Alaska Airlines

In-cabin carrier dimensions (maximum exterior):

In-cabin carrier requirements: - Must fit completely under the seat in front of you. - Must be clean and leak-proof with absorbent, non-toxic bedding. - Must fully enclose your pet and be escape-proof with adequate ventilation. - Must be free of tears, cracks, or breaks. - Your pet must fit comfortably inside with no body parts protruding.

Weight limit (in-cabin): Alaska does not publish a specific combined weight limit for pet plus carrier for in-cabin travel.

Checked baggage and cargo kennel requirements: - Must be appropriate size for your pet (pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably). - Must be secured with nuts and bolts (plastic clips alone are not acceptable). - Wheels must be removed or made inoperable. - Doors must be metal with secure latches. - Must be clean and leak-proof with absorbent bedding. - Must provide adequate ventilation.

Checked baggage weight limit: Pet plus kennel combined weight up to 150 lbs. Over 150 lbs, use Pet Connect cargo service.

In-cabin pets (domestic U.S. flights): Alaska generally does not require a health certificate for in-cabin pets on domestic flights. However, your destination state or local jurisdiction may require documentation. Verify requirements for your destination before travel.

Checked baggage and cargo pets: A health certificate is required for pets traveling in the baggage or cargo compartments on Alaska Airlines (including Horizon and SkyWest operated flights where applicable). - Issued within 10 days of your initial travel date. - May be valid for up to 30 days for return travel when booked on the same reservation (verify timing with your veterinarian and Alaska).

International and Hawaii: Additional documentation is required. See the International Travel section below.

Food and water certification: For checked baggage, you will complete a Pet Check record at check-in certifying that food and water were offered to your pet within 4 hours of check-in.

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds: Short-nosed dogs and cats are NOT accepted in the baggage compartment or cargo due to increased breathing risk. These breeds may still travel in-cabin if the carrier fits under the seat.

Restricted dog breeds (and mixes): American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Restricted cat breeds (and mixes): Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.

If you have a short-nosed breed or mix, confirm acceptance with Alaska before booking.

Aircraft restrictions: On flights operated by Alaska's Airbus fleet, pets may not travel in First Class and may not be accepted in the baggage compartment (these aircraft do not have heated cargo space suitable for pets). Check your aircraft type by flight number.

Seating restrictions: Passengers traveling with in-cabin pets may not sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or seats equipped with airbag seat belts.

Emotional support animals (ESAs): ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals under U.S. Department of Transportation rules. ESAs may only travel as pets under Alaska's standard pet policy and fees if they meet all pet travel requirements. Qualified service animals are accepted under Alaska's separate service animal policy.

• Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not accepted as service animals under U.S. DOT rules. Qualified service dogs are accepted per Alaska’s service animal policy.
• Sedation is not recommended; effects at altitude can be unpredictable. Consult your veterinarian before considering tranquilizers.
• Book early—pet space is limited—and arrive at the airport early to complete the required pet acceptance steps.
• Always check current policies and weather/embargo notices before you travel.

General rule: Only dogs and cats are accepted for travel between the U.S. and international destinations on Alaska Airlines. Confirm all country-specific import requirements (microchip, import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, parasite treatments, and tests) well in advance with destination authorities and USDA APHIS.

Hawaii: Alaska accepts only cats and dogs to Hawaii. Hawaii has extremely strict Department of Agriculture pre-arrival requirements and quarantine programs. You must complete all required steps and submit forms before your pet will be accepted into the state. Review Alaska's "Pets traveling to Hawaii" page for detailed instructions.

Canada: Dogs and cats accepted. Bring appropriate vaccination documentation (rabies certificate) and be prepared for inspection per Canadian regulations.

Mexico: - Dogs and cats accepted (subject to Mexican SENASICA inspection). - Bedding similar to straw or cloth is restricted. Use absorbent pads or shredded paper. - Only one day's worth of food may travel with your pet. - Arriving with 3 or more pets may trigger commercial importation procedures and substantial additional import fees from SENASICA. This may require customs broker handling on arrival. - Alaska does NOT accept pets for Cargo or GoldStreak service to or from Mexico.

Health certificates for international travel: International destinations and Hawaii require health certificates and additional documentation. Work with your veterinarian and contact the destination country's agriculture or customs authority well in advance of travel. USDA endorsement may be required for some countries.

In-cabin: $100 USD each way per kennel.

Checked baggage: $100 USD each way per kennel.

Cargo (Pet Connect): Rates vary by route, size, and weight. Contact Alaska Air Cargo for a quote.

Fees apply per kennel and per direction on Alaska-operated flights. If your itinerary includes flights operated by other carriers, additional fees from those carriers may apply.