Travel with Pets - largest cat in cabin on Southwest?

O.k. let's talk cats in carrier bags, as in, just how big a cat will fit?

I've checked the numbers, and most say a) underseat height is about 8 inches and b) cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.

Cat A is 13 inches at the shoulder when standing, Cat B is 11. 5 inches. Cat A travels by road in a medium dog carrier.

What I want to do is fly from PHL to MCO and drive back (spring repositioning rates). We've got a pet-friendly condo while in Orlando so they'll be o.k. there, I'm just concerned about getting them there.

Why I am taking 2 cats to Florida for 10 days? Cat A has gotten quite sick at cat hotels, and if we left him for 10 days with 2 visits/day from the cat sitter, he'd either shred the house, go into a terminal decline or both. Cat B would merely sleep for 22 hours/day, spend 1 dining and the last one harrassing Cat A (and losing).

O.k. let's talk cats in carrier bags, as in, just how big a cat will fit?

I've checked the numbers, and most say a) underseat height is about 8 inches and b) cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.

Cat A is 13 inches at the shoulder when standing, Cat B is 11. 5 inches. Cat A travels by road in a medium dog carrier.

What I want to do is fly from PHL to MCO and drive back (spring repositioning rates). We've got a pet-friendly condo while in Orlando so they'll be o.k. there, I'm just concerned about getting them there.

Why I am taking 2 cats to Florida for 10 days? Cat A has gotten quite sick at cat hotels, and if we left him for 10 days with 2 visits/day from the cat sitter, he'd either shred the house, go into a terminal decline or both. Cat B would merely sleep for 22 hours/day, spend 1 dining and the last one harrassing Cat A (and losing).

Most domestic cats will easily fit under the seat. The only breed I have seen have problems are Maine Coon cats; with their size they can be quite uncomfortable and might not meet the weight limits.

Most domestic cats will easily fit under the seat. The only breed I have seen have problems are Maine Coon cats; with their size they can be quite uncomfortable and might not meet the weight limits.You got it in one!

Cat A is a Maine Coon male, and while he isn't as big as some we've worked with, he's at least 50% larger than the average house cat.

I didn't see a weight limit for cats; do you know offhand what it is? Just cat and collar is a little over 15 lbs.

Reading SW rules it looks like they don't have a weight maximum per se. However, your cat must be able to stand and turn around comfortably in the carrier. There's no way they'll be able to stand once they're under the seat, but they might make you demonstrate that they're able to stand and turn around either at the ticket counter or boarding gate. I assume there are 2 of you travelling as you will need 2 seats. They also state that the carrier is counted as your carry on, but you should still be allowed a personal item. Sounds like most people use the soft sided Sherpa bags, if your kitties can fit comfortably in one of those you should be all set.
Good luck!

If they try to make you have your cat turn around inside the bag simply tell them that your cat isn't too bright and doesn't respond to commands like a dog would. :)