Planning to travel with your pet on Alaska Airlines? You’ll need to know which pets are allowed in the cabin, their weight limits, and the specific fees involved.
Alaska Airlines has clear guidelines on pet carriers and enforces temperature restrictions to keep your furry friend safe.
But what happens if your travel plans are disrupted by weather-related delays?
Understanding these details can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort and safety during the journey. So, what exactly should you prepare for?
The Important Stuff
- Small dogs, cats, and household birds can travel in the cabin if they weigh under 20 lbs with the carrier.
- Cabin travel fee is $100 each way per pet carrier, and cargo travel fee is $150 each way.
- Soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17′ x 11′ x 9.5′, and hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17′ x 11′ x 7.5′.
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned, clean, well-behaved, and remain in the carrier throughout the flight.
- Temperature restrictions for pet safety range from 45-85°F, with stricter rules if temperatures exceed 85°F.
Allowed Pets for Alaska Airlines Cabin Travel
When flying with Alaska Airlines, you can bring small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin.
To guarantee a smooth journey for you and your pet, there are some guidelines you’ll need to follow.
First, pets must fit within certain weight limits. When combined with their carrier, the total weight shouldn’t exceed 20 lbs. This ensures your pet can comfortably stay under the seat in front of you.
Speaking of carriers, Alaska Airlines has specific pet carrier sizes: they must be no larger than 17′ x 11′ x 7.5′. This size fits the space provided and keeps your pet secure and cozy during the flight.
In a Hurry? Watch the Video!
Next, let’s talk about age requirements.
Your furry or feathered friend needs to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. This guarantees they’re healthy and mature enough for air travel.
Behavior expectations are also important.
Your pet must be clean, well-behaved, and remain in the carrier for the entire flight. If your pet disrupts other passengers, it could lead to complications, so ensuring they’re used to their carrier and calm is key.
If you don’t know how to do that, we have an whole guide with lots of tips to keep a dog calm during a flight that will help you.
When it comes to household birds, there are some bird restrictions to be aware of.
Only domestic birds are allowed, so leave the exotic birds at home.
Pet Size & Breed Restrictions: Cabin vs. Cargo
Small pets under 20 lbs can travel in the cabin with minimal restrictions, while larger pets have to go in the cargo hold, which comes with more limitations on size and specific breed restrictions.
Cabin Travel
For cabin travel on Alaska Airlines, pets and their carriers must have a combined weight of no more than 20 pounds.
Make sure the carrier fits under the seat with dimensions not exceeding 17′ x 11′ x 9.5′ for soft-sided or 17′ x 11′ x 7.5′ for hard-sided carriers.
You can bring up to two pets of the same species in one carrier, provided they’ve enough space to move comfortably.
To make sure smooth in-flight behavior, prepare your pet well in advance. Familiarize them with the carrier and try short practice trips.
While on the plane, keep your pet calm and comfy with familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy, which are part of thoughtful travel preparation.
Cabin restrictions are minimal, with no specific breed limitations, making it easy for most pet owners. French Bulldogs can fly with Alaska Airlines, but make sure you know how to approach the flight correctly if you have a brachycephalic dog.
Alaska Airlines also offers pet amenities, such as a special pet travel tag, guaranteeing your furry friend is well-cared for throughout the journey.
Cargo Travel
Traveling with pets in the cargo hold on Alaska Airlines requires you to adhere to specific size and breed restrictions to guarantee their safety.
For cargo travel, pets and their carriers together mustn’t exceed 150 pounds. The carrier must fit within the aircraft’s cargo area—up to 53′ x 48′ x 34′ on Alaska flights and 40′ x 27′ x 30′ on Horizon Air.
Certain breeds aren’t permitted in the cargo hold. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs like Pit bulls, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, along with cats such as Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair, can’t travel in cargo due to safety precautions.
These breeds are prone to respiratory issues, making cargo travel risky.
To make sure pet comfort and safety, follow all cargo requirements. Make sure your pet’s carrier is well-ventilated and spacious.
The check-in process involves arriving early, allowing ample time for handling procedures and making sure everything is in order.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Fees & Costs
For pets traveling in the cabin, the fee is $100 each way per pet carrier.
You have various pet carrier options, but make sure to check the size and type of carrier that’s allowed onboard.
A good starting point is our list of the best dog crates for travel. Then, if you need more help, you can also drop us a message with the specific of your dog and we will help you pick the right crate – our service is free of charge.
If you plan to bring two pet carriers in the cabin, you’ll need to purchase the adjacent seat, and remember, there are certain cabin restrictions to take into account.
For instance, up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in one carrier for the $100 fee.
On the other hand, if your pet needs to travel in the cargo compartment, you’ll encounter different costs.
The standard fee is $150 each way per pet carrier. However, for trips solely within Alaska, the fee drops to $100 each way.
Active duty US military personnel and their dependents traveling on official orders also benefit from the reduced $100 fee.
Cargo requirements include making sure the combined weight of the pet and carrier doesn’t exceed 150 lbs. This weight limit is important to adhere to for the safety and comfort of your pet during the flight.
Keep in mind these additional fees and specific guidelines when planning your pet’s travel.
Required Pet Carriers on Alaska Airlines Flights
When flying with your pet on Alaska Airlines, you’ll need to adhere to specific carrier requirements.
Pets traveling in the cabin must be in an approved, leak-proof carrier that fits under the seat, while pets traveling as cargo require sturdy, well-ventilated containers.
Pets Traveling in the Cabin
To guarantee your pet can travel in the cabin on Alaska Airlines, you’ll need a specific type of carrier that meets the airline’s size and safety requirements.
To confirm your pet’s comfort and a smooth in-cabin experience, pay close attention to these details.
Hard-sided carriers can be no larger than 17′ x 11′ x 7.5′, while soft-sided ones can measure up to 17′ x 11′ x 9.5′. Importantly, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, allowing your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.
A well-ventilated, leak-proof carrier is essential for maintaining pet behavior during the flight.
This setup helps keep your furry friend calm and secure throughout the journey. Remember, pet essentials like a familiar blanket or toy can make a big difference in pet preparation and overall comfort.
If you have two pets of the same species and similar size, they can share one carrier, making travel more convenient.
Verifying your pet’s carrier meets all these guidelines not only complies with Alaska Airlines’ policies but also guarantees a better experience for you and your pet while flying.
Pets Traveling as Cargo
While some pets can enjoy the comfort of the cabin, others must travel as cargo, requiring specific carriers that meet Alaska Airlines’ stringent safety standards.
Ensuring cargo safety is a top priority. You’ll need to choose a carrier that’s durable, well-ventilated, and leak-proof. This guarantees your pet’s comfort and meets all health regulations.
First, make sure the carrier is large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Alaska Airlines mandates that carriers must be secure and escape-proof, with strong locks and sturdy construction.
This is essential for handling procedures, as pets need to be safe during the entire journey.
Additionally, follow all health regulations by ensuring your pet is in good health and has all necessary vaccinations before traveling.
When preparing your pet for cargo travel, familiarize yourself with the airline’s handling procedures.
Alaska Airlines staff are trained to handle pets with care, ensuring they’re transported safely from check-in to arrival.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Temperature Restrictions
Alaska Airlines enforces temperature restrictions to guarantee the safety and comfort of pets traveling in cargo.
You’ll find that they’ve set a standard acceptable temperature range of 45-85°F for both departure and arrival cities.
If your furry friend is used to more extreme temperatures, there’s some flexibility.
A veterinarian can provide an acclimation certificate specifying the temperatures your pet can handle, allowing for greater temperature variances.
During the summer, though, stricter rules apply.
If the temperature exceeds 85°F on the day of travel, your pet mightn’t be allowed to travel in cargo to prevent heat stress and other related issues.
Similarly, in chilly weather, if it’s below 45°F, they might decline to transport your pet.
If you can, opt for early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in winter to dodge these temperature extremes.
How to Deal with Weather Delays
Weather delays can also impact your pet’s travel plans.
If a delay prevents the flight from departing, your pet could be placed in a carrier facility until it’s safe to continue the journey.
Keep in mind, any extra costs due to these weather-related delays are your responsibility.
But don’t worry if you’re traveling with a smaller pet!
The temperature restrictions only apply to pets in the cargo compartment.
Pets that fit in an under-seat carrier can still travel in the cabin with you, even in extreme temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific vaccination requirements for pets traveling on Alaska Airlines?
You’ll need vaccination documentation and health certificates for your pet.
Make sure vaccine records and an up-to-date immunization schedule meet travel requirements.
Can pets travel unaccompanied on Alaska Airlines flights?
Yes, pets can travel unaccompanied as pet shipping on Alaska Airlines. Make sure they’re in approved travel crates, and be prepared for cargo fees.
How early shuould I arrive at the airport when traveling with a pet on an Alaska Airlines flight?
Try to arrive at least two hours early. You’ll need extra time for check-in procedures, security screening, and ensuring your pet carrier is compliant.
Don’t forget your travel documents to make the boarding process smoother.
Are there designated releif areas for pets at Alaska Airline’s airports?
Many airports have pet relief areas. These spots are for your service animals and pets.
Thse areas are set up to ensure your furry friends stay comfortable and happy during your travels.
