Southwest Airlines allows an in-cabin pet, but the cited official source does not publish a simple carrier size limit. Use the under-seat guidance below instead of treating any exact dimension as verified.
Rule snapshot
Published rule
We welcome small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. Carriers must be stowed under the seat while onboard. Numeric carrier maximum is published on a separate acceptable-carriers page, not this article.
Source box
Accessed 2026-07-10. Review status: approved. Rule reviewed 2026-07-10. Cabin Pet Fit is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines.
Recommendations
Shown only when the airline limit is public-ready. Each card keeps the reason, the fit gauge, and the evidence note together.
Recommendations are intentionally withheld because Southwest Airlines does not publish a simple in-cabin carrier dimension in the cited official source. Choose a carrier that can settle under the seat in front of you; rigid frames and overpacking add risk.
Fit matrix
| Carrier | Listed dimensions | Status | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier (Medium) | 17 × 11 × 10.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Sherpa Forma Frame Carrier (Medium) | 19.7 × 9.8 × 9.8 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Kennel (19 in) | 19 × 10 × 7.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Carrier | 22 × 10.5 × 10.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Sleepypod Atom Carrier | 17 × 8.5 × 10.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Away The Pet Carrier | 18.7 × 10.8 × 10.75 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Wild One Travel Carrier | 17.5 × 11 × 10 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Mr. Peanut's Aspen Series Backpack Carrier | 18 × 14 × 9 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Mr. Peanut's Tahoe Series Expandable Backpack Carrier | 17 × 14.4 × 9 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Roverlund Out-of-Office Carrier (Large) | 18 × 11.5 × 11.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Sturdi SturdiBag Pro 2.0 (Large) | 18 × 11.5 × 11.5 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft-Sided Carrier (Medium) | 17 × 9 × 12 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Carrier (Medium) | 16.5 × 10.6 × 11 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
| Henkelion Soft-Sided Collapsible Carrier (Small/Medium) | 17 × 11 × 11 in | Unclear / varies | Airline allows an in-cabin pet but does not publish a simple numeric carrier maximum; use the under-seat guidance on the airline page. |
Southwest Airlines allows an in-cabin pet, but the cited official source does not publish a simple carrier dimension in this record as of 2026-07-10. Use under-seat guidance instead of treating an exact size as verified.
The cited record lists Pet Fare required; amount on Southwest's Optional Travel Charges page (widely cited ~$125 each way, not confirmed on an official page this pass). Fees change; always confirm on the airline's official pet page before you book.
No. A match means the carrier’s listed external dimensions compare inside the published limit. Gate agents, aircraft under-seat space, a rigid frame, and how full the carrier is can still affect real-world fit. We also do not advise on your pet’s health or fitness to fly.
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