Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, and for pet owners considering Alaska Airlines, understanding their pet policy is crucial. If you’re planning to bring your small dog, cat, rabbit, or household bird onboard, Alaska Airlines offers a pet-friendly cabin policy to accommodate your furry, scaled, or feathered companions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for in-cabin travel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for both you and your pet.
Alaska Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy: Key Guidelines for a Smooth Flight
Alaska Airlines welcomes small pets to travel in the passenger cabin, making it easier for you to keep your beloved animal close. However, there are specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet. Here’s a breakdown of the essential aspects of the Alaska Airlines in-cabin pet policy:
Eligible Pets for Cabin Travel
Alaska Airlines permits the following types of small pets to travel in the cabin:
- Small dogs
- House cats
- Domesticated rabbits
- Household birds
It’s important to note that for flights to Hawaii and international destinations, only dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin. Be sure to check specific regulations if you are traveling to these locations.
Age Restrictions for Pets
To ensure the well-being of young animals, Alaska Airlines has age restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to travel. Furthermore, they must be fully weaned and accustomed to solid food for at least five days prior to travel, ensuring they are ready for the journey.
Booking Your Pet’s Spot and Associated Fees
Planning ahead is essential when traveling with your pet. Alaska Airlines charges a fee of $100 USD/CAD each way for pets traveling in the cabin. This fee is subject to space availability, as there are limitations on the number of pets allowed per flight.
To secure a spot for your pet, it’s recommended to contact Alaska Airlines reservations as soon as your travel plans are finalized. You can call Alaska Airlines reservations at 1-800-252-7522 or chat with their reservations team. Reservations for your pet must be made before the day of travel. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is highly advised.
Rules to Follow During the Flight
To ensure a safe and pleasant flight for everyone, Alaska Airlines has established rules that must be followed when traveling with a pet in the cabin:
- Age Requirement for Pet Owners: You must be 18 years or older to travel with a pet in the cabin.
- Seating Restrictions: When traveling with a pet, you cannot occupy an emergency exit row or bulkhead row. These rows are restricted to ensure unobstructed emergency access.
- Carry-on Allowance: Your pet carrier counts towards your carry-on baggage allowance. You can bring either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a standard size carry-on bag.
- Pet Carrier Limits Per Cabin: The First Class cabin can accommodate a maximum of three pet carriers per flight, while the Main Cabin can accommodate up to eight pet carriers.
- Maximum Pets Per Passenger: In the main cabin, you can travel with a maximum of two pet carriers only if you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.
- Permitted Pet Types in Main Cabin: Only dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds are allowed in the Main Cabin. Other animal types are not permitted for in-cabin travel.
- Carrier Confinement: Your pet must remain inside its carrier at all times – this includes their head and tail. The carrier door or flap must be securely fastened in the boarding area, during boarding and deplaning, in the Alaska Lounge, and while on the aircraft.
- Carrier Stowage: During taxi, takeoff, and landing, the pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
- Multiple Pets in One Carrier: Alaska Airlines allows up to two pets of the same species and similar size to travel in the same carrier, provided they fit comfortably, no body parts protrude, and the animals are not in distress.
- Animals Causing Disturbance: Animals with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance may not be allowed in the cabin and may need to travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
- Hawaii and International Travel: Be aware that additional requirements and documentation are necessary for pets traveling to Hawaii or internationally. It’s crucial to check these specific requirements well in advance of your travel date.
Pet Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel
The type of carrier you use is important for your pet’s safety and comfort, and it must meet Alaska Airlines’ specifications. The USDA and IATA have specific guidelines for pet carriers, and Alaska Airlines adheres to these standards. Your pet must be able to fit comfortably within the carrier and be able to stand up and turn around. The carrier must also fit under the seat in front of you.
Alaska Airlines specifies acceptable carrier sizes for cabin travel:
Kennel Size Chart for In-Cabin Travel
| Type | Carrier Size | Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-sided | 50 | 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″ |
| Soft-sided | 50 | 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″ |
To be approved for travel, your pet carrier must also meet the following criteria:
- Size Compliance: It must be within the dimensions listed in the size chart above.
- Clean and Leak-proof: The carrier must be clean and leak-proof, with absorbent bedding made of a material that is safe and non-toxic to animals.
- Escape-proof and Enclosing: It must fully enclose the animal and be escape-proof to prevent any accidental escapes during travel.
- Adequate Ventilation: The carrier must have sufficient air ventilation to ensure your pet can breathe comfortably throughout the flight.
- Good Condition: The carrier should be free of tears, cracks, or breaks to ensure it is sturdy and safe for transport.
Preparing Your Pet for Cabin Travel with Alaska Airlines
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a stress-free travel experience for you and your pet. Here are some essential steps to take before your flight:
- Early Reservations: Reserve your pet’s travel as early as possible. Due to limited capacity and the first-come, first-served policy, booking in advance is crucial to guarantee your pet a spot in the cabin.
- Carrier Acclimation: Help your pet get used to the carrier before the travel day. Make the carrier a comfortable and familiar space at home. You can do this by placing treats and toys inside and allowing your pet to spend time in it.
- Comfortable Fit: Ensure your pet is small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat. They should be able to stand, sit, and turn around inside the carrier.
- Absorbent Material: Line the pet carrier with an absorbent material to manage any potential leaks during travel, keeping your pet dry and comfortable.
- Sedation Considerations: While it might be tempting to sedate your pet for travel, it is generally not advised. The effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes can be unpredictable. If you are considering sedation, consult with your veterinarian for advice. The decision to prescribe any tranquilizer should be made by a vet who knows your pet’s health history.
By understanding and adhering to the Alaska Airlines pet policy, you can ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for your pet in the cabin. Remember to book early, prepare your pet and their carrier properly, and enjoy your journey together!
