Spirit Airlines Pet Policy For Travelling With Dogs and Cats

pet cats and dogs in carriers being loaded into a plane

Are you eager to know what the Spirit Airlines Pet Policy is all about?

Then, undoubtedly you have clicked on the right page.

 In this article, you will learn about the Spirit Airlines Pet Policy plus answers to frequently asked questions.

Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline that allows passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin on most flights.

This airline has its headquarters in Miramar Florida in the Miami metropolitan area.

Furthermore, they operate throughout the US as well as the Caribbean sea area, Mexico and Latin America.

Most importantly Spirit airlines provide you with an avenue for safe trips with your pet.

You may also like to read about Jetblue Policy for Travelling with Pets in 2023

Spirit Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy.

Basically, Spirit Airlines only accepts small pets such as domestic dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin.

Birds considered household pets include;

  • Waterfowl 
  • Farm Poultry
  • Flightless birds
  • Game bird
  • Birds of prey

If your pet is small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a container under the seat in front of you, Spirit will allow them to fly with you in the cabin.

Spirit Airlines’ pet policy allows;

  • 2 pets per carrier so long as there’s enough room for them 
  • 2 dogs and cats travel in the same carrier as long as they are of the same species.
  • passengers with 2 puppies or kittens in one carrier to pay only 1 pet fee.

Pets are expected to remain in their carriers under the seat in your front throughout the flight.

Furthermore, you will be charged a service fee of $110 for each pet in the cabin on a Spirit Airlines flight.

Spirit Airlines only accept a maximum of six pet carriers on most flights, therefore the earlier you make reservations the better.

To make your reservations, you can contact their Reservations Center Toll-Free at 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555) or text Spirit Airlines at 48763, or use 855-728-3555 on WhatsApp 24 hours a day.

However, it is good to note that Spirit airlines do not allow pets on international flights.

Therefore you can only travel on domestic flights with your pets.

Furthermore, all puppies and kittens must be fully weaned and be at least 8 weeks of age.

Basically curbside or self-service check-in is not permitted in Spirit airlines.

Passengers traveling with pets are expected to check in at the ticket counter.

Here’s another airline that allows you to travel with pets; Read about British Airways Pet Policy 2023.

pet cats and dogs in carriers being loaded into a plane

Guidelines for Your Pet Carrier

Carriers must be approved by Spirit airlines before they are accepted on board.

Always ensure that your pet carrier does not exceed 18″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (45 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm).

Basically, only soft carriers are allowed in the cabin.

However, this soft carrier should always allow the pet’s head to remain inside.

In their carrier, your pet must be able to stand up and turn around safely.

Furthermore, the carrier should be able to let your pet turn around and lie down in a normal position.

In addition, your carrier should be tall enough to provide enough for your pet to stand and sit without its head and ears touching the top.

Most importantly your pet’s carrier should be properly ventilated to prevent suffocation.

They should also be secured with metal bolts as well.

Furthermore, you need to ensure that the carrier meets up with all government requirements for safe transportation.

Above all, the combined weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 40lbs (18kg).

Read also; United Airlines Pet Policy for Travelling with Dogs and Cats.

#2. Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Pet Policy.

Spirit airlines do not transport pets as checked baggage at any time.

#3. Pets in Cargo

Spirit airlines does not also offer cargo services for live animals at any time.

Service Animals on Spirit Airlines

Animals that are specially trained to help people with impairments and disabilities are known as Service animals.

If you have a disability, be rest assured you can travel with your service animal on Spirit Airlines.

Moreover, you do not have to bother about incurring additional fees for your service animal.

Because your service animal will not be charged any fee.

In addition, they are allowed to ride in the aircraft cabin so long as they do not obstruct an aisle or any other space for emergency evacuation.

Furthermore, your service animal must not be aggressive or omit any foul smell.

It must always behave well around other passengers.

Also bear in mind you will be asked what service your service animal provides for you.

It is only service animals that are allowed to travel on international flights in Spirit airlines.

Trending now; Seizure Alert Service Dogs (Top 10 Breeds With Pictures).

Other Basic Spirit Airlines Guidelines you need to know.

  • Pets must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in their carrier.
  • Animals must remain in the carrier for the duration of the flight.
  • Apart from passengers traveling to USVI, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the aircraft cabin.
  • Also if you are traveling to Puerto Rico with your pet in the cabin, Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate.
  • Birds are not permitted to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I.
  • Spirit airlines do not accept Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc.
  • A maximum of 2 pets per carrier is allowed, but only one carrier per guest is permitted.
  • Apart from the first row and emergency exit rows you may wish to sit anywhere you choose.
  • Your pet must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight. 

If your pet becomes offensive or causes a disturbance prior to leaving the gate; it will be removed.

  • Any pet that will be allowed in Spirit airlines cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress. 
  • Lastly, advance notice is important and recommended but not required. 

Key Points to Note to Ensure Your Pet Travels Safely with Spirit Airlines.

Your animals’ comfort and safety during the journey are of utmost priority to Spirit Airlines.

Indeed, Spirit is concerned about their overall well-being.

Therefore, to guarantee that your pet travels safely, these key points should be noted.

#1. Ensure your pet is up to the required age.

Before traveling, your pet must be at least eight weeks old and properly weaned, according to the USDA.

#2. Make sure your pet is comfortable in the carrier.

It is good for your animal to become acquainted with its container before traveling.

As they will remain in there the entire flight time.

This helps them to be less stressed during the journey.

Nevertheless, ensure you provide them with the right carrier for a safe and comfortable trip.

#3. It Is very important to check if your pet is in good health before the trip.

Always consult a veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to travel.

Spirit Airlines Banned Breeds.

Spirit airlines do not have any banned dog or cat breeds that cannot travel in their aircraft cabin.

However, all dogs, cats, and birds with aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.

Conclusion

If you read to this point a big thumbs up to you.

Now you know the Spirit Airlines Pet Policy, you can make informed choices and decisions.

Traveling with your pet is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Therefore always ensure your pet is safe and comfortable as you are on any journey.

See Also: American Airlines Pet Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

#1. How much does Spirit Airlines charge for pets?

Spirit Airlines charges a $110 fee per pet container on each flight (that means you will get charged $220 for round-trip pet carrying). The pet carriers must meet size requirements that are the same for carry-on baggage as they must be kept in the cabin.

#2. Is Spirit strict about pet carrier size?

For pets traveling in the cabin, the size of the carrier must not exceed 18″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (45 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm). Also, the carrier must be large enough to allow pets to stand in an upright position and comfortably move about the carrier but remain fully contained inside. Pets must remain in a pet carrier at all times while on the aircraft.

#3. Does Spirit Airlines allow Pets onboard? 

Yes, Spirit Airlines allow pets on board. However, the pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress. Advance notice is recommended but not required. You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 40 pounds (18.14 kg).

#4. Can my dog travel with me on Spirit Airlines?

You can travel with your dog on Spirit Airlines as long as the dog meets the airline’s specifications. Spirit airline accepts small pets (domestic dogs, cats, and small household birds ONLY) for transportation in the customer cabin for a service fee.

References

Similar Posts