Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
See Alaska’s current dog travel rules, fees, carrier requirements, baggage restrictions, and booking steps before you fly.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Alaska Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin if they fit in an under-seat carrier, and it also accepts some pets in the climate-controlled baggage compartment on eligible routes. Space is limited and must be reserved in advance through Alaska reservations.
Alaska’s published pet page gives a fee range of $100 to $200 each way, says fees are charged per kennel or carrier, and notes that pets in the baggage compartment may face breed, fleet, and embargo restrictions. The airline’s main public pet page does not publish a single universal in-cabin carrier dimension or a combined pet-plus-carrier weight cap, so travelers should confirm aircraft-specific fit requirements with Alaska before departure.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Alaska Airlines
- Book your own passenger reservation on alaskaair.com first. 2. Review Alaska Airlines’ pet travel page to decide whether your dog qualifies for in-cabin travel or must travel in the baggage compartment or through Pet Connect cargo. 3. Before contacting Alaska, confirm that your dog can ride safely in an under-seat carrier if you want cabin travel, and review any destination-specific rules for Hawaii or international trips. 4. Contact Alaska reservations using the airline’s contact options or chat to reserve space for your pet; pet spots are limited and are not guaranteed unless space is available. 5. If any flight on your itinerary is operated by another airline, contact that carrier separately because partner-airline pet fees and rules may differ. 6. If your dog is traveling in the baggage compartment, verify breed restrictions, fleet restrictions, and any seasonal or airport embargoes before travel. 7. Arrive early on departure day, allow extra time at the airport counter, and be prepared to pay the pet fee at the airport. 8. Bring identification for your dog and complete any destination paperwork required for Hawaii, international travel, or U.S. entry rules. 9. If your pet is traveling without you, book through Alaska Air Cargo’s Pet Connect program instead of the passenger pet process.
Alaska Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Alaska Airlines | Delta Air Lines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | From $100 each way | $150 each way within U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on/after Apr. 8, 2025 | $150 per kennel each way |
| Cargo Fee | Pet Connect cargo pricing varies by shipment | Cargo transport available through Delta Cargo; pricing varies | American Airlines Cargo pricing varies |
| Weight Limit | No single combined pet + carrier weight limit published on main pet page | Pet must fit comfortably in kennel; no single combined weight limit published on overview page | 20 lbs combined pet + carrier for carry-on pets |
| Carrier Size | Must fit under seat; Alaska does not publish one universal dimension on main pet page | Recommended soft-sided kennel up to 18 x 11 x 11 in | Soft-sided 18 x 11 x 11 in; hard-sided mainline 19 x 13 x 9 in |
| Breeds Restricted | Yes, for pets in baggage compartment | Cargo restrictions and destination exceptions apply | Yes, depending on transport type and route |
| Booking Method | Book your ticket first, then contact Alaska reservations/chat to reserve pet space | Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible after booking | Add carry-on pet in aa.com or app, then pay/check eligibility at airport |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fly with a dog on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Airlines says pet travel fees range from $100 to $200 each way, per kennel or carrier, depending on the type of travel and route.
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Alaska Airlines?
Yes, small dogs can travel in the cabin if they fit in an under-seat carrier and space is available on the flight.
How do I add my dog to an Alaska Airlines reservation?
Book your own ticket first, then contact Alaska reservations through the airline’s contact options or chat to reserve space for your pet.
Does Alaska Airlines publish a standard in-cabin pet carrier size?
On its main pet policy page, Alaska says the pet must fit in an under-seat carrier, but it does not publish one universal carrier dimension there. Because under-seat space varies by aircraft, it is smart to confirm fit with Alaska before travel.
Is there a weight limit for dogs flying in cabin on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska’s main public pet page does not list a single combined pet-plus-carrier weight limit. The practical rule is that the dog must fit safely in an under-seat carrier for cabin travel.
Are any dog breeds restricted on Alaska Airlines?
Yes. Alaska states that pets traveling in the baggage compartment are subject to breed restrictions, along with fleet restrictions and travel date embargoes.
Can Alaska Airlines transfer my checked dog to another airline on a connection?
No. Alaska says it does not transfer pets traveling in the baggage compartment to other carriers. You must claim and recheck the pet with the connecting airline.
Can my dog travel to Hawaii or internationally on Alaska Airlines?
Possibly, but Alaska says Hawaii and international pet travel have additional requirements, so you should review those rules well before departure.