The idea of leaving a pet at home while traveling gives many Americans separation anxiety. As a result, they often choose to bring their pets with them. Luckily, most airlines in the United States allow small dogs and cats to fly with their owners in the cabin, subject to space availability onboard. One of those pet-friendly airlines in the country is Alaska Airlines.
Ranked by Forbes and Nerd Wallet as the most pet-friendly airline in the U.S., Alaska Airlines accepts most domesticated pets to travel in the passenger cabin and their climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments. Pets that are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin include small dogs, house cats, domesticated rabbits, and household birds. In the baggage compartment, the following pets are accepted by Alaska Airlines:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Household birds
- Non-poisonous reptiles
- Pot-bellied pigs
- Rabbits
- Tropical fish
However, to fly with your pet with Alaska Airlines, you need a pet carrier, for which the airline has specific requirements. Alaska Airlines accepts both soft-sided and hard-sided pet carriers. To be accepted for travel in the cabin, your soft-sided pet carrier must be 17 inches long x 11 inches wide, and 9.5 inches tall. The acceptable dimensions for a hard-sided pet carrier are 17" x 11" x 7.5". Pet carriers of these dimensions are able to fit under the seats of Alaska Airlines planes.
For travel in the baggage compartment, Alaska Airlines accepts the following carrier sizes:
- 21"(length) x 16"(width) x 15"(height) - Extra small
- 27" x 20" x 19" - Small
- 32" x 22" x 23" - Medium
- 36" X 24" x 26" - Large
- 40" x 27" x 30" - Extra large
Alaska Airlines requires that pets be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in the carrier.
Top 3 Pet Carriers For In-Cabin Travel With Alaska Airlines
1. Petskd Pet Carrier
The Petskd pet carrier is specifically designed with Alaska Airlines' pet carrier size requirements in mind. It measures 17 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 9.5 inches in height, and therefore can be placed under the seat in the cabin. For good ventilation and good viewing, the Petskd carrier features mesh ventilation on five sides. Furthermore, the carrier has many positive reviews for its sturdiness and comfortability.
Key Features and Specs
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 17"L x 11"W x 9.5"H
- Target Species: Cats, rabbits, and small dogs
- Material: Polyester and Metal
- Has mesh ventilation on five sides
- Has three openings
- Built-in adjustable rope buckle
- Waterproof and wear-resistant
- Upgraded structural design
- Alaska-Airline Approved
2. Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier
Here is another Alaska-Airline-approved soft-sided pet carrier from Petskd that is 17x11x9.5 inches. Designed to carry cats and small dogs, the top-expandable pet carrier has 3 openings and mesh ventilation on 5 sides. It is made of waterproof, non-toxic, scratch-resistant polyester fabric material and is recommended for pets that are within 15"L x 9"W x 11"H and weigh under 12 pounds.
3. Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier
Weighing approximately 2.64 pounds, this expandable pet carrier is suitable for cats and small dogs weighing from 9 to 10 pounds. The carrier's dimensions are 16" L x 10" W x 9" H, complying with Alaska Airlines standard size rules. However, extending the 2 mesh windows can expand the bag to 23.5" L x 16" W x 9" H. Thanks to the extra space provided by the expansion, your pet can stretch, lay, see all around, and relax comfortably during the flight. When not in use, the carrier can be folded flat for storage.
Top 3 Pet Carriers For Travel in Alaska Airlines' Baggage Compartment
1. Petmate Sky Kennel
This travel dog crate conforms to Alaska Airlines' cargo requirements for extra small carriers. It measures 21" in length, 16" in width, and 15" in height. Some ready-to-fly essentials that come with the kennel include ID stickers, 2 "LIVE ANIMAL" stickers, and a food and water cup. In addition, the kennel also comes with absorbent material to keep your pet comfortable during the journey. It is suitable for small dogs and other small animals up to 15 pounds.
2. Petmate Ruffmaxx Pet Carrier
Alaska Airlines accepts small pet kennels that are 27" long, 20" wide, and 19" high for travel in the baggage compartment. The Petmate Ruffmaxx pet carrier is 26"L x 18.5"W x 16"H, which is somewhat below Alaska Airlines' small kennel size rules. Built with heavy-duty plastic for strength and security, this pet kennel is perfect for dogs up to 25 pounds.
3. SportPet Plastic Kennel
The SportPet Plastic Kennel meets Alaska Airlines' medium pet carrier size requirements (32" x 22" x 23") for travel in its baggage compartment. It is 31.5 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 23 inches high without wheels. This kennel is recommended for dogs that are 29” long and 20” tall. It is easy to clean and assemble and has many positive reviews for its durability.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines accepts only dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the main cabin. The most pet-friendly airline also allows up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size to travel in the same carrier. However, the animals must not be in distress and no part of their body must protrude from the carrier. Baggage compartment restrictions apply to the following cat breeds: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian. In addition, brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dog breeds are restricted from traveling in the baggage compartment on Alaska Airlines flights. Your pet carrier must be within the listed dimensions above to be accepted for travel. In addition, it must be:
- Clean and leak-proof
- Have absorbent bedding made of non-toxic material
- Escape-proof
- Have adequate air ventilation
- Be free of tears or cracks
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