Traveling with Pets
Fee Summary
| Pet in Cabin | Pet in Baggage | Pet and Carrier Combined Weight |
|---|---|---|
| USD 100.00 each way | USD 100.00 each way | Pet and Carrier Combined Weight up to 149 lbs, 150 lbs or more Contact Cargo for Pricing |
You can review pricing and restrictions regarding transporting live animals in our Contract of Carriage. 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).
Pet Embargos
Due to Hawaii's pet quarantine laws, Alaska Airlines' policy is to not allow pets on flights to/from Hawaii.
Due to an airport remodel project, Horizon Air will not accept pets for shipment to or from Reno airport through mid to late 2009. Small pets may still be carried in the cabin.
Pets in the Cabin
Customers must be 18 years or older to travel with pet in the cabin. A customer traveling with a pet must not occupy an emergency exit row seat. The First Class cabin can accommodate a total of one small pet per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate a total of up to five small pets per flight. A customer may travel with a maximum of two carry-on kennels/containers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
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.
Carriers in Cabin - Whether you purchase a carrier from Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or plan to use your own, the USDA and IATA (PDF File) have specific requirements. We recommend that you obtain an approved carrier in advance of travel. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have a limited number of cabin kennels for sale at most airport locations. 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.
Under Seat Dimensions (height x width x depth)
| Aircraft Type | First Class | Coach Class |
|---|---|---|
| 737-400 | 9.75" x 17" x 24" | 11" x 14-19" x 24" |
| 737-700 | 11" x 17" x 24" | 11" x 14-19" x 24" |
| 737-800 | 11" x 11" x 24" | 9" x 14-19" x 24" |
| 737-900 | 11" x 11" x 24" | 9" x 14-19" x 24" |
| MD-80 | 11" x 11" x 24" | 11.75" x 11-20.5" x 24" |
Documentation - 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 45°. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.
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.
Pets in the Baggage and Cargo Compartments
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.
Baggage Options
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air offer two ways to transport accompanied pets: Carry-On (see Pets in the Cabin section above) and Climate-Controlled Baggage. 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.
Climate-Controlled Baggage Compartment: When you check your pet using this transportation method, 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.
Cargo Options
Cargo is a term used to denote goods or produce being transported generally for commercial gain. It does not include passenger baggage or animals traveling with a passenger.
View information on shipping your pet via Air Cargo
Extreme Outdoor Temperatures
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.
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.
Tranquilizers
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.
Service Animals
For information regarding service animals, please review our Special Needs page.
