Alaska Airlines Pet Policy & Travel Fees

Alaska Airlines is a popular airline that allows pets to travel on their flights. Their pet policy outlines the requirements for pets to fly, including the types of pets allowed, the size and weight restrictions, and the necessary documentation.  

Additionally, the airline offers a range of pet-friendly amenities. For example in-cabin pet travel, pet relief areas, and pet carriers for purchase.  

Whether you're traveling with a small dog or a larger pet, Alaska Airlines' pet policy provides helpful guidelines. You can surely have a safe and comfortable journey with your furry friend.

What Are The Alaska Airlines Pet Policy?

Below are the details:

Alaska Airlines In-cabin Pet Rules

Alaska Airlines allows cats, dogs, and household birds to fly on the aircraft. Traveling to Hawaii or internationally has some different guidelines for pet travel. Know about some rules that you must obey while flying in-cabin with your pet. 

• You can travel with 2 pet carriers in the main cabin. But you need to buy a ticket for your adjacent seat.
• The carrier of your pet counts as a carry-on. You can bring a personal item with it or a standard-size carry-on bag.
• If you are flying in the first class, then the total number of pet carriers allowed is 3. And in the main cabin, 8 pet carriers per flight are permitted.
• To travel with a pet in-cabin, your age must be 18 years or more.
• You should not buy a ticket in the emergency exit or bulkhead row while flying with your pet.
• If your pet has an offensive odor or creates noise disturbance. Then you must carry them in the airline's climate-controlled baggage compartment. 
• Your pet should be accustomed to taking solid food before the flight. And should be 8 weeks old.

Alaska Airlines In-cabin Pet Carrier Requirements

Your pet should be small enough to fit and have a comfortable flight. The carrier must be stowed under the front seat.  

The hard-sized carrier's size should be 50. And the dimensions of it have to be 17 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high. 

The soft-size pet carrier size should also be 50. The dimensions for it are 17 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 9.5 inches in height. 

• Your pet's carrier should be clean and leak-proof. It may contain absorbent bedding that is safe for your animal.
• The pet must be enclosed properly and there should not be any space for escape.
• It should have enough air ventilation.
• The carrier of your pet should be free of cracks, tears, or breaks.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Pet Travel Rules

Pet policy Alaska Airlines permits many types of animals in its checked baggage section. Some pets with whom you can travel are:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Guinea Pigs
• Ferrets
• Hamsters
• Rabbits
• Tropical fish
• Household birds
• Non-poisonous reptiles
• Po-bellied pigs 

A few of the rules that you should follow for your pets traveling in the baggage compartment are: 

• The weight of your pet and its carrier should not exceed more than 150 lbs.
• If you have a brachycephalic cat or dog, then they are not accepted in the checked luggage.
• Your pet must be harmless and should not require any attention during transit.
• You must offer food and water to your pet no more than 4 hours before check-in. You will be asked to complete a Pet Check record to certify that you have done so.
• You and your pet's destination should be the same. If not, then your pet must be transferred by the cargo of Alaska Airlines.

Checked Baggage Pet Carrier Requirements

Every part of your pet's body should be secured in the carrier. The sizes accepted by this airline for pet carriers are:

 Alaska Airlines Cargo Pet Travel

This air carrier has a perfect program called PetConnect for transporting your pet through cargo. Some of the steps you have to follow under Alaska Airlines pet in cargo are:

• Your pet's eligibility to travel must be confirmed beforehand. 
• The container in which you will ship your pet must be odor free and clean.
• The kennel should be labeled perfectly and must comply with the size requirements.
• You must reserve your pet's travel either 20 days prior to travel or a minimum of 24 hours before. 
• The number for the cargo's call center of Alaska Airlines is 1-800-225-2752.
• By signing up for the notifications, you can get all the details related to your pet's tracking.
• While dropping off your pet, you should attach the necessary documents to your pet's compartment. They are Air waybills, health certificates, food, and water certificate, etc.
• You should also provide your complete name, and phone number on the kennel.
• With the help of Air Waybill, you can track your pet and also know the status of the shipment.
• You can pick up your pet within 1 hour after its arrival. If you don't pick your pet up in the next 4 hours, then you might be charged extra.

Booking your Pet's Flight with Alaska Airlines

Check pet policy

Before booking your pet's flight, make sure you thoroughly review Alaska Airlines' pet policy. This will ensure that you understand all of the requirements and restrictions for traveling with your pet. 

Confirm availability

Alaska Airlines has limited space for pets on each flight. So, you should confirm if there is an available space for your pet's travel before booking. You can do this by contacting the airline's customer service department at 1-800-252-7522. You can also search for pet-friendly flights on the Alaska Airlines website.

Book your flight

Once you've confirmed availability and reviewed the pet policy, you can book your flight. Be sure to mention that you will be traveling with a pet. Also, give information about your pet like its breed, size, and weight. 

Pay the pet fee

Alaska Airlines charges a fee for pets to travel on their flights. For in-cabin pet travel, the amount is $100 each way. And for checked luggage and cargo pet travel, the fee is $150. You have to pay this fee when booking your flight to secure your pet's travel arrangements. 

Obtain necessary documentation

Depending on your destination, your pet may need to have a health certificate, vaccination records, and any required permits. You should get all the important documents in advance of your flight to avoid any last-minute complications. 

Get a suitable carrier

Your pet will need to travel in an airline-approved carrier that meets Alaska Airlines' guidelines for size and construction. So, purchase an appropriate carrier and get your pet accustomed to it before the flight. 

Arrive early at the airport

On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early. I will give you enough time to check in your pet and complete any necessary paperwork.

Some Tips For Pet Travel on Alaska Airlines 

Pet relief: There are Alaska Airlines' pet relief areas at many airports. It is available both pre and post-security. Your pet can relieve itself in this area easily before or after the flight.

Food and water: Give your pet a proper amount of food and water before boarding. Try not to overfeed them. If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, then you can have a water dish for them. If your pet is traveling as checked baggage or cargo, attach a bag of food to the outside of the carrier.

Comfort items: To make your pet more comfortable during the flight, you may want to bring along their favorite toys, blankets, or other comfort items.

Temperature restrictions: Alaska Airlines has temperature restrictions for pets traveling in cargo. It ensures that they are not exposed to extreme temperatures. Too hot or cold temperatures can prevent the travel of your pet on that particular flight.

Service Animals Travel on Alaska Airlines

With the pet policy for Alaska Airlines, you can travel with your service animals with this airline without paying any fee. They accept service dogs that are trained to perform tasks on your behalf. Psychiatric service animals are also welcomed. 

You can fly with up to two service dogs on your flight. Your animal's size must not exceed the personal space of your seat during the entire flight.  

If you want to request your service animal's travel, then you need to follow a two-step process. 

Step 1:  Fill out a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form online to receive your SAFP Service Animal ID. The veterinarian’s name and contact number, Rabies vaccination date and expiration, and Trainer’s name/organization and contact number are required to receive the ID.

 Step 2: Once you get your animal ID, you can request travel with your service animal. 

Arrival At Your Destination With Your Pet 

Alaska Airlines has some additional steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend. Here's what you need to know: 

1. Pick up your pet: If your pet is traveling as checked baggage or cargo, you'll need to pick them up at baggage claim at your destination. Make sure to have all necessary documentation ready like your ID and any permits required by your destination.

 2. Customs requirements: If you are traveling internationally, you'll need to clear customs with your pet. Give all necessary documentation like the pet's health certificate and vaccination records.

 3. Ground transportation: When planning your ground transportation, keep in mind that not all taxis and rideshare services allow pets. Consider booking a pet-friendly hotel shuttle or renting a car that allows pets.

 4. Pet-friendly accommodations: If you are staying at a hotel, then booking a pet-friendly room in advance is a must. Some hotels have weight and size restrictions. So, be sure to check their pet policy also before booking. 

Note: Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to continue providing your pet with proper care and attention. Give them regular meals, make them exercise, and provide playtime.