SkyWest Airlines – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (only if booked via and allowed by partner: Delta, United, American, Alaska; size/weight strict; fits under seat) | Yes on some routes (small to medium crates only; extra-large/giant kennels not accepted by SkyWest) | Must be booked via mainline partner; follow their rules. Aggressive/brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo. Arrive early for pet approval. |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (per size & partner policy) | All partner/booking/doc rules apply for travel on SkyWest flights |
| Bird | No | No (partner cargo only if at all permitted) | Must use cargo solution with partner airline if eligible |
| Rabbit / Reptile / Fish | No | No | Not accepted as standard passenger carriage; partner cargo solution if allowed |
Important Guidelines
- All travel with pets must comply with BOTH SkyWest aircraft size/safety rules AND the ticketing/partner airline (Delta, United, American, Alaska) pet policy.
- Book pet segment at time of reservation to guarantee space. SkyWest regional jets cannot accept extra-large or giant kennels – only small/medium hard or soft crates that fit assigned cargo/bin.
- No regional airline pets allowed on flights to Hawaii, UK, Ireland, Jamaica, Barbados, or Trinidad & Tobago. Refer to partner rules for international animal transport.
- Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds and aggressive breeds banned from hold/cargo on all SkyWest partners. Cabin acceptance for these breeds is possible only if permitted by partner and pet fits all criteria.
- Follow partner airline for documents: health/vet/vaccination/entry papers and crate size certification. No pet in the cabin or cargo will be accepted without confirmed booking and documentation.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before flight for pet check-in (not at gate or curbside; desk only). Only healthy, odor-free, non-aggressive, non-disruptive animals accepted. Staff have final approval for pet travel on all segments.
Woofly Tips
- Always check your mainline partner’s current pet policy before booking. SkyWest enforces the strictest of both their own and partner airline’s rules—when in doubt, call customer support ahead of travel.
- Practice placing your pet in travel carrier well before travel; check carrier dimensions and fit for animal comfort; denied boarding is common for oversized, illegal, or stressed animals at check-in.
- For connections, ensure every flight segment (especially code-shares) accepts pets and animal type/size, and all documentation is ready for each transfer point.
- Have digital and hard copies of all papers: health/vaccine proof, booking confirmation, import permits. Some routes may require physical confirmation of animal age/breeds/health by airline or authorities.
- Never tranquilize your animal without direct veterinary prescription and advanced airline notification—unsafe sedation is a top reason for travel denial.
Last updated: July 27, 2025