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Alaska Airlines PSD and Emotional Support Animal Policy Guide.

Alaska Airlines no longer permits emotional support animals (ESAs) to travel as service animals, aligning with revised U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. ESAs are now treated as pets, subject to standard fees and carrier requirements. However, trained psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are accepted in the cabin at no additional cost.

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Published
June 02, 2023

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Last Updated
June 15, 2026

Medical Context Reviewed By:
Dr. Perry Payne
Perry W. Payne, Jr., MD, JD, MPP

Legal Accuracy Reviewed by:
Dr. Perry Payne
Attorney & Physician with expertise in health law and disability policy

Author
Prince Sharma
Lead Content Strategist and Editorial Director

Alaska Airlines offers support to individuals with mental or physical illnesses, enabling them to travel with their companion animals for a comfortable and safe journey. To travel with an animal, you must provide the specific documentation the airline needs.

When planning your trip with Alaska Airlines, you must familiarize yourself with and adhere to all the rules and regulations. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, including those with emotional support animals and psychiatric service dogs.

Here are Alaska Airline pet policies that you need to know before packing your bags:

Bottom Line

Does Alaska Airlines allow psychiatric service dogs to fly? Alaska Airlines’ service animal policy allows psychiatric service dogs to fly with their owners without an additional fee.
What are the document requirements? You must submit the Alaska Airlines service dog form or DOT form as a requirement. You may also bring your psychiatric service dog letter so that the airline can verify your service animal.
Where can I get a PSD letter? Fast ESA Letter offers an easy online process to get your PSD or psychiatric service dog letter from home.
When can the airline deny my service animal? If your service animal exhibits disruptive behavior, it will not be accepted as a service animal and will be subject to Alaska Airlines’ pet policy.
What about Alaska Airlines’ emotional support animal policy? Alaska Airlines does not have an ESA policy. Your ESA will be considered a pet and subject to Alaska Airlines’ animal policy.
What is Alaska Airlines’ pet fee? To travel with your ESA or pet, you must pay a fee of $100 USD or CAD.

Does Alaska Airlines Allow Psychiatric Service Dogs To Fly?

Alaska Airlines’ service animal policy permits only psychiatric service dogs to fly without additional cost. No animals other than service dogs are allowed on Alaska Airlines, and animals in training are not considered service dogs per the airline’s pet policy. Moreover, a maximum of two service dogs will be accepted per traveler. The size of your service animal(s) must be, at most, your seat’s footprint or personal space.

You must contact the airline directly if your travel plans involve a partner airline. The partner airline will have its own service animal requirements besides those of Alaska Airlines. Additional requirements may apply to travel to Hawaii or international travel.

Alaska Airlines Service Dog Rules and Training Exceptions

Alaska Airlines allows a maximum of two service dogs per traveler, and service animals must fit within the passenger’s seating footprint without blocking aisles or neighboring spaces. Fully trained psychiatric service dogs travel free of charge under the airline’s service animal policy.

Special Exception for Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs): Alaska Airlines also allows certain service dogs in training to travel at no extra cost when accompanied by a professional trainer. To qualify, trainers may need to provide institutional trainer identification, supporting documentation, health records, and information about the future handler and destination.

What Documentation Is Required To Fly With A Service Dog On Alaska Airlines?

Under current federal DOT regulations, Alaska Airlines cannot require or review a medical “PSD letter” or doctor’s note for psychiatric service dogs. Instead, travelers must complete the federally required service animal documentation before departure.

U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form: This form must be completed and submitted through Alaska Airlines’ Service Animal Form Portal (SAFP) at least 48 hours before departure. The portal generates an internal verification ID that can streamline approval for future flights.

Submitting paperwork early can help avoid check-in delays and ensure service animal approval is completed before travel day.You can also submit the DOT form online using the Service Animal Form Portal (SAFP) operated by Open Doors Organization. The portal will give you an optional ID number that you can use to access your DOT form for future flights quickly. You’ll also be able to describe the work or task your dog has been trained to perform so they can quickly verify that it’s a service animal.

Note: Only one DOT form per dog needs to be used to validate your service animal request. The form expires on your service dog’s current rabies vaccination expiration date. You should also remember that online portals are not subject to the Alaska Airlines policy guide. You agree to share your data with these sites by selecting a partner link.

What Is A PSD Letter, And How Can You Get It?

A PSD, or psychiatric service dog letter, is a document written by a licensed mental health professional stating your need for a psychiatric service dog. It serves as a prescription detailing your medical disability and that a service dog is part of your care plan.

To get a psychiatric service dog letter, consult with licensed mental health professionals. They will evaluate your medical condition and determine whether you need a psychiatric service dog. Once approved, you will receive your PSD letter for housing, employment, or travel needs.

You can get your PSD letter from home with the Fast ESA Letter. Our online process saves time and effort, making it easier to get the support you need for your emotional well-being.

How Do You Book Travel With A Service Dog On Alaska Airlines?

If traveling with a service dog, make reservations as early as possible and request services online, or call 1-800-503-0101 (dial 711 for relay services). Share your traveling requirements and tell them about any special requirements—at check-in, in the boarding area, and on the aircraft. However, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

You can also use their Fly for All mobile app, designed for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, first-time flyers, and unaccompanied minors.
Fly for All on the App Store.
Fly for All on the Google Play.

What Are The Sitting Requirements For Service Animals On Alaska Airlines?

Service animals must be seated on the floor space below your seat. An infant can sit on your lap. They may not occupy a seat or sit on a tray table at any time. Alaska Airlines also offers seats with more space in its premium class of service.

You are not allowed to sit in an emergency exit row. However, you can choose a window seat to protect the service animal from foot traffic. You may also not obstruct the aisles or areas that must remain clear for emergency evacuation.

When Can Alaska Airlines Not Accept My Psychiatric Service Dog?

If your psychiatric service dog engages in disruptive behavior, it will not be accepted as a service animal and will be subject to the Alaska Airlines pet policy. Here, disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to the following.

Your dog is barking excessively.
Aggressive behaviors towards other guests or animals, such as biting, snapping, growling, and lunging, are unacceptable.
They are freely wandering or running around without restraint.
They are not using appropriate pet rest locations or relieving themselves in the aircraft cabin.
Your dog should not exhibit unresponsive behavior in response to a handler’s needs or distress.
Jumping on guests or employees is not allowed.
Taking up a seat on an airplane or the seat back tray table is not permitted.
Your dog should be responsive to your requests.

Additionally, Alaska Airlines’ pet policy reserves the right to charge the owner/handler for damage caused by their service animal.

What Are The Service Dog Requirements For Hawaii And International Travel?

For Hawaii Travel

In addition to Alaska Airlines’ service dog policies, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture requires service dog owners to present appropriate health documentation. Contact your vet to obtain the health certificate for your service dog. If you arrive without proper documentation, your animal may be quarantined for up to 120 days in Honolulu at your expense.

For International Travel

If you travel outside the United States with your psychiatric service dog or pet, contact the embassy or appropriate consulate at least four weeks before departure. Understand and obtain the specific documentation required to enter that country, including health certificates and proof of vaccination.

Does Alaska Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals To Fly?

Emotional support animals are not considered service animals but may travel as pets under Alaska Airlines’ pet travel policy. You will not get any special accommodation like a service dog and must pay $100 per trip.
Pet travel is subject to space availability onboard, i.e., on a first-come, first-served basis. The pet must always stay in its carrier in the boarding area, Alaska Lounge, and while onboard. The pet must be under the seat, in its carrier, during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

How To Book Pet Travel On Alaska Airlines

To book pet travel on Alaska Airlines, start by booking your passenger ticket on alaskaair.com. Once your ticket is secured, contact the reservations team to reserve space for your pet. You can easily reach out to them by starting a chat using the link on their website or by calling 1-800-252-7522.

Which Type Of Pet Can Travel On Alaska Airlines In The Cabin?

Alaska Airlines permits only small domesticated dogs, cats, and rabbits to travel in the passenger cabin, and pets must remain inside an approved carrier throughout the flight. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned, and eating solid food independently before travel.

Species Restrictions and Checked Pet Fees: Household birds are no longer accepted in the passenger cabin and may require separate transport arrangements. For approved pets traveling in the climate-controlled baggage compartment, fees are generally $200 each way, with reduced $100 pricing available for travel entirely within Alaska or for eligible active-duty military travelers on official orders.

What Are Alaska Airlines’ Pet Carrier Requirements In The Cabin?

You may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin only when you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat. Moreover, up to two pets of the same size and species may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts are out of the carrier, and the animals are not distressed.

Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably in the carrier under the seat. The allowed carrier size is 17″L x 11″Wx 7.5″H for hard-sided and 17″Lx 11″W x 9.5″H for soft-sided.

Your pet carrier must be clean and leak-proof, with absorbent bedding made of safe, non-toxic material for the animal. It must also have adequate air ventilation and be free of tears, cracks, or breaks.

Note: The first-class cabin can accommodate only three pet carriers per flight. However, the main cabin can accommodate eight.

Guidelines For Pet Travel In The Cabin

You must be 18 years or older to travel with a pet in the cabin.
You may not occupy an emergency exit row or bulkhead row.
Your pet counts towards your carry-on allotment. You can bring a pet carrier, personal item, or a carrier and a standard-size carry-on bag.
Animals with offensive odors must travel in the airline’s climate-controlled baggage compartment.
Additional requirements are needed for pets traveling to Hawaii or internationally.

What Are The Requirements For Traveling With Pets In The Baggage Compartment?

Alaska Airlines accepts most domesticated pets for travel in climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments for $150 USD/CAD. The fee is $100 USD/CAD for pets traveling wholly in the State of Alaska, active duty US Military personnel, or US Military dependents on travel orders.

You must travel on the same flight to your pet’s destination. If you are not planning to travel, please contact the airline. Animals must be harmless, not destructive, and require no attention during transit. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must be 150 lbs. If they weigh more, contact the airline. Dogs and cats are the only animals permitted to travel to Hawaii and international locations in the cargo compartment.

What Are Accepted And Restricted Breeds In Cargo On Alaska Airlines?

Accepted pets include

Cats
Dogs
Ferrets
Guinea pigs
Hamsters
Household birds
Non-poisonous reptiles
Pot-bellied pigs
Rabbits
Tropical fish.

Brachycephalic dogs and cats are not allowed to travel in the baggage compartment. These breeds commonly have abnormalities that compromise their breathing, and flight stress can worsen them. These breeds include the following.
Dogs:

American Pit Bull
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brussels Griffon
Mastiff (All Breeds)
Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Chow Chow
Dutch Pug
English Bulldog
English Toy Spaniel
French Bulldog
Japanese Boxer
Japanese Pug
Japanese Spaniel
Pekingese
Pug
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cats:

Burmese
Exotic Shorthair
Himalayan
Persian

Guidelines For Pets In The Baggage Compartment

Pet and carrier must be no more than 150 lbs combined.
Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks of age and weaned.
Each pet must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
Only one live dog or cat may be transported in the same carrier, but it must be six months or older.
Only one live dog, aged eight weeks to 6 months and weighing over 20 lbs, can be transported in the same carrier.
Up to two live dogs or kittens, aged eight weeks to six months and weighing 20 lbs or less, may be transported together in the same carrier.
Animals must be harmless, inoffensive, and require no attention during transit.
You must offer food and water to your pet no more than 4 hours before check-in. You will be asked to fill out a Pet Check record to verify this.
On the day of travel, check-in at least 90 minutes before departure in Seattle or Guadalajara or at least 1 hour before departure at all other airports.

What Are Pet Carrier Requirements In Cargo On Alaska Airlines?

The carrier or kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down freely in a normal, comfortable position. The following acceptable carrier sizes in the baggage compartment:

Extra small
21 “L x 16 “Wx 15” H
Small
27″L x 20″W x 19″H
Medium
32″L x 22″W x 23″H
Large
36 “L X 24 “W x 26 “H
Extra large
40″L x 27″W x 30″H

Experts Tips For Travel With A Pet On Alaska Airlines

Book your pet’s travel early because there are limited seats for passengers with pets, and they are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sedation is not advised since tranquilizers’ effects on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable.
A health certificate issued by a vet is required for each pet traveling in the baggage compartment.
Your departure airport may have specific check-in requirements, so reach the airport early.
Give your pet a pre-flight workout.
Give yourself extra time to check in at the counter.
Avoid overwatering or overfeeding. It can create discomfort during the flight.
Different states or countries have different rules for pet travel. Before booking your flight, ensure you know the requirements of your destination location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Psychiatric Service Dogs Need To Wear A Vest On Alaska Airlines?

While Alaska Airlines does not require service dogs to wear vests, it is recommended as it helps identify them as working animals. This can minimize confusion and ensure smoother interactions during your travel.

Can Alaska Airlines Refuse To Transport My Psychiatric Service Dog?

Alaska Airlines can deny boarding to a service dog if it shows aggressive or disruptive behavior, is not under control, or lacks proper documentation. Handlers are encouraged to ensure their dog meets all requirements.

Can I Bring Food Or Water For My Psychiatric Service Dog On Alaska Airlines Flights?

Yes, passengers can bring food and water for their service dogs. However, feeding should be done before boarding to avoid discomfort during the flight, as the dog must remain in the designated space throughout the journey.

What Happens If My Psychiatric Service Dog Needs A Bathroom Break During The Flight?

Since most flights do not have facilities for animals, it is essential to ensure your dog relieves itself before boarding. Training them to use pee pads in emergencies can be helpful.

Can I Travel With A Service Dog Puppy On Alaska Airlines?

Yes, service dog puppies in training may be allowed if they are being trained to assist with disabilities and meet Alaska Airlines’ behavior standards. Contact the airline to confirm policies for puppies in training.

Does Alaska Airlines Require A Muzzle For Psychiatric Service Dogs?

No, Alaska Airlines does not require service dogs to be muzzled. However, the dog must remain non-aggressive and under control at all times during the flight.

Are There Any Additional Rules For Service Dogs On Red-Eye Flights With Alaska Airlines?

The same rules apply for red-eye flights. Ensure your service dog is comfortable and trained to remain calm in dim lighting and quieter cabin conditions typical of overnight flights.

Can Psychiatric Service Dogs Accompany Passengers In First Class On Alaska Airlines?

Yes, psychiatric service dogs can accompany their handlers in any class of service, including first class, as long as they meet the behavior and space requirements for travel.

Post Author

Prince Sharma

Prince Sharma is the Lead Content Strategist and Editorial Director with extensive experience in digital health communication, behavioral wellness, and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) laws. He is dedicated to producing accurate, evidence-based, and accessible content that helps readers make informed decisions about their mental and emotional well-being. Working closely with licensed mental health professionals, Prince ensures that all published content reflects the highest standards of reliability and clarity. His work focuses on bridging the gap between mental health education and practical support, empowering individuals to better understand the role of emotional support animals in enhancing quality of life.

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