This is great news! We've never flown SouthWest before because of the no pets policy, but that will change now. Our pets love to travel with us. I understand the allergy issue, I have allergies myself, but I would just advise you to take your allergy medication before you fly. Even before SouthWest allowed pets, you were exposed to dander as per the FAA, "You will still be exposed to pet dander on every flight, even without any pets in the passenger cabin. This is because most allergens are carried into the cabin on the clothes of other passengers." We have 2 maltese, they don't shed and cause the least amount of allergies, but I'm willing to put up with other pets who do shed because I understand people's need to have their pets with them. Maybe you don't realize, but the FAA has always required ALL airlines to allow service animals, including SouthWest. If people want to take their small pets onboard and pay a fee, assume those pets are cared for well, and they don't have fleas etc., and won't necessarily pee or bite you. Pets gets stressed when they smell fear or anger, they'll be better behaved if you are.
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