SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy

Traveling with a furry friend can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, especially when you’re dealing with regional carriers like SkyWest. If you’ve ever looked at a flight schedule and seen "Operated by SkyWest Airlines," you might have wondered if the rules change. The good news is that the SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy is designed to be straightforward, though it requires a little bit of homework because they partner with major giants like Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines.

Whether you’re heading across the state for a weekend or moving across the country, knowing the ins and outs of how your cat or dog can fly is the first step toward a stress-free trip.

Understanding the SkyWest Connection

Before we dive into the specific crate sizes and fees, it’s important to understand how SkyWest works. They don't sell tickets directly under their own name. Instead, they fly on behalf of major airlines. Because of this, the SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy is a blend of their own operational safety rules and the specific ticketing policies of their partners.

If you are flying on a United Express flight operated by SkyWest, you’ll follow United’s booking process, but the physical aircraft (and the space under the seat) is SkyWest’s territory. This makes it vital to check both the partner's rules and the specific aircraft requirements for the regional jets SkyWest typically flies, like the CRJ200, CRJ700, or E175.

Pets in the Cabin: The Basics

For most travelers, having their pet right at their feet is the only way to go. SkyWest allows small dogs and cats in the passenger cabin, provided they meet certain criteria.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

Generally, SkyWest welcomes small domesticated cats and dogs. Some of their partners might allow small household birds, but this is becoming rarer. The most important factor is size. Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside their carrier. If the pet looks cramped, the gate agent has the authority to deny boarding for the animal's safety.

Carrier Requirements

The carrier is your pet's "seat" for the duration of the flight. Since SkyWest operates regional jets, space can be tighter than on a massive international plane.

Dimensions: While it varies slightly by aircraft, a safe bet is a soft-sided carrier around 17 x 11 x 9 inches.
Type: Soft-sided carriers are highly recommended because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat in front of you.
Features: Your carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated on at least three sides, and securely fastened.

Behavior and Safety

The SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy is very clear about behavior. Your pet needs to stay inside the carrier from the moment you enter the airport until you leave the terminal at your destination. This includes the boarding process and the flight itself. If your pet is disruptive—excessive barking or growling—you might be asked to find alternative transport.

Fees and Reservations

Flying with a pet isn’t free, and it’s not something you should leave until the day of travel.

What Does it Cost?

The fee for a pet in the cabin usually ranges from $100 to $125 each way. This fee is collected at the check-in counter when you arrive at the airport. It’s important to note that this fee is per carrier, not necessarily per pet. If you have two tiny kittens that fit comfortably in one carrier, you may only pay one fee (though you should confirm this with the specific partner airline).

Making a Reservation

Airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight—often just 2 to 4 pets per cabin. To ensure your pet gets a spot, you should:

Book early: Call the partner airline (Delta, United, etc.) as soon as you book your own seat.
Verify the operator: Double-check that the flight is indeed operated by SkyWest so you can ask about specific under-seat dimensions.
Confirm at Check-in: Arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual to handle the paperwork and pay the fee.

Checking Your Pet as Baggage

While some major airlines have moved away from allowing pets in the cargo hold, the SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy still allows for pets to be checked as baggage on certain routes and under specific conditions. This is usually the option for larger dogs that can't fit under the seat.

Kennel Specifications for Cargo

If your dog is too big for the cabin, they will need a hard-sided, FAA-approved kennel.

Size Limits: SkyWest accepts small, medium, and large kennels. However, they do not accept extra-large or giant kennels (often referred to as 500 or 700 series crates) because the cargo doors on regional jets simply aren't big enough to fit them.
Safety First: The kennel must be bolted together with metal nuts and bolts (not plastic clips) and must have "Live Animal" stickers clearly visible.

Weather Restrictions

The safety of animals in the cargo hold is a top priority. SkyWest enforces strict temperature embargos. If the temperature at your origin, destination, or any stopover is forecasted to be below 45°F or above 84°F, they will not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. This is for the animal's protection, as the cargo area, while pressurized, can be affected by outside temperatures during loading and unloading.

Documentation and Health Requirements

You wouldn't travel to a new country without a passport, and your pet needs their own version of travel docs too.

Health Certificates

For pets traveling in the cargo hold, a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian is almost always required. This certificate usually needs to be issued within 10 days of your travel date. It proves that your pet is healthy enough for flight and up-to-date on vaccinations like Rabies.

For in-cabin pets, health certificates aren't always required for domestic travel within the lower 48 states, but it is highly recommended to have a copy of their vaccination records just in case. If you're headed to Hawaii or an international destination, the rules become much stricter, often involving quarantine periods and specific blood tests.

Breed Restrictions

Like many carriers, SkyWest and its partners have restrictions on "brachycephalic" or snub-nosed breeds. This includes Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats. These animals have shorter airways and can struggle with breathing at high altitudes or in stressful environments. Many partners will not allow these breeds to fly in the cargo hold at all.

Preparing Your Pet for the Journey

A successful flight starts days before you head to the airport.

Acclimatization: Let your pet sleep in their carrier for a week before the trip. Put their favorite blanket or a piece of your clothing inside so it smells like home.
Exercise: On the day of the flight, give your dog a long walk or a vigorous play session. A tired pet is a calm pet.
Feeding: Feed your pet a light meal about 4 to 6 hours before the flight. Flying on a full stomach can lead to nausea.
Hydration: Keep them hydrated, but don't overdo it right before boarding to avoid "accidents" in the carrier.

At the Airport: What to Expect

Navigating the terminal with a pet adds an extra layer of logistics.

The Security Checkpoint

When you go through TSA, you will have to take your pet out of the carrier. You will carry the pet through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags, and it’s a good idea to have a harness and leash on them so they don't bolt if they get spooked by the noise.

Pet Relief Areas

Most airports now have designated pet relief areas. Some are even located "airside" (after security), which is a lifesaver during long layovers. It’s a good idea to map these out before you land so you aren't wandering the terminal looking for a patch of synthetic grass.

Service Animals vs. Pets

It is worth noting that the SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy treats trained service animals differently than pets.

No Fees: Trained service dogs fly for free.
No Carriers Required: They don't have to be in a carrier, but they must sit at your feet and cannot occupy a seat.
Documentation: You will need to submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before your flight.
Emotional Support Animals: As of recent years, most airlines (and SkyWest's partners) no longer recognize Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals. They are now required to travel under the standard pet policy, including the fees and carrier rules.

Final Tips for a Smooth Flight

Traveling with an animal is a big responsibility, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key to mastering the SkyWest Airlines Pet Policy is communication. Since SkyWest is a "behind the scenes" operator, always confirm your pet's reservation with the airline you bought the ticket from, and then double-check the aircraft type.

If you find yourself on a very small plane like the CRJ200, the under-seat space is notoriously tight. In these cases, a very flexible, low-profile soft carrier is your best friend.

By planning ahead, getting the right gear, and keeping your vet in the loop, you and your four-legged companion can enjoy the skies together. Safe travels!