Spirit Airlines Pet Policy: What You Need to Know
- Rafael Jordan
- Apr 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Traveling with pets can add a layer of complexity to your journey, but being well-prepared can make the process smoother. Spirit Airlines offers specific guidelines for passengers flying with pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. Understanding these policies will help ensure a comfortable trip for you and your furry friend. Here's a comprehensive look at what you need to know before boarding a Spirit Airlines flight with your pet.
Points to Know about Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
Here is the some important points you've need to know about Spirit Airlines pet policy and rules when you bringing your pet on Spirit Flight:
Spirit Airlines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on domestic flights if the combined weight of the pet and carrier is under 40 lbs (18 kg).
The pet must be able to stand in an upright position and comfortably move around in the carrier, which must not exceed 18" x 14" x 9" (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm)
The airline allows up to 2 pets per carrier, but only one carrier per passenger. Pets are not permitted on international flights, except for flights to/from Puerto Rico or St. Thomas.
Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet carriers in the cabin to 4 on routes within the United States, including San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. The fee for traveling with your pet is $125 each way
Pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage on Spirit Airlines. Carriers must be soft-sided but should not allow your pet's head to be outside the carrier.
Pets must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. The animal must be harmless, odorless, docile, and not require special attention during the flight.
To travel with your pet on Spirit Airlines, you must make a reservation for your pet separately from your own, which you can only do by calling, texting, or chatting by WhatsApp with Spirit.
When traveling with your pet on Spirit Airlines, you should be aware of any travel restrictions within your destination and upon returning to the United States, such as documentation requirements.
Spirit does not consider emotional support or therapy animals as service animals, and emotional support animals will be treated like pets when checking in and traveling with Spirit.
It's important to note that the combined weight of the pet and its carrier must be 40 pounds or less, and the dimensions of your pet carrier container cannot exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Pets should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
The animal must be harmless, odorless, docile, and not require special attention during the flight. If your pet causes a disturbance before the plane leaves the gate, you and your pet will be escorted off the flight. There are no pets allowed in the first row or emergency exit rows.
Types of Pets Allowed on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allows small domestic pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits, to travel in the cabin on all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc., will not be accepted.
Breed Restrictions for Pets on Spirit Airlines
There are no specific breed restrictions for pets on Spirit Airlines, but snub-nosed dogs such as pugs or French bulldogs may be more prone to breathing problems and should not remain in carriers for extended periods of time.
Spirit Airlines' Pet Carrier Requirements
The pet must be in a soft-sided carrier that is subject to inspection and approval by Spirit. The carrier must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 14" x 9" (L x W x H) and must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Only one pet container is allowed per guest, and a maximum of two pets are permitted per container.
Fees for Traveling with Pets on Spirit Airlines
The fee for traveling with a pet on Spirit Airlines is $110 per pet container for a one-way trip and $220 for a round trip.
How do I add a pet to my Spirit reservation?
To travel with a pet on Spirit Airlines, passengers must make a separate reservation for their pet by contacting Spirit Airlines Reservation Number 1-855-728-3555 or 1-860-374-7569. Pets are not allowed in the first row or emergency exit rows. Guests traveling with pets must check-in at the ticket counter, and curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed.
Traveling with Pets to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Spirit Airlines
Pets are allowed on flights to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but a rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
Spirit Airlines' Rules for Pets in the Cabin
Pets must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The pet must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container.
How to Avoid Spirit Airlines' Pet Fees
The best way to avoid Spirit Airlines pet fee is by using the right credit card, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card, which can be used to offset airline pet fees as they would often code as travel.
Impact of the DOT's 2021 ESA Regulation on Spirit Airlines
As of January 11th, 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) will be required to travel as pets per updated Department of Transportation requirements.
Spirit Airlines' ESA Policy
Spirit Airlines recognizes emotional support animals (ESAs) as pets due to new travel regulations made by the Department of Transportation.
Understanding the ACAA and ESAs on Spirit Airlines
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to allow emotional support animals (ESAs) in the cabin of aircraft. Spirit Airlines recognizes ESAs as pets due to new travel regulations made by the Department of Transportation.
Spirit Airlines' Policy for Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are permitted on Spirit flights, but they will be recognized as pets due to new travel regulations made by the Department of Transportation[1].
How to Alert Spirit Airlines You Will Be Bringing Your ESA/Pet/SA
Passengers must make a separate reservation for their pet by contacting Spirit Airlines Reservation Number 1-860-374-7569 .
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