Spirit Airlines allows passengers to travel with small domesticated pets on all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. The airline permits the following pets on their aircraft:
- Domestic dogs
- Domestic cats
- Small household birds (except to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.)
- Small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.) [1]
Pets are not accepted as checked baggage; they must accompany their owners in the cabin[2]. Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to travel on international flights, except in the case of service dogs[3].
Pet Policy Cost
Spirit Airlines charges a fee of $110 for pets on all domestic flights[4]. One container can hold a maximum of two pets of the same species, and the fee is $125 per container[2].
Emotional Support and Service Dogs
As of January 11th, 2021, emotional support animals (ESAN) are required to travel as pets per updated Department of Transportation requirements[1]. However, service dogs are still accepted as trained service or psychiatric service animals[5]. Spirit Airlines only accepts service animals if evidence of training or service is presented, such as identification cards or written documentation[6].
Carry-On Pet Policy
Pets must travel in a container that is ventilated and fits under the seat in front of the passenger. The maximum size for a pet carrier is 18″L x 14″W x 9″H (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm) [7]. There must be sufficient room for the pet to stand up and turn around in the carrier, which must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation[8]. Spirit Airlines allows a maximum of 4 pet containers in the cabin on all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I[7].
Additional Information
It is essential to contact Spirit Airlines’ Reservations Center at 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555) or text them at 48763 to add a pet to your reservation[1]. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned[8]. Passengers are limited to one pet carrier each, with up to two pets inside[7].
You can also read about Spirit Airlines’ Cancellation Policy and Baggage Policy to have a better understanding of what to expect when traveling with Spirit.
Citations:
[1] https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01181
[2] https://airlinespet.com/spirit-airlines-pet-policy/
[3] https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64492636b9d871623dfb4be7/t/644e7545500cc0360caeb1ee/1682863429988/spirit_airlines_pet_policy_service_dogs.pdf
[4] https://spritfly.com/blog/spirit-airlines-pet-policy
[5] https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-US/category/article/KA-01492
[6] https://www.dogsonplanes.com/airlines/spirit/service-animal-policy/
[7] https://www.bringfido.com/travel/airline_policies/spirit/
[8] https://www.pettravel.com/airline_pet_rules/spirit.cfm
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