Are you thinking of flying with your pet with Spirit Airlines? In this guide, we will breakdown all you need to know about Spirit Airlines pet policy. Read on to find out what type of pets are allowed on Spirit Airlines, how to book your pet on a flight, and much more.
Do Spirit Airlines allow pets?
Yes, Spirit Airlines allows you to travel with small domesticated pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, and small household birds) on all domestic flights – for a fee. Dogs and cats are allowed on flights to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, but birds and rabbits are not.
Spirit Airlines require no documentation for your pets on domestic flights, but flights to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands require paperwork. If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico, you must provide a vet-certified health certificate, and if you’re flying to the Virgin Islands you will need a rabies vaccination certificate.
All pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. For their safety and comfort, you must transport your pets in a well-ventilated soft carrier with enough space for them to stand up and turn around.
Your pet must be healthy, odorless, inoffensive to other passengers, and require no attention during the flight. Spirit will refuse your pet if it causes a disturbance or becomes offensive.
Spirit Airlines allows passengers to travel with up to two pets at once, but they must travel in the same carrier and have enough room to move around comfortably. Your pet carrier must be placed under the seat in front of you, and your pets must remain within it for the entirety of the flight.
Your pet carrier should not exceed 18 x 14 x 9 inches (45.72 x 35.56cm x 22.86cm), and the combined weight of the pets and carrier must not exceed 40lb (18.14kg). Your pet carrier counts as your one-plus-one carry-on luggage allowance for the flight.
Spirit has confirmed that advance notice of your pet is not required. However, we recommend reserving a space for your pet when you book your travel arrangements, as Spirit only allows a maximum of four pet carriers per flight.
Passengers traveling with pets cannot use self-service check-in and must check in at the ticket counter. Spirit will inspect your pet carrier at check-in, and if you’ve failed to follow their guidelines they may refuse your pet travel.
We recommend following the guidelines exactly as written to avoid any stress – after all, these rules are in place to keep your pets safe as well as you!
How to add your pet to Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines only allows four pet carriers on a single flight, so we suggest contacting Spirit while arranging your travel to ensure your beloved pet can travel with you. Reserving a place for your animal companion is a straightforward process – these are the necessary steps:
- Contact Spirit reservations center via phone or WhatsApp at 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555) or by text at 48763, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Provide them with your booking details – booking code and first and last name.
- Spirit Airlines will add a pet reservation to your booking.
- Pay the required fee upon check-in.
Can I buy a seat for my pet on Spirit Airlines?
No, you cannot buy seats for your pets on a Spirit flight. While they allow pets on board, Spirit Airlines only allow them to be transported within pet carriers, which must be placed under the seat in front of you.
Flying Pets in Cargo on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines do not transport animals in cargo at any time due to the dangers that this may pose to the animals. Flying with your pet in cargo is statistically less safe than transporting them in the cabin and is more stressful overall for your pet. Spirit Airlines pet policy was created to ensure the safety of all animals flying with them.
Pets You can Fly With on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allow you to fly with small domesticated animals. The size of the animal you’re allowed to travel with is restricted as there is a maximum size and weight limit for the pet carrier. Spirit allows you to travel with the following:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Small household birds
Pets Not Allowed to Fly on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines pet travel policy refuses the transportation of the following animals, among others:
- Amphibians and Reptiles
- Arachnids
- Rodents
- Large dogs
- Fish
- Large animals such as Lions, Tigers, Bears
- Farm poultry
- Waterfowl
- Game birds
- Birds of prey
- Flightless birds
FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Spirit Airlines pet policy.
Is it safe to fly my pet with Spirit Airlines?
Yes, it is saf to fly on Spirit Airlines with your pet. Flying with your pets on board Spirit Airlines is as safe as flying yourself. Spirit’s pet travel policy is intended to make the journey as safe and stress-free for your pet as possible. While flying can be stressful for your pet, if you properly prepare before the flight, you should both be able to travel with minimum anxiety on a Spirit Airlines flight.
Can I fly Internationally with my pet on Spirit Airlines?
Only service animals are allowed on international flights with Spirit Airlines. Depending on the destination, specific documentation may be required. We suggest contacting Spirit when booking your flight to find out what is needed.
Can I fly with my rabbit on Spirit Airlines?
Yesm you can fly with your rabbit on Spirit Airlines. Rabbits are only allowed on domestic flights with Spirit Airlines. Any flights to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are off-limits for rabbits. Rabbits should be transported in a pet carrier for domestic flights and are subject to the same rules regarding behavior as other pets.
