Taking your pup on a trip with Alaska Airlines in cabin? This review will break down everything you need to know about their pet policy for in-cabin travel, how to book your flight and navigate the check-in process, what to expect, and what to do for a comfortable flight.
Airline Review: Alaska Airlines with a Dog in Cabin
I’ve traveled well over a dozen times on Alaska Airlines with my 20-pound french bulldog, Helga, (including to and from Hawaii and Alaska) and it remains the smoothest and easiest booking, check-in, and in-flight experience we’ve had.
Alaska Airlines carries more pets in cabin than any other airline, and their experience shows. I’ve never run into an employee who wasn’t sure what to do, or had to call someone over to assist. This is a great thing for my reactive pup as we can navigate through the process without a crowd gathering, or delays, or excessive human interaction with her while we’re going through the process.
Alaska Airlines does accept dogs in the cargo hold, but since Helga is a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, she cannot travel in the hold. So this article focuses only on in-cabin travel. Procedures and policies for dogs traveling in the hold should be confirmed with Alaska Airlines.
Pet Eligibility:
Accepted Breeds:
There are no specific breed restrictions for in-cabin dogs, but your dog needs to fit comfortably in a pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you.
Weight Limits:
There is no specific weight requirement or limitation for your dog, but again, they must be able to fit comfortably in their carrier.
Number of Pets per Person:
Alaska Airlines will allow you to have two in-cabin pets, with the following condition. You must purchase a ticket for the seat next to you, and be able to fit each carrier under the seat in front.
Number of Pets per Flight:
Alaska Airlines permits only three cabin pets in the First Class section, and 8 carriers in the main cabin. These slots are filled on a first come, first served basis, so it’s important to make your reservations early if you don’t have wiggle room with dates.
Number of Pets per Carrier:
If you have two very small dogs or puppies of the same or similar breed that meet all the requirements of eligibility and get along together without being in distress, you can have them in the same carrier. Make sure you cover all the bases and have good communication with your customer service agent when you make your reservation.
Cleanliness and Behavior:
Give your pupper a good bath before your flight. If they have a really offensive odor, they can be denied boarding – and it’s just considerate for those around you in the plane. Your dog can also run into problems if they are aggressive or barking a lot. Behavioral training with a professional can help, and also talk to your vet to see if a mild sedative will help ease stress. The airline doesn’t recommend this, but you and your vet know your dog best. We have flown with Helga both with moderate sedation and without.
Age of Dog and Human:
You cannot travel on Alaska Airlines with a dog in cabin that is less than 8 weeks old. You must also be sure that the puppy has been completely weaned and on solid food for at least 5 days. You also must be 18 years of age or older to bring an in-cabin dog on the flight.
Booking and Fees for Alaska Airlines with a dog in cabin:
Advance Notice:
Alaska Airlines requires that you notify them of your intent to travel with your dog in cabin before the day of travel. In other words, you can’t just show up with an unannounced dog and expect to board. It’s important to notify them as early as possible, and best practice is to book your ticket on the phone with a customer service agent (or call immediately after booking online), tell them of your intent to bring an in-cabin dog, and make sure there’s room on the flight you want.
If you have booked online and there’s no room for your dog, you can cancel with no penalty within 24 hours, so if you do this be sure to call right away.
Booking Process:
Always speak with a human when booking an in-cabin dog. They will ask you certain questions about the breed and age of your dog, the weight of the dog and carrier, and the style and dimensions of your carrier. They will also let you know if the flight has already maxed out on pet slots or not. I’ve never run into this, but I also tend to book early.
Pet Fee for Alaska Airlines with a dog in cabin:
The cost to fly your in-cabin dog on Alaska Airlines is $100 each way to and from your destination. If you have to change planes, you will not have to pay $100 for each leg.
Pet Carrier Requirements:
Carry-On Bags:
Your pet carrier counts as one of your allotted carry-on items. You can either bring the carrier and a personal item (small bag, handbag, backpack), or bring the carrier and a regular-sized carry-on item.
Size and Material:
Alaska Airlines will accept either a hard-sided carrier that is no larger than 17″ x 11″ x 7.5,” or a soft-sided carrier that is no larger than 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″. Unless you have a super-tiny dog, I strongly recommend using a soft-sided carrier. That little bit of give makes it much easier to get the carrier under, and out from under the seat.
Condition and Ventilation:
The carrier definitely must be properly ventilated to keep your dog cool and breathing easily. The carrier must also be in good structural shape with no cracks, broken pieces, or visible problems.
In the Carrier:
Make the carrier as comfortable for your dog as possible. Use a pee pad at the very bottom, and an absorbant towel or blanket on top of that. We also use the foam pad that came with the carrier, and luckily Helga has never had an accident. We’ll also give her a small soft toy that she likes, for comfort and familiarity.
Documentation Requirements for Alaska Airlines with a dog in cabin:
Health Certificate/Vaccinations:
Alaska Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. HOWEVER, there are specific states (like Hawai’i) that have their own regulations and require additional health screenings, vaccination records, etc. You should always do your research about your destination, and talk to your vet before you fly with your dog to make sure they get the thumbs up for air travel.
Identification:
It’s always a good idea, even though you will have your pet with you, to put an identification tag with your dog’s name, breed, age, needed medications or physical ailments, veterinarian contact information, your name and address, your phone number, and an emergency contact information number.
Checking In to Alaska Airlines With a Dog in Cabin:
In-person Assisted Check-in:
When you are flying with a dog in cabin, you will not be able to complete your check-in process online. Other members of your party can do this, but whomever is attached to the dog reservation must check in with a customer service agent at the baggage check in order to get a boarding pass.
Check-in and Payment:
Once you are at the check-in counter, you’ll provide your ID and the process will begin. You will need to pay the $100 for your dog at this point, and the agent will give you a tag to put on the carrier showing that you have paid the pet fee.
There have been times in the past that I’ve been asked to show Helga to the gate agent so they can verify she’s the same breed and size dog as the one I made the reservation for. But the last couple times this was not required and they were able to verify her through the mesh which was great.
Making Your Way to the Gate:
You’ll still need to pass through security, and you will be required to take your dog out of the carrier. It’s here where I have to explain to the agents that Helga is a little reactive and they should stay back when I pass through.
Once through the screening, you can put your dog back in the carrier. Sometimes we will keep Helga out at this point, and walk her on the leash to the nearest dog relief area. It helps her get out some of her energy, and she’s much less reactive when she’s walking and feels in control of her destiny.
Pet Comfort and Relief:
Make sure to research whether there are pet relief areas inside your airports, and where they are. If there are none, be sure your dog has the opportunity to take care of business outside the airport just before you enter. If your dog will use a pee pad, bring a few extras just in case.
Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle is Alaska Airlines’ main hub and it has several nice pet relief areas that are past security. So does Portland International Airport. There’s a really nice one just near the Alaska Airlines Lounge!
Onboard Alaska Airlines With a Dog in Cabin:
Restrictions:
You will need to keep your dog inside the carrier for the duration of the flight. Sadly the days of lap dogs on airplanes are over, so provide as comfortable an experience as possible.
I will periodically reach in and give some ear scratches, or a neck rub, or even give a little snack. It’s best not to give a full meal or a lot of water within a few hours before flying to avoid accidents, but Helga has learned that the cart coming down the aisle means she gets a little pretzel.
What to Carry Onboard:
Make sure you carry a little “cleanup kit” with wet wipes, a few paper towels, rubber gloves, poop bags, and a plastic trash bag so you can be prepared should your dog have an accident on the plane or in the airport. Also bring a small collapsible water bowl, and a few treats.
Final Thoughts About Alaska Airlines With a Dog In Cabin:
Highly recommended:
While there are always challenges when flying with your dog in cabin, Alaska Airlines is not going to be one of them. The staff is knowledgable, experienced with in-cabin dogs, courteous, and professional. It has always been and will continue to be my first airline of choice for flying with my dog.
Alternatives:
If Alaska Airlines doesn’t fit your travel schedule or destination, you can consider flying with Delta Airlines (including internationally), or Southwest Airlines – both of which I have flown with Helga and can recommend.
Always Verify:
Whenever I book a flight with my dog in cabin, regardless of the airline, I always call back later to verify the reservation just to make sure it’s there and I don’t hit any unexpected snags. Also, I will always verify the current pet policy of the airline I’m flying on to make sure nothing has changed.
Ready to book?
If you decide that Alaska Airlines is for you, and you’ve found this article helpful, you can book your Alaska Airlines flight through this link and I will receive a small commission at no charge to you – so thank you! Don’t forget to call as soon as you book to add your dog to your ticket with a customer service representative! Using this link will help me continue to bring you more helpful pet travel content.
If you found this review of flying on Alaska Airlines with a dog in cabin helpful, check out these related articles:
- How to Fly With Your Dog in Cabin – Top Tips!
- Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog – Top Tips!
- Flying Volotea Airlines With a Pet in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
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