Alaska Airlines Allows French Bulldogs to Fly in Cabin as Emotional Support Animals

Traveling with French Bulldogs on Alaska Airlines

If you’re thinking about taking your French bulldog(s) on a flight with Alaska Airlines, you’ve come to the right place. As an avid French bulldog owner with years of experience traveling with my pups on various airlines, I want to provide you with all the details to ensure a smooth trip for you and your Frenchie(s). Below I’ll address the most common questions dog owners have when flying with pets.

Are French Bulldogs Allowed in the Cabin?

The good news is that yes, Alaska Airlines does allow French bulldogs and other dogs to fly in the cabin as emotional support or service animals. However, there are some rules that must be followed:

1. Your Frenchie must be at least 8 weeks old to fly and cannot weigh more than 20 lbs.
2. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for your dog and the fee ranges from $125-175 depending on flight length.
3. Paperwork from your vet or mental health professional is required if traveling with an emotional support animal.

From my experience, as long as you plan ahead and follow the rules, Alaska Airlines is very accommodating to traveling with dogs in-cabin. I’ve taken my pups on several Alaska flights with no issues.

How Do I Prepare My French Bulldog for the Flight?

Proper preparation is key for keeping your Frenchie calm during air travel. Here are some of my best tips:

1. Get your pup used to being in their carrier by doing short practice sessions at home.
2. Bring along familiar toys or blankets to make the carrier feel more cozy.
3. Completely crate train your bulldog if they aren’t already.
4. Consider calming aids like ThunderShirt, calming treats, or CBD oils to take the edge off stress.
5. Bring water and your dog’s regular food in your carry-on in case of delays.

The more comfortable your Frenchie is in their carrier before the big day, the smoother the flight will go. I swear by crate training and using calming aids based on my experience flying with anxious dogs.

What Should I Pack for My French Bulldog’s In-Cabin Travel?

Besides the necessities like food, water, and calming treats, here are some other handy items to stuff in your carry-on bag:

• Leash and collar – Required to bring on and off plane.
• Poop bags and paper towels – You never know when accidents may happen.
• Proof of vaccinations – Keep printed records handy just in case.
• Meds if needed and documentation from vet.
• Spare clothes – Protect against drool and mud with doggy raincoat or booties.
• Entertainment like toys or bully sticks – Keep them busy during the flight.

Organization and coming prepared will help minimize stress for you and your precious pup. Trust me, you do not want to forget anything important at home!

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken for Turbulence?

One concern I’ve heard from other dog parents is turbulence on flights. While it may kind of freak us out as humans, there are some things we can do to keep our furry friends protected:

1. Always keep your dog securely fastened in an FAA-approved carrier that is zipped or buckled underneath the seat in front of you. Never let them roam free during take-off or landing.
2. Consider using a harness that clips onto the seatbelt clasp for an extra level of security during bumpy periods.
3. Bring toys or treats to distract your pup if they seem stressed during turbulence. Keep them entertained!
4. Speak in calming tones and give lots of reassurance. Their owner being chill helps them stay chill too in my experience.

While turbulence can be kind of jolting, keeping your dog crated properly goes a long way in preventing any hazardous situations up in the air. Safety first!

Any Tips for Long Drive Trips to the Airport?

Driving to and from the airport can also be a source of stress for our pups. Here are some tactics I’ve used to smoothly transit to and from flights with my Frenchies:

• Give them potty breaks every 2 hours on road trips to prevent accidents in the car.
• Pack favorite toys, chews, and calming aids for the drive to keep them distracted and settled.
• Provide water frequently to stay hydrated in the car.
• Blast air conditioning on hot days to prevent overheating.
• Avoid heavy foods before travel just in case carsickness occurs.
• Practice getting in and out of vehicles to feel more comfy with car routines.

Taking it slow and keeping your doggie pampered during auto travel is, in my experience, the best way for both of you to feel chill and enjoy your road trips together!

Any Other Tips or Warnings?

Here are a few more general tips that don’t fit neatly in other categories:

• Book pet-friendly hotels near the airport to minimize stress from multiple transfers.
• Consider anxiety medication from your vet for extremely nervous pups.
• Don’t feed your dog for a few hours before and after flights to avoid upchucking.
• Bring vaccination records and any necessary papers and spares of each in your hand bag.
• Always contact the airline ahead of any special needs like seating requests.
• Make sure your dog is up-to-date on flea/tick preventatives for the destination.

Hopefully this covers all the major questions folks may have! Flying with pets certainly requires more planning than solo human travel. But with the right prep work, following airline rules precisely, and bringing along all critter comforts, your Frenchie will be flying high with Alaska Airlines in no time. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Alaska Airlines French Bulldog Travel Requirements

Age	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement
Must be at least 12 weeks old	No more than 20 lbs	Soft-sided crate required for in-cabin travel
Proof of Vaccinations	Health Certificate	Toiletry bags must be frozen
Rabies, Bordetella, and DA2PP	Signed by vet within 10 days	Piddle pads/newspaper allowed in crate
ID microchip or tattoo	Photo ID required for cat/dog	Maximum of 2 pets per passenger

FAQ

1. Can I bring my French bulldog on Alaska Airlines?

   Generally speaking, Alaska Airlines allows French bulldogs to fly as check-in baggage. However, there are some size and health requirements. Your Frenchie needs to be able to fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.

2. What are the size restrictions for French bulldogs on Alaska Airlines?

   The allowed dimensions for animals traveling as checked baggage is maximum length of 18 inches, maximum width of 14 inches, and maximum height of 9 inches, including the carrier. Basically, the kennel needs to fit under the seat in front of you without sticking out too much.

   

3. Do I need any documents for my Frenchie?

   Yes, you’ll need to bring a certificate of health from your vet saying the pup is fit to fly. They’ll want proof of current vaccines too. Perhaps ask your vet if your Frenchie shows signs of stress traveling in a carrier or separates badly from its owner. Airlines may not accept pups that are noisy or super anxious.

4. Is my dog allowed to sit on my lap onboard?

   No way, for safety reasons Alaska Air does not let dogs ride on passengers’ laps. Despite it being kinda tempting to cuddle your fur baby, the rules are there to protect everyone onboard. It’s best to keep pup secured in its carrier under the seat.

5. Is there a charge to bring my dog on the plane?

   Yes, there is usually a fee ranging from $100-150 each way for handling animal cargo. On the other hand, emotions pets provide are priceless! A few extra bucks is worth it for the comfort of traveling with a beloved companion. Just be sure to check Alaska’s website for current fees and policies.

What if my dog misbehaves on the plane?

If your pup starts barking loudly or scratching in the carrier, flight attendants may ask you to step off the plane briefly to get them settled. While it’s totally normal for dogs to feel anxious in new situations, disturbing other passengers is a no-no. Always bring treats, toys or medications from your vet to help keep fur baby distracted and calm. Communication is key, so advising staff of any concerns upfront appears prudent.

Are there any travel tips for flying with a French bulldog?

Some advice from experienced owners is to limit food and water before the flight. Also, check if carriers can be put underneath coach seats in advance to avoid surprises. Sedation from the vet may help relax high-strung dogs, but you know your pup best. Personally, I find the bonding experience of traveling with my pooch worth any minor hassles. Safely getting our furry family where we’re going feels amazing!