• Size: Carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up fully without their ears touching the top of the carrier, and be able to turn around and lie down freely in a normal, comfortable position, and prevent them from putting any part of their body outside the carrier.
  The following carrier sizes are acceptable for travel in the baggage compartment:

  Kennel size chart

  Size	Carrier size	Dimensions (length x width x height)
  Extra small	100	21" x 16" x 15"
  Small	200	27" x 20" x 19"
  Medium	300	32" x 22" x 23"
  Large	400	36" X 24" x 26"
  Extra large	500	40" x 27" x 30"

  	Examples of acceptable space for pet in carrier
  	Examples of insufficient space for pet in carrier

• Pet bowls: A food and water dish must be attached to the inside of the carrier. We are happy to feed your pet (without having to open the carrier door) with the food you provide.

  Example of acceptable food and water dish

• Bedding: Carrier must be clean and leak-proof with absorbent bedding that is safe and non-toxic to the animal. Shredded paper and absorbent pads are acceptable.
• Construction:
  • Carrier must be constructed of solid material suitable for air transportation including handles or handholds that allow the carrier to be lifted without tipping. Carriers that are collapsible, soft-sided, constructed with cardboard or wicker, composed of mesh or wire, or that have a snap-top will not be accepted.

    Example of acceptable handle

  • Carrier must be constructed only with original parts or standard replacement parts and be free of cracks, damage, sharp points or edges, or any protrusions that may injure the animal. Carriers that use zip ties, duct tape, or rubber bands to construct the frame will not be accepted.
  • Carriers with wheels must have the wheels removed or the carrier will not be accepted.
  • For carriers with multipiece construction, top and bottom sections must be secured with nuts and bolts. Carriers with sections secured by twist, slide, or snap fasteners will not be accepted.

    Example of acceptable nut and bolt fastener

• Ventilation: Carrier must provide air ventilation and have a solid roof. Ventilation slots are permitted in the roof if structural integrity remains intact. All ventilation slots must be constructed with bars or another sturdy material suitable for air transportation. Carriers without structurally sound ventilation and carriers that have a plastic or fabric covering such as a tarp or crate cover will not be accepted.
• Security: Carrier must be escape-proof with one metal grated door closed securely and fastened with releasable zip ties (Alaska can supply) around the door and frame, utilizing only holes from the original carrier construction. Carriers with a plastic door or a door that is secured by a lock will not be accepted.
• Regulations: Carrier must meet all USDA and IATA carrier requirements.

Food and water for checked animals

• Regulations require animals traveling as checked baggage to have been offered food and water within 4 hours of check-in (5-6 hours prior to scheduled flight departure).
• Animals must be offered sufficient food and water to last the entire journey.
• Guests with a connection of 4 or more hours must request access to their animal in the connection city to offer additional food and water.
• The guest is responsible to re-check the animal in the connection city and provide the paid receipt when rechecking the animal.

Transfers and delays

If your trip includes a transfer to another flight operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air or SkyWest Flight Series 3300-3499, we allow a maximum connection time of 4 hours for the animal at the connection city.

Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets to other airlines. If your trip includes a transfer to any other airline, you must allow time to pick up your pet in the baggage claim area and re-check your pet with the connecting airline.

If a delay prevents your pet's flight from departing, your pet may be placed in a carrier facility until it can be transported. Costs incurred due to weather-related delays are the responsibility of the pet owner.

Pet embargoes Breed restrictions

Brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs and cats are not accepted for travel in the baggage compartment on Alaska Airlines flights (including flights operated by Horizon and SkyWest). Veterinary experts say that short-nosed animals commonly have abnormalities that can compromise their breathing. Stress associated with flight can make those conditions worse.

Brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs and cats may still travel in the cabin with their passenger provided their pet carrier fits under the seat.

Baggage compartment restrictions apply to the following breeds and mixed breeds thereof:

Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Mastiff (All Breeds), Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian

Extreme outdoor temperatures

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can pose a health risk to pets. In summer, choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, choose mid-day flights. Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights. If temperatures at the origin, destination, or connecting airports exceed certain limits, Alaska Airlines may decline acceptance for the animal's welfare.

Preparing for traveling with a pet in the baggage compartment

• A health certificate health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required for each pet traveling in the baggage compartment.
• Within 10 days of originating travel
• Within 30 days of return travel on the same ticket
• Within 10 days of travel if the return is on a separate ticket
• Ensure your pet's carrier is comfortable, and they are able to turn around freely. The carrier should also prevent the pet from putting any part of its body outside the carrier.
• Please provide a food and water dish attached to the inside of the carrier for your pet. We will be happy to feed them the food you provide (without having to open the carrier door).
• There may be specific check-in requirements at your departure airport. Your pet will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.
• Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.