Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Sparks Viral Dispute Over Two In-Cabin Cats

December 25, 2025 at 01:23 PM•3 min read

Alaska Airlines enforced its pet policy, requiring a passenger to use separate carriers for two cats on a Las Vegas to Portland flight, highlighting

Key Points

1The dispute centered on the requirement that two cats in one carrier must have a 'full range of motion,' not the combined weight, as per the agent's interpretation.
2Alaska Airlines' official policy permits up to two pets of the same species in one carrier if they are not in distress and no body parts protrude.
3The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows individual airlines to set specific in-cabin pet policies, treating carriers as carry-on baggage.
4The passenger ultimately purchased a second carrier and took a later flight from Las Vegas to Portland to complete her journey.

A recent passenger pet dispute went viral. It involved a traveler and Alaska Airlines pet policy at a Las Vegas airport. The passenger, Alexandra Compton, was flying home to Portland, Oregon. She was attempting to board with two cats in a single carrier.

The Viral Confrontation

An Alaska Airlines agent stopped Compton at the gate. The agent explained the two cats did not have enough room. This violated the airline's rule for in-cabin cat travel. The passenger became visibly upset. She claimed the airline was "ruining Christmas."

Compton demanded to see the written policy on weight limits. The agent calmly clarified the issue was not weight. It was about the cats' ability to move freely. The pets needed a full range of motion inside the carrier.

Understanding Airline Pet Carrier Rules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows airlines to set their own pet rules. These rules are in addition to basic safety requirements. The FAA mandates that pet carriers fit under the seat. They must not block any path to the aisle.

Alaska Airlines' official pet policy is specific. It allows up to two pets of the same species. They must be of a similar size. They can share one carrier. However, the animals must comfortably fit in carrier. They must have room to move. No body parts can protrude from the container. This ensures the animals are not in distress.

This incident highlights a common Christmas travel disruption. Passengers often overlook the fine print. The airline's interpretation of "comfortably" is key. It is the final decision point for gate agents. This is a critical factor in airline pet carrier rules.

Industry Context and Resolution

Strict adherence to pet policies is vital. It ensures safety for all passengers. It also guarantees the welfare of the animals. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets global standards. These standards emphasize animal comfort during transport.

Ultimately, Compton bought a second carrier. She then secured a later flight to Portland. This resolution allowed both cats to travel safely. The incident serves as a reminder for all travelers. Always verify specific airline pet carrier rules before booking. Check the rules for each leg of the journey. This is especially true for holiday air travel. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. Major carriers like Emirates also have detailed pet travel guidelines.

Aviation stakeholders must communicate these rules clearly. This helps prevent similar gate disputes. The passenger's claim of having flown with both cats before suggests an enforcement inconsistency. However, the agent's decision was consistent with the spirit of the rule. The rule prioritizes animal welfare.