And it comes full circle once again, as pet owners face a familiar dilemma while millions of Americans prepare to travel for Christmas 2026: leave their beloved animals behind, endure a long road trip, or find an airline that can accommodate the whole family without turning the journey into an expensive ordeal.

Alaska Airlines has a compelling case for the last option.

In its March 2026 analysis, personal finance website NerdWallet awarded Alaska 57 out of 60 points in its comparison of nine major U.S. airlines, placing it first for pet travel. The publication evaluated factors including fees, available travel options, policy clarity, and booking arrangements. Its findings make Alaska a strong choice for holiday travelers, particularly those flying with small dogs and cats.

However, being the highest-scoring airline in a comparison does not automatically make it the best choice for every animal, destination or itinerary. With Christmas travel bringing crowded airports, limited pet reservations and winter weather complications, understanding the details matters as much as choosing the right carrier.

Why Alaska Airlines Leads the Pack for Pet-Friendly Travel

Cost is one of Alaska’s biggest advantages. The airline charges $100 each way for an in-cabin pet, which brings the pet fee for a domestic round trip to $200. NerdWallet’s comparison puts that below the $300 round-trip total charged by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines under the policies it reviewed.

That represents a potential $100 saving for owners traveling with one pet, before accounting for passenger fares and other charges.

Alaska also offers more flexibility than a cabin-only policy. Eligible animals that cannot fit beneath an aircraft seat may qualify to travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment, subject to restrictions.

The published fee for this option is generally $200 each way per kennel, with exceptions depending on the route and eligibility. Its separate Pet Connect service also provides transportation options for animals that cannot travel through the usual passenger baggage arrangement.

According to NerdWallet, Alaska accepts small dogs, cats, and rabbits in the cabin, provided they fit comfortably inside an approved carrier beneath the seat. The airline’s published guidance also identifies small household birds as eligible on qualifying itineraries, although route-specific restrictions apply. Two pets of the same species may share a carrier when permitted and when they fit comfortably.

There are limits, naturally.

There’s a limit to the number of pets permitted in the cabin, and available spaces can be ‘sold out’ before passenger seats do. Another notable restriction is that the pet carrier must meet the airline’s current dimensions, and the animal must remain inside it during the flight. Perhaps most critical is that passengers should contact Alaska by phone or chat to reserve pet space after booking their own ticket.

That final requirement is a minor inconvenience, but it is precisely the sort of detail that can become a major headache when left until December.

Travelers’ Experience, and Where the Alternatives Make Sense

Independent traveler accounts alone may not establish an airline’s overall safety record, but they do provide useful context.

In a September 2025 Reddit post, an owner described transporting an 80-pound Labrador on Alaska and reported a positive overall experience. Other discussions in the airline’s subreddit describe successful cabin journeys, helpful staff and pets arriving without apparent problems.

As usual, not everyone feels the same way.

Travelers have raised concerns about connections, crate dimensions, and the stress animals can experience when separated from their owners. In October 2026, a Reddit user reported being told that a previously accepted carrier was two inches too large under the dimensions applied at check-in. That account illustrates the importance of inquiring about the airline’s current, written requirements.

Alaska’s policies have, in fact, changed.

In 2025, the airline announced the discontinuation of its cabin-seat baggage option for pets, which had allowed certain animals to travel in a secured carrier on a purchased seat. So, under the current policy, travelers with larger dogs shouldn’t assume they can simply buy an extra seat so their pet can ride in the passenger cabin.

With all that said, another strong contender for pet-friendly flying is Hawaiian Airlines, although that’s particularly the case for travel within Hawaii. Its pet program shares several features with Alaska’s, but passengers must still verify the rules for their specific route.

Frontier and Allegiant can appeal to budget-conscious owners traveling with eligible cabin pets, although their route networks and available transport arrangements differ. Remember, the lowest pet fee do not necessarily translate to the lowest total trip cost if it requires an inconvenient connection or a more expensive passenger ticket.

For larger animals, cargo eligibility, breed restrictions, and temperature limitations may outweigh a modest difference in fees. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be especially careful because some animals face restrictions on hold travel due to respiratory risks.

Prepare Your Pet for Christmas 2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation advises travelers to check airline-specific rules because restrictions can cover animal size, age, health documentation, breed, weather, and approved kennels. Its guidance also recommends reserving space in advance and considering nonstop flights to reduce the complications associated with connections.

For Alaska passengers, the airline’s official pet-travel guidance confirms that cabin and baggage-compartment reservations are subject to availability, while embargoes and aircraft restrictions can affect animals traveling in the hold. There is no guarantee that a pet will be accepted on every flight simply because its owner holds a ticket.

Christmas travelers are well advised to reserve their pet’s space as soon as possible, measure the carrier carefully, and confirm the precise requirements for every leg of the itinerary. Animals traveling internationally or to Hawaii may face additional documentation, health, and entry requirements. Additionally, owners should consult a veterinarian about their pet’s fitness to fly, especially when the pet being considered for cargo transportation or travel is a short-nosed breed.

Alaska’s own August 2026 guidance recommends giving dogs exercise before departure, allowing extra time at check-in, and providing identification. Owners should also familiarize animals with their carriers well before the travel date. Sedatives should not be administered without veterinary guidance.

So, what’s the final verdict on the best airline for traveling with pets this holiday season? The evidence points to Alaska Airlines as the strong overall choice for flying with pets this Christmas, supported by NerdWallet‘s 57-out-of-60 score, competitive cabin fees, and additional options for eligible larger animals.

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.