Air travel is already stressful, and if you are traveling with pets along with you, obviously, it’s going to be tough. However, Alaska Airlines dedicates itself to making the process as comfortable as possible with the help of Alaska Airlines pet travel policy. Alaska Airlines values pets as much as they do for their passengers and offers a seamless travel experience for the pets as well. Your furry, feathered, or scaled companions can join you on your journey efficiently in the cabin or the baggage compartment. This article will encourage you to carry your pets onboard by following all the rules below.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy and Rules in Cabin
Alaska Airlines allows small pets in the cabin for passengers willing to keep their pets close. The Alaska Airlines pet policy draws a fine line between the elegant travel experience Alaska provides and the discomforting travel others offer. Here are the critical points of the policy you need to know:
- Alaska Airlines emphasizes that the pet must be harmless, inoffensive, and require no attention during transportation.
- The Alaska Airlines pet carrier you are carrying must be clean, leak-proof, and have adequate air ventilation for the pet to breathe comfortably.
- Make sure to reserve your pets as early as possible, as the space for pets is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- You can carry only a fully grownup pet that is at least eight weeks old.
- 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
Alaska Airlines offers the option of traveling in the climate-controlled baggage compartment for larger pets or those not permitted in the cabin. Here is the Alaska Airlines pet policy for traveling in baggage compartment:
- If your pet can create a nuisance, like emitting offensive odors or creating disturbing noises, then they are only allowed to travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
- The combined weight of the pet and carrier may be at most 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.
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.
Pets In Baggage Compartment
For pets traveling in the baggage compartment, the combined weight of the pet and carrier may be 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.
- If the pet is traveling in the cabin, the airline charges an Alaska Airlines pet fee of $100 USD/CAD per leg. This fee applies to small pets that meet the size and weight requirements to fit comfortably under the seat in front of the passenger.
- The pet fees in the baggage compartment per way is $150 USD/CAD. This fee is for pets too large to travel in the cabin and includes additional handling to ensure the pet’s safety and comfort during the flight.
- US Military personnel on active duty, defendants of the US Military on travel orders, or passengers traveling only within the state of Alaska will be charged a pet fee of 100 USD/CAD in the baggage compartment.
- All the pet 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:
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.
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:
This is the only airline that can provide you with the prerogatives of carrying your pets onboard. 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 and rest assured their beloved pets are well-cared for. Our agents are just a call away and ready to help you with any issues you are facing regarding Alaska Airlines.
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.