Alaska Airlines offers pet travel options both in-cabin and in the baggage compartment. Small pets like cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds can travel in-cabin for a fee of $100, provided they fit in an under-seat carrier. Larger pets may travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment for $150. Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Advance reservations are required, and health documentation may be necessary. Certain breeds, such as brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats, are restricted from traveling in the baggage compartment due to health risks.
What is the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy?
Alaska Airlines allows pets to travel both in-cabin and in the baggage compartment (climate-controlled) under certain conditions. Here’s a brief overview of their policy:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pet Travel Options | Pets can travel in-cabin or in the climate-controlled baggage compartment. |
| Fees | $100 per pet in-cabin; $150 per pet in baggage compartment (USD/CAD). |
| Allowed Pets | Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds, and other domesticated animals. |
| Carrier Requirements | Must fit under the seat (in-cabin) or meet size requirements (baggage). |
| Health Certificate | Required for pets traveling in the baggage compartment. |
| Age Restrictions | Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned. |
| Special Notes | Brachycephalic breeds are not allowed in the baggage compartment. |
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy in Cabin
Alaska Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Pets | Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds |
| Fee | $100 each way |
| Carrier Size | Hard-sided: 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″ / Soft-sided: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ |
| Weight Limit | Pet + carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Age Requirement | Pets must be at least 8 weeks old |
| Cabin Limit | 1 pet in first class, 5 in main cabin |
| Passenger Limit | Max 2 pets per passenger (if 2 seats purchased) |
| Carrier Rules | Pet must stay inside carrier at all times |
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy in First Class
The Alaska Airlines First Class Pet Policy is summarized as follows:
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds.
- Fee: $100 each way.
- Carrier Size: Hard-sided (17″ x 11″ x 7.5″) / Soft-sided (17″ x 11″ x 9.5″).
- Weight Limit: Pet + carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg).
- Cabin Limit: Only 1 pet allowed in First Class per flight.
- Passenger Limit: Max 2 pets per passenger (if 2 seats purchased).
- Carrier Rules: Pet must remain inside the carrier at all times.
- Reservations: Required in advance due to limited space.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
Table provides an overview of Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| In-Cabin Pets | Small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds allowed |
| In-Cabin Fee | $100 each way |
| Cargo Pets | Larger pets can travel via Pet Connect™ in climate-controlled cargo |
| Cargo Fee | $150 per pet ($100 for travel within Alaska or military orders) |
| Carrier Size | Hard-sided: 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″ / Soft-sided: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ |
| Weight Limit | Pet + carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (in-cabin) or 150 lbs (cargo) |
| Health Certificate | Required for cargo travel, issued within 10 days of departure |
| Service Animals | Trained service dogs fly free |
| Reservations | Required in advance due to limited space |
| Temperature Restrictions | Pets can travel when temperatures are between 45°F and 85°F |
Alaska Airlines Pet Emotional Support
Alaska Airlines no longer accepts emotional support animals as service animals on its flights. This change was implemented following updates to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules in January 2021. Emotional support animals are now treated as pets and must adhere to the airline’s standard pet travel policy.
| Policy Element | Details |
|---|---|
| ESA Acceptance | No longer accepted; ESAs must travel under standard pet policies |
| Service Animals Allowed | Only trained service dogs that perform tasks for individuals with disabilities |
| Required Documentation | DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form attesting to the dog’s training, health, and behavior |
| Advance Notice | Submit required documentation at least 48 hours before departure |
| Pet Travel Fees | $100 for in-cabin travel; $150 for checked baggage compartment travel |
| Carrier Requirements | Pet must fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of the passenger |
| Breed Restrictions | Certain brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are restricted from flying due to health risks |
| Number of Service Animals | Maximum of two service dogs per passenger |
| Behavior Expectations | Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered and must behave appropriately in public settings |
Health Certificate Required for Alaska Airlines Pet Travel
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Alaska Airlines Pet Policy regarding health certificates:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Health certificate required for pets traveling in cargo |
| Issued By | Licensed veterinarian |
| Validity | Must be issued within 10 days of departure |
| Contents | Must confirm pet is healthy for air travel |
| Destination Rules | Some states/countries may have additional health requirements |
| International Travel | Additional vaccinations and documentation may be required |
| Breed Restrictions | Certain breeds may have extra health requirements |
| Pet Connect Service | Health certificate required for solo pet travel via Alaska Air Cargo |
Alaska Airlines Service Pet Policy Domestic Flights
- Allowed Animals: Only trained service dogs are permitted.
- Fee: Service animals travel free of charge.
- Documentation: May require a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Travel Form.
- Behavior Requirements: Must be well-behaved and under control at all times.
- Seating Rules: Service dogs must fit within the passenger’s foot space.
- Size Restrictions: Large service dogs may require additional seating arrangements.
- Advance Notice: Recommended to notify the airline in advance.
- Breed Restrictions: No breed-specific bans for service animals.
- Emotional Support Animals: No longer classified as service animals.
Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees International
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Checked Bag | $35 USD |
| Second Checked Bag | $45 USD |
| Additional Bags | $150 USD each |
| Weight Limit | Up to 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag |
| Oversized Bags | Fees apply for bags exceeding 62 inches (linear dimensions) |
| Overweight Bags | Fees apply for bags 51-100 lbs |
| Fee Waivers | Available for select passengers, including Alaska Airlines credit card holders, elite Mileage Plan members, and U.S. military personnel |
| Codeshare Flights | Fees may vary based on partner airline policies |
Visit us: Alaska Airlines Wheelchair Assistance
Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Alaska Airlines Pet Policy
- Book Early: Pet space is limited, so reserve a spot as soon as possible.
- Choose the Right Carrier: Ensure your pet’s carrier meets airline size and ventilation requirements.
- Health Check: Get a health certificate if required, especially for cargo travel.
- Pack Essentials: Bring food, water, and comfort items for your pet.
- Exercise Before Flight: A short walk or play session helps pets relax.
- Follow Temperature Guidelines: Cargo travel is restricted in extreme temperatures.
- Arrive Early: Check-in at least 90 minutes before departure (2 hours for Seattle/Guadalajara).
- Keep Pet Secure: Pets must remain inside their carrier during the flight.
- Know Breed Restrictions: Some breeds may have additional travel requirements.
- Stay Calm: Pets sense emotions—your calmness helps them stay relaxed.
FAQs on Alaska Airlines Pet Policy
The fee is $100 each way per pet.
Hard-sided carriers: 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″
Soft-sided carriers: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″
Yes, but you must purchase an additional seat to bring two pets.
Larger pets can travel via Pet Connect™, a climate-controlled cargo service.
Yes, a veterinarian-issued health certificate within 10 days of travel is required.
No, emotional support animals are not considered service animals and must follow pet travel rules.