Alaska Airlines is based in Seattle, Wa and has been in operation since 1932 (known as McGee Airways). It has expanded since its founding days and now serves the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It is constantly expanding its service and has been historically known as one of the largest carriers of the West Coast.

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines accepts most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Pets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.

Alaska Airlines has also partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital to provide pets with a special discount offer when preparing for take-off.

Important Tip::
Alaska Airlines accepts only 1 pet for travel to and from Hawaii. Because of Hawaii’s unique status as the only rabies-free state, there are additional requirements for travel.

Pets in the Cabin: Alaska Airlines Policy

  • There is a $100 fee each way for a pet in the cabin.
  • A customer may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the cabin, only when an adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
  • Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds are allowed in the passenger cabin. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned.
  • Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided the animals are not stressed.
  • Pet must remain in the carrier for the duration of the flight
  • Carriers must be small enough to fur under the seat during take off and landing
    • Hard sided: 7.5″x11″x17″
    • Soft-sided: 9.5″X11″x17″

Pets in the Cargo: Alaska Airlines Policy

  • There is a $100 fee each way for a pet in Cargo.
  • No more than one live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same kennel
  • No more than one live puppy, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, and weighing over 20 lbs, may be transported in the same kennel
  • No more than two live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 lbs or less each, may be transported in the same kennel
  • Animals must be harmless, inoffensive, and require no attention during transit


The health of your pet is important. Due to health risks that could potentially result in the death of the animal, brachycephalic (shortnose) dogs/cats are only accepted for travel at owner’s risk and excess valuation is not available.

The following is a list of the affected breeds:

Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffin, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Spaniel, Pekinese Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Terrier, Bulldog, Pug, Boxer.

Cats: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan and Persian.

For more details about Alaska Airlines’ pet policies, please go to this page of the Alaska Airlines website.

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One thought on “Alaska Airlines

  1. Alaska has just changed the type of planes that we travel on once a month and have for 12 years. They now are using the Airbus that does not have pressurized cargo area.