Alaska Airlines Pet Travel: Rules, Fees & Tips

Yes, Alaska Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin and as checked baggage on most flights, but there are strict size, breed, and destination rules you must follow. This guide covers the full policy, fees, carrier requirements, and practical steps for flying with your dog or cat on Alaska Airlines.

Background: Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Overview

Alaska Airlines has a long history of accommodating pets, reflecting its Pacific Northwest and Alaska roots where pet travel is common. The airline permits small dogs and cats in the cabin on most domestic flights, and larger pets can travel as checked baggage on select routes. However, pets are not allowed in the cargo hold as “live animals” on Alaska Airlines—they only travel as checked baggage on specific aircraft and routes. This is an important distinction from airlines that offer cargo shipping for pets. Since 2020, Alaska has also introduced a “Pet Connect” program for military families, but the standard policy applies to most travelers.

How It Works: Cabin and Checked Baggage Options

Alaska Airlines offers two main ways for pets to travel:

• In-cabin: Small dogs and cats (including emotional support animals with proper documentation) can ride in the passenger cabin. The pet must fit in a carrier that goes under the seat in front of you. The carrier counts as your carry-on item.
• Checked baggage: Larger dogs (over 20 lbs) can travel as checked baggage on certain flights. The pet must be in a hard-sided kennel that meets USDA/APHIS standards. This is only available on specific aircraft and routes, and is not offered on flights to/from Hawaii or international destinations.

For both options, you must book the pet in advance—call Alaska’s reservations line or use the “Manage Trip” feature online. There is a limit of two pets per passenger in the cabin, and both must be in separate carriers. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.

Carrier Requirements and Size Limits

The carrier is the most critical piece of equipment. Alaska Airlines enforces strict dimensions:

• In-cabin carrier: Must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated. Maximum dimensions are 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ (length x width x height) for under-seat storage. The carrier must fit completely under the seat without blocking the aisle.
• Checked baggage kennel: Must be hard-sided, with a solid roof, and meet USDA/APHIS standards. The kennel must allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Maximum exterior dimensions vary by aircraft, but typically the kennel cannot exceed 30″ in length.

The pet must be able to stand and turn around inside the carrier. If your pet is too large for the under-seat carrier, you cannot bring them in the cabin—you’ll need to use checked baggage or another airline.

Costs and Fees

Alaska Airlines pet fees are flat, not weight-based:

• In-cabin: $100 each way per pet.
• Checked baggage: $150 each way per pet.
• Military personnel: $50 each way for in-cabin, $75 for checked, with valid military ID.

These fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of booking. If you cancel your flight, the pet fee is refunded only if you cancel the entire reservation. Also, if you’re flying to or from certain destinations, there may be additional fees or restrictions—for example, Hawaii has a quarantine period for pets, and Alaska’s policy does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to Hawaii (they must travel as cargo on other airlines).

How to Choose: In-Cabin vs. Checked Baggage

Choosing between the two options depends on your pet’s size, your flight, and your comfort level:

• In-cabin is safer and less stressful for the pet—they stay with you, experience less temperature fluctuation, and you can monitor them. Choose this if your pet is under 20 lbs and fits the carrier.
• Checked baggage is only for larger pets that cannot fit under the seat. It’s riskier because the pet is in the cargo hold, and Alaska only offers this on certain aircraft (typically Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER) that have temperature-controlled cargo compartments. Avoid this option if your pet is brachycephalic (flat-faced) like pugs or bulldogs, as Alaska restricts these breeds on checked baggage due to breathing risks.

If you have a choice, always choose in-cabin. If your pet is too large, consider flying on an airline that offers true cargo shipping, or drive if possible.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Pet travel can hit snags. Here are the most common issues and solutions:

• Carrier too large: Measure your carrier precisely. Alaska’s under-seat dimensions are smaller than many other airlines. Test it at home by sliding it under a chair.
• Pet anxiety: Some pets get stressed in carriers. Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks before the flight, and consider a calming pheromone spray (but never give sedatives without a vet’s approval—they can cause breathing issues at altitude).
• Weather restrictions: Alaska Airlines will not allow checked baggage pets if the temperature at any point on the journey is below 45°F or above 85°F. This is for safety; if your flight is during extreme weather, you may need to rebook.
• Booking mistakes: You must add the pet to your reservation at least 24 hours before departure. If you wait until the day of, they may not have space—there’s a limit of 4-6 pets per flight.

Comparisons: Alaska vs. Other Airlines

Alaska’s pet policy is middle-of-the-road. Compared to:

• Delta: Delta allows in-cabin pets for $95 each way, but has banned all pets from checked baggage since 2020. Alaska still offers checked baggage, so it’s better for larger dogs.
• United: United charges $125 for in-cabin, and offers a cargo service (United PetSafe) that is more comprehensive than Alaska’s checked baggage. If you need to ship a large pet, United may be safer.
• Southwest: Southwest only allows in-cabin pets for $95, and does not offer checked baggage. Alaska is similar but with a higher fee.

Alaska’s advantage is its many West Coast routes and its military discount. Its disadvantage is the lack of true cargo shipping—if your pet is too big for checked baggage, you’ll need another airline.

Safety and Health Requirements

Your pet must be healthy enough to fly. Alaska Airlines requires:

• A health certificate from a vet issued within 10 days of travel (for checked baggage, and for in-cabin if traveling to/from certain states like Hawaii).
• Proof of rabies vaccination (required for all pets, even in-cabin, on international flights and for checked baggage).
• No pets under 8 weeks old.
• Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) are not accepted for checked baggage due to high risk of respiratory distress.

Also, never sedate your pet without a vet’s explicit advice. Sedatives can lower blood pressure and cause breathing problems at altitude. Instead, use a Thundershirt or a familiar blanket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet on Alaska Airlines international flights? No, Alaska Airlines only allows pets in the cabin on domestic flights. For international flights, you must use a separate cargo service or another airline. Exceptions exist for flights to/from Mexico and Canada, but you must check with the airline.

What if my pet is an emotional support animal? Alaska Airlines no longer accepts emotional support animals as pets—they are treated as regular pets and must travel in a carrier under the seat. Only trained service dogs (for disabilities) fly free in the cabin. You must submit a DOT form 48 hours before departure.

Can I take my pet out of the carrier during the flight? No. The pet must remain in the carrier at all times while on board. You cannot hold your pet on your lap, even during takeoff or landing.

What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled? If the delay is weather-related and the temperature is too extreme, Alaska may refuse to transport your checked pet. For in-cabin pets, they stay with you, but you may need to rebook. Always have a backup plan.

Is there a limit to how many pets I can bring? Yes, you can bring up to two pets per passenger in the cabin, each in a separate carrier. For checked baggage, only one pet per passenger is allowed.

Pet Travel Template

If your pet has a medical condition or you need specific advice about sedation or health, consult your veterinarian before booking. For complex travel to Hawaii or international destinations, ask a qualified pet travel agent or the airline directly.

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