Are Pets Allowed on Spirit Flights?

If you’re the kind of traveler who believes adventures are better with pets, Spirit Airlines pet policy has some good news. Pets are permitted under certain conditions. From who gets a boarding pass to what kind of carrier works, here’s your go-to guide to flying Spirit with your companion.

Are Service Dogs allowed on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airline animal policy allows your furry friend to be welcome in the cabin. Small pets are permitted on all domestic routes, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, there’s one major update: emotional support animals no longer qualify as service animals. They now travel under Spirit’s standard pet rules.

Which Pets Get the Green Light?

Not all animals are cut. Spirit pet policy allows:

• Dogs (domestic only)

• Cats (domestic only)

• Small household birds (but not in Puerto Rico/U.S.V.I. routes)

• Small rabbits (same restriction as birds)

Sorry, snakes, rodents, farm poultry, or anything exotic won’t fly. And if your dog has a flat nose (think pugs or bulldogs), consult your doctor before traveling; these breeds may face breathing risks at altitude.

Reserving Space for Your Pet

Think of in-flight pet travel as a VIP event! Only six pet containers are allowed per flight.  The Spirit Airlines pet policy fee is $125 per pet container. Each guest may bring one carrier, although two small pets can share if they’re well-behaved. The safest move? Add your pet when booking your ticket slots, as they fill up quickly.

Check-In With Your Four-Legged Co-Pilot

Flying with a pet means you’ll need to visit the ticket counter to have your carrier approved by staff and pay the Spirit Airline pet policy cost. This may require extra time, so please arrive at least 10 minutes before your usual schedule.

Paperwork depends on your destination: 

• Puerto Rico → rabies vaccination certificate required

• U.S.V.I. → health certificate required

• Other domestic flights → no paperwork needed

And here’s the age rule: Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old, healthy, and fully weaned.

Carrier Rules You Must Follow

Spirit keeps things tight when it comes to carriers. Here’s the checklist:

• Max size: 18” x 14” x 9”

• Your pet must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you

• Soft-sided carriers only

• The pet must stay inside the carrier the entire flight

• A carrier counts as your carry-on bag.

Pro tip: Test the carrier at home so your pet feels safe inside it. It’ll make the flight easier for both of you.

Seat Choices With Pets

You and your buddy can sit almost anywhere except the first row and the exit rows. This ensures everyone’s safety, especially in emergencies. At security, you’ll carry your pet through screening while the X-ray machine scans the empty carrier. 

Cargo Hold? Not With Spirit

Some airlines offer a cargo option for pets. Spirit does not. At first, this might sound restrictive, but it actually means your pet stays by your side throughout the trip, with no dark cargo hold and no added stress.

Can Pets Fly Internationally on Spirit?

No pets on international flights (service animals are the exception). If you’re traveling abroad, call ahead to confirm that documentation requirements for service animals vary by country.

Conclusion

So, are pets allowed on Spirit flights? Yes, but only small cats, dogs, rabbits, and certain birds, and only on domestic trips. With no cargo option and limited space, early planning is key. If you’re willing to follow Spirit’s straightforward rules, you and your pet can share the skies without the stress.

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