One Of The Biggest U.S. Airlines Leaves Passengers Stranded After Enforcing Last-Minute Ban On Pets Amid Severe Weather Warning

Thousands of flights have been canceled, and American Airlines has recently received a letter of complaint from flight attendants who have been forced to sleep on the floor. These are a few amid many ongoing travel disruptions.

Now, Alaska Airlines is making headlines after leaving some passengers stranded with a last-minute ban on pets. The airline is no longer allowing animals to travel in the baggage compartment of its aircraft due to extreme weather conditions.

Here is a closer look at which airports are currently affected by this rule and for how long it will be in effect.

Alaska Airlines Enforces Last-Minute Ban On Pets

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As freezing winter temperatures continue to affect several U.S. states, Alaska Airlines has suspended its cargo pet service and is no longer allowing animals to travel in the baggage compartment of its aircraft.

The airline recently posted a message on its official website claiming:

“Due to cold weather conditions, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights arriving or departing.”

The ban was first enforced on January 27 and will affect several airports until February 3, with some exceptions. Below is a table with all the affected airports and the expected end of the ban.

Alaska Airlines is the fifth-largest U.S. carrier in terms of Domestic Market Share, as reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and while it has canceled between 10 and 20 daily departures over the last few days, it is still a fraction of the cancellations reported by the other major U.S. carriers, such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Despite this, the new pet ban has likely affected several passengers. Luckily, animals are still allowed in the cabin. So, what are the rules pet owners must follow to travel with their pets?

Some Pets May Still Travel In The Cabin

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Small pets are still allowed to travel with their owners for a $100 fee. These include small dogs, cats, and domesticated rabbits. Passengers must also ensure their carrier matches the following sizes: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″. In addition, pets must be at least eight weeks old, fully weaned, and accustomed to solid food.

It’s also crucial to note that some breeds are never allowed to travel in the baggage compartment for medical reasons. These include Brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs and cats, which can travel in the cabin with their owners provided their pet carrier fits under the plane seat. Below is a list of pets falling into this category.

Dog Breeds Not Allowed In The Cargo Hold:

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Bull Terrier
• Brussels Griffon
• Chow Chow
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Spaniel/Japanese Chin
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Pekingese
• Pit Bull (all breeds)
• Pug (all breeds)
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Terrier

Cat Breeds Not Allowed In The Cargo Hold:

• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian

On the topic, Alaska Airlines’ official website states: “For the safety of the animal, no exceptions can be made to allow these breeds to be transported in the cargo hold.” Yet, Alaska Airlines is not the only U.S. carrier implementing bans on pets when temperatures are too low.

Several U.S. Carriers Impose Weather Restrictions On Pet Cargo Travel

According to Alaska Airlines, weather restrictions are implemented when temperatures are above 85°F or below 45°F. The airline can make exceptions, but requests owners to provide a certificate of acclimation from their vet.

American Airlines follows similar policies while specifying that when “ground temperatures are between 20 and 44 degrees Fahrenheit, then we require that you provide a letter of acclimation signed and dated by a licensed veterinarian.”

United Airlines, on the other hand, no longer accepts pets in the cargo except for certain active-duty military or State Department employees.

The last few days have been challenging for all air travelers, and pet owners have also been hit hard. It remains to be seen if, from February 3, travelers will once again be able to fly along with their pets.