09-15-2023
11:11 AM
09-15-2023
11:11 AM
@swair wrote:
Thank you for your kind words. According to Southwest's policy regarding pet carriers:
Southwest Airlines® Pet Carrier - dimensions: 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
Other pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
I'm assuming the carrier I purchased will be just fine?
Hello! Looking at the policy, yes, Southwest's specified maximum height for the pet carrier is 9.5" as you posted.
https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy
Per federal law, the pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front the paying customer. The dog must also be completely inside the pet carrier and must be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.
Given that the carrier in question is 11" in height, I would not use this size given the height clearance limitations beneath the seat regardless of whether the carrier is flexible or can be 'squeezed' down. Unlike regular backpacks, duffels or purses that can be squeezed down, the slack from 'squeezing' a pet carrier cannot constrain the dog from standing or move about in the carrier.
I would also certainly first check and see if your dog can comfortably fit in a 9.5" high carrier and has the ability to stand up an move within it before proceeding any further with any travel planning with the pet aboard Southwest.
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You are asking a question on SWA's community forum and, most likely, will not receive an answer from SWA.
The pet carrier that you are considering is a bit risky to me, especially with the height. It must completely fit under the seat in front of you.
SWA allows pet carriers that have maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H).
Yours has dimensions of 19.5" (L) x 12" (W) x 12" (H)...exceeding both the length and height maximums. Officially, it's too large. Will they be that picky at the gate? Can you mash down on the height with Fido inside? YMMV and it will all depend on the staff that day...and on your return trip.
Remember, your dog/cat must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease. Yesterday, I actually saw the gate agent confirm that the dog has enough space in the carrier. I had never seen that checked before.
IMHO, I wouldn't risk being turned away with a pet carrier that exceeded SWA's dimension limits. Either purchase the one the SWA sells or find one that's a bit smaller.
Good luck!
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