Detailed guide on Alaska Airlines Pet Policy 2026

Are you searching for the Alaska Airlines pet policy in cabin details before booking your next flight? Whether it's a domestic flight or an international adventure, Alaska Airlines offers pet-friendly options that make traveling with your furry companion smoother from in-cabin perks to pet cargo policy guidelines and strict weight limits.

At Affluence Travels, we break down the full Alaska Airlines pet travel policy, including first class rules, pet health certificate requirements, and essential tips to ensure a stress-free journey. Planning to fly with your pet? Get the latest on Alaska Airlines' pet policy and travel tips from Affluence Travels now!

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Overview 

Alaska Airlines rolls out the welcome mat for your four legged companions with one of the most accommodating pet policies in the skies. Whether you’re relocating cross country or simply can’t leave your furry friend behind, Alaska Airlines pet in cabin policy allows small dogs and cats to travel with you. Alaska Airlines pet policy in cabin, as effective from June 5, 2025, small pets can travel in the passenger cabin for a fee of $100 USD each way per carrier. Your furry companion must stay tucked in an approved carrier that must fit under your seat. Animals that are approved in the passenger cabin are small dogs, house cats, domesticated rabbits, and household birds. 

Alaska Airlines permits a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, only when flyers purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat. The maximum carrier dimensions should be 17”*11*9.5” (L*W*H). Pets that do not fit comfortably in their carrier or under the seat must be placed in a hard sided kennel and follow Alaska Airlines’ pet travel policy. From booking requirements to breed restrictions and health documentation, Affluence Travels will help you understand Alaska’s pet travel framework and ensure your next adventure includes every member of your family- paws and all. 

Alaska Airlines pet policy in cabin

Alaska Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin, provided they meet size and age requirements and remain in a proper carrier under the seat. Only certain animals are accepted for in-cabin travel.

Allowed pets:

• Dogs and cats

• Household birds and rabbits (only under older ticketing rules; new policies primarily accept dogs and cats in cabin).

Age requirement:
Pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling. 

In-cabin carrier rules:

• Pets must stay inside a leak-proof carrier at all times.

• Carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

• Pets cannot protrude from the carrier.

Carrier dimensions:

• Soft-sided carrier: up to 17″ long x 11″ wide x 9.5″ high.

• Hard-sided carrier: up to 17″ long x 11″ wide x 7.5″ high.

The carrier counts toward your carry-on allowance. You can bring a pet carrier plus a personal item or a standard carry-on bag. Space for pets is limited to a few carriers per flight, so reserve early. 

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Booking & Fees

Under the Alaska Airlines pet in cabin policy, advance arrangements are strongly recommended:

• Pet reservations should be made when booking your own ticket or before day of travel since cabin space is limited. 

• Fees for in-cabin pets are typically around $100 USD per direction.

• For flights departing from Canada, fees may slightly vary in CAD.

You will pay the fee at check-in or during booking if the airline offers online pet add-ons.

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy International 

The Alaska Airlines pet policy international has additional requirements and restrictions. While small dogs and cats may be accepted on select international routes, each destination has its own rules regarding pet entry.

International travel considerations include:

• Destination country import regulations.

• Vaccination and quarantine requirements.

• Advance approvals depending on the country.

Pets must remain inside their carrier during boarding, while in lounges, and throughout the flight. Not all international routes allow in-cabin pets, so confirmation before booking is essential.

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Alaska Airlines pet health certificate & Documentation 

A valid Alaska Airlines pet health certificate may be required depending on your route and destination. For most domestic in-cabin flights, a health certificate is not mandatory. However, it may be required by certain states or local authorities. For international travel and pets flying through Alaska Airlines cargo services, documentation usually includes:

• A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel

• Pets must be at least eight weeks old and must appear healthy enough to travel. 

• Proof of required vaccinations.

• Any destination-specific permits.

Failing to provide proper documentation can result in denied boarding for your pet. 

Under the Alaska Airlines pet policy first class, pets are allowed in the cabin only if the seating configuration allows space under the seat. Some First Class seats do not have under-seat storage, which may limit pet acceptance.

Always confirm seat configuration before booking First Class with a pet.

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Proper preparation makes traveling with pets much easier. Helpful tips include:

• Book as early as possible due to limited pet slots.

• Use a soft-sided carrier for better under-seat fit.

• Line the carrier with absorbent bedding.

• Avoid feeding your pet immediately before departure.

• Arrive early at the airport to allow time for pet check-in.

Emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats typically do not allow pet carriers due to storage limitations.

How strict is Alaska Airlines pet policy? 

Many travelers ask how strict is Alaska Airlines pet policy. Alaska Airlines enforces its rules carefully. Staff may inspect carriers to ensure they meet size requirements and verify that pets remain enclosed at all times. If your pet or carrier does not comply, boarding may be denied.Alaska Airlines pet policy is strict, especially regarding its carrier size and pet comfort, requiring pets to fit comfortably. All animals must comply with space and route eligibility, because limits are strict and flights can be denied under unforeseen circumstances. 

Health and age requirements are enforced as well. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and appear healthy enough to travel. For international routes or cargo travel, missing or incorrect documentation can result in your pet being denied travel.

Overall, Alaska Airlines follows a firm but reasonable approach. If your pet meets the carrier size rules, stays calm inside the carrier, and you have completed booking properly, traveling with your pet is usually smooth. Problems typically arise only when size limits, documentation, or advance reservations are overlooked.

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Traveling tips with pets on Alaska Airlines

When traveling with yur pets on Alaska Airlines, you must follow some tips-

• Travelers must be 18 years or older to travel with a pet in the cabin. 

• When traveling with a pet, you must not occupy an emergency exit row on the bulkhead row. 

• Reserve your pet’s travel early. 

• A pet carrier should be lined with an absorbent material to avoid leaks during travel. 

• Keep familiar items in the carrier to reduce anxiety. 

• Never sedate your pet unless advised by a veterinarian. 

Calm pets are more likely to travel safely and comfortably. 

Also Understand full terms in Alaska Airlines baggage policy for carry-on and oversize rules.

Travel stress free with your furry friend through Affluence Travels 

Flying with pets can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From understanding the Alaska Airlines pet policy in cabin to handling documentation and booking restrictions, careful planning is key. Affluence Travels helps pet owners book pet-friendly Alaska Airlines flights, understand airline rules, and travel with confidence. Let us help you plan a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your pet.