
Alaska Airlines – Pet Policy
Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Dog | Yes (1 pet per guest, carrier must fit under seat; soft-sided preferred; pet must be able to stand and turn comfortably) | Yes (baggage compartment on select flights; $150 fee; breed, seasonal, and aircraft restrictions apply; no transfer between airlines) | Pre-booking required; updated health and vaccine certificates necessary; service animals travel free with paperwork; cargo must be claimed & rechecked on connections |
Cat | Yes (same as dogs; pet and carrier sizing important for in-cabin travel) | Yes (same as dogs; baggage compartment on select flights with restrictions) | Health documentation and pre-booking apply; ensure carriers meet requirements |
Bird | No | No; special cargo only | Contact cargo services for specialized bird transport |
Reptile | No | No; cargo only | Requires specialized handling and permits |
Fish | No | No; cargo only | Only shipped with special packaging and permits |
Rabbit | No | No; cargo only | Limited by airline and destination rules |
Important Guidelines
- Book pet travel well in advance; all pets require advance reservation and confirmation.
- Service animals travel free with proper documentation and advance notice.
- Ensure all health/vaccination certificates and permits are current and comply with destination requirements.
- Check breed, seasonal, and aircraft restrictions for pets traveling in the baggage compartment.
- Baggage compartment is climate controlled but pets must be picked up and rechecked on connecting flights with different carriers.
- Soft-sided carriers are preferred for in-cabin pets; carriers must fit under seat and allow pet comfort.
Woofly Tips
- Use a comfortable, airline-approved carrier to help your pet travel stress-free.
- Confirm pet policies and fees well before booking to secure your pet’s spot on the flight.
- Have all necessary documentation ready in digital and paper forms at check-in and arrival.
- For multi-airline itineraries, be aware of transfer rules; Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets in baggage compartment to other airlines.
- Regularly check airline updates for breed bans, seasonal restrictions, and new policies.
Last updated: July 27, 2025