Pets take flight on Southwest

National Report

-- Southwest Airlines is making the sky friendlier to more species, allowing small dogs and cats to fly in plane cabins with their owners.

The new policy allows only small dogs and cats in carriers that will fit under the customer's seat. No pets will be accepted in the cargo bin, and the flight will cost pet owners $75 each way per pet.

Up to five pet carriers will be allowed each flight, but customers are limited to one pet carrier per person. Each carrier is limited to no more than two of the same species per carrier. Animals must be able to stand up and turn around in the carriers, according to Southwest.

Reservations are required, and the pet carriers would count as a customer's carry-on bag. Southwest says pets cannot earn frequent-flier perks.