Pet travel policies Pet travel overview Pets in cabin Pets in baggage compartment Traveling to Hawaii International travel FAQ Is it safe to fly with my pet? Why are certain breeds prohibited from flying in the cargo compartment? Dogs Cats Why are these breeds allowed to fly in the cabin if they are prohibited from flying in the cargo compartment? Is a health certificate needed for travel? What will happen during my free office visit and travel consultation? Should I bring extra identification for my pet? Is it stressful for my pet to fly? Will my pet be nervous? What can I do to make flying more comfortable for my pet? Should I feed my pet before the flight? Should I give my pet a sedative or tranquilizer before the flight? Should I give my pet their regular medicine the day of the flight? Can my pet have water in his/her kennel during the flight? What should I do if my pet doesn't like his/her kennel? What should be in my pet's kennel during the flight? Will my pet get motion sick if there is turbulence?

Traveling to Hawaii with Dogs and Cats

Only dogs and cats can be transported into Hawaii.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US. The introduction of rabies would have dire circumstances for public health, Hawaii's ecosystem, tourism, and lifestyle.

To maintain this unique status, strict guidelines and specific programs must be completed before your dog or cat will be accepted into the state of Hawaii. Animals arriving without proper documentation may be quarantined for up to 120 days in Honolulu at the owner's expense. Alaska Airlines is not responsible for any costs incurred should you arrive in Hawaii without the proper health documentation.

Space for pets traveling in the cabin or in the cargo compartment is subject to availability. For travel on Alaska Airlines, please contact Alaska Airlines reservations at 1-800-252-7522. If your plans include travel on another airline, please contact the partner airline directly to reserve space, determine fees and obtain additional information.

Learn about booking pet travel, including our breed restrictions, standard pet fees, kennel requirements, and other animal guidelines.

Hawaii pet restrictions

Due to strong headwinds at various times of year, Alaska Airlines limits the number of dogs and cats accepted as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawai'i. This restriction does not apply to dogs and cats accepted for travel in the cabin.

February:
No dogs and/or cats are accepted as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.

November 1 - January 31 and March 1 - April 1:
Only 1 dog and/or cat is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii. Please contact contact reservations for availability on your desired flights.

April 2 - October 31:
Our standard pet allowance for dogs and cats applies. Please contact reservations for availability on your desired flights.

Prior to departing the US mainland

To Honolulu:
Dogs and cats traveling in the cabin or in the cargo compartment, including Service dogs, are not permitted on flights arriving in Honolulu after 10:00 pm due to Hawaii Department of Agriculture hours of operation.

Visit hdoa.Hawaii.gov to obtain information on health and documentation requirements for transporting dogs or cats into Honolulu.

To Kona, Lihue, or Kahului:
In order to transport your dog or cat, a printed copy of your Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (issued in the traveler's name) must be presented to an agent at check-in. Without it, transport of your dog or cat will be denied.

The permit must be kept in your possession until after you have cleared agriculture in Hawaii.

Visit hdoa.Hawaii.gov to obtain information on health and documentation requirements for transporting dogs or cats into Kona, Lihue, or Kahului.

Arriving into Honolulu, Kona, Lihue, or Kahului

When arriving into Honolulu, Kona, Lihue or Kahului, the gate agent at the aircraft door will escort you and your dog or cat to the inspection station. Please have all documentation ready.