You must purchase a pet carrier that meets United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Airline-approved carriers are widely available at pet supply stores and online. Carriers must be small enough to fit underneath an airline seat comfortably. To fit a carrier underneath Alaska Airlines seats, a hard-sided carrier must be no bigger than 7.5 inches by 12 inches by 17 inches, and a soft-sided carrier must be no bigger than 9.5 inches by 12 inches by 17 inches.
On board, you must carry your cat's health certificate -- issued within 30 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian. If you are traveling to a cold weather destination, the certificate must note that the cat is acclimated to temperatures below 45 degrees F. The health certificate must also provide proof of a rabies vaccination into order to travel to Alaska. If you are traveling with your cat to Nome or Kotzebue, Alaska you must also have proof of a parvovirus vaccination.
A fee of $100 is required to fly your pet on Alaska Airlines. You may pay the fee at the airport with a credit card, debit card or cash -- except in Mexico. In Mexico, you may not pay in U.S. dollars, but you can pay with your credit or debit card.
