Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost airline providing flights throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. The airline welcomes small pets to travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for an additional fee of $110 each way.
If you’re planning to fly with your pet on Spirit Airlines, here are some very important up-to-date policies you’ll need to know. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you and Fido have a seamless journey.
The Booking Process
Pets traveling on Spirit Airlines must be booked over the phone. When planning to travel with a four-legged passenger, call the Spirit Airlines reservation line at 855-728-3555 and first make sure there is room for your pet on the flight. The airline representative will ask for your pet’s name, breed and weight and will be able to book both you and your pet at that time. You can also add a pet to an existing reservation by contacting the reservation line, provided the maximum number of pets on board has not been reached. Only six kennels are allowed in the cabin on board Spirit Airlines flights so be sure to book your travel as early as possible to guarantee your furry friend a spot. The additional pet fee will be collected when you arrive at the airport to check in for your flight.
Carrier
Pets flying on Spirit Airlines must be in a kennel or carrier that meets the following requirements:
Pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennels (without touching any side or the top of the container).
Carriers must be soft-sided, collapsible, and able to fit under the seat in front of you without having to excessively collapse it.
The dimensions of the carrier must not exceed 18" (L) x 14" (W) x 9" (H).
Carriers must also be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material and have ventilation.
Pets in the cabin must remain in their kennels with the door closed, under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
Check-In
Guests traveling with pets on Spirit Airlines will need to check in at the ticket counter. Curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed, so plan to reach the airport with plenty of time. We suggest arriving more than two hours before your scheduled flight if you’re traveling with your pet.
During the check-in process, you’ll be asked to pay the pet fee. Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin, except for guests traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. A rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico. Pets are not permitted on international flights with Spirit Airlines.
Save time and stress at the airport by creating your pet profile on BringFido’s website or mobile app for iOS or Android. You can upload your pup’s health records for one-touch access whenever you need them.
Spirit Airlines’ Pet Policy
Spirit Airlines is pet friendly. Dogs, cats, small household birds and small domestic rabbits are permitted on board most flights within the U.S. With the exception of service animals, no other species are accepted, and birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. There is a maximum of two pets per carrier and only one carrier per passenger. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 40 lbs. There is an additional fee of $110 per carrier, each way.
Carry-On Pets
Small domestic dogs, cats and rabbits are welcome to fly with you in the cabin to destinations within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S.V.I., if they are at least eight weeks old. Household birds are permitted in the cabin on flights within the continental U.S. The combined weight of the pet and the kennel must not exceed 40 lbs. Only two pets are permitted per passenger, and they must fit in the same carrier, which is considered a carry-on item. The fee for carrying a pet in the cabin is $110 per carrier each way. There is no charge for service animals.
Spirit Airlines does not permit pets to fly in cargo or as checked baggage.
Pertaining to all airlines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a temporary suspension of dogs (carry-on or checked), including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies.
For more information about Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, restrictions and guidelines, check our Spirit Airlines travel page.