North America
Flying with a dog on Alaska Airlines AS
North America
Flying with a dog on Alaska Airlines
Excellent
Here is the Alaska Airlines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Alaska Airlines dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
No weight limit
In the hold
Up to 68 kg
Alaska Airlines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Alaska Airlines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Alaska Airlines decides.
In the cabin
3 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small 
Illustration Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Fits Mini Expandable 
Illustration Petsfit Expandable Carrier Fits S In the hold
5 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Petmate Sky Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 40.8 kg for the dog (40") 
Illustration Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 40.8 kg for the dog (40") 
Illustration MPS Skudo IATA Fits Skudo 1, Skudo 2 +4 · 35 kg for the dog (Skudo 5) Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Conditional | Conditional |
| Strong breeds | Allowed | Not allowed | Not listed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted in the baggage compartment, with a limited exception for flights within Hawaii or between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. Prohibited breeds include Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Mastiff, Chow Chow, and others; cats include Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian. Brachycephalic pets may still travel in the cabin if they fit under the seat.
Assistance dogs
AllowedTrained service dogs travel free in the cabin; a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is required and recommended at least 48 hours before departure, with up to two service dogs per guest.
Summary
Small dogs, cats, rabbits and small household birds are accepted in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier up to 17 x 11 x 9.5 in that fits under the seat; pets that do not fit must travel in a hard-sided kennel in the baggage compartment. The cabin fee is $100 each way per carrier, or $35 for travel wholly within Hawaii. Up to two pets of the same species may share one carrier, and pets in the cabin are not allowed to Europe, the UK, Japan, South Korea and several other international destinations.
Only soft-sided carriers are allowed in the cabin; hard-sided kennels are not permitted. Pets that do not fit under the seat must be checked in a hard-sided kennel in the baggage compartment. Up to two pets of the same species and similar sizes may travel in one carrier, provided no body parts protrude and the animals are not in distress.
Pets too large for the cabin must travel in a hard-sided kennel checked in the baggage compartment; detailed kennel specifications were not accessible.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Alaska Airlines before booking.
Similar airlines in North America
Flying with a dog on Alaska Airlines: FAQ
What is the Alaska Airlines pet policy for dogs? ▾
Alaska Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 98/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Alaska Airlines? ▾
Yes. Alaska Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Alaska Airlines? ▾
Yes. Alaska Airlines transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Alaska Airlines? ▾
On Alaska Airlines, the in-cabin fee is $100 (each way); the airline states: 100 USD each way per carrier (35 USD within Hawaii), and the hold fee is $100–200 (each way · varies by route); the airline states: 200 USD each way per kennel (100 USD within Alaska or for U.S. military; 60 USD within Hawaii). Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Alaska Airlines? ▾
Yes. Alaska Airlines restricts certain breeds: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted in the baggage compartment, with a limited exception for flights within Hawaii or between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. Prohibited breeds include Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Mastiff, Chow Chow, and others; cats include Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian. Brachycephalic pets may still travel in the cabin if they fit under the seat. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Alaska Airlines accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Alaska Airlines in advance.