Flying with a dog or cat on an Alaska Airlines flight requires more than simply adding a pet to your reservation. The Alaska Airlines pet policy covers cabin travel, baggage-compartment transportation, carrier requirements, fees, route restrictions, temperature limitations, and destination-specific rules.
Quick answer: Alaska Airlines allows eligible pets to travel in the cabin when they fit comfortably inside an approved carrier under the seat. Eligible pets may also travel in the temperature-controlled baggage compartment, subject to availability, route restrictions, breed limitations, weather conditions, and aircraft restrictions. Current pet fees generally range from $100 to $200 each way, depending on the travel method and route.
For help reviewing your pet-travel options, call +1-855-662-4577 before your trip.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy at a Glance
The Alaska Airlines pet policy provides several ways to transport pets:
- Pets may travel in the passenger cabin if they meet the carrier requirements.
- Eligible dogs and cats may travel in the baggage compartment on qualifying flights.
- Pets can also travel through Alaska Air Cargo's Pet Connect program when the owner is not traveling on the same flight.
- Pet space is limited and must be reserved in advance.
- Hawaii and international destinations can have additional requirements.
- Baggage-compartment travel can be restricted because of temperature, aircraft, route, or breed conditions.
If you're unsure which option applies to your itinerary, +1-855-662-4577 can be used to review the basic pet-travel requirements before departure.
Can You Take a Pet in the Alaska Airlines Cabin?
Yes. Alaska Airlines permits eligible pets to travel in the passenger cabin when they remain inside an approved carrier that fits beneath the seat.
For example, Alaska Airlines states that dogs traveling in the cabin must fit inside a soft-sided carrier measuring no more than 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches. The carrier must remain under the seat during the flight.
The pet must remain secured in its carrier according to airline requirements. Because cabin pet capacity is limited, travelers should make arrangements early rather than waiting until the airport.
Before booking, you can also call +1-855-662-4577 to discuss cabin-pet requirements and avoid last-minute problems.
How Much Does Alaska Airlines Charge for Pets?
Pet fees depend on the type of transportation and itinerary.
Current Alaska Airlines information indicates that pet-travel fees generally range from $100 to $200 each way, per carrier or kennel, depending on the travel method and route.
Alaska Airlines' August 2026 information gives examples of:
- Cabin pet: $100 each way per carrier on applicable routes
- Hawaii-only cabin travel: $35 each way in qualifying circumstances
- Baggage-compartment pet: $200 each way per kennel
- Certain Alaska, Hawaii, and military-related travel may qualify for different rates.
Because fees and eligibility can vary by itinerary, verify the applicable charge before traveling. For itinerary-specific questions, +1-855-662-4577 is another option to check the details before you leave for the airport.
Alaska Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements
Carrier size matters under the Alaska Airlines pet policy.
For cabin travel, your pet must be able to remain inside the carrier, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Alaska's published guidance identifies a maximum soft-sided carrier size of 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches for dogs traveling in the cabin.
Before leaving home, check:
- Carrier dimensions
- Pet's ability to remain comfortably inside
- Ventilation
- Secure closures
- Absorbent material for accidents
- Destination-specific requirements
Do not assume that a carrier accepted by another airline will automatically meet Alaska Airlines requirements.
Can Dogs and Cats Travel in the Baggage Compartment?
Yes, eligible dogs and cats can travel in Alaska Airlines' temperature-controlled baggage compartment when the itinerary and aircraft permit it.
Alaska Airlines currently states that dogs and carriers with a combined weight of up to 150 pounds can travel in the baggage compartment on qualifying Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights while the owner travels in the cabin. The standard published fee is $200 each way per kennel, although qualifying discounted rates may apply.
However, baggage-compartment pet travel is more restricted than cabin travel. Breed restrictions, weather conditions, travel dates, and aircraft limitations can affect availability.
If you're considering checked pet travel, call +1-855-662-4577 ahead of time to review the requirements applicable to your trip.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Hawaii
Traveling with a pet to or from Hawaii requires additional planning.
Hawaii has destination-specific animal-entry requirements, and Alaska Airlines also limits the number of dogs and cats accepted as checked baggage on certain Hawaii flights. Cabin pet travel is treated differently from baggage-compartment transportation.
Do not book your flight first and assume your pet will automatically be accepted.
Check Hawaii's current animal-entry rules, prepare the required documentation, and confirm airline restrictions before departure.
For help organizing the requirements, travelers can call +1-855-662-4577 before their flight.
Alaska Airlines International Pet Travel
International pet travel involves more than airline rules.
Your destination country may require health certificates, vaccinations, identification, import permits, quarantine arrangements, or other documentation. Alaska Airlines specifically notes that international pet travel has additional requirements.
If your itinerary includes another airline, additional rules may also apply. Alaska Airlines advises travelers to contact partner airlines directly for pet space, fees, and requirements. Pets traveling in the baggage compartment are not transferred by Alaska Airlines to another carrier; the pet must be claimed and rechecked with the connecting airline.
Before an international trip, verify every segment of your itinerary. You can also use +1-855-662-4577 to review general questions about your Alaska Airlines pet arrangements.
Alaska Airlines Pet Restrictions and Temperature Rules
Weather can affect whether your pet can travel in the baggage compartment.
Alaska Airlines publishes travel advisories when extreme temperatures create restrictions for animals traveling in the baggage compartment. For example, several airports have had seasonal restrictions during 2026 because of high temperatures, while cabin pet travel remained available on affected flights.
This means checking the pet policy once is not enough. Review the current advisory shortly before your departure.
Baggage-compartment transportation can also be affected by:
- Extreme temperatures
- Aircraft type
- Route restrictions
- Breed restrictions
- Travel dates
- Destination regulations
How to Add a Pet to an Alaska Airlines Reservation
Adding a pet should be handled as early as possible because pet space is limited.
A practical process is:
1. Book your passenger ticket
Choose an itinerary that accommodates your pet and destination requirements.
2. Determine the travel method
Decide whether your pet will travel in the cabin, baggage compartment, or through Alaska Air Cargo's Pet Connect program.
3. Confirm pet availability
Pet space is subject to availability, so having a ticket does not automatically guarantee a pet reservation.
4. Prepare the carrier
Make sure the carrier meets the applicable dimensions and construction requirements.
5. Check documents
Review health certificates, vaccination records, destination-entry requirements, and any other paperwork applicable to your route.
6. Arrive early
Alaska Airlines recommends allowing additional time at the airport when traveling with a pet.
If you need to clarify the booking process, +1-855-662-4577 can be included in your pre-trip checklist.
What Should You Do Before Flying With Your Pet?
A successful pet trip starts before the airport.
Give your pet exercise before the flight, bring identification, allow additional check-in time, and take your pet to an airport animal-relief area before boarding when appropriate. Alaska Airlines also recommends avoiding excessive feeding or watering immediately before travel.
Keep your pet's essential documents easily accessible instead of placing them in checked luggage.
Most importantly, check the latest Alaska Airlines requirements immediately before departure because restrictions can change based on destination, weather, aircraft, and operational conditions. Visit Us.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy FAQs
Can I bring my dog on Alaska Airlines?
Yes. Eligible dogs can travel in the cabin or baggage compartment depending on the route, carrier, availability, and applicable restrictions. Call +1-855-662-4577 for general trip questions.
How much is a pet fee on Alaska Airlines?
Pet fees generally range from $100 to $200 each way depending on the transportation method and route. Check your itinerary for the applicable charge.
What size carrier can I use for a cabin pet?
Alaska Airlines states that dogs traveling in the cabin must fit in a soft-sided carrier no larger than 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches.
Can large dogs fly on Alaska Airlines?
Eligible larger dogs may travel in the temperature-controlled baggage compartment when the route, aircraft, weather, breed, and other requirements permit it.
Can I take a cat in the cabin?
Eligible cats may travel in the cabin when they meet Alaska Airlines' carrier and pet-travel requirements.
Are pets allowed on international Alaska Airlines flights?
Pet travel may be permitted, but international destinations have additional entry and documentation requirements. Always verify the destination rules before departure.
Does Alaska Airlines allow pets to Hawaii?
Yes, but Hawaii has additional animal-entry requirements and certain restrictions can apply to pets traveling in the baggage compartment.
Is pet space guaranteed after booking a flight?
No. Pet space is subject to availability, so passengers should arrange pet travel in advance.
Can pets travel in Alaska Airlines' baggage compartment?
Eligible pets can travel in the temperature-controlled baggage compartment on qualifying flights, subject to restrictions and availability.
Does Alaska Airlines have a cargo pet option?
Yes. Alaska Air Cargo offers Pet Connect for pets traveling without an accompanying passenger.
Final Takeaway
The Alaska Airlines pet policy gives travelers multiple options, but pet travel is not automatically available on every flight. Cabin carrier dimensions, pet fees, baggage-compartment restrictions, weather conditions, destination rules, and limited pet capacity can all affect your reservation.
The smartest approach is to check your specific itinerary before traveling, prepare the correct carrier and documents, and confirm any route-specific restrictions well in advance.
For additional trip questions, +1-855-662-4577 can be used as a travel-planning contact number before departure.