them in advance that you’ll be traveling with your dog in cabin. It’s important to reserve as early as possible, and speak directly with a customer service agent when booking your flight. Tell them of your intent to bring an in-cabin dog, and make sure there’s room on the flight you want.
Booking Process:
Always speak with a human when booking an in-cabin dog. They will ask you certain questions about the breed and age of your dog, if your dog is up to date with their vaccines, the weight of the dog and carrier, and the style and dimensions of your carrier, so have those available. They will also let you know if the flight has already maxed out on pet slots. I’ve never run into this on any airline, but I also tend to book early.
Pet Fee for Southwest Airlines with a dog in cabin:
The cost of flying with a french bulldog, or other in-cabin dog on Southwest Airlines is $125 each way to and from your destination. If you have to change planes, you will not have to pay $125 for each leg. (If you are flying between the Hawaiian Islands the fee is $35).
Pet Carrier Requirements:
Carry-On Bags:
Your pet carrier counts as your allotted carry-on item. You can still bring a personal item (small bag, handbag, backpack) in addition to your dog.
Size and Material:
Southwest Airlines will accept either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and that will allow your dog to be entirely contained, comfortable and to turn around with ease.
Unless you have a super-tiny dog and a super-tiny hard carrier, I strongly recommend using a soft-sided carrier. That little bit of give makes it much easier to get the carrier in and out from under the seat.
The maximum dimensions of a soft-sided carrier are 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H). Southwest also sells their own branded soft-sided carrier which is 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H)., and made for small dogs or cats 15 pounds or under.
Condition and Ventilation:
The carrier definitely must be properly ventilated to keep your dog cool and breathing easily. The carrier must also be leakproof, and in good structural shape with no cracks, broken pieces, or visible problems.
In the Carrier:
Make the carrier as comfortable for your dog as possible. Use a pee pad at the very bottom, and an absorbant towel or blanket on top of that. We also use the foam pad that came with the carrier, and luckily Helga has never had an accident. We also give her a small soft favorite toy for comfort and familiarity.
Documentation:
Health records
You may not be asked for them, but whenever you travel always bring a copy of their current shot records, including rabies vaccine, from your vet.
Identification
Even though your pet will be traveling in the cabin with you, be sure that their carrier has proper identification including: Your name and current contact information, an emergency contact with phone number, your dog’s name, breed, any medical conditions they have, and the contact information for your vet.
Also make sure your dog has proper tags on their collar or harness, and ideally that your pet is microchipped with current information. Dogs can get stressed or nervous in unfamiliar surroundings, and sometimes run off. You’ll be glad for some added protective measures were that to happen.
Checking in with a Dog
In-person Assisted Check-in:
When you are flying with a french bulldog, or any dog in cabin, you will not be able to complete your check-in process online. Other members of your party can do this, but whoever’s ticket contains the dog reservation must check in with a customer service agent at the baggage check in order to get a boarding pass.
Check-in and Payment:
Once you are at the check-in counter, you’ll provide your ID and the process will begin. Here is where you will need to pay the $125 for your dog, and the agent will give you a tag to put on the carrier showing that you have paid the pet fee.
There have been times in the past that I’ve been asked to take Helga out of the carrier and physically show her to the gate agent so they can verify she’s the same breed and size dog as the one I made the reservation for. Southwest did not do this, and they were able to verify her through the mesh, which was great! The less stress, the better.
All in all, the personnel at Southwest were extremely helpful, friendly, and competent.
Making Your Way to the Gate:
Security
You’ll still need to pass through security, and you will be required to take your dog out of the carrier at this point. If your dog is relatively chill, they can just walk through. If not, you can carry them as you go through the screening area.
You won’t be going through the body scanner, but the metal detector. Because of this, they’ll have to swipe your palms with a swab to do a check for explosives once you get to the other side.
Once through the screening, you can put your dog back in the carrier. Sometimes we will keep Helga out at this point, and walk her on the leash to the nearest dog relief area. It helps her get out some of her energy, and she’s much less reactive when she’s walking and feels in control of her destiny. Plus, the dog carrier gets heavy after a while!
Pet Comfort and Relief
Make sure to research whether there are pet relief areas inside your airports of departure and arrival, and where they are located. If there are none, be sure your dog has the opportunity to take care of business outside the airport just before you enter. If your dog will use a pee pad, bring a few extras just in case.
All airports we used for these flights – Denver, Nashville, and Pittsburgh – have pet relief areas.
Boarding
Southwest has a different boarding procedure than you may be used to. All their flights have “open seating” which means that you don’t have an assigned seat, only a boarding number. The groups go by letters (Boarding Group A, B, C, etc.) and then numbers after that.
You line up by group letter, then number, and as you enter the plane you can choose whatever seat is open and to your liking. I had a little bit of a panic here because we were Group C with a high number and I was concerned we wouldn’t be able to sit together or that Helga wouldn’t get the window seat which is roomier, and less prone to disturbance.
Fortunately, Southwest will allow you to board with your dog right after the A group in the “for those who need extra time” group. Just listen for the call and jump right in there. This is great so you can grab that window seat for extra under seat room and to keep your dog away from the aisle, noise, people’s feet, the cart, and allll the triggers.
**On July 25, 2024, Southwest announced, “As part of its ongoing focus on product evolution, the airline is moving forward with plans to assign seats, offer premium seating options, redesign the boarding model, and introduce redeye flying.” They’re due to give a further update in September, 2024 so bear in mind these changes. We don’t have any reason to assume that you can’t continue to board first with your dog, but you’ll have an assigned seat from the beginning.
Onboard
Restrictions:
You will need to keep your dog inside the carrier for the duration of your Southwest flight. Sadly the days of lap dogs on airplanes are over, so provide as comfortable an experience for your dog as possible.
I will periodically reach in and give some ear scratches, or a neck rub, or even give a little snack. It’s best not to give a full meal or a lot of water within a few hours before flying to avoid accidents, but Helga now expects and looks forward to a little treat now and then.
And of course, if you are flying with a french bulldog or other brachycephalic breed, make sure they stay cool and offer water if you hear panting.
What to Carry Onboard:
Make sure you carry a little “cleanup kit” in the pet carrier or in your other small bag with wet wipes, a few paper towels, rubber gloves, poop bags, and a plastic trash bag so you can be prepared should your dog have an accident on the plane or in the airport. Also bring a small collapsible water bowl, and a few treats.
Final Thoughts About Flying with a French Bulldog on Southwest Airlines
Highly recommended:
I had heard good things about Southwest Airlines, and was pleasantly surprised to find the rumors were true! While there are always challenges when flying with your french bulldog, or any dog, Southwest Airlines was not one of them. The staff is knowledgable, experienced with in-cabin dogs, courteous, and professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly them again in the future.
Alternatives:
If Southwest Airlines doesn’t fit your travel schedule or destination, you can consider flying with Delta Airlines (including internationally), or Alaska Airlines (including to Hawaii) – both of which I have flown with Helga and can also recommend.
Always Verify:
Whenever I book a flight with my dog in cabin, regardless of the airline, I always call back later to verify the reservation just to make sure it’s there and I don’t hit any unexpected snags on travel day. Also, I will always verify the current pet policy of the airline I’m flying on to make sure nothing important has changed.
If you found this review of flying with a french bulldog on Southwest Airlines helpful, check out these related articles:
Can French Bulldogs Fly? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Frenchie Travel
- How to Fly With Your Dog in Cabin – Top Tips!
- Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog – Top Tips!
- Flying Volotea Airlines With a Pet in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
- Flying With a French Bulldog on Delta Airlines
- Epic 16 day Italy Road Trip With Your Dog
- Flying Alaska Airlines with a Dog in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
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