What is the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy?

Alaska Airlines, one of several airlines that allow customers to bring their pets onboard, allows you to share your vacation experience with your pet. Alaska advises pet owners to follow certain guidelines while preparing their animal companion for travel to safeguard the safety of both your pet and other passengers.

In-cabin Pet Policy of Alaska Airlines

You can carry two cats, dogs, birds or rabbits in the general cabin--one per seat, Alaska Pet Policy with the seat adjacent to yours also booked in your name--or one pet in Alaska's first class cabin. If you're bringing a cat or dog, it must be at least 8 weeks old and totally weaned when you arrive. At any point, you are not permitted to take your pet from its carrier. The pet should be tiny enough to fit under the seat in front of you in its container. The space behind the seat varies in size depending on the aircraft. To find out the seat measurements for your specific flight, call Alaska.

Pet Travel Policy Alaska Airlines: Limitations & Boundations for cabin reservations

If you plan to travel with a pet, please let Alaska Airlines know ahead of time. A maximum of five pets are allowed in the general cabin. In the first-class cabin, just one pet is permitted. If other passengers have booked their pets' trip first and the maximum number of seats has been allotted, you will not be able to bring your pet into the cabin.

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy: Pets in Baggage

You can put your pet on an Alaska Airlines flight as baggage if it is too big for the cabin or if the cabin already has met its pet allowance. This is ideal for large cats and dogs, or exotic pets like pigs and non-poisonous reptiles. In order for Alaska Airlines to load your pet, you must check in one hour ahead of time. Similarly, your pet will be one of the last items to disembark from the plane, arriving 30 minutes after your flight.

Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Breed Prohibition in Baggage pets

Due to changes in pressure in the baggage compartment, Alaska Airlines accepts some breeds of pets only at your own risk without access to optional travel insurance. Persian cats and English bulldogs, for example, have had a harder time breathing in the past. Contact the airline to see if your pet's breed is affected.

Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Cages

All pets must be in a carrier that meets the International Air Transport Association's guidelines. For example, the carrier must have ventilation areas, be big enough for your pet to stand and turn and be leak-proof. If you're flying with your pet, the carrier must be at least 30 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 40 inches deep, and it can't weigh more than 151 pounds.

Pet Travel Health Documentation on Alaska Airlines

If your Alaska Airlines flight crosses state lines, you must get a health certificate from your pet's registered veterinarian within 30 days of your departure. If your flight is taking you to a destination where the temperature reaches 45 degrees F or lower, Alaska also requires a note on the certificate stating that your pet is able to handle this temperature. Pets going to another state or within Alaska must also have a document proving they've been vaccinated against rabies.

Reservation Fees for Alaska Airlines Pets

Alaska Airlines now charges $100 for pets flying as cabin carry-ons or checked luggage as of February 2010. If you are connecting to another airline, the other airline may charge you additional expenses. Contact Alaska Airlines' reservations line toll-free at 844-902-4930 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Alaska Airlines Pet Policy, Alaska Pet Policy, Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy for more information.