Flying With Dogs on Alaska Airlines (Pet Travel FAQs)

Flying with your dog can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With some preparation and helpful information about Alaska Airlines, you and your furry friend can have a safe and comfortable trip. In this article, I’ll outline everything you need to know about flying with dogs on Alaska Airlines, from pet policies to breed restrictions. So, sit back, relax, and let me answer your most pressing questions!

What are Alaska Airlines’ pet fees?

The fees for flying with dogs on Alaska Airlines are $100 each way per dog carried in the cabin as a carry-on, and $100 each way per dog placed in the cargo hold as checked baggage.

It’s important to mention that if your flight departs from Canada, the fee is $105 each way per dog carried in the cabin or placed in the cargo hold as baggage.

Does Alaska Airlines Have Breed Restrictions?

Yes, Alaska Airlines does have breed restrictions set for dogs flying in the cargo compartment of their flights. Alaska Airlines does not accept brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs in the cargo hold due to respiratory issues. Veterinary experts show that short-nosed dog breeds have abnormalities that compromise their breathing when flying due to changing pressures in altitude. In addition, the stress dogs experience while flying can amplify the magnitude of these conditions.

The good news is that this restriction doesn’t mean you can’t fly with your companion. Your short-nosed dog can still travel in the cabin as your carry-on, provided their carrier fits underneath the seat in front of you.

Short-nosed breeds of dogs include, but are not limited to:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pit Bull
• Boxers
• Brussels Griffon
• Bull Terrier
• Boston Terriers
• Chow Chow
• Dutch Pug
• English Toy Spaniel
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Japanese Boxer
• Japanese Spaniel
• Japanese Pug
• Mastiff
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What are the Accepted Carrier Sizes by Alaska Airlines?

For your carrier Alaska Airlines to accept your dog carrier, it must:

• Stay within the dimensions listed above
• Be leak-proof with absorbent bedding made of non-toxic and safe materials for your dog
• Be clean
• Have proper air ventilation
• Be break, crack, and tear-free

Who Can Have Their Dog in the Cabin?

If you’re a passenger of Alaska Airlines and want to take your pup in the cabin with you, you must be 18 years or older. Also, if you travel with your dog in the cabin, your dog may not occupy a bulkhead row or emergency exit.

If you are in First Class, Alaska Airlines will accommodate you with one dog crate per flight, and the main cabin can provide up to five dog crates per flight.

When cabin flying with your dog, there are a few essential things to remember:

1. Your dog’s carrier counts as one of two of your carry-on bag allowance. This means you can bring a personal item or a standard carry-on-sized bag in addition to your dog carrier, but you cannot bring a personal item, standard-size carry-on, and your dog’s carrier.
2. You can travel with a total of two pet carriers in the plane’s main cabin, but only when you have purchased the seat adjacent to yours.
3. Your dog must be at least eight years old, fully weaned, and accustomed to consuming solid foods (without nursing) for a minimum of 5 days.
4. Up to two of your dogs can travel in the same carrier given they are the same species, are of similar size, no body parts protrude from the carrier, and the dogs are not in distress.
5. Your dog must stay in its crate with the doors and flaps closed at all times in the boarding area, Alaska Lounge, and while onboard the plane. Your dog’s crate also must remain stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
6. If your dog has an unpleasant odor or creates too much noise disturbance, it must travel in the baggage/cargo compartment of the plane.

What are Alaska Airlines’ Pet Requirements?

Alaska Airlines accepts most dogs; however, your dog must meet the following requirements to board the flight:

• A valid health certificate per animal.
• Minimum age of eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• No more than one live dog six months or older can be transported in the same carrier.
• No more than one live puppy, eight weeks to six months, and weighing over 20 pounds can be transported in the same carrier.
• No more than two live puppies, eight weeks to six months, that are of similar size and weigh 20 pounds or less each can be transported in the same carrier.
• Your dog must be harmless, non-destructive to itself and the carrier, and require no attention during the flight.

Food and water requirements for checked dogs:

• You must offer your dog food and water within 4-hours of checking-in
• Your dog must receive sufficient water and food to last the entire flight.
• If on a connecting flight, you must request access to your dog in the connecting city to give them food and water.
• You are responsible for re-checking your dog into the connection city and providing the paid receipt when re-checking in your dog.
• During the check-in process, you must complete a Pet Check record to state that you offered your dog food and water before boarding the connecting flight.

Dogs traveling in the climate-controlled baggage compartment:

• You must travel on the same flight as your dog to your destination.
• You can check in no earlier than two hours before your departure. If departing in Seattle or Guadalajara, you must check in at least 90 minutes before your flight’s departure or at least one hour before departure at all other airports.
• Your dog is available for pick-up in the baggage claim area around 30 minutes after your flight lands.

Conclusion

Flying with dogs on Alaska Airlines can be a smooth process as long as you remember to bring all the required documentation and meet the airline’s pet requirements!

Do you feel more comfortable flying with Alaska Airlines now that you know their pet travel policies? Let me know your thoughts below!

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