Spirit Airlines’ Pet Policy: 5 Things To Know

Traveling with your furry companions can be an exciting adventure, but being well-informed about airline pet policies is essential. Spirit Airlines understands the importance of keeping your pets close, and their pet policy reflects a balance between accommodating pet lovers and ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers. Here are five key things to know about Spirit Airlines’ pet policy.

1 Types of pets allowed

Bring your favorite furry or feathery friends along

Spirit Airlines welcomes your four-legged (and even some two-legged) friends to join you in the cabin for a stress-free travel experience. The airline understands the unique bond between pets and their owners, and this policy allows you to share the journey together.

Photo: VistaJet

In fact, each guest can bring along not just one, but two pets. Both animals must be able to fit into a single carrier, as only one carrier is allowed per guest.

According to Spirit Airlines, pets that are permitted include:

• Domestic dogs
• Domestic cats
• Small household birds
• Small domestic rabbits

Take note that birds and rabbits are prohibited on flights to and from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

2 Pets that can’t board

Unfortunately, not all pets are welcome

While Spirit Airlines is pet-friendly, some animals are restricted from traveling in the cabin.

As listed on NerdWallet, for the safety and comfort of other passengers, pets that are not permitted include:

• Snakes
• Spiders
• Rodents
• Birds of prey

And while small household birds are allowed, birds not considered ‘household’ include farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, and flightless birds (sorry, no ostriches permitted!).

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Before you begin planning, you must check the specific guidelines to ensure a smooth boarding process so that you don’t risk having to part with your beloved animal at the airport – or having to skip boarding your flight altogether.

3 Limitations and exceptions

Review the rules and regulations

Spirit Airlines has some limitations on pet travel to prioritize safety. Pets are only allowed onboard flights throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, as stated on The Points Guy.

Photo: Bulgaria Air

To be allowed to board, your pet carrier must fulfill the following requirements:

• The combined weight of the pet and its carrier must be 40 pounds (18.14 kg) or less.
• The dimensions of your pet carrier container can’t exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm), and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Pet carriers must be soft-sided but shouldn’t allow your pet’s head to be outside the carrier.
• Pets must be able to stand up and move around in their container.
• Pets have to remain in their carrier for the entire flight.

It’s worth noting that since the airline does not allow pets to go in the cargo hold, the travel options for larger dogs are limited.

On international flights, only service dogs are permitted. You will need to submit the US Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before your flight.

4 Important guidelines

Crucial things to note

To ensure a hassle-free journey, there are essential guidelines to consider when traveling with pets on Spirit Airlines. Pets must be at least eight weeks old, and you should carry them in an airline-approved pet carrier.

Photo: Air Canada

• You don’t need a health certificate for pets except if you’re flying to the US Virgin Islands, but a rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
• Animals 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.
• The animal should be healthy, calm, and not in physical distress. If your pet causes a disturbance before the plane leaves the gate, you and your pet will be escorted off the flight.
• Pets are not allowed in the first row or emergency exit rows, so be conscious of which seat you select.

Following these guidelines ensures a safe and comfortable experience for both pets and passengers.

5 How to book

Ready to take to the skies with your pet?

Booking your pet’s travel with Spirit Airlines involves a straightforward process. However, only six carriers are allowed per flight, so make sure to book early. Here’s how to do it, per NerdWallet.

• Make a reservation for your pet, separate from your own. You can do so by texting the airline or chatting via WhatsApp.
• Pay $125 one-way – this fee applies per pet carrier, not per pet.
• If traveling with a pet, you will not be able to check in online. Instead, plan to arrive earlier at the airport to check in at the counter. Make sure you bring along any certificates your pet might have, such as vaccination slips.

As mentioned, ensure that your pet carrier meets the airline’s requirements – including proper ventilation and a secure latch – so you aren’t denied boarding.

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In conclusion, Spirit Airlines strives to accommodate pet owners while maintaining a safe and enjoyable travel environment. By understanding these five critical aspects of their pet policy, you can confidently plan your journey, knowing that your beloved pets are in good hands. So, pack your bags and prepare for a paw-some adventure with Spirit Airlines!