Alaska Airlines Pet Policy

To be able to carry animals with Alaska, you will have to follow its respective policies. The Alaska Airlines pet policy determines various travel conditions on this carrier. It brings out all the essential conditions of animal transport, different modes of transportation, and the fee charged. 

Are there Any Guidelines under Alaska Pet Policy?

Since flying with animals requires extra attention, this operator has mentioned some important guidelines under its Alaska Airline pet policy: 

• Travel reservations for companions must be made in advance. 
• Animals can only be added to official bookings made with the carrier. 
• They can travel both inside the cabin and in the hold. 
• The health of the animal will be the responsibility of its owner. 
• Only domestic beings will be accepted by the carrier. 
• Your companion must be safe to travel with and free of any communicable diseases. 
• It is the duty of the owner to prepare it for the flight before take-off. 
• The animal travel ticket will only be issued once the fee is paid
• When not obeying the guidelines, Alaska Airlines flight cancellations can occur. 

What are the Rules of the Alaska Airlines In Cabin Pet Policy?

Animals can travel with owners under the Alaska Airlines pet policy for cabin provided that they adhere to certain guidelines:

• All furry beings traveling on board must be at least 18 years of age. 
• The in-cabin companion will be regarded as a separate carry-on item. 
• This airline will only accept:
  • 8 animals per flight in the Main Cabin 
  • 3 pets in the First Class 
• Each passenger can fly with a maximum of 2 pets per ticket. 
• Only domesticated dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits will be granted permission. 
• The minimum age for dogs and cats should be 8 weeks. 
• It is compulsory for them to stay inside their crates at all times. 
• The specific guidelines laid out by the respective destinations should be followed. 
• They can be seated anywhere but not in the emergency and the bulkhead rows. 

Alaska Air Pet In Cabin Policy Carrier Weight and Size Restrictions:

For the crate to be accepted, it should be within the weight and size limitations given in the Alaska Airlines pet carrier policy. 

Depending on the type of crate, the size restrictions vary as follows: 

Animal Crate Requirements:

Apart from the size restrictions, there are some other requirements as well which will have to be met for the animal’s crate. 

• The Alaska Airline pet in cabin must be carried in crates that fit under the seat. 
• It should be constructed with non-toxic material. 
• The crate should be lined with absorbent material. 
• No leakage should be detected. 
• It should be properly ventilated. 
• There should not be any breaks or cracks in the crate. 
• 2 dogs or cats of similar size and species can travel in the same carrier. 
• No body part of the animal should protrude out from the crate. 
• The container must allow the animal to freely move, stand and sleep. 

Note: When you are unsure whether your crate will be accepted, call the airline to seek confirmation. 

What is the Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Policy?

When your animal is too big or cannot be accepted inside the cabin for any other reason, it can travel in the luggage compartment as cargo, as per the policy. 

• In the baggage compartment, the following companions can travel: 
  • Domestic cats/dogs
  • Guinea pigs
  • Ferrets
  • Household birds
  • Hamsters
  • Rabbits
  • Tropical Fish
  • Non-poisonous reptiles 
  • Pot-bellied pigs

• All animals heavier than in-cabin limits up to 150 lbs will be allowed as cargo. 
• The owner must fly on the same flight as the companion. 
• It must be at least 8 weeks of age, as per the Alaska Airlines pet policy for cargo. 
• Cargo travel will not be made available on Airbus flights.
• Animals must be healthy, hygienic, and odor free to be accepted. 
• They can be fed only up to 4 hours before the flight’s departure. 

Alaska Pet Cargo Policy Size Restrictions: 

Based on the maximum allowed dimensions, your crate will be assigned a designated size range. The containers must be within these size ranges: 

Cargo Pet Container Requirements: 

The crate requirements for cargo travel are similar to those mentioned under the in-cabin policy. However, some additional points have been given too: 

• The container must have a food and water dish attached from the inside. 
• Solid material suitable for cargo transport must be used in the construction of the crate. 
• The door of the carrier must be metal grated. 
• All the nuts and bolts must be in their proper place. 
• This Alaska Air pet travel policy requires the animal to be inside the crate throughout. 
• The IATA and USDA carrier requirements should be met as well. 
• Only one dog/cat of six months or older can be kept in 1 crate. 
• Puppies weighing over 20 lbs and older than 8 weeks can be kept in one container. 
• 2 puppies less than 20 lbs can be transported in the same carrier. 

Are there Any Breed Restrictions in the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy? 

Animals belonging to certain breeds that have a high risk of lung failure during flying are restricted on this carrier. These are known as: 

• Brachycephalic beings
• Or, short-nosed animals 

These companions are only restricted inside the baggage compartment. They can travel with their owners inside the cabin: 

Temperature Control Inside the Baggage Compartment

It is vital to maintain proper temperature inside the cabin for the safe transport of the furry companions, in accordance with the Alaska Airlines pet policy temperature. 

• In summer, it is recommended that you choose early-morning or late-night flights. 
• Additionally, in winter, a midday flight can be preferred. 
• When traveling with animals in the cargo, non-stop flights are suggested. 
• Alaska might not facilitate their transport when the temperatures reach extreme figures. 

How to Prepare Your Companion for Alaska Airlines Pet Travel? 

Before taking your companion on board or inside the compartment, it is necessary that you prepare it under the guidelines of the Alaska Airlines pet policy: 

• You must arrive at the airport a few hours before the minimum check-in time limit. 
• A valid health certificate issued by a licensed vet should be brought. 
• Make sure that the container is acceptable by checking in on Alaska Airlines. 
• Properly feed your pet before travel. 
• If the animals need to relieve themselves, visit the relief areas located within the airport.  
• Do not sedate or tranquilize them before travel. 
• For any further assistance, reach out to the agents present at the airport. 

How Much Does it Cost to Fly with Pets on Alaska Airlines? 

Under the Alaska pet policy, the owners will be subject to the payment of fees for acceptance. 

• The animal transport fee begins at USD 100 each way. 
• It applies to both cabin and cargo transport. 
• With the change in the destination, the fee might increase/decrease as well. 
• Also, the number of animals per passenger affects the amount charged. 
• The exact amount applicable to your booking will be informed at the airport. 
• Fees for advance online reservations will be informed at the time of booking. 

How to Make a Pet Travel Reservation on Alaska Airlines? 

An advance reservation has to be made for the easy approval of your companion on this carrier. To make such a reservation, you can chat with this airline or get help through its agents.

Method 1: The Chat Feature 

The online chat feature allows you to easily book a spot for your companion by talking to the AI bot. This option to manage bookings on Alaska can be accessed on the official site of the carrier.

• On this site, choose “Help Center”.
• Now, opt for “Contact Us”.
• Under this, tap on “Start Chat”. 
• Here, enter your “Name” and “Mileage Plan Number” 
• Under the “How Can We Help” section, enter “Pet Travel”. 
• Now, click on the “Start Chat” button.
• You will have to provide the details of your booking to continue the process. 
• Once the bot retrieves your reservation, mention the number of animals. 
• Select the mode of transport as well. 
• If possible, pay the fees online. 
• You will now get a confirmation mail after the completion of the booking.

Note: If your animal is not eligible for travel under the pet policy of Alaska Airlines, the bot may stop responding.

Method 2: Calling the Authorities 

By calling the respective agents, they will provide you with direct assistance on how to transport your animals and make a booking. 

• Reach out to the authorities by dialing the number 1-800-252-7522.
• Inform the authorities that you wish to make a special reservation. 
• You will be asked to provide the details of your animal. 
• In case it is eligible under the Alaska Airlines pet policy, the process will continue. 
• Provide your flight details and personal information. 
• Pay the required fee. 
• Your furry companion will be added to your flight. 

Note: For bookings made via travel agencies, you must contact them directly. 

What is the Alaska Airlines Emotional Support Pet Policy? 

In sync with the Alaska Air pet policy, emotional support animals may not always be considered service beings. But they can travel like regular animals. 

The guidelines for their transport are:

• Only dogs will be allowed as service animals. 
• They must be trained by a licensed professional. 
• Each passenger can carry only 2 assistance beings. 
• They must be able to fit in the space given near the seat. 
• Registration must be completed at least 48 hours before departure. 
• Animals in the process of training are not considered in this category. 
• You can transport them for free without incurring any additional charges. 

Registering Service Animals on Alaska Airlines

This registration process involves 2 main steps. Firstly, you will have to obtain the SATS Service Animal ID. Then proceed to register your animal. 

Step 1: 

To get your SATS Service Animal ID, you will have to provide the following information in the form handed by the air operator: 

• The contact details of the companion’s vet
• Proof of rabies vaccination along with expiration date 
• Contact details of the licensed trainer 

Step 2: 

You will now have to make an online request for your assistance animal to be accepted under the Alaska Air pet travel policy. 

• Open the website of this operator.
• Select “Traveling with Us”.
• Choose “Accessible Services”.
• Click on “Service Animals”.
• Now, opt for “Requesting Travel with a Service Animal”.
• In this section, scroll down and choose “ Request Travel with Your Service Animal”.
• Here, you will have to enter certain details. 
• Click on the “Search” option. 
• You will now be able to see if your request is approved or not. 
• When approved, you will get an official confirmation from the airline. 

Limitations Applicable to the Transport of Service Pets: 

This Alaska Airlines pet flying policy has also given certain limitations that cannot be disobeyed when traveling with your assistance companions. 

• These animals cannot be seated in the emergency rows. 
• They should not be overfed or overwatered. 
• Such animals should only be relieved in the designated relief areas. 
• Passengers without a hard copy of the SATS form will not be accepted. 
• Your companions cannot occupy passenger seats. 
• They should not cause any obstruction on the airplane. 
• Pets barking excessively and showing aggressive behavior will be rejected. 
• The animals should not jump on their owners or other fliers. 
• They should not chew seats or fabric on the flight. 
• Companions that are non-responsive to the owners’ commands will be rejected. 

Service Animals in Training: 

When your companion has not yet completed the training process fully, the following Alaskan Airlines pet policy rules become applicable: 

• The animal should be transported by its trainer. 
• Ensure that the arrival destination is located within the United States. 
• An official letterhead with a health certificate should be presented. 
• The trainer should submit his/her official training ID. 

Requirements When Traveling to the US and Hawaii 

In case you are flying with your service companion to and from Hawaii or the US, you will need to submit the given documentation: 

• Rabies vaccination certificate 
• Quarantine documentation 
• Neighbour Island Inspection Permit 
• General health certificate of the animal 

Regarding Penalties

Any penalty incurred due to the failure to comply with the Air Alaska pet policy for service/emotional support animals should be completely borne by the owner. 

Alaska Airlines – Social Media 

For any queries about Alaska Airlines pet policies, you can connect with the social media handlers of this carrier. 

In short, the Alaska Airlines pet policy enables a smooth and safe journey for your companions. It ensures comfort irrespective of the mode of travel you choose. It is also simple to follow and travel reservations can be made without any hassle. 

Frequently Asked Questions