Alaska Airlines - Pet Information

Does the airline allow pets: Yes

Reservations made at least 24 hours in advance are required for any animals traveling in the passenger cabin, except tropical fish. Please contact an Alaska Airlines Reservations Agent for booking at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).

Does the airline allow pets as carry-on: Yes

One small pet total may travel in the first class cabin and up to five small pets total may travel in the coach cabin. Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds, and tropical fish. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel. The pet must stay in its container (including head and tail) at all times while onboard, and be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Animals with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment. Pet fish may be put in a plastic bag of water that has been sealed and placed in a sturdy plastic container with a secure lid. A pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat and provide enough space for the animal to turn around and lie comfortably. Absorbent bedding material must be placed in the bottom to prevent leaks.

Does the airline allow pets as baggage: Yes

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air accept most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Pets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel.

The health of your pet is important. Due to health risks, brachycephalic (shortnose) dogs/cats are only accepted for travel at owner's risk and excess valuation is not available. The following is a list of the affected breeds:

DOGS: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffin, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Spaniel, Pekinese Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Terrier, Bulldog, Pug, Boxer.

CATS: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian.

All pets are carefully transported in pressurized, temperature-controlled aircraft compartments. A 500-size kennel is the largest kennel Alaska Airlines will accept. If a delay prevents your pet's flight from departing, your pet may be placed in a kennel facility until it can be transported. Costs incurred due to weather-related delays are the responsibility of the pet owner.

You must travel on the same flight(s) to your pet's destination. Check in at least one hour, but no more than two hours before departure. Your pet will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.

If your trip includes a transfer on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air we will allow a maximum connection time of four hours for the animal at the connection city.

If your trip includes a transfer to another airline, you must allow time to pick up your pet in the baggage claim area and re-check your pet with the connecting airline. Neither Alaska Airlines nor Horizon Air transfer pets to other airlines.

Does airline allow pets as cargo: Yes

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air provide transportation for live animals as Cargo and Goldstreak, Goldstreak only on Horizon Air. Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals (subject to approval) are accepted for transportation.

Does airline have an embargo: Yes

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can pose a health risk to pets. In summer, choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, choose mid-day flights. Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights. If temperatures at the origin, destination, or connecting airports exceed certain limits, Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air may decline acceptance for the animal's welfare.

Horizon Air Holiday Embargo

Due to heavy holiday travel, Horizon Air is unable to accept pets as checked baggage November 23 - November 29, 2009, and December 21, 2009 - January 3, 2010. However, small pets may still be carried in the cabin.

Reno/Tahoe

Pets are not accepted for shipment to/from Reno; however, small pets may still be carried in the cabin.

Embargo dates: N/A

Kennel / Pet Carrier Information

Alaska Airlines accepts only kennels secured with nuts and bolts for transport in the cargo compartment.

Alaska Airlines recommends that you obtain an approved carrier in advance of travel.

Documentation Requirements

All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. All animals crossing state borders to a cold weather destination are required to have a veterinarian's note on the health certificate that they are acclimated to temperatures below 45F. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.

Restrictions

Notes

Proof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. Proof of Parvo Virus vaccination is required before an animal can be transported to Nome or Kotzebue. Service animals traveling with a passenger are exempt from these certifications, though they are required to be in a working harness that identifies them as a service animal.

Only pets in good health are permitted. Any pet in a kennel too small or in obvious distress due to illness or injury will be refused travel. A Reservation Sales Agent or Customer Service Agent can provide further information about documentation requirements.

Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.

International Travel:

Canada: Animals may be accepted for travel via Baggage, Cargo, and Carry-on Baggage provided all regulations are met. Horizon Air does not accept pets for GoldStreak service.

Mexico: Animals may be accepted for travel via Baggage and Carry-on Baggage, provided all regulations are met. Alaska Airlines does not accept pets for Cargo or GoldStreak service to and from Mexico.

Airline Fees

Pet in Cabin = $100.00 (USD) each way.
Pet in Baggage = $100.00 (USD) each way.
Pet and Carrier Combined Weight = Pet and Carrier Combined Weight up to 149 lbs; 150 lbs or more Contact Cargo for Pricing

Alaska Airlines - Web Links

Alaska Airlines - Contact Numbers

Back to all Airlines