Alaska Airlines is known for being pet-friendly, offering several options for your furry, feathered, or even scaly companions to travel. They allow small pets in the cabin, and larger pets can travel as checked baggage or via their dedicated cargo service, “Pet Connect,” on eligible flights.
Understanding our specific policies is key to a smooth journey for you and your cherished companion.
Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin on Alaska Airlines? (Carry-On Pets)
Yes, small, domesticated pets can generally travel with you in the cabin on most Alaska Airlines flights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Allowed Animals:
- Effective June 5, 2025, and for tickets booked after this date: Only dogs and cats will be accepted for in-cabin travel.
- For tickets purchased before June 5, 2025: Domesticated rabbits and household birds are also permitted to travel in the cabin until April 4, 2026.
- Destinations: Pets are allowed in the cabin on flights:
- Within the United States (including Hawaii).
- To/from Canada and Mexico.
- Note: Additional requirements and documentation are needed for pets traveling to Hawaii or internationally.
- Pet Age & Weight: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. The combined weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9.07 kg).
- Size & Carrier Fit: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a leak-proof and well-ventilated carrier that fits entirely under the seat directly in front of you.
- Soft-Sided Carrier: Maximum dimensions are 17″ L x 11″ W x 9.5″ H.
- Hard-Sided Carrier: Maximum dimensions are 17″ L x 11″ W x 7.5″ H.
- Carrier Features: Must be clean, escape-proof, have adequate air ventilation, and absorbent bedding.
- How Many Pets? You can bring one pet carrier per passenger.
- Up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude and the animals are not in distress.
- You may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the Main Cabin if you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.
- Limits Per Flight: Space for pets in the cabin is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis:
- First Class cabin: A total of 3 pet carriers per flight.
- Main Cabin: A total of 8 pet carriers per flight.
- Where Can I Sit? If you’re flying with a pet in the cabin, you cannot occupy:
- An emergency exit row.
- A bulkhead row (seats with no under-seat storage).
- You must be 18 years or older to travel with a pet in the cabin.
- During the Flight: Your pet must stay inside its carrier (with the door/flap secured) at all times while in the boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), Alaska Lounge, and onboard the aircraft. The pet must be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Animals with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
- Booking Your Pet’s Spot: It is highly recommended to call Alaska Air Reservations at 1-800-252-7522 or chat with their reservations team to request a spot for your pet as soon as your travel plans are finalized. Reservations must be placed prior to the day of travel.
- What Does it Cost? Pet in-cabin fees are collected at check-in.
- Standard Fee: $100 USD/CAD per pet, each way.
- Pet Carrier Counts as Carry-on: Your pet carrier counts towards your carry-on allotment. You can bring a pet carrier and a personal item OR a pet carrier and a standard-size carry-on bag.
Can My Larger Pet Travel via Alaska Airlines as Checked Baggage or Cargo?
Yes, Alaska Airlines offers options for larger pets or those traveling to destinations where in-cabin travel is not permitted. They accept pets as checked baggage and via their dedicated cargo service, “Pet Connect.”
1. Pets as Checked Baggage on Alaska Airlines:
- Alaska Airlines accepts most domesticated pets as checked baggage in a pressurized and temperature-controlled area of your aircraft.
- Allowed Animals: Dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
- Weight Limit: The combined weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg).
- Age Requirements: Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
- Carrier Requirements: Carriers must meet USDA and IATA requirements. They must be solid (metal, wood, or rigid plastic), escape-proof, well-ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Max crate size is typically 40″ L x 27″ W x 30″ H. Wheels must be removed or inoperable.
- Multiple Pets: No more than 1 live adult dog or cat (6 months or older) per carrier. No more than 2 live puppies or kittens (8 weeks to 6 months old, comparable size, 20 lbs or less each) may travel in the same carrier.
- Route/Aircraft Restrictions: Pets are not accepted as checked baggage on Airbus aircraft.
- Fees:
- Standard Fee: $150 USD/CAD per pet, each way.
- Discounted Fee: $100 USD/CAD for travel wholly within the State of Alaska, or for active duty U.S. Military/dependents on travel orders.
- Booking: Reservations should be made as soon as possible after booking your flight by contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team.
- Check-in: Check in at the ticket counter no more than 2 hours before departure.
2. Alaska Airlines Pet Connect (Cargo Service):
- For pets that exceed the checked baggage limits, require unaccompanied travel, or for specific destinations (e.g., Hawaii, which requires cargo for most pets), Alaska Airlines offers its “Pet Connect” cargo service.
- Booking: Reservations are required and recommended at least 24 hours in advance (up to 30 days prior to travel). For interline shipments (involving other airlines), book 3-7 business days in advance. Contact Alaska Air Cargo at 1-800-225-2752.
- Crate Requirements: Strict adherence to USDA and IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) is mandatory. Kennels must be solid, secure, ventilated, and allow the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally. Combined animal and kennel weight limited to 150 lbs.
- Breed Restrictions: Alaska Airlines does not accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds (e.g., most Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) in cargo due to potential respiratory distress. Other restrictions may apply depending on aircraft type.
- Temperature Rules (Embargoes): Pets are generally accepted when temperatures at origin, transfer, and destination are between 45°F (7°C) and 85°F (29°C).
- Exceptions for temperatures outside this range may be made with a veterinarian’s Certificate of Acclimation (for 20°F to 45°F range).
- Animals will not be accepted below 20°F (-7°C) or above 85°F (29°C) (without specific acclimation).
- No Sedation: For your pet’s safety, Alaska Airlines prohibits sedated or tranquilized animals from traveling in cargo due to unpredictable effects at altitude.
- Connection Times: Connections must be a minimum of 2 hours and not exceed 6 hours, unless specific kenneling is arranged. Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets traveling in the baggage compartment to other carriers; pets must be claimed and rechecked.
- Drop-off/Pick-up: Pets must be accepted and paperwork processed at least 2 hours before departure (2.5 hours for Hawaii departures). Pets are available for pickup within one hour of flight arrival and must be picked up within four hours or kenneling charges may apply.
- Route Restrictions: Pet Connect animals are not accepted to or from Mexico or Costa Rica.
What Health Documents Do I Need for Pet Travel on Alaska Airlines? (All Pets)
Accurate and up-to-date health documentation is crucial for all pet travel on Alaska Airlines.
- Health Certificate:
- Required for Checked Baggage and Cargo: A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is mandatory. It must be dated no more than 10 days prior to the original outbound travel date. For return travel on the same ticket, it may be valid for up to 30 days from issue. For separate return tickets, a new certificate is needed if the return is not within 10 days.
- Generally Not Required for In-Cabin Pets (U.S. Mainland): However, it is highly recommended to carry one, and many states have specific importation health requirements. For international travel and travel to Hawaii, a health certificate IS required for in-cabin pets.
- The certificate must state the pet is healthy for travel and free of infectious/contagious diseases.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required for transport between the Lower 48 states to/from Alaska, as well as within the state of Alaska, and for international travel. A combined health/rabies certificate is acceptable. Dogs and cats less than three months old do not require a rabies certificate.
- Microchip: Required for travel to Hawaii and most international destinations.
- International Travel: For international travel, regulations are much stricter and vary significantly by country. It is YOUR responsibility to check the official government websites of your destination country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US exports, relevant embassy/consulate websites) well in advance for specific requirements (e.g., import permits, additional vaccinations, quarantine periods, parasite treatments).
- United States Dog Import Form (from August 1, 2024): If traveling with a dog to the United States from a non-US location, you need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form. The dog must be at least 6 months of age and have a microchip.
- Proof of Parvovirus Vaccination: Required for animals traveling to Nome or Kotzebue, Alaska.
Can My Service Animal Fly with Me on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Airlines welcomes trained service dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Only dogs are recognized as service animals. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets, subject to pet fees and in-cabin carrier requirements.
Key points for service animals on Alaska Airlines:
- Only Dogs: Only trained dogs are accepted as service animals. This includes psychiatric service animals.
- Training & Behavior: The dog must be individually trained to perform a task(s) or work directly related to your disability and must be well-behaved and under your control at all times (e.g., on a leash, harness, or via voice commands). Disruptive behavior (excessive barking not in response to need, growling, biting, jumping on others) will result in the animal being treated as a pet or denied travel.
- Age: Service dogs must be at least 4 months old.
- Documentation: You are required to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form before your flight, attesting to the dog’s health, training, and behavior.
- If booking more than 48 hours before the flight, submit the form 48 hours before departure.
- If booking less than 48 hours before the flight, you may present the completed form at the check-in lobby or departure gate.
- For flights scheduled for 8 hours or more, you must also submit the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
- Seating: Service animals must be seated on the floor space below your seat or, if no larger than an infant, in your lap (if needed to accommodate your disability). They may not occupy a seat or tray table, nor obstruct aisles or emergency exits. For safety reasons, you cannot sit in an emergency exit row. A window seat is recommended.
- Limit: A maximum of two service dogs per guest will be accepted.
- International/Hawaii Travel: Additional requirements and documentation apply for service animals traveling to Hawaii or internationally. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with all U.S. and destination country regulations.
Top Tips for a Smooth Journey on Alaska Airlines
- Plan Ahead! Start planning your pet’s travel well in advance, especially if it involves cargo or international travel, to ensure all health requirements and documentation are met.
- Vet Visit: Schedule a comprehensive vet visit specifically for travel preparation. Discuss your travel plans and destination requirements with your veterinarian.
- Carrier Acclimation: Get your pet fully comfortable with their carrier long before the flight. Make it a positive experience with treats and familiar items.
- Exercise Before Flight: A well-exercised pet is usually a calmer traveler. Provide plenty of exercise before heading to the airport.
- Limit Food/Water: Offer a light meal a few hours before the flight, and limit water intake immediately before and during the flight to minimize accidents.
- Potty Break: Utilize airport pet relief areas before boarding.
- No Sedation: Alaska Airlines, like most veterinarians, advises against sedating pets for air travel due to unpredictable effects at altitude.
- Airport Check-in: Always check in at the airport ticket counter for pets traveling in-cabin or as checked baggage to pay fees and receive necessary tags. For cargo, drop off at the designated Alaska Airlines Cargo facility. Allow ample time for these processes.
- Security Checkpoint: Be prepared to remove your pet from its carrier at the security checkpoint while the carrier is X-rayed.
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your emotions. Maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor will help them feel more secure.
- Always Verify: Airline policies can change! Always confirm the most current Alaska Airlines pet policy directly on their official website (alaskaair.com’s “Traveling With Pets” section, and alaskacargo.com for cargo) or by calling their reservations line or Cargo Customer Service before finalizing your travel plans. Do not rely solely on third-party information, as it may not always be up-to-date.