OREGON— A tense exchange at an airport check-in counter has drawn widespread attention after an Alaska Airlines (AS) passenger was denied permission to carry two cats in a single underseat carrier while traveling home for Christmas.
The incident occurred as the woman attempted to check in for a domestic flight bound for Portland International Airport (PDX), according to accounts shared widely on social media.
Alaska Airlines Denies Passenger Two Cats
The passenger arrived at the counter with two cats that were not listed on her reservation and requested to pay the in-cabin pet fee at the airport.
Alaska Airlines staff informed her that the airline’s pet-in-cabin policy requires advance notice and limits one animal per carrier, placed under a single seat, to ensure adequate space and mobility for the pet.
Alaska Airlines maintains a clearly defined policy for pets traveling in the cabin, emphasizing animal welfare and cabin safety.
Under the policy, each pet must be carried in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits fully under the seat and allows the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Airline employees determined that placing two larger cats in one carrier did not meet these standards. Staff advised that the cats would need to be separated into two carriers, with each carrier occupying its own underseat space and incurring a separate pet fee.
Check-in dispute
The proposed solution immediately raised a logistical issue for the passenger, who questioned where a second carrier could be placed.
Alaska staff explained that the only option would be under another seat, which would require purchasing an additional seat to accommodate the second carrier.
The passenger objected, arguing that she had paid for pets at the airport in the past and appealing for an exception due to the Christmas travel period.
Airline staff declined, stating that seasonal travel does not override safety and animal welfare requirements.
Passenger responsibility
Aviation analysts and frequent travelers have largely sided with the airline, noting that pet travel policies are published in advance and require confirmation before arrival at the airport.
Industry norms place responsibility on passengers to declare pets during booking and to ensure compliance with carrier size and quantity limits.
Social media commentary surrounding the incident has focused less on the airline’s enforcement and more on expectations of special treatment. Many observers emphasized that holiday travel does not negate established rules, particularly those designed to protect animals in flight.
Bottom Line
The Alaska Airlines incident underscores a recurring issue in holiday travel, where last-minute assumptions collide with firm operational policies.
While the situation was emotionally charged, the airline’s decision aligned with industry standards that prioritize animal comfort, cabin safety, and clear pre-travel planning.
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