Spirit Airlines' pet policy: Here’s how to fly with your pet on Spirit
Looking to take your pet with you on your next trip? If so, the Spirit Airlines pet policy lets you travel with more pet types than most other airlines. Specifically, the Spirit pet policy allows you to bring domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds and small domestic rabbits on board.
But before you book your flight and take your pet to the airport, know that you must follow certain rules and regulations. Here's everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Spirit Airlines.
Spirit Airlines' pet policy
According to the Spirit pet policy, domesticated dogs and cats can fly on Spirit Airlines flights throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And while small "household birds" (excluding such things as chickens and ducks) and small domestic rabbits are allowed to fly in-cabin on Spirit, these pets can only fly domestically (not to or from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Additionally, Spirit doesn't allow any animals to fly as cargo. So, unfortunately, larger dogs can't fly on Spirit according to the Spirit Airlines dog policy.
All pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned from their mother. Additionally, health certificates are required for pets flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a rabies vaccination certificate is required when traveling to Puerto Rico.
While Spirit doesn't allow any pets to fly on international flights, service animals can fly internationally.
When flying with an approved pet on Spirit, you may choose any seat except the first row and the emergency exit row. Your pet must remain in its carrier for the entire flight, can't require attention and must be "harmless, inoffensive and odorless."
Related: Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines
Booking your pet on a Spirit Airlines flight
Spirit Airlines charges a fee of $125 one-way to bring a pet with you in the cabin. Reservations are recommended but not required. However, it is probably best to reserve a spot for your pet on the plane as soon as possible since Spirit doesn't allow more than six pet carriers per flight. To add a pet to your reservation, contact Spirit directly.
When checking in at the airport with your pet, the Spirit Airlines pet policy states you'll need to visit the ticket counter (curbside or self-service check in isn't allowed). When you visit the ticket counter, a Spirit agent will inspect and approve both your pet and its carrier.
Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet
Spirit Airlines' pet carrier requirements
When traveling on Spirit, you may bring two similar pets if they can fit in one pet carrier. The carrier must be large enough to allow the pet (or pets) to stand and turn around. Only soft-sided carriers are allowed — although the type that allows the pet's head to poke outside is prohibited — and the dimensions cannot exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by nine inches.
You must place the carrier under the seat in front of you and keep it there for the entire flight. Additionally, per the Spirit pet policy, the pet and carrier have a combined weight restriction of 40 pounds.
Due to Spirit's baggage policy, your pet carrier will count as one of the items you're allowed to bring on board. So, you can only bring a personal item (for free) or a carry-on item (with the associated fee) — not both — in addition to your pet carrier.
Related: How to change or cancel a Spirit Airlines flight
Bottom line
Thanks to the relatively generous Spirit Airlines pet policy, you can bring your dog (as long as it's small enough), cat, rabbit or bird with you on most flights. And despite Spirit charging a pretty penny for anything "extra" during your travels, the fee to bring your pet with you is similarly priced to the other major U.S. airlines (although on the higher end of the scale).
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.