Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Review: Pros, Cons, Costs & Alternatives

Alaska Airlines is one of the few U.S. airlines that still ships pets as cargo through its Pet Connect program, with in-cabin fees of $100 and cargo rates starting around $150 per flight. The main advantages are temperature-controlled cargo holds, a wide domestic route network (115+ destinations), and a dedicated pet support line. The main drawbacks are seasonal heat and cold embargoes that block pet cargo for weeks at a time, breed restrictions that ban brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, limited international routes, and a cap on in-cabin pets per flight. For pet owners affected by these restrictions, ground pet transport through a marketplace like CitizenShipper avoids airline breed bans and embargoes entirely.

Pros of Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo

1. Pet-Friendly Policies: Alaska Airlines is known for its pet-friendly policies, allowing small pets to travel in the cabin, larger pets as checked baggage, and even larger pets as cargo.
2. Temperature-Controlled Environment: Alaska Airlines provides a temperature-controlled environment for pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo, ensuring their safety and comfort during the journey.
3. Affordable Pricing: Compared to other airlines, Alaska Airlines offers competitive pricing for pet shipping, making it an affordable option for pet owners.
4. Dedicated Pet Support: Alaska Airlines provides dedicated support for pet owners, offering assistance and guidance throughout the pet shipping process.
5. Extensive Route Network: With an extensive route network across the United States and select international destinations, Alaska Airlines offers numerous options for pet travel.

Cons of Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo

1. Limited International Travel: Alaska Airlines covers many domestic destinations, but its international route network is limited. This may restrict your options if you plan to ship your pet to a destination outside the United States.
2. Breed Restrictions: Alaska Airlines imposes breed restrictions for pet shipping, particularly for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, which are more susceptible to respiratory issues during air travel.
3. Seasonal Embargoes: Alaska Airlines enforces seasonal embargoes on pet shipping due to extreme temperatures, which may impact your travel plans if you need to ship your pet during specific times of the year.
4. Limited In-Cabin Availability: Alaska Airlines allows a limited number of pets to travel in the cabin, which may affect availability for your pet if the flight is fully booked.

How Much Does Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Cost?

Alaska Airlines offers several different pet transportation options, and pricing depends on whether your pet travels in-cabin, as checked baggage, or through the airline’s dedicated cargo program called Pet Connect.

For small pets traveling in the cabin, Alaska Airlines currently charges approximately $100 each way per carrier for most domestic routes. Pets must remain inside an approved carrier that fits underneath the seat during the flight. For pets traveling in the baggage compartment alongside a passenger, checked pet fees generally start at approximately $150 each way on most domestic flights. Reduced pricing may apply for travel wholly within Alaska or for certain military travelers.

Alaska’s separate cargo service, Pet Connect, is designed for larger pets or animals traveling without an accompanying passenger. Pet Connect pricing varies significantly based on:

• Route and destination
• Kennel dimensions
• Combined pet and kennel weight
• Aircraft type
• Seasonal restrictions

While Alaska Airlines does not publicly publish fixed Pet Connect cargo rates online, many routes commonly start around $350+ for larger domestic shipments. Owners must contact Alaska Air Cargo directly for an exact quote.

Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Temperature & Embargo Policy

Alaska Airlines maintains strict temperature and weather rules for pets traveling in the baggage compartment or through Pet Connect cargo services. These restrictions are designed to protect animals from heat stress, cold exposure, and unsafe ground handling conditions. In general, Alaska Airlines accepts pets for cargo travel when forecasted temperatures along the route remain between approximately 45°F and 85°F.

If temperatures fall below 45°F, owners may need to provide a veterinarian-issued Certificate of Acclimation confirming that the animal can safely tolerate colder conditions. During periods of extreme heat or cold, Alaska may impose temporary embargoes that suspend pet cargo travel entirely.

Routes most commonly affected include:

• Desert and Southwest airports during summer
• Alaska and northern destinations during winter
• Smaller regional airports with limited climate-controlled facilities
• Flights involving long tarmac exposure

Holiday embargoes may also affect cargo availability on certain flight numbers during peak travel periods. Because embargo rules can change daily depending on weather forecasts, travelers should confirm cargo eligibility directly with Alaska Air Cargo before booking.

If your travel dates fall within an embargo window, get a free ground transport quote from CitizenShipper — ground transporters operate year-round with no weather restrictions.

Alaska Airlines Breed Restrictions for Cargo

Like many airlines, Alaska Airlines restricts certain brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds from traveling in the baggage compartment or through cargo programs because these breeds face increased respiratory risks during air travel.

Restricted breeds commonly include:

• Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Persian cats
• Himalayan cats

Cargo pets must also meet kennel and size requirements. Under Pet Connect guidelines, the combined weight of the pet and kennel generally cannot exceed 150 pounds, though aircraft-specific restrictions may apply. Dogs and cats traveling as cargo must typically be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before travel is permitted.

Kennels must comply with IATA-style airline standards, allowing the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Oversized kennels may not fit on certain aircraft types, especially regional routes. Owners should always confirm breed eligibility and kennel dimensions with Alaska Airlines before purchasing travel crates or booking flights.

Own a restricted breed? CitizenShipper’s ground transporters accept all breeds — no brachycephalic bans, no size limits.

What Is Alaska Airlines Pet Connect?

Alaska Air Cargo Pet Connect is Alaska Airlines’ dedicated live animal cargo shipping program operated through Alaska Air Cargo. Unlike standard in-cabin pet travel or checked baggage transport, Pet Connect is designed for pets traveling without an accompanying passenger or animals too large for regular passenger flights.

Pet Connect differs from other Alaska pet travel options in several ways:

• Airport-to-airport cargo service
• Separate booking through Alaska Air Cargo
• Available for larger kennels and oversized pets
• Used for unaccompanied pet shipments
• Separate cargo handling and pickup procedures

The service is commonly used by:

• Military families relocating
• Breeders
• Long-distance pet relocations
• Large-breed dog owners
• Rescue organizations

Reservations are required in advance, and owners must coordinate directly with Alaska Air Cargo by phone. Documentation requirements may include health certificates, rabies certificates, and acclimation paperwork depending on destination and weather conditions. Pet Connect availability varies by aircraft type and route, so not all Alaska Airlines destinations support cargo pet transport.

Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Reviews: What Pet Owners Say

Pet owner reviews of Alaska Airlines’ pet cargo and Pet Connect services are generally mixed but often more positive than reviews for many competing airline cargo programs.

Common positive themes mentioned on platforms like Reddit Alaska Airlines discussions and other review sites include:

• Good communication during transport
• Climate-controlled cargo handling
• Reliable coordination for Alaska-bound pets
• Helpful airport staff
• Strong reputation for pet-friendly policies

Some travelers specifically report feeling reassured when staff confirm pets have been loaded onto the aircraft before departure.

However, negative reviews frequently mention:

• Weather embargo frustrations
• Limited cargo availability
• Difficulty booking larger kennels
• Long hold times with cargo support
• Seasonal restrictions affecting travel plans

Pet owners moving large dogs also commonly note that finding approved kennels within Alaska’s aircraft size limits can be challenging. Many customers still view Alaska Airlines as one of the more pet-friendly U.S. carriers because it continues offering multiple cargo pet options while some airlines have reduced or eliminated live animal transport services. However, owners should always prepare for possible weather delays, route limitations, and embargo restrictions when planning cargo pet travel.

External Resources for Pet Shipping

For additional information and resources on pet shipping, visit the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) website. IPATA offers guidance and support for pet owners to ensure safe and stress-free pet travel experiences.

New CDC Rules for Flying Pets Into the U.S. (2024)

The CDC recently passed new laws concerning flying with pets. These new rules are meant to limit rabies exposure in the United States. Due to these new rules, airlines have decided to embargo pets from flying into the U.S. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alaska Airlines still ship pets as cargo?

Yes. Alaska Airlines still transports pets through its Alaska Air Cargo Pet Connect program, making it one of the few major U.S. airlines that continues offering dedicated live animal cargo shipping. Pet Connect is designed for larger pets, unaccompanied animals, and pets that cannot travel in the cabin. Availability depends on route, weather conditions, aircraft type, and seasonal embargo restrictions.

How much does Alaska Airlines charge to fly a dog?

Alaska Airlines charges approximately $100 each way for approved in-cabin pets on most domestic flights. Pets traveling as checked baggage generally start around $150 each way. Larger pets shipped through the Pet Connect cargo program often cost $350+ depending on the route, kennel size, and combined pet weight. Because pricing changes frequently, owners should always confirm current rates directly with Alaska Airlines before booking.

What dog breeds are restricted by Alaska Airlines cargo?

Alaska Airlines restricts many brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds from cargo travel because of increased respiratory risks during flights. Restricted breeds commonly include Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. Certain flat-faced cat breeds like Persians and Himalayans may also face restrictions. Ground pet transport services are often used as alternatives for restricted breeds.

Does Alaska Airlines allow pets in the cabin?

Yes. Alaska Airlines allows small dogs, cats, rabbits, and some household birds to travel in the cabin if they fit inside an approved carrier underneath the seat. Cabin space for pets is limited on each flight, so reservations should be made as early as possible. Pets must remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight.

What temperatures are too hot or cold for Alaska Airlines pet cargo?

Alaska Airlines generally requires forecasted temperatures between approximately 45°F and 85°F for pets traveling as cargo or checked baggage. If temperatures exceed safe ranges, the airline may impose temporary embargoes that suspend pet cargo travel. Summer heat embargoes commonly affect Southwest routes, while winter restrictions often impact Alaska and northern destinations.

Alaska Airlines vs. Ground Pet Transport: Which Is Better?

Weighing the pros and cons of using Alaska Airlines for pet shipping is essential for making the best decision for your pet’s travel needs. By considering factors such as pet-friendly policies, pricing, route network, and potential restrictions, you can make an informed choice for your pet’s journey. Remember, the safety and comfort of your pet should always be your top priority when selecting an airline for pet transportation.