Traveling with pets is really stressful for both the pet and the passenger. However, Alaska Airlines dedicates itself to making the process as comfortable as possible with Alaska Airlines pet travel policy. Recognizing that pets are a crucial part of many families, Alaska Airlines offers various options for pet travel. This ensures that your furry, feathered, or scaled companions can join you on your journey, be it in the cabin or in the baggage compartment.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy and Rules In Cabin
For those who wish to keep their pets close, Alaska Airlines allows small pets in the cabin. The Alaska Airlines pet policy is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the pets, passengers, and crew. Here are the key points:
- Alaska Airlines emphasizes that the pet must be harmless, inoffensive, and require no attention during transit.
- Additionally, the Alaska Airlines pet carrier must be clean, leak-proof, and have adequate air ventilation.
- Space for pets is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservation is recommended.
- Pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
- The pet carrier must fit under the seat and adhere to specified dimensions.
- Only certain types of pets are allowed in the cabin, and they must remain in their carrier throughout the flight.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy and Rules in the Baggage Compartment
For larger pets or those not permitted in the cabin, Alaska Airlines offers the option of traveling in the climate-controlled baggage compartment. Here is the Alaska Airlines pet policy for traveling in baggage compartment:
- Pets with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
- The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 150 lbs.
- A valid health certificate for the pet is required.
- Certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats, are not accepted for travel in the baggage compartment.
Size and Weight Allowance for Pets And Carriers
When you are on Alaska Airlines flying with pets, the airline provides specific size and weight allowances to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals during the flight.
1) Pets In Cabin
For pets in the cabin, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg). The carrier must fit under the seat and meet the Alaska Airlines pet carrier size requirements, which are:
- 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″ for hard-sided carriers and
- 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ for soft-sided carriers.
2) Pets In Baggage Compartment
For pets traveling in the baggage compartment, the combined weight of the pet and carrier may weigh up to 150 lbs. If the pet and carrier weigh more than 150 lbs, they must travel via Alaska Airlines pet cargo. You are required to carry a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian for each pet traveling in the baggage compartment.
Fees For Carrying Pets Onboard Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has established a clear fee structure for Alaska Airlines pet travel to ensure pet owners are well-informed before their journey.
- For pets traveling in the cabin, the airline charges an Alaska Airlines pet fee of $100 USD/CAD each way. This fee applies to small pets that meet the size and weight requirements to fit comfortably under the seat in front of the passenger.
- When it comes to pets traveling in the baggage compartment, the fee is set at $150 USD/CAD each way. This fee is for pets that are too large to travel in the cabin and includes additional handling to ensure the pet’s safety and comfort during the flight.
- For those traveling wholly within the State of Alaska, active duty US Military, or US Military dependents on travel orders, the fee for pets in the baggage compartment is reduced to $100 USD/CAD.
- It’s important to note that these fees are collected at the airport and do not apply to service animals.
How To Book Pets on Alaska Airlines?
The most crucial part of traveling with pets is to ensure you book them properly by following the Alaska pet policy. You have two options, either to book them while making your reservations or after you have made your reservations. Here, we have mentioned both ways with detailed steps to follow along:
1) How To Book Pets on Alaska Airlines During Booking
Booking your pet’s travel alongside your own ticket ensures a seamless experience for both you and your furry companion. Alaska Airlines offers a straightforward process to include your pet in your travel plans from the outset.
Steps:
- Begin by securing your own travel ticket on Alaska Airlines’ official website.
- Familiarize yourself with the pet travel policies provided by Alaska Airlines to determine the best travel option for your pet.
- Reach out to Alaska Airlines’ reservations team either by starting a chat on the website or by calling the number mentioned below to reserve space for your pet.
- Ensure you understand all health certificate and carrier requirements, breed restrictions, and any travel limitations to your destination.
2) How To Book Pets on Alaska Airlines After Booking
If you’ve already booked your flight but didn’t include your pet, don’t worry. You can still arrange for your pet’s travel with Alaska Airlines after your initial booking.
Steps:
- Check your travel details and ensure there’s enough time to accommodate your pet’s travel needs.
- As soon as your plans are finalized, call Alaska Airlines at the number mentioned below or use the chat feature on the website to secure a reservation for your pet.
- Since the number of pets allowed in the cabin and baggage compartment is limited, it’s crucial to confirm availability as soon as possible.
- Discuss with the reservations agent any additional requirements or documentation needed for your pet’s journey.
Summary:
Alaska Airlines provides pet owners with flexible options for traveling with their pets. Whether you choose to have your pet with you in the cabin or need to use the baggage compartment, Alaska Airlines pet travel policy is designed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. With clear guidelines on reservations, fees, carrier requirements, and size and weight allowances, pet owners can prepare for their trip with confidence, knowing their beloved pets are well-cared for. If you need any help you can contact Alaska Airlines customer service via the number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What types of pets are allowed to travel in the cabin on Alaska Airlines?
Small dogs, house cats, domesticated rabbits, and household birds are allowed to travel in the cabin. For Hawaii and international flights, only dogs and cats are permitted.
2) Can I bring two pets to the cabin?
You may travel with two pets in the main cabin if you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.
3) What should I do to prepare my pet for travel on Alaska Airlines?
Review Alaska Airlines’ pet policies to understand health certificate and carrier requirements, and contact reservations to reserve space for your pet.
4) How early should I reserve my pet’s travel?
Reserve as early as possible since space for pets is subject to availability and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
5) What if my pet has an offensive odor or creates a noise disturbance?
Pets with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.