Alaska Airlines Pet Policy | The Ultimate Guide For Stress-Free Travel (Good)

Do you want a loving and relaxing travel experience with your pet? If yes, then you can easily make your desired journey with Alaska Airlines. Gratefully, Alaska Airlines is one American airline that welcomes pets on board wholeheartedly. In this article, we will be sharing all you need to know about Alaska Airlines Pet Policy.

Basically, each airline has its own requirements and conditions for transporting pets and animals. Therefore, for your pet to comfortably travel with you, adhering to these conditions and requirements is a necessity.

However, you can’t possibly adhere to certain policies if you do not know them. For this reason, we have carefully outlined the basic information you need to know about Alaska airlines’ Pet Policy.

For alternative airlines, you can check out Spirit Airlines Pet Policy For Travelling With Dogs and Cats.

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Alaska Airlines Pet Policy You Should Know

Alaska Airlines is one of the awesome airlines for pet travel in America. Its headquarters is located in Seattle. Surely, you can safely transport and travel with your dogs and cats with Alaska Airlines.

Basically, your pets can fly in the cabin, as checked baggage, and as manifest cargo on most flights.

The Alaska Airlines pet policy includes the following;

#1. In-Cabin Pet Policy:

Majorly the pets allowed to fly in-cabin on Alaska Airlines are small dogs, cats, and household birds. However, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before they can travel in-cabin with Alaska Airlines. Most importantly, these pets must be well-behaved and clean. Furthermore, the weight of the pet and carrier combined should not exceed 20 lbs (9kg).

Alaska allows a passenger to travel with a maximum of 2 pets so long as two seats are purchased. However, passengers must be up to 18 years old before they can travel with a pet in the cabin.

During the entire flight, small pets are expected to completely stay put in their carriers, under the seat, with the doors closed. Pets are also expected to stay in their carriers when in the boarding area, and at the Alaska lounge.

Most importantly, the carrier must be an approved airline pet carrier with a waterproof bottom.

Furthermore, it should have enough room for your pet to stand up, lie down and turn around.

There should be adequate ventilation and the lock must fasten securely too.

Carrier Guidelines for Pets Traveling in the Cabin.

The maximum size for a soft-sided carrier should be about 17 × 11 × 9.5 inches, while the maximum size for a hard-sided carrier should be about 17 × 11 × 7.5 inches.

A maximum number of two pets are allowed in a carrier so long as there’s enough room in the carrier. However, these two pets must be of the same size and species.

Furthermore, the total weight of the pets and carrier must not exceed 9kg (20 lbs).

Check-In and Cost.

Basically, animals are not checked in at the curbside, therefore you need to check in at the passenger counter. Hence, your pet airline carrier will count as a piece of carry-on luggage.

The fee you will pay for your pet to travel in the cabin is $100 for each direction to and fro.

#2. Checked Baggage Pet Policy:

According to its regulations, Alaska Airlines may transport your pet in the cargo section if;

Your pet is too large to fit under the seat.
The flight is a very long flight.
Your pet is another animal other than a cat or dog.

If the above-mentioned is the case then know that your pet will travel as a piece of checked baggage. You don’t have to worry anyway as your pet will be safe.

Alaska airlines accept domesticated pets like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, pot-bellied pigs, household birds, rabbits, non-poisonous reptiles, tropical fish, hamsters, and ferrets to travel as checked baggage. However other pets can be accepted based on approval.

Furthermore, the combined weight of the carrier and the pets traveling as checked baggage must not exceed 150 lbs (68kg).

Your dogs and cats must be weaned and be at least up to 8 weeks old.

Some of the requirements for pets traveling as checked baggage in Alaska airlines include;

A Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. If you are returning to your country of origin with the same to let then the certificate is valid for 30 days.
If your pet is a dog then a current vaccination is required for transport within the State of Alaska and between the lower 48 states to or from Alaska.
Also, certain cities in Alaska including Nome and Kotzebue require that dogs be vaccinated against Parvovirus
Ensure you contact Alaska airlines and make reservations at least 48 hours before your travel.
You are expected to check in at the passenger ticket counter and also pay your transport fee there.
Furthermore, when traveling as checked baggage, you are expected to check in your pet 1 or 2 hours ahead of the flight.
Pets must be watered and fed within 4 hours of check-in.
Also, enough food and water that will last throughout the flight should be made available.

One good thing about this policy is that more pets apart from dogs and cats are allowed on board.

The cost of transporting animals as checked baggage is also $100 each way.

However, Alaska airlines will not accept pets as checked baggage when there is a case of extreme temperatures.

#3. Manifest (Air) Cargo Pet Policies:

Through its PetConnect program, your pets can travel with Alaska airlines as cargo through locations such as the

Continental United States
Hawaii
Mexico
Canada
Costa Rica

Furthermore, Alaska airlines accept domesticated pets like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, pot-bellied pigs, household birds, rabbits, non-poisonous reptiles, tropical fish, hamsters, and ferrets to travel as air cargo.

However other pets can be accepted based on approval.

Dogs and cats must be weaned and be at least up to 8 weeks old.

Note that live animals are not accepted on flights to and from Mexico.

In addition, between November 1 and March 31, there are restrictions on the number of animals on flights to Hawaii.

Some of the requirements for pets traveling as Manifest air cargo in Alaska include;

Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
For international flights, you will present proof of vaccinations and pet passport documents.
You are expected to check in your pet in the Alaska Airlines Cargo facility no more than 4 hours before departure.
Payment of the pet’s transport fee takes place when your pet is dropped off.

Also check out Jetblue Pet Policy to see whether they are a better option for travelling with pets.

Is Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Friendly? — Image by wirestock on Freepik

Can I Fly with my Service Animal on Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines gives room for passengers to travel with their service animals at no additional cost. However, Alaska airlines will permit only service dogs that have been trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability.

Basically, a service animal is a working animal that is trained to serve and assist people with disabilities. These animals must be trained well to perform tasks that benefit their disabled owners.

Therefore, if you want to travel with your service dog, you can simply opt for Alaska Airlines.

Key Travel Requirements for Service Animals

Your service animal must be clean and well-behaved.
The animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.
Your service animal must be able to fit at your feet under the seat or in your lap.
Your animal will not occupy a seat or eat from tray tables.
Animals are not expected to sit in an exit row, protrude into or block aisles.

Key things you need to do to ensure a safe trip for your pet on Alaska Airlines.

Safe travel for your pet is one responsibility you should take seriously. From the above-mentioned policies, there are certain things you need to do to ensure a safe flight for your pet. They include;

Confirm and ensure your pet is eligible for travel.
Make pet reservations on time.
You need to ensure you have the right carrier for your pet.
Get all the required documents ready.

#1. Confirm and ensure your pet is eligible for travel.

For your pet to travel safely, this is a worthy point to note. You need to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly and at least up to 8 weeks of age.

Furthermore, you need to confirm if your breed is on the restricted breed list of Alaska Airlines. If it is then you know it wouldn’t be allowed to fly. (Continue reading to see the restricted breed list below).

If there are other additional documents you need to submit prior to the flight then do well to do so.

#2. Make Pet Reservations on Time.

On each given flight on Alaska airlines the First Class cabin can only accommodate 1 pet and the main cabin can accommodate 5. Therefore Alaska Air recommends contacting the Customer Service Team at (800) 252-7522 as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

It is always advisable to make reservations ahead of time.

#3. Ensure you have the right carrier for your pet.

This is another key point to note if you really want your pet to be comfortable and enjoy the flight. Alaska Airlines have carrier construction guidelines and you should ensure yours meet the standard.

#4. Get all the required documents ready.

If your pet is traveling as a piece of checked baggage or as cargo, certain health documents and vaccinations are required. Make sure you get them ready before your day of travel.

Animal Breeds not Allowed on Alaska Airlines

The following brachycephalic dog breeds are not permitted to travel as checked baggage or air cargo on Alaska Airlines.

Boston Terrier
Boxer (all breeds)
Bulldog (all breeds)
Bull Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Chow Chow
English Toy Spaniel
Japanese Spaniel/Japanese Chin
Mastiff (all breeds)
Pekingese
Pit Bull (all breeds)
Pug (all breeds)
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Terrier

The following Cat breeds cannot be checked in Alaska Airlines.

Burmese
Persian
Himalayan
Exotic Shorthair.

Furthermore, Alaska Cargo will not ship dangerous, poisonous, or offensive animals, unhealthy animals, or pets that will be banned by the country of destination.

See Also: American Airlines Pet Policy

Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Airlines Pet Policy.

#1. Can you bring pets on Alaska Airlines?

Yes! Alaska Airlines is pet friendly. Hence, you can fly with your small pets on Alaska Airlines. However, your pet has to meet certain specifications as outlined in this article.

#2. Does Alaska allow dogs in the cabin?

Alaska Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin as long as the dog is in its carrier and stowed under the seat in front of you in the cabin. You cannot carry your pet dog on your lap while flying.

#3. How Strict is Alaska Airlines with pets?

Alaska Airlines is very strict on the following rules; Your pet carrier with your pet inside must not be heavier than 9kg (20 lbs) to be in the cabin otherwise, it will travel as checked baggage or in cargo and must not exceed 68kg (150 lbs). Furthermore, your pet must remain in its carrier with the door closed at all times. Also, you must be at least 18 years to travel with a pet. In addition, you must wean your dogs and cats for about 8 weeks before they can fly.

#4. Can my pet fly with me as checked Baggage?

For $100 per trip, your pet can travel on Alaska Airlines with you as checked baggage but it must not exceed 68kg (150 lbs).

#5. Can my pet fly with me as manifest Cargo?

Sure, your pets can fly with you as a manifest cargo through the Alaska Airlines PetConnect Program through locations including Continental United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica. There other restricstions though, so you need to read this article from the top to see those restrictions.

#6. What size of dog can fly on Alaska Airlines?

The largest pet dog that can fly on Alaska Airlines must be able to fit into a carrier with a dimension of 40″ x 27″ x 30″. The dog must be able to stand up and turn around freely in the carrier. Also, the carrier must be properly closed so that no part of the dog can stick outside the carrier.