Are you planning to go on a dream vacation with your loved ones and fur babies? Book your flights with Alaska Airlines because their pet travel program offers options for transporting pets safely at just 100 USD. You should read this content if you want to know what Alaska Airlines pet policy permits and how much you have to pay if you travel with your pets.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the fifth largest airline in North America that flies to more than 115 destinations in Canada, United States, Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico. Alaska Airlines has hubs in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Alaska, Portland, Oregon, San Francisco. Other focus cities include San Diego and San Jose. Also it permits its passengers to travel with their pets but under certain circumstances, to know about Alaska pet policy, keep reading.
Cabin Pet Policy of Alaska Airlines :
Alaska Airlines permits its passengers to travel with small pets in the cabin after paying a fee of 100 USD. It also recommends its passengers to request a spot for their pets as soon as their travel plans are finalised because the number of pets allowed in the cabin are limited, only three pet carriers can be accommodated in the First Class Cabin and eight pet carriers can be accommodated in the passenger cabin. Passengers can call at 1-800-252-7522 to request a spot and they must do it prior to the day of travel.
Rules :
- You can travel with cats, dogs, birds and rabbits in the passenger cabin only if you are 18 years or older.
- You have to make sure the dogs and cats you are travelling with must be eight weeks old and must be accustomed to taking solid foods.
- Keep in mind that the pet should be in their carrier and the door and flap should be secured all the time.
- You have to put the pet under your seat in its carrier during takeoff and landing.
- If you are travelling with two pets of the same species and same size, you can put them in the same carrier, but make sure that pets are not in distress.
- You can travel with two pet carriers only if you buy a second ticket with an adjacent seat.
- When you are travelling with pets, you can bring either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a standard size carry on bag.
- Also, if you are travelling with your pets, you can’t occupy an emergency exit row.
- If your pets have odours or they create noises, then you can’t travel with them in the passenger cabin.
- Alaska Airlines in cabin pet policy doesn’t allow its passengers to give sedatives to their pets on board because the effects on high altitudes are unpredictable. You can do it only if your veterinarian has recommended it.
Dimensions :
You have to make sure that the pet you are travelling with is small enough to fit in the carrier. And the acceptable dimensions of the carrier is 17” x 11” x 7.5” for hard sided carriers and 17” x 11” x 9.5” for soft sided carriers.
Baggage Compartment Pet Policy of Alaska Airlines :
Alaska Airlines permits its passengers to bring dogs, cats, pigs, ferrets, birds, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, rabbits and tropical fish in their climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments after paying Alaska Airline pet fee of 150 USD. If you want to travel with your pets, you have to reserve a spot as soon as possible because the number of animals permitted in the baggage compartment is limited and the reservation is on a first come first serve basis
Rules :
- The pet and carrier that you are carrying should be not more than 150 Ibs combined.
- If you are travelling with your dog and cat, make sure they should be at least 8 weeks of age.
- You have to provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian.
- Also keep in mind that no more than 1 live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older can be transported in the baggage compartment.
- No more than 1 live puppy or kitten, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, weighing over 20 Ibs can be transported in the same carrier.
- You have to make sure that all the animals are harmless and they do not need any extra precautions.
- Also, you have to provide food and water to your pets 4 hours before checking in.
Important Note :
You have to check-in between 90 minutes and 2 hours before departure of your flight in Seattle or Guadalajara and at least 1 hour before departure at all other airports.
Dimensions :
You have to make sure that the carrier should be comfortable and large enough for your pet so that it can travel freely. And the size, weight and dimensions of the carrier that is permitted by the Alaska Airlines pet policy is mentioned below :
| Size | Carrier Size | Dimensions (Length x width x height) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 100 | 21”x 16” x 15” |
| Small | 200 | 27” x 20” x 19” |
| Medium | 300 | 32” x 22” x 23” |
| Large | 400 | 36” x 24” x 26” |
| Extra Large | 500 | 40” x 27” x 30” |
Important Points to Remember :
- You must attach a food and water dish to the inside of the carrier, the agents of the airline will feed your pet whatever food you provide to them.
- Make sure the carrier is made of solid materials and the top and bottom of the carrier must be secured with nuts and bolts. Also make sure it provides air ventilation.
- The pet carrier should be free of cracks so that your pet can’t escape. Also, don’t forget to recheck the animal in the connection city and provide the paid receipt when rechecking the animal.
Breed Restriction :
Alaska Airlines Dog policy restricts certain types of breed to travel in compartment baggage like American Pit Bull, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dutch Pug, Japanese Boxer, Shih Tzu, Burmese, Himalayan and Persian Cats. These short-nosed dogs and cats have abnormalities that can compromise their breathing. You can travel with these breeds in the cabin if the pet carrier fits under your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide a health certificate if my pet travels in baggage or cargo compartment?
Yes, you have to provide a health certificate dated within 10 days of outbound travel and 30 days of return travel if your pet is travelling in baggage or cargo compartment.
Do I need to bring extra identification for my pet?
Extra identification is a must when you are travelling with your pet, make sure you write the name, address, telephone number of your pet’s destination on top of their carrier. If possible, carry a current photo of your pet during the trip.
Do I need to feed my pet before the flight?
You should definitely feed your pet before the flight especially if it is a long haul flight. Just make sure you don’t feed your pet any unfamiliar food, people food or large meals before the departure of the flight.
Is my pet allowed to drink water in his/her kennel during the flight.
If you are travelling with your pet in the cabin, you must bring a water dish that can be attached to the kennel door and can be filled without opening the carrier door so that you can easily give water to your pet.
What do I need to put in my pet’s kennel during the flight.
You can put a towel, blanket or puddle pad which will help in absorbing the urine. Also you can put a small toy that provides comfort to your pet.
Why are certain breeds can’t travel in the Baggage or cargo compartment ?
Alaska Airlines has restricted certain breeds like American Pit Bull, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dutch Pug, Japanese Boxer, Shih Tzu, Burmese, Himalayan and Persian Cats. These short-nosed dogs and cats have abnormalities that can compromise their breathing.
If there’s turbulence, will my pet get motion sickness?
If your pet is prone to car sickness, he/she might get motion sickness during the trip and the turbulence can be stressful for your pets because it is unfamiliar to them.
Can I give sedatives or tranquilliser to my pet before the flight?
You can’t give sedatives to your pets on board because the effects on high altitudes are unpredictable. You can do it only if your veterinarian has recommended it.
