Planning to take a flight from Alaska? Then, it’s important to learn all about their pet policy. Otherwise, you might have to leave your pet behind. And, that’s not even an option for the majority of us, right? So, let’s take a dig at how strict Alaska airlines’ pet policy is?
There are three ways to carry your pet: in the cabin, in baggage, or in the cargo section. Depending on pet type, carrier size, animal behavior, and medical condition airlines choose the best travel arrangement for your pet.
But as we said, there are some things you can’t fix spontaneously. It’s better to know all the odds before arriving at the airport. So, without further ado, let’s go all in.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy- How Does It Work?
Alaska Airlines pet policy is not actually strict. In fact, we have found their pet policy quite lenient. You can bring your special friends to the flight as long as you are okay with obliging to some airline rules.
Can You Bring Pets For International Flights?
It’s allowed to bring dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated birds, and rabbits. However, you must be traveling domestically with the pets. If you are planning to visit another country, the policy is a bit different.
In that case, only dogs and cats are allowed. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Both dogs and cats must go through a health check-up prior to the flight’s date. After submitting the vaccination and health details, the airlines might approve or decline your request to carry the pets.
The policy is stricter if you are returning from a country with a high infection rate of rabies or similar pet diseases.
| Country | Types of Pets Allowed | Assigned Compartment | In-Cargo Policy |
| Belize | No pet is allowed | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Canada | Cats & dogs only | In-cabin or baggage compartment | restricted |
| Costa Rica | Cats & dogs only | In-cabin or baggage compartment | restricted |
| Mexico | Cats & dogs only | In-cabin or baggage compartment | restricted |
When Is A Pet Eligible For In-Cabin Policy?
You might want your furry friends next to you. For that, you have to qualify for the in-cabin policy. As far as Alaska Airlines is concerned, the main passenger cabin will not accommodate more than 8 pets with carriers. In the first-class cabin, the capacity is two.
So, what does it indicate? You have to book a flight quickly. Delaying can cost you to lose all the slots available for pets.
That being said, the pets (also their carriers) must not exceed 9kg or 20 lbs of weight. Because when you travel with the in-cabin policy, the pets are treated as your carry-on luggage. So, there’s a maximum cap on how much it can weigh.
Moreover, not every type of pet is accepted in this policy. It can only be a dog, cat, rabbit, or household bird. However, you have to guarantee there won’t be any odd smell from the pets alongside a vaccination document.
Another rule is to keep the pet carrier under your seat during the take-off and landing to avoid causing any disturbance.
What Happens If The Pet Is Disqualified For In-Cabin Policy?
If your pet doesn’t qualify for the in-cabin policy, it will be moved to the baggage compartment. Keep in mind that your pet still has to fulfill a whole bunch of rules.
For the baggage compartment, the carrier and pet shouldn’t exceed 150 lbs. That means, if the weight exceeds the 20 lbs limit, you have to send your pets to the baggage compartment.
There is no restriction as to what type of pet it is unlike the in-cabin policy. As long as it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, bird, or any safe reptile (non-poisonous), you are fine.
Just provide a good-quality carrier with all the essential stuff inside it. We will elaborate on this topic in a bit. However, if the dog is snub-nosed, there’s a condition. Such dog breeds can’t breathe efficiently inside the baggage compartment.
The air quality is a bit lower here. To avoid any serious medical condition, Alaska Airlines doesn’t allow snub-nosed breeds of dogs inside the baggage compartment.
If you happen to send your pet with the baggage, make sure you collect it from the bag-claim department. In case you have to take another flight, it’s your responsibility to receive and then re-check the pet with your luggage.
What Are The Requirements For Sending Your Pet As A Cargo?
Next comes the cargo department. It’s useful for pet owners who are not traveling with their pets on the same flight. You might be sending a pet to a new owner. In such cases, the cargo policy is applied by Alaska Airlines.
The conditions are almost the same as the previous one. It can be any animal within the approved list as long as the cage is sealed. However, the cargo area is not suitable for pets during extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Even though staff take good care of controlling the climate inside that compartment, there are still risks. Hence, it’s a good idea to always check the weather before booking a cargo slot for your pets.
How Should The Pet Carrier Look Like?
The pet carrier should be up to the mark for the airline to allow your pet inside a flight. The kennel sizes can be from 100 to 500 depending on your need.
However, we recommend you consider a movable space for your pets. Other things you have to ensure in a carrier are:
- The pet carrier must be breathable without any trouble
- The cage must be locked tightly.
- There shouldn’t be any scope for escaping.
- Cage material must be strong and not toxic for the specific pet.
Before entering your pets into the cage make sure you feed them well. For emergencies, provide enough food and water inside the carrier as well. You can’t be too careful when it’s about your pet.
Which Breeds Are Excluded From Alaska Airlines Pet Policy?
You can’t bring exotic animals as a pet, like rodents, and poisonous reptiles. If it’s a dog, the short-nosed ones are restricted. You can only keep them with you inside the cabin under your care.
If the weight limit doesn’t allow that, you have no other option but to leave them behind.
Normally, English bulldog, American pitbull, Boston Terrier, Boxer, etc fall into this category.
Is The Policy Different For Service Animals?
According to Alaska Airlines, you can only request service dogs to be allowed on your flight. And, the number shouldn’t exceed two. For service dogs, you don’t have to pay the fees we earlier discussed.
The Airlines see service animals as trained helpers for disabled passengers instead of just regular pets. Be prepared to create a service animal ID before applying.
For the ID, the dog’s vaccination documents along with the expiration date, trainer’s name, veterinarian’s name, etc are needed. If you have previously traveled with a service dog, you must already have that ID.
In that case, inform the airlines that you have service dogs at least 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure. During the whole flight, you have to ensure the dogs don’t leave the designated area. That’s all you have to care about.
How Much Do You Have To Pay Under This Pet Policy?
You don’t have to pay anything for a service dog. Anything else would cost you at least $100. Yes, that’s the fee to keep the pets either in the baggage section or with you.
If there are two pets in separate carriers, you have to buy an extra flight ticket. That means you paid for two seats. It ensures the pets don’t disturb anyone sitting next to you.
FAQs
You can always contact Alaska Airlines for any pet-related queries. But check out our FAQ section before that. We might have the answer you are looking for.
How Do You Book A Flight For Your Pets?
There is no complicated step. You simply book your flight and let the airline know at least 2 days before your departure. Finally, be patient while checking in with your pet as it will take longer.
How Should You Prepare For A Flight With Pets?
Prepare by getting a health check-up for your pets. Collect the vaccination documents and submit them to the airlines while booking a flight. Once approved, get a nice carrier and feed the pet enough to survive the flight. Let the airlines take care of the rest.
Can You Tranquilize Your Pets Before Sending them To The Cargo?
Some pets don’t react nicely sitting in a packed cargo. But, even then, Alaska Airlines restricts the use of tranquilizers to calm the pets. You see, the injections don’t go well with every pet. It’s best to avoid it unless your vet permits it.
Conclusion
Pet policy is different for every airline. This specific pet policy might be different from the other airlines you have traveled with. Even then, we would say Alaska airline is pretty convenient.
From their climate-controlled cargo or the baggage compartment to the main cabin, everything is pet-friendly.
As long as you keep the pet inside its carrier, there won’t be any trouble. So, relax and plan your next vacation with your furry friends.