What Is Spirit Airlines Pet Policy?

Spirit Airlines allows small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds and small domestic rabbits on the flight. Leaving behind your pet is like a nightmare. After all, cats and dogs are important parts of the family. And for sure one wants to travel with them. But you might think that flying with a pet can be a bit difficult, as it requires many type of preparations. Both trains and flights have some different procedures to follow: 

About Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 

On Spirit airlines, one can travel with their choice of pets. Be it domestic, Puerto Rico, or to U.S. Virgin Islands as well, but not on international flights. Pets cannot travel in the checked cargo but only in the cabin, which implies that pets that are allowed are small household domestic animals that can fit easily in front of you. The list of domestic animals that are permitted are dogs, cats, small household birds, and small rabbits. 

Note: Birds and rabbits are not permitted on the flights to &  from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

However, there are certain animals that are not allowed by Spirit airlines like Spiders, Snakes, Rodents, Poultry or waterfowl (chickens or ducks), and Birds of Prey as well. 

Learn About The Spirit Airlines Pet Policy Regulations 

To help and provide a comfortable flight to both pet parents and non-pet parent passengers, there are certain regulations that are important to be followed by the pet parent. They are as follows: 

• If flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you do not need any health certificate, but when travelling to Puerto Rico, a rabies vaccination certificate is required. 
• 2 pet carriers are allowed, but one passenger can travel with one pet carrier only. 
• Pets have to remain in the carrier for the entire flight to avoid any discomfort to fellow passengers. 
• Pets must be able to move around in the provided carrier. 
• Your pet carrier container must fit beneath the seat in front of you and have dimensions no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.
• Pet carriers need to have soft sides, but the head of your pet shouldn't be exposed.
• The animals must be completely weaned and at least eight weeks old.
• The animal must be calm, odorless, harmless, and not need particular care while in flight. The animal should also be calm, healthy, and free from bodily discomfort. You and your pet will be taken off the aircraft if they cause any disruptions before the jet exits the gate.
• Pets are not permitted in the emergency exit or first row.
• The pet and its carrier must weigh no more than 40 pounds together.

How Much Does Spirit Airlines Charge For Pets?

Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy says that the fees for pet traveling in the cabin is $110 each way. This amount is applicable to cats, dogs, and even household birds. Spirit Airlines allows only six pet carriers on board, so to have the best chance of securing your pet a ‘spot’ on the plane, consider connecting with Spirit Airlines as early as possible. Keep in mind that the payment is usually made in advance to make sure that there is space availability. No payment, no reservation by the airlines.

Note: Spirit Airlines pet policy fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel your own booked reservation. 

How Strict Is Spirit Pet Policy?

Just like any other air carrier, Spirit also has certain regulations to be followed by the pet parent. However, Spirit Airlines pet policy is somewhat stringent; only small dogs, cats, household birds, and small rabbits are permitted on domestic flights. There are also limitations on the size, weight, and number of pets per carrier, reservations must be made in advance, and there is a cost. If you have doubts regarding your pet traveling itinerary, then connect with the Spirit Airlines customer care department. 

Service Animals -If you are traveling with a licensed service animal, the regulations are a little different. To begin with, the only service animals permitted to travel on a Spirit flight are dogs. You must first complete the Service Animal Air Transportation Form from the U.S. Department of Transportation and send it to Spirit using their online service animal request form 48 hours prior to your journey.

In an emergency, Spirit will allow you to bring the filled-out form to the check-in desk on the day of departure, but there is a possibility that staff won't be able to approve your request immediately, and you will need to rebook, which they will assist you with. 

Spirit Airlines Pet Seating and Carrier Requirements - The airline should adhere to its rules and get FAA approval. Spirit Airlines requires that the carrier slide beneath the seat in front of you with ease. The carrier must be big enough to prevent your pet from feeling confined and uncomfortable during the flight, even if it must fit beneath the seat.

Passengers can bring their own pet carriers- the passenger has to make sure that the carriers are no larger than 18 x 14 x 9 inches and weigh no more than 40 pounds in total. Kindly be advised that only soft-sided pet containers are permitted in the cabin. You must choose a container that will keep your pet from putting its head out.

To ensure your pet's safety during the trip, it's also important to confirm that the container satisfies all government safety regulations for pet transportation.

Can I Buy A Seat For My Pet On Spirit Airlines? 

No. You can’t buy a separate seat on Spirit Airlines for your pet friend. However, you can buy an additional seat if you think that your pet needs more space to fit under the seat in front of you. Add the Go Big Travel option to your reservation, which gives you an option of having a Big Front Seat where you can be comfortable enough with your pet. 

Additionally, it's always well-suggested to double-check your travel plans before booking your pet’s reservation to not get yourself in any last-minute surprises. 

Conclusion

Spirit Airlines has an easy-to-understand pet policy for all pet parents. Just go through the rules so that you do not miss out on any detail. Furthermore, make sure that you understand and are able to follow Spirit Airlines pet policy to have a comfortable and enjoyable flight. 

Know More:

• How To Upgrade Seat On Spirit Airlines?
• How To Get A Spirit Airlines Refund?