Bringing your furry friend on vacation is such a rewarding experience! However, there are a number of rules and preparations to consider before you board your flight with your pet. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy so you can learn about the specific requirements for transporting your pet (dog, cat, or other approved animal) on the plane, including rules, fees, required carriers, and the reservation process, so that your travel experience will be as seamless and enjoyable as possible. For help planning your trip and booking your flight, call Alaska Airlines representatives at 1-800-252-7522 to get assistance and/or verify your pet’s reservation.

In this extensive article, we will discuss all the details about what types of pets can travel in the cabin/on cargo, and we’ll also provide answers to commonly asked questions for convenience at the end of this article, so you’ll have everything you need before traveling! Let’s jump right in!

What is Alaska Airlines Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines believes your pet is a member of your family and offers a travel program, like Fur-st Class Care, that is specifically designed for pets. The pet policy provides information about small pets travelling in-cabin and in a climate-controlled compartment under the aircraft. Furthermore, Alaska Air Cargo allows you to ship your pet without an owner, ensuring it is placed in a temperature-controlled environment during the shipment process. 

1. Travelling with Pets in the Cabin

Small Pets may be carried inside the cabin for a fee of $100 (USD or CAD) or $35 (if traveling completely within the state of Hawaii), subject to space availability on the aircraft. 

The following animals will be allowed to be carried inside the cabin: 

• Small Dogs 
• House Cats 
• Domesticated Rabbits
• Household Birds 

Cabin Pet Carriers

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have specific requirements for travelling with a pet in the cabin. Your pet must be small enough to fit into the carrier; however, the carrier must also fit underneath the seat of your cabin. The airline will accept the following sizes of pet carriers for travel in the cabin:

Guidelines for Traveling with Pets in the Cabin:

• To travel with a pet in the cabin, you must be at least 18 years old.

• When bringing a pet, you are not allowed to sit in an emergency exit row or a bulkhead row.

• Only dogs and cats are allowed in the passenger cabin.

• Rabbits and household birds can be transported until April 4, 2026, for tickets bought before June 5, 2025.

• Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old, fully weaned, and accustomed to solid food for at least five days without nursing.

• The pet must remain in its carrier (including its head and tail) with the door or flap secured at all times in the boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), in the Alaska Lounge, and while on the aircraft.

• During taxi, takeoff, and landing, the pet must be stowed under the seat in its carrier.

• Up to two pets of the same species and similar size may share a carrier, as long as no body parts stick out and the owners do not distress the animals.

• You must place pets that cannot fit comfortably in their carrier or under the seat in a hard-sided kennel and adhere to Alaska Airlines’ pet travel policy.

• We must transport animals that have offensive odors or cause noise disturbances in our climate-controlled baggage compartment.

2. Travelling Pets in Baggage Compartment

When you travel with larger pets or on routes where airlines do not allow animals in the cabin (i.e., ferrets and guinea pigs), the climate-controlled baggage hold of an airline provides a safe and comfortable alternative to air travel.

Pet Fee & Requirements:

Cost: $150 USD/CAD one way ($100 if flying entirely within Alaska or being an active military member).

Please Note: As of January 2026, for ticket purchases made for travel in the future, in some cases, prices for travelling on certain routes could increase up to $200; always confirm at the time of your reservation.

Weight Restrictions: The Aggregate weight of both animal and kennel cannot exceed 150 lbs.

The Pets accepted in the Baggage Compartment include cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.

Pet Carrier Size

Breed Restriction on Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines, along with Horizon and SkyWest, does not allow the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (also known as “short-nosed”), including dogs and cats, in the cargo area of their flights. This is based on studies performed by veterinarians stating that animals with a short nose are at risk for airway obstruction, and the stress of flying can worsen these issues. 

However, airlines can transport brachycephalic dogs and cats in the cabin, but only if the pet carrier fits under a seat.

The list below includes the Breed Restrictions placed on the cargo area to transport the following breeds or their mixed breeds:

Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Mastiff (All Breeds), Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian

How to Book Pet Travel on Alaska Airlines

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before making a pet reservation, check if the airline allows your pet (typically a cat or dog), its breed, and size to travel in-cabin or as checked baggage on the flight you are taking.

Step 2: Choose Cabin or Baggage Compartment

You must choose whether your pet will travel with you in-cabin (airlines generally permit only smaller pets) or you will check your pet into the baggage compartment (airlines generally allow larger pets when enough room is available on routes/when temperatures allow).

Step 3: Purchase a ticket for yourself

You must purchase your own ticket or pay for it through alaskaair.com /Alaska App,/Phone.

Step 4: Add your pet reservation

When you make your reservation (assuming it appears), you may select “I will be traveling with my pet” if there is a box to check, or after making the reservation, you may call Alaska Airlines Reservations to confirm the addition of your pet. Since there is a limited number of pet spaces on each flight, we advise you to book this early.

Step 4: Confirm fees and check pet policy

Check Alaska Airlines current policies related to the fees they charge for pets (per segment) as well as any additional requirements they impose (for example, they may require health certificates on multiple routes).

Step 5: Prepare for travel day

Prepare to travel on your travel day by properly utilizing the appropriate carrier (which must be an airline-approved carrier). Upon check-in at the airport, it is also important to arrive with enough time to pay for the pet fee as well as complete the arrival and pre-flight check-in process.

Tips for Travel Day of Pets

We want your furry friend to feel as comfy as you do during travel time! Here are some suggestions to help keep your furry companion happy while traveling:

1. Give your pet a workout before the flight!
2. Make sure to have ID on your pet.
3. Arrive early for your check-in.
4. Make sure to take your pet to the airport pet relief area for a potty break before flying.
5. Limit the amount of food and water your pet consumes before flying!

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet can be a smooth experience if you familiarize yourself with Alaska Airlines Pet Policy and make the necessary preparations. Understanding the strict carrier requirements, proper documentation, and the need for advanced reservations can significantly alleviate stress for both you and your pet.

Whether your beloved animal nestles under your seat in the cabin or you transport it via cargo service, planning and being aware of the regulations will guarantee that you both reach your destination safely and joyfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a health certificate necessary for travel?

Alaska Airlines requires all pets flying in the cargo area to possess a health certificate that a veterinarian has dated within 10 days before outbound travel and 30 days before return travel.

Is it safe to travel by air with my pet on Alaska Airline?

A healthy pet should be capable of flying safely. However, elderly or unwell pets might face risks due to the stress that comes with traveling.