ESA Policies on Alaska Air

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) grants people the legal right to have their emotional support animal (ESA) travel with them in the cabin of airplanes. But there are some guidelines, such as the need for a properly executed ESA letter. There are also some limitations, for example: airlines are never required to accept reptiles, snakes, rodents and spiders. 

Most airlines have specific ESA policies that you should review prior to buying a ticket with the expectation of your ESA flying with you.

Alaska Air Emotional Support Animal Policies

When traveling on Alaska Air with an emotional support animal, be prepared to comply with their policies, including:

• Alaska Air only accepts dogs and cats as ESAs.
• You are limited to 1 ESA per flight.
• Documentation that must be provided at least 48 hours before departure including: a health advisory form, a mental health form and an animal behavior form.
• Check in 1 hour before check in time for the general public and let the customer service agent know that you are there with your ESA.
• The size of your ESAs must not exceed your seat or foot area during the entire flight.
• ESAs may not be in a seat or on a seatback tray table at any time.
• ESAs may not obstruct the aisles at any time.
• If you are traveling with an ESA, you may not sit in an emergency exit row.
• In the airport and on the plane, ESAs must be on a leash or in an approved carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of you.
• If your ESA is in an approved carrier, during take off and landing it must be placed under the seat in front of you.

The Alaska Airlines ESA policies may be adjusted from time to time, you can check the details on their website — where you can also download required forms. It is suggested that you contact Alaska Airlines directly to see if there have been policies added to or updated from those listed here.