Southwest Airlines, looking to increase revenues and customer service, will soon allow small cats and dogs in aircraft cabins for a $75 fare each way.
The carrier also said a $25 service charge will be added to the fare for unaccompanied minors, defined as children 5 to 11 years old traveling without an adult. Southwest will also increase the existing fee to check a third and overweight bag of 51 pounds to 70 pounds from $25 to $50.
Southwest will continue to check the first two bags free, unlike most other airlines.
The carrier has reported three consecutive quarterly losses.
In making the announcement Friday, Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly said the moves “are just the starting point with additional initiatives planned for later in the year.”
Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said Kelly was referring to “revenue generators and other things we have in the works that we’re going to roll out.”
Southwest, the No. 3 air carrier at Denver International Airport, has promoted the fact that it does not charge fees that other airlines do.
“We’re proud that we haven’t charged the hidden fees,” Mainz said. The third-bag and unaccompanied minor fees “represent extras that won’t impact the average customer.”
Less than 1 percent of Southwest’s customers are unaccompanied minors, Mainz said, and about 1 percent will check a third bag.
The pet program — called P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Welcome on Southwest) — is in response to customer demand, Mainz said. The dog or cat must be in a well-ventilated, leak-proof container that fits under the seat in front of the passenger.
Kelly said pet program revenues haven’t been determined, but the carrier anticipates it will be tens of millions of dollars each year.
Tickets for the pet and unaccompanied-minor fares can be purchased beginning Monday for travel on or after June 17.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
What it’ll cost
Southwest Airlines, looking to increase revenue and service, has announced it will be adding some additional fees and a new pet fare.
$75 For small cats and dogs in aircraft cabins
$25 Service charge for unaccompanied minors
$50 Fee to check a third and overweight bag of 51 pounds to 70 pounds
$0 Fee to check your first two bags on the airline
