{"id":10975,"date":"2023-05-03T14:50:30","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T20:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/?p=10975"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:53:39","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-using-alaska-airlines-for-pet-shipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/pros-and-cons-of-using-alaska-airlines-for-pet-shipping\/","title":{"rendered":"Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Review: Pros, Cons, Costs & Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> through a marketplace like CitizenShipper avoids airline breed bans and embargoes entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pros of Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Pet-Friendly Policies<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n
  2. Temperature-Controlled Environment<\/strong>: Alaska Airlines provides a temperature-controlled environment for pets traveling<\/a> as checked baggage or cargo, ensuring their safety and comfort during the journey.<\/li>\n
  3. Affordable Pricing<\/strong>: Compared to other airlines, Alaska Airlines offers competitive pricing for pet shipping, making it an affordable option for pet owners.<\/li>\n
  4. Dedicated Pet Support<\/strong>: Alaska Airlines provides dedicated support for pet owners, offering assistance and guidance throughout the pet shipping process<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  5. Extensive Route Network<\/strong>: With an extensive route network across the United States and select international destinations, Alaska Airlines offers numerous options for pet travel<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Cons of Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo<\/span><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Limited International Travel<\/strong>: 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<\/a> outside the United States.<\/li>\n
    2. Breed Restrictions<\/strong>: Alaska Airlines imposes breed restrictions for pet shipping, particularly for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, which are more susceptible to respiratory issues during air travel.<\/li>\n
    3. Seasonal Embargoes<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n
    4. Limited In-Cabin Availability<\/strong>: Alaska Airlines allows a limited number of pets<\/a> to travel in the cabin, which may affect availability for your pet if the flight is fully booked.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      How Much Does Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo Cost?<\/h2>\n

      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\u2019s dedicated cargo program called Pet Connect.<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      Alaska\u2019s separate cargo service, Pet Connect, is designed for larger pets or animals traveling without an accompanying passenger. Pet Connect pricing varies significantly based on:<\/p>\n