Alaska Airlines is one of North America’s most popular airlines, and the fifth largest. Travelers choose Alaska Airlines for several reasons, from low fares to an extensive route network to impeccable customer service. But should Alaska Airlines be the go-to for travelers with furry friends, too?
If you’re curious about whether Alaska Airlines is pet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place. This article explores the ins-and-outs of the Alaska Airlines’ pet policy, ensuring you can book with utmost confidence.
Is Alaska Airlines Pet Friendly?
Simply put, Alaska Airlines is incredibly pet-friendly. In fact, their motto is, “We offer Fur-st Class Care for your loved ones.” It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
Whether you plan to bring your four-legged friend in the cabin or need your large and fluffy buddy to go in the climate-controlled baggage compartment, Alaska Airlines has you covered.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Details
Before booking, it’s essential to know everything there is to know about Alaska Airlines’ pet policy. Let’s dive in!
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Carry-On Pets
Alaska Airlines allows a variety of pets, including small dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, in the cabin for a USD $100 fee each way. Pets may only accompany travelers age 18 and older, and your pet will count towards your carry-on allotment. Dogs and cats are the only permitted pets in the cabin on flights to Hawaii and international locations.
Here are a few more important rules to know about the Alaska Airlines pet policy:
- You may not sit in emergency exit or bulkhead rows.
- A limited number of pet carriers are allowed per flight—three for the First Class Cabin and eight for the Main Cabin. Pets are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, so calling ahead is crucial.
- Only two pet carriers are allowed per traveler. If traveling with two pet carriers, a second ticket with an adjacent seat must be purchased. Two pets of the same species and size can travel in the same carrier if they fit comfortably.
- Dogs and cats must be eight weeks old and fully weaned for at least five days before departure.
- Pets must remain in their carriers during the flight and while boarding and deplaning. Your pet’s carrier must be stored underneath the seat during taxi, takeoff and landing.
- Household birds will be allowed up until April 4th, 2026, for tickets that were purchased prior to June 5th, 2025.
Alaska Airlines has some specific rules and requirements regarding pet carriers, such as:
- Hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17″ L x 11″ W x 7.5″ H
- Soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17″ L x 11″ W x 9.5″ H
- Must be clean
- Be leak-proof and include safe, non-toxic absorbent bedding
- Fully enclose the animal
- Be escape-proof
- Have air ventilation
- No tears or cracks
Photo courtesy of @firstclassgus
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Service Animals
Trained service animals may travel with you for free on Alaska Airlines (emotional support animals are not considered service animals). There is a maximum of two service dogs per person, and your dog(s) must fit within the space of your airline seat and foot area during the flight. A U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (DOT Service Animal Form) must be submitted before travel.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Pets in the Baggage Compartment
In the climate-controlled baggage compartment, also known as cargo, Alaska Airlines accepts most domesticated pets, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, and non-poisonous reptiles. A USD $200 fee for travelers applies unless they are traveling solely in Alaska or are active US Military personnel, in which cases the fee is USD $100. If traveling wholly in Hawaii, the fee is only $60.
Pets must weigh 150 pounds or less. If your pet weighs 151 pounds or more, you must take advantage of the Pet Connect™ service.
Alaska Airlines has many specific rules for flying pets in the baggage compartment, including:
- Travelers must be on the same flight as their pets. If you do not plan to travel with your pet, you’ll need to utilize the Pet Connect service.
- Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned.
- A health certificate is required before departure.
- Brachycephalic dogs and cats are not allowed.
- Only one dog/cat per carrier.
- No more than two puppies/kittens per carrier, as long as they are between eight weeks and six months, and comparable sizes of less than 20 pounds each.
- Animals must be trained and well-behaved.
Be sure to review Alaska Airlines’ full set of rules and requirements here.
Baggage Compartment carriers must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie in a comfortable position with no body parts hanging outside the unit.
Size | Carrier Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|
Extra Small | 100 | 21″ x 16″ x 15″ |
Small | 200 | 27″ x 20″ x 19″ |
Medium | 300 | 32″ x 22″ x 23″ |
Large | 400 | 36″ X 24″ x 26″ |
Extra Large | 500 | 40″ x 27″ x 30″ |
Your pet’s carrier must have a food and water dish attached to the inside. It must also have absorbent and non-toxic bedding. All carriers must be clean, leak-proof, escape-proof, well-ventilated, free of cracks or breaks, and constructed of solid materials—no soft-sided carriers are allowed in cargo. They must also include handles that will lift the carrier without tipping.
If your carrier has multi-piece construction, the top and bottom units must be fastened with nuts and bolts. Other forms of attachment, such as slides or snap fasteners, are not allowed. Solid roofs are required, although ventilation slots are permitted.
Restrictions and Exceptions
Alaska Airlines does have a few critical restrictions and exceptions to its pet policies.
For one, for their safety and comfort, brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs and cats are not allowed in the baggage compartment, but they are allowed in the cabin.
Secondly, Alaska Airlines may decline acceptance of your pet into the baggage compartment in certain extreme weather conditions, for your pet’s safety.
Hawaii-Specific Rules:
- Only dogs and cats are allowed in Hawaii, and those arriving without proper documentation may be subject to a 120-day quarantine.
- There is a limit on the number of pets allowed to and from Hawaii, which changes depending on the time of year. For example, no pets are accepted as cargo during February, and only one is allowed between November 1st and January 31st and March 1st to April 1st.
- No pets are permitted on flights to Honolulu arriving past 10:00 PM.
- Those traveling to Kona, Lihue, or Kahului must have a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit issued in their name.
International Rules:
Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel internationally with Alaska Airlines. Travelers are encouraged to research country-specific requirements before departure, as documentation varies depending on the location.
- United States
The United States has specific entry requirements for pets. For example, you will need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, your dog must appear healthy and be at least six months of age, and your pooch must have a detectable microchip. A valid health certificate issued within ten days of originating travel, 30 days of return travel on the same ticket, or within ten days of travel (if separate travel) is also required. Pets traveling from high-risk countries may need proof of rabies vaccination.
Note: At this time, only two animals per family are allowed to travel to the United States from Mexico.
- Belize/Guatemala/England/Iceland/Italy/Japan/Korea/Australia/New Zealand
Pets are not accepted to and from Belize, England, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Guatemala at this time.
- Canada
Canada accepts dogs and cats and there are no health certificates required for those eight months and older. However, proof of rabies vaccination is required for certain cats and dogs.
- Costa Rica
Bringing pets to or from Costa Rica is not recommended due to the risk of screwworm.
However, if you plan to travel to the United States from Costa Rice, you’ll need a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian within five days of travel stating that your pup is screwworm-free. You’ll also need a stamped export authorization provided by Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA).
If traveling from the US to Costa Rice, you will need a USDA Veterinary Health Certificate. Those coming from Canada to Costa Rice may use a CFIA Health Certificate for the Export of Dogs and Cats to Costa Rice instead.
- Mexico
Like Costa Rice, Mexico is currently listed as a high-risk country for screwworm, and pet travel is not recommended.
If you decide to travel with your pet, you will need a have a health certificate claiming your pet is screwworm-free signed and dated within five days of travel by a licensed vet. Note that certain areas, such as Loreto, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, and Zihuatanejo, currently do not have qualified veterinarians, and are therefore discouraged to travel.
Those traveling to Mexico from the United States are required to visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) immediately upon arrival. Here, your dog or cat will be inspected for infectious and contagious diseases, ectoparasites, and fresh wounds. If your dog or cat is currently under treatment for lesions or infections, you will need to provide the diagnostic and treatment instructions issued by your vet. You may also need proof of rabies vaccination.
Key Things to Remember:
- Dogs and cats are the only animals currently accepted for travel, and they are not allowed in the cargo area to and from Mexico.
- There is no bedding (or similar materials) allowed inside kennels – shredded paper and absorbent pads are OK.
- Only enough food for a single day of travel is accepted.
- When traveling with three or more pets to Mexico from the United States, you may be subject to additional fees (approximately $150 USD).
- Currently, the United States only accepts two animals per family for travel from Mexico.
- Those traveling regularly between the US and Mexico can take advantage of the “Pet Program – Frequent Traveler.”
Photo courtesy of @dogfriendlynash
The Process of Flying with Your Pet on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines makes it easy for you to travel with your purrfect pals.
Booking and Reserving Your Pet's Ticket
Booking and reserving your pet’s ticket is a cinch.
- Head over to alaskaair.com and book your passenger ticket.
- Review the policies and determine which option is right for you and your furry friend (cabin, cargo, etc.).
- Contact Alaska Air Reservations to request a spot for your pet ASAP, as there is limited space. You may call 1-800-252-7522 or chat online.
Checking In and Boarding with Your Pet
Checking in and boarding with your pet is also hassle-free, although checking your canine companion into the cargo is a bit more extensive.
If your dog is flying in the baggage compartment, you’ll need to make sure you complete the following:
- Ensure your pet and luggage have been received by the airline
- Ensure you have a valid boarding pass within the cut-off times (90 minutes for flights from Seattle and Guadalajara, 60 minutes for all other airports)
- Have a health certificate provided by a licensed veterinarian
- Have the carrier cleared by a team member
- Offer food and water no more than four hours before check-in
- Complete a Pet Check record with a team member
- Check-in no more than two hours before takeoff
Regardless of how your pet is flying, it’s important they have proper identification and that you allow ample time to check-in.
During the Flight: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Making the flight as smooth as possible is critical for your furry (or feathered) best friend. Much like many adults, dogs can become overwhelmed or nervous with air travel. Here are some of the best ways to ensure a smooth journey for your purrific pal:
- Get accustomed to the carrier. This is key, especially if your fluff ball has never been in one before. Spend a few weeks before your flight to get them acclimated to their “home away from home.”
- Add some important items to the carrier. You can also add some items to the carrier to help your hound feel more at ease. For example, toss in their favorite toy or blanket.
- Workout before departure! A good workout will help your best friend get their wiggles out, which means they’ll be calmer during the flight.
- Don’t forget to visit the animal relief area. Nobody wants to get stuck on a plane needing to use the restroom, and that includes four-legged friends. Visit the animal relief area before takeoff.
- Offer food and water – but not too much! While your pet should be satisfied, overfilling with food and water can make your pooch sick.
Photo courtesy of @waffles_the_wonder_dog
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines is, without a doubt, one of the most pet-friendly airlines out there. Unlike many others, they accept pets in the baggage compartment, which is essential for those traveling with larger-than-life furry friends. And for smaller guys & gals, the cabin is open for business, too. Needless to say, if you want a top-notch airline to enjoy with your fluffy buds, Alaska Airlines may be the right choice.
Note: We always encourage visiting the airline’s pet policy before booking, as rules and regulations can change at the drop of a hat!
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