Alaska Airlines vs. American Airlines Pet Shipping: Costs, Cargo, and Policies Compared

When planning to travel with your pet, it’s essential to consider the various pet shipping options offered by different airlines. In this article, we will be comparing pet shipping options: Alaska Airlines vs. American Airlines, to help you make an informed decision based on your pet’s needs and your travel requirements.

In-Cabin Travel: Alaska Airlines vs. American Airlines

Both Alaska Airlines and American Airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, subject to specific requirements and restrictions:

1. Alaska Airlines: Pets, including the carrier, must weigh no more than 20 pounds. The carrier must fit under the seat before you and meet the airline’s size guidelines. A non-refundable pet fee of $100 per carrier each way is required.
2. American Airlines: Pets must fit in a carrier that meets the airline’s size guidelines and can be stowed under the seat before you. A non-refundable pet fee of $125 per carrier each way is required.

Checked Baggage: Comparing Pet Shipping Options: Alaska Airlines vs. American Airlines

Both Alaska Airlines and American Airlines offer pet shipping services as checked baggage:

1. Alaska Airlines: Pets weighing up to 150 pounds, including the carrier, can be transported as checked baggage. The carrier must be a hard-sided, well-ventilated container. A fee of $100 per carrier each way applies.
2. American Airlines: Pets weighing up to 100 pounds, including the carrier, can be transported as checked baggage. The carrier must meet IATA guidelines and be an appropriate size for your pet. A fee of $200 per carrier each way applies.

Pet Cargo Services: Alaska Airlines vs. American Airlines

For pets that cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, both airlines offer pet cargo services:

1. Alaska Airlines: Offers a temperature-controlled, pressurized pet cargo area. Fees vary depending on the size and weight of the pet and carrier, as well as the origin and destination of the flight.
2. American Airlines: Offers the American Airlines Cargo service, which transports pets in a temperature-controlled, pressurized environment. Fees vary based on the pet’s size, weight, and destination.

Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines

Before embarking on a trip with your pet, it’s crucial to prepare them for air travel, regardless of whether you’re flying with Alaska Airlines or American Airlines. Here are some essential steps to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being during the journey:

1. Visit your veterinarian: Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s health and ensure they have the required vaccinations and health certificates for your destination.
2. Choose an appropriate pet carrier: Invest in a high-quality, airline-approved pet carrier that meets the size requirements of the airline you’re flying with. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.
3. Familiarize your pet with the carrier: Encourage them to spend time in their carrier before the trip, making them comfortable with it. Place a familiar item, such as a toy or blanket, inside the carrier to help your pet feel more at ease.
4. Maintain a consistent routine: As much as possible, keep your pet’s feeding and sleeping schedule consistent in the days leading up to your trip. This will help minimize disruption and stress during travel.
5. Exercise your pet before departure: Help them expend energy before your flight by engaging them in a play session or taking them for a walk. A tired pet is less likely to experience anxiety during travel.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for your pet, whether you’re flying with Alaska Airlines or American Airlines.

Pet Travel Restrictions and Regulations on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines

When comparing pet shipping options on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, it’s essential to be aware of pet travel restrictions and regulations that may apply. Both airlines have specific requirements and restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and pets:

1. Breed restrictions: Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have restrictions on specific breeds, especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, due to their increased risk of respiratory distress during air travel.
2. Temperature restrictions: Alaska Airlines and American Airlines enforce temperature restrictions to protect pets from extreme temperatures during travel. Pets may not be allowed to travel if temperatures at the origin, destination, or layover airports exceed or fall below-specified limits.
3. International travel: When traveling internationally, you must adhere to your destination country’s pet import and export regulations. This may include obtaining specific health certificates, vaccinations, or quarantine requirements.
4. Emotional support and service animals: Both airlines allow them to travel in the cabin with their owners. However, specific documentation and advance notice may be required. Consult each airline’s website for detailed information on traveling with emotional support or service animals.

Understanding the pet travel restrictions and regulations on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines is vital for ensuring a successful and stress-free journey with your pet. Always consult each airline’s pet policy and the regulations of your destination country before booking your flight.

New CDC Rule

The CDC has recently passed new laws concerning flying with pets. These new rules are intended to limit the exposure of rabies in the United States. Due to these new rules, American Airlines has decided to embargo pets from flying into the United States from countries or territories considered “high risk” for rabies or if the pet has been in a high-risk location within the past six months.

Alaska Airlines Pet Connect vs. American Airlines Pet Embark

Both pointer align-baseline”>Alaska Airlines and American Airlines remain two of the few major U.S. carriers that still offer cargo pet transportation options, though their programs differ significantly in pricing, route availability, and booking procedures.

Alaska Airlines operates its dedicated cargo pet program under the name Pet Connect. The service is designed for pets traveling either unaccompanied or too large for in-cabin travel. Pet owners must typically book through Alaska Air Cargo rather than through standard passenger reservations. Domestic Pet Connect shipments commonly start around approximately $350+ depending on the route, kennel size, combined pet and crate weight, and seasonal demand. Alaska generally allows pets and kennels up to around 150 pounds combined, though aircraft-specific restrictions may apply.

American Airlines previously marketed its service under the “PetEmbark” branding, but pet cargo is now handled directly through American Airlines Cargo. Booking is usually completed through the cargo division rather than standard passenger ticketing. Pricing varies significantly by destination, crate size, and whether the shipment is domestic or international, though many domestic routes commonly start around $300–$500+ for larger pets. American Airlines also enforces aircraft-specific size and weight restrictions for kennel transport.

Because airline policies change frequently, pet owners should always verify current program names, fees, embargoes, and weight requirements directly through the airlines before booking.

Ground Transport: A Safer Alternative to Airline Pet Shipping

Many pet owners choose professional ground transport instead of airline cargo because it can provide a less stressful and more flexible travel experience for pets. Unlike cargo flights, ground transportation avoids airport layovers, cargo hold noise, seasonal embargoes, and many breed-related flight restrictions.

Ground transport is especially popular for:

• Large dogs
• Senior pets
• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds
• Multi-pet households
• Pets with anxiety or medical needs

With ground transportation, pets travel in climate-controlled vehicles with regular food, water, exercise, and bathroom breaks throughout the trip. Owners also benefit from direct communication with drivers and true door-to-door service instead of airport cargo terminals.

CitizenShipper connects pet owners with background-checked independent transporters across the United States. The platform includes several pet-focused protections and benefits, including:

• $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage
• 24/7 veterinary telehealth access through FirstVet
• Door-to-door transportation
• No airline breed restrictions
• Free shipment listings and multiple competing quotes

Many owners prefer comparing several transporter bids before booking so they can balance cost, experience, and travel style for their pet’s needs.

List your pet shipment for free and receive quotes from verified drivers nationwide.

Which Airline Is Better for Shipping Your Pet?

The better airline depends largely on your pet’s size, destination, and travel needs.

Choose Alaska Airlines if:

• Your pet qualifies for in-cabin travel under Alaska’s size limits
• You want relatively lower domestic checked pet fees (often around $100–$150)
• You are traveling primarily within Alaska Airlines’ domestic network
• You need access to Pet Connect cargo options for larger pets

Choose American Airlines if:

• You need a broader national or international route network
• Your destination is not served by Alaska Airlines
• You require more international cargo shipping flexibility
• You already have connecting travel through American Airlines hubs

Choose professional ground transport instead if:

• Your dog is brachycephalic or restricted from airline cargo
• You want true door-to-door transportation
• You want to avoid cargo hold stress and airport handling
• Your pet needs regular breaks, medication, or extra supervision during travel

For many large dogs and long-distance domestic relocations, ground transportation remains one of the most flexible and pet-friendly alternatives to airline cargo shipping.

FAQs: Alaska Airlines Vs. American Airlines

Bottom Line

Both airlines offer various options for pet travel, including in-cabin, checked baggage, and cargo services. Ultimately, the best choice for you and your pet will depend on factors such as pet size, weight, destination, and travel requirements.

Familiarizing yourself with each airline’s pet policies and fees is essential to make an informed decision. Additionally, if you’re considering alternative pet shipping options, such as what airlines allow pets to fly alone, consult a reputable pet transportation service to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during travel.