Paws before takeoff: What to know before traveling with a canine companion this International Dog Day and beyond

This International Dog Day, Alaska is sharing tips to help ensure seamless travel with your canine companion

Ways to fly with a dog on Alaska and Hawaiian

Recently recognized as the most pet-friendly U.S. carrier, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer three ways for VIPs (very important pets) to travel:

In the cabin

Small dogs can travel in the cabin for a fee of $100 per carrier (or $35 if the travel is wholly in the state of Hawaiʻi) each way. All dogs traveling in the cabin must fit within a soft-sided carrier no larger than 17"x11"x9.5". See the pet travel requirements page for pets in cabin for a full list of details.

In the baggage compartment on your flight

Dogs and carriers weighing up to a combined 150 pounds can travel in Alaska and Hawaiian's temperature-controlled baggage compartment while their owners fly in the cabin. The fee is $200 each way per kennel. Discounted rates are available for travel within Alaska or Hawai'i, as well as for active-duty U.S. military or U.S. military dependents on travel orders.

Via Pet Connect™

Alaska and Hawaiian's cargo division provides owners with the ability to send their pets to another city in the baggage compartment without being onboard the same flight. Check out Alaska's pet shipping guide here, and you can find tips from pet shipping experts on our Alaska Air Cargo Bloghere.

Five tips for stress-free travel with dogs

1. Understand breed and geographical travel restrictions

Just as not all dogs are the right size to travel in the cabin, breed and destinations can add additional rules determining when and where your pet can fly. For example, brachycephalic, or "short-nosed" dogs, are not permitted to fly in the baggage compartment, and detailed instructions are available on alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com for dogs traveling to Hawai'i or internationally. For dogs flying via Pet Connect™, a full list of travel embargoes can be found here.

2. Ensure the dog's carrier or kennel is the right size

Beyond size parameters for carriers in the cabin, there are specific carrier requirements for pets traveling in the baggage compartment. Some of these apply to all dogs traveling in the cargo hold, such as carriers needing to be large enough for your dog to turn around, lie down freely, and fully stand up without their ears touching the top, while others are destination-specific, such as kennels over 28" not being permitted on flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

3. Remember to reserve space

Once guests have reviewed policies for pet travel and booked a passenger ticket, they can contact Guest Care to reserve pet space. If the plan is to ship a pet via Pet Connect™, contact the Alaska Air Cargo Call Center. Space is subject to availability and if plans include travel on another airline, be sure to contact the partner airline directly to reserve space, determine fees and obtain any additional information.

4. Check weather conditions and flight status before taking your pet to the airport

Before a flight, check for weather-related restrictions on pet travel. Pets often can't fly in the cargo compartment when temperatures are hotter than 85 degrees or cooler than 45 degrees in departure or destination cities. Additionally, guests are encouraged to check the status of their canine companion's flight before heading to the cargo station or the airport. If a flight is canceled, rebook their travel via 1-800-252-7522 when traveling with your pet or 1-800-225-2752 when using Pet Connect.

5. Prep pups for success on their travel day

Guests are encouraged to give pets a pre-airport workout such as a long walk, make sure to have them go to the bathroom ahead of time, and avoid overwatering or overfeeding before a trip. When dropping pets off, don't forget to bring pet identification and allow extra time in the lobby.

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