Understand Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Stress-Free Booking

For travelers, leaving the pet behind is disheartening, and sometimes it is not possible. Understanding this, airlines have made the Spirit Airlines pet policy. This policy covers everything, including regulations related to normal pets and service animals, the charges, and the guidelines provided for the pet carrier. 

Read about the pet policy in detail here and know how much charges you have to pay, what the rules are for pets, carriers, and service animals, and the process of booking a slot to make the process smooth. 

What are Spirit Airlines' Pet Policy Regulations?

The Spirit Airlines pet policy regulations are quite convenient when it comes to traveling with a pet. This policy was made with the comfort and safety of the passengers in mind. Before going into the fee details and other aspects, let us first have a look at some of the common regulations of this policy. 

• The passengers are allowed to take along a domestic cat, dog, birds from the household, and rabbits only in the cabin. 
• Spirit strictly prohibits the traveling of pets in the cargo or checked baggage.
• The pets must have crossed the age of 8 months and be independent. 
• Service animals can travel on the flight, outside of a pet carrier, and they must be well-trained and well-behaved.
• The birds are not allowed to travel to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
• The pet fee is paid at check-in with Spirit Airlines. 
• Passengers taking their pets on board can check in through the ticket counter. 

Charges for traveling with a pet:

How to Book a Slot for the Pet? 

Spirit Airlines' pet policy is very straightforward and comprehensive. Please book the slot immediately after booking, as one aircraft has only six slots. The carrier cost is paid at check-in. They offer passengers both online and offline booking options: 

Through Online: 

• Open the Spirit Airlines official website. 
• Visit “My Trip” and log in, or fill out the “Manage Your Booking” section. 
• Provide the last name and confirmation code in the section. 
• Select the “add pet” option, and follow the instructions.
• And submit after providing the information. 
• Payment can be made during check-in after verifying the pet is clear to fly. 
• You can also add the pet through the mobile application using the same procedure.

Other Ways: 

• Passengers can contact the customer service and add a slot for pet travel.
• The passenger can chat with the representative. 
• They can also visit the airport and book a slot before or on the day of departure. 
• The charges will be paid while checking in. 

What are the Pet Carrier Regulations? 

As per Spirit Airlines' guidelines for pet carriers, the pet carrier must follow these regulations provided in the policy:

• A carrier's dimension must be: 18x14x9. 
• Size limits are not provided by the airlines. 
• Two pets of the same breed can stay inside one carrier. 
• Please ensure the pet or pets are comfortable inside the carrier. 
• The carrier will be kept below the front seat, and it will remain closed during the flight. 
• A carrier that is hard from the inside is not allowed. 
• The carrier must be made as per the government-provided regulations. 

What are the Document Requirements for a Pet? 

According to the spirit animal policy, the following document requirements for pets were set forth:

• Pets accompanying passengers must only check in at the ticket counter.
• The pet is required to go through security screening.
• A rabies certificate for the pet must be with every passenger.
• If you are accompanied by a service animal, you will need to present the rabies certificate along with the U.S. DOT service animal transportation form.
• Health certificates are generally not needed; however, it will be advisable to have one with you.
• Check the regulations of the destination before you fly. 

Service animals: 

• Passengers have to fill out a U.S. DOT service animal transportation form and submit it 48 hours before the departure of the flight so that airlines can verify that the animal is eligible to travel as a service animal or not.
• The vest, harness, ID card, or registration is no longer considered proof of identification. 
• The form must be dated on or after the ticket purchase date, completed, and have an updated rabies vaccination.
• The U.S. DOT service animal transportation form is a government-issued form, so any intentional, false information or remark in this form can cause legal action against you. 
• You must provide the form every time you travel and for each pet if you are traveling with two pets.

What are the Regulations for Service Animals? 

Spirit airlines pet travel policy allows travelers with physical disabilities to travel together with their guide dogs for assistance during the journey. Please follow the rules and requirements when traveling with an assisting animal: 

• The dog must not exceed the size of a specific two-year-old child.
• Service animal does not include, 
• Therapy animals, 
• Common companionship animals, 
• Emotional support animals 
• and service animals under training. 
• These pets can travel under the criteria of normal pets. 
• The dog must undergo training in performing specific tasks to the benefit of the physically challenged person. 
• Spirit team members will check his skills if required. 
• Passengers can only travel with two service dogs; dogs above that can travel as a normal pet. 
• If the pet is showing aggressive behaviour and not performing as a service animal, they might be stopped from flying. 
• If you haven’t submitted the form online, bring the filled form and submit it at the ticket counter or gate. They will verify it and allow you to travel with the pet. 
• Ensure to arrive early if you are submitting the form at the ticket counter or gate. 
• It is advised to submit the form online and be stress-free while traveling.

What are the Regulations for an International Trip? 

It is clearly mentioned in the Spirit Airlines pet rules that pets can not travel to an international destination. A service animal is allowed to travel internationally. International trips are long, and the pet cannot stay comfortable inside the carrier; that is why they refuse to travel. 

Key points: 

• Animals can move around in pet relief zones located in airports and on board flights, where they are allowed outside of their carriers. 
• Travelers with pets won't be able to sit in the exit row or the row where a front seat is not available. 
• Service animals are prohibited from sitting on the aisle, in the emergency exit area, or in the foot area of a neighboring passenger. 

• As per Spirit airlines, the pet carrier must follow the government regulations. 

• They must stay in the foot area of your seat. 
• The pet is not allowed inside the flight if it is aggressive and not manageable by you, or if it seems to harm anyone.
• Please purchase extra legroom seats or two seats if the service animal is large in size. 

Conclusion

When a pet is accompanying a traveler, the traveler has to obey all these rules to make the journey seamless and to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal. The booking process and fees must be read in advance, and the airline's rules must also be checked, so there will be no hassle at the check-in counter. This pet policy has all the information a passenger needs to be aware of to fly with a pet. Pay attention to the regulations and make the travel process smooth for both you and the pet.

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