Alaska Airlines adheres to the rules and regulations for service animals and emotional support animals as set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Whether you’re flying with Alaska Airlines or another carrier, Dogs on Planes encourages all travelers with any kind of service animal to be familiar with their basic rights and responsibilities.

Within the parameters of these federal regulations, Alaska Airlines has its own set of service animal policies that passengers should be aware of.

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Alaska Airlines Service Animal Policies

Alaska Airlines welcomes trained service animals assisting those passengers who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, have diabetes, seizures, mobility limitations or other needs. Advise the customer service agent upon arrival at the airport that you are traveling with a service animal to ensure we have your animal accounted for onboard the aircraft. Alaska Airlines service animal policy is that all animals, including emotional support animals, travel free of charge.

You need to give your service animal food and water within 4 hours of traveling, but the airline also suggests that you avoid giving your animal too much water or food beforehand. Most service animals are expected to be seated on the floor at the passenger’s feet. If no larger than an infant, the animal may also be seated in the guest’s lap if needed to accommodate your disability. Service animals may not occupy a seat or sit on a tray table. They may not obstruct the aisle or exit rows. The airline recommends a window seat, so the animal is safe from foot traffic.

Additional documentation and requirements may apply when traveling to Hawaii or internationally. If you encounter any issues while traveling with your service animal, please ask to speak to a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO).

 

Alaska Airlines Emotional Support Animal Policy and Travel Form

Alaska Airlines also welcomes psychiatric service animals, more commonly known as emotional support animals. If you’re traveling with an emotional support animal, you must provide documentation from a qualified mental health professional. Read more about the information required on the emotional support animal travel form.

Although not required, Alaska Airlines strongly recommends you provide advanced notice that you’ll be traveling with an emotional support animal. You won’t be allowed to sit in the emergency exit row. The emotional support animal must sit in your lap, in the space beneath your feet, or in the space under the seat in front of you. They must be able to do this comfortably and without invading another customer’s seat or foot area space during the flight. At no point can the animal occupy a seat by itself.

 

What Types of Service Animals are Prohibited?

Due to safety and/or public health concerns, Alaska Airlines service animal policy prohibits the following types of animals from traveling:

  • Amphibians
  • Hedgehogs
  • Ferrets
  • Goats
  • Insects
  • Reptiles
  • Rodents
  • Snakes
  • Spiders
  • Sugar gliders
  • Reptiles
  • Non-household birds (farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, and birds of prey)
  • Animals improperly cleaned or with a foul odor
  • Animals with tusks, horns, or hooves (except miniature horses that are trained to behave appropriately)
  • Any unusual or exotic animals

 

Service Animals and Prohibited Behavior

If your service animal or emotional support animal engages in disruptive behavior, Alaska Airlines may prohibit it from traveling. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to:

  • Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
  • Aggressive behaviors towards other guests or animals (e.g. biting, growling, snapping, lunging, etc.)
  • Freely wandering or running around
  • Relieving themselves in the aircraft cabin or places other than designated pet relief areas
  • Jumping on guests or employees
  • Occupying an aircraft seat or seatback tray table
  • Eating off seatback tray tables
  • Not responsive to owner/handler’s commands

 

Learn About Pet Travel with Alaska Airlines