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Southwest Airlines PSD and ESA Policy Guide.

Southwest Airlines no longer allows emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly for free; they are now treated as pets under standard policies. However, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are still permitted in the cabin at no extra cost, with required DOT documentation.

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Published
June 02, 2023

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Last Updated
June 15, 2026

Medical Context Reviewed By:
Dr. Perry Payne
Perry W. Payne, Jr., MD, JD, MPP

Legal Accuracy Reviewed by:
Dr. Perry Payne
Attorney & Physician with expertise in health law and disability policy

Author
Prince Sharma
Lead Content Strategist and Editorial Director

Planning to fly with your psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal on Southwest Airlines? You may feel excitement and anxiety, filled with questions like, “Will my furry buddy be allowed on board? What are the rules?” Trust me, these are normal questions that pop into your head before the flight day. If you’re clueless or uncertain about traveling with your animal, you could find yourself in a heap of trouble.

Welcome to Southwest Airlines’ animal policy guide. We’re here to support you and ensure a smooth, comfortable flight for both you and your pet.

Key Takeaways

Are service animals allowed on Southwest? Yes, Southwest Airlines permits service animals to travel with their owners, but only dogs qualify as service animals. The good news is that Southwest’s service dog policy allows them to fly free of charge.
What documents are required for service animals on Southwest? You must provide a DOT form. Additionally, you may be asked to show your PSD letter.
Where can I get a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter? You can obtain a PSD letter by contacting Fast ESA Letter. We offer a convenient process to consult with a licensed mental healthcare professional online and receive your PSD letter from the comfort of your home.
What about Southwest’s ESA policy? Southwest Airlines classifies emotional support animals as pets, which means they do not receive special accommodations. As a result, standard pet fees apply to travel with an emotional support animal.

1. Southwest Airlines’ Service Animal Policy

You may travel with one service dog on Air Canada. However, if you are flying to/from the U.S., you may fly with two service dogs if they fit within your seat’s footprint.

Are Service Animals Allowed?

Southwest Airlines’ service animal policy permits only service dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These dogs can fly with their owner or handler free of charge. Service dogs in training may travel as pets under Southwest’s pet policy. Service dogs must always be harnessed or leashed and under control.

What Documentation is Required?

US DOT Form: When traveling with a service animal, you must present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form or DOT form at the ticket counter or gate on your flight day. Remember that the form must be dated on or after you purchased your ticket.
Attention: Please be aware that a service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration certificate will not be accepted in place of the form.
PSD letter: While not always mandatory, having your Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter can be beneficial. This letter verifies your need for a PSD.
Note: Documentation requirements vary for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international travel.

What Is A PSD Letter, And How Do You Get It?

A PSD or Psychiatric Service Dog Letter verifies that you have a medical condition requiring an animal’s assistance. It’s usually signed and prescribed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist.

To get a PSD letter, first consult with a licensed healthcare professional. They will assess your disability and provide the letter if they believe a psychiatric service dog would benefit you.

Fast ESA Letter offers a quick, easy online process to obtain your PSD letter. Our consultations are conducted online by licensed mental health professionals, and if you are not approved, you will receive a full refund.

Interesting fact: Southwest Airlines is also called Luv Airlines.

2. Emotional Support Animals on Southwest Airlines

Can You Travel With An ESA?

Emotional support animals can travel with Southwest, but they will be treated as pets rather than receiving special accommodations. Per the Southwest pet policy, small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin can fly. However, they must be at least eight weeks old to travel. You can not travel with a pet if you are an unaccompanied minor. Southwest Airlines’ pet policy requirements vary for travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international destinations.

Pet Fees:

U.S. Mainland Flights: Southwest Airline pet fees on U.S. Mainland flights are $125 per pet carrier for each trip.
Hawaiian Islands: The pet fare for customers traveling between the Hawaiian Islands is $35 per pet carrier each way.

Per the Southwest pet policy fee guidelines, your pet fare will be refunded if your flight is canceled and you do not rebook. Contact the airline to get a refund. Remember that pet fare prices are subject to change at any time.

Interesting fact: The Southwest Airlines fleet consists of 816 aircraft, making it the fourth-largest commercial airline fleet in the world.

3. Booking and Travel Considerations

How Do You Book Travel With a Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal?

Start by booking your passenger ticket on Southwest Airlines’ website or through customer service. After booking, contact Southwest Airlines to inform them that you’ll be bringing your furry companion. Let them know the type of animal you’ll be traveling with, and make sure you have all the required paperwork ready.

When Can Southwest Airlines Reject My Animal Traveling Request?

Southwest Airlines may deny boarding if your animal directly threatens the health or safety of others, disrupts cabin service, or engages in disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Scratching
Excessive whining
Biting
Barking
Lunging
Growling
Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

Interesting facts: Southwest Airlines was profitable for 47 consecutive fiscal years, from 1973 through 2019. A record unmatched by any other airline in the world.

4. Seating and Carrier Requirements

Seating requirements are the same for both service animals and emotional support animals. However, carriers are optional for service animals but mandatory for emotional support animals. The seating and carrier requirements for animals on Southwest Airlines are as follows:

Seating: You cannot sit in the emergency exit seats or areas that must be clear during an emergency. Choosing a window seat is best to avoid foot traffic for your dog. Your dog must sit at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under two). If your dog uses a carrier, it must be placed under the seat before taxi, takeoff, and landing. Moreover, your dog cannot occupy an aircraft seat or a tray table or encroach upon a neighboring seat.
Carrier Guidelines:
- You can only have one pet carrier containing no more than two of the same small cat or dog species.
- Your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
- The cat or dog must be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier easily.
- Your pet carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
- Southwest Strict Pet Carrier Dimensions : Because Southwest does not transport pets in cargo, your pet carrier must fit fully under the seat in front of you. The maximum allowed dimensions are 18.5” long × 13.5” wide × 8.5” high, with the height limit strictly enforced. Soft-sided carriers are recommended because they can flex slightly to fit varying under-seat spaces.

Pet carriers are considered either personal items or carry-on items. You may board the flight with either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a regular-size carry-on bag. Moreover, pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times during boarding/deplaning and for the entire flight.

Interesting fact: Southwest Airlines solely offers economy-class seats and does not have business or first-class cabins on its aircraft.

4. Travel Requirements For Specific Locations

To Hawaii

When traveling with your service animal from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii, you must follow Hawaii’s laws and guidelines regarding animal transportation. All service dogs must be declared on the Plants and Animals Declaration Form. Flight attendants will distribute and collect this form before landing in Hawaii. Trained service dogs arriving without proper documentation may be quarantined for up to 120 days in Honolulu at the owner’s expense. Contact a customer service agent at the State of Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division or visit their website to learn about the requirements for guide & service dogs entering Hawaii.

Important Note – Southwest allows fully trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) to travel to Hawaii if they meet Hawaii’s strict animal entry requirements, including rabies documentation and quarantine program rules.
However, standard pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not permitted on Southwest flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Pet travel is generally limited to flights within the continental U.S. and inter-island Hawaii routes, where the standard pet fee is typically $35 each way.

To Puerto Rico

Due to the risk of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA) has updated requirements for the entry of live birds, except those from Pennsylvania. Dogs and cats do not need a PRDA import permit for interstate movement. However, they must have a health certificate stating that the pet did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies.

For more information, contact Southwest Airlines or the PRDA office for Import Permit requests and charges.

International Travel

Please note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has temporarily suspended the travel of dogs, including service dogs, to the U.S. from countries considered high-risk for dog rabies. As such, Southwest Airlines does not currently transport trained service dogs to/from Belize City, Belize, Havana, Cuba, and Punta Cana.

Fast ESA Letter Tips For a Smooth Journey

When flying with emotional support animals or psychiatric service dogs, getting ready to leave takes more effort than traveling solo. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. This extra time allows for a relaxed check-in process for you and your service dog or pet.
Per Southwest’s service dog policy, dogs must always remain harnessed or under your control.
Your animals should be groomed and free of any excessive odors.
Your emotional support animal or service dog must be nondisruptive. It may be denied boarding if it is intimidating, threatening, or exhibits excessive barking.
Introduce your pet to its carrier a few weeks before your flight. This will help it get used to traveling in a carrier.

Bottom Line

Southwest Airlines allows psychiatric service dogs to fly with their owners free of charge. However, emotional support animals are subject to Southwest’s pet policy, as the airline does not recognize ESAs for special accommodations. You will need to pay a pet fee and adhere to the pet carrier requirements when traveling with your ESA. It’s crucial for both service dog and emotional support animal owners to ensure their animals are well-behaved and calm, as the airline reserves the right to restrict any animal that is disruptive or poses a threat to others on the plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring More Than One Emotional Support Animal To Southwest Airlines?

You can bring up to two small animals in one pet carrier as long as they belong to the same species and fit comfortably. Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger.

Do I Need A Specific Harness Or Vest For My Psychiatric Service Dog?

No, Southwest Airlines does not require a specific vest or harness for psychiatric service dogs. However, the dog must be harnessed or leashed and remain under control at all times during the flight.

Are There Age Restrictions For Emotional Support Animals On Southwest Airlines?

Yes, animals must be at least eight weeks old to travel on Southwest Airlines. This ensures they are old enough to handle the stress of air travel and comply with airline regulations.

How Can I Request A Refund For A Pet Fee If My Emotional Support Animal Cannot Fly?

If your flight is canceled or you decide not to travel, you can request a refund for the pet fee by contacting Southwest Airlines’ customer service. Ensure you have your booking details on hand.

Can I Bring A Psychiatric Service Dog If I’m Flying With Children?

Yes, you can travel with a psychiatric service dog when flying with children. However, ensure the dog’s behavior is controlled to maintain a safe environment for all passengers.

Does Southwest Airlines Provide Assistance For Passengers With Psychiatric Service Dogs?

Southwest Airlines staff can assist passengers with service dogs during check-in and boarding. However, the owner is responsible for the dog’s care throughout the journey.

Are Psychiatric Service Dogs Allowed On Overnight Southwest Flights?

Yes, psychiatric service dogs are allowed on overnight flights. Ensure the dog is well-rested and has been exercised beforehand for a stress-free journey.

Can Psychiatric Service Dogs Fly With Owners In Pre-Boarding Zones?

Yes, passengers traveling with psychiatric service dogs may qualify for pre-boarding. Contact the airline staff at the gate to make arrangements.

Do I Need To Book A Separate Ticket For My Emotional Support Animal On Southwest Airlines?

No, you don’t need a separate ticket for your ESA. However, you must pay the pet fee, and the animal must travel in a carrier under your seat.

Can Emotional Support Animals Sit With Me In Southwest’s Extra Legroom Seats?

Emotional support animals can travel in extra legroom seats, provided the pet carrier fits under the seat in front. Confirm with Southwest during booking to ensure compliance with seating policies.

Post Author

Prince Sharma

Prince Sharma is the Lead Content Strategist and Editorial Director with extensive experience in digital health communication, behavioral wellness, and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) laws. He is dedicated to producing accurate, evidence-based, and accessible content that helps readers make informed decisions about their mental and emotional well-being. Working closely with licensed mental health professionals, Prince ensures that all published content reflects the highest standards of reliability and clarity. His work focuses on bridging the gap between mental health education and practical support, empowering individuals to better understand the role of emotional support animals in enhancing quality of life.

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