Rigid crates for the hold
Airline approved pet crates
Pets in the hold fly inside a hard airline crate sized to fit. This page lists Alaska's sizes, explains how we choose yours, and covers what the cargo counter inspects.
Sizes
Alaska Airlines crate sizes
Alaska Air Cargo accepts five standard sizes, from the 100 series up to the 500 series. Since the scale reads pet and crate as one, what the empty crate weighs matters as well.
| Series | Outside (L x W x H) | Empty crate | Pet weight guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 series | 21 x 16 x 15 inches | 9 lb | up to 15 lb |
| 200 series | 27 x 20 x 19 inches | 14 lb | up to 30 lb |
| 300 series | 32 x 22 x 24 inches | 20 lb | up to 50 lb |
| 400 series | 36 x 24 x 26 inches | 24 lb | up to 70 lb |
| 500 series | 40 x 27 x 30 inches | 28 lb | up to 90 lb |
Measurements decide the size first. When your pet weighs more than that size's guide allows, we move up to the size rated for that weight. The limit for pet plus crate is 150 lb.
Bigger than the 500 series? Pets that outgrow the 500 series get a custom quote. Mention it on the quote form and we will look into what is possible.
Sizing
How we pick the minimum crate
The rule is simple: your pet stands with head and ears clear of the roof, turns in a full circle, and lies down in a normal position. To check that, the standard airline formula uses four measurements of your pet on all fours:
- Length on the inside: A (nose to tail base) plus half of B (floor to elbow), or more.
- Width: double C (shoulders or the widest point), or more.
- Height: D (floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is taller) plus roughly 1.6 inches to allow for bedding.
Home measurements of a squirming pet are rarely spot on, so we build in roughly 0.8 inches of extra room. Next comes the smallest size with enough inside length, width and height. Fall short on any one and we move to the next size. Finally, weight: if your pet is over that size's guide, we step up once more.
In the quote form, the result appears like this:
Suggested minimum crate size: 300 series (32 x 22 x 24 inches)
This crate size is our best guess from the details you gave. A larger crate can turn out to be needed once your pet is measured in person, and the airline has the last word at check-in. We confirm the size with you before ordering.
Treat it as the smallest option and a best guess. Between two sizes? Pick the larger one.
Ready to fly
We sell airline crates in every size
What comes with it
- A hard airline crate sized for your pet, anywhere from 100 series to 500 series
- Hardware and metal door inspected
- Absorbent bedding
- Food and water dishes fixed to the door
- "Live Animal" stickers and this-way-up arrows
- Delivered ahead of moving day, giving your pet time to get comfortable
How it works
Need a crate? It goes on your quote, and we agree on the size with you before ordering. Crates are sold, not rented.
Own one already? It works if it fits your pet and passes the rules below. Take the outside measurements, pick the matching size on the quote form, and we will review it.
For a week or two ahead of the flight, keep the crate open at home with a blanket your pet knows. A pet that treats the crate as its den tends to fly more relaxed.
Alaska Airlines kennel rules
Staff inspect every crate at the cargo counter. A crate that fails these rules means your pet stays on the ground.
- A hard crate whose halves are joined by metal or plastic nuts and bolts. A frame held by clips, snaps, zip ties or tape is refused.
- A solid top, with no wire roof and no top door.
- A single metal door that fastens securely.
- Vent openings, plus handles on the outside.
- Dishes for food and water fixed inside the door.
- Clean, no leaks, and absorbent bedding that is safe for pets.
- Wheels removed, and nothing broken, sharp or patched together.
- Fabric, wire, mesh, cardboard, wicker and collapsible crates are all refused, as are crate covers.
- The words "Live Animal" at least one inch tall, this-way-up arrows, and the name, address and 24-hour phone number for both the sender and whoever collects.
- Flight numbers written on the crate.
Size on the plane
On its Boeing 737, Embraer E175 and Airbus A321 aircraft, Alaska accepts every size from the 100 series to the 500 series. Between the Hawaiian islands, the limit is the 400 series, and no crate taller than 28 inches. Anything larger than the 500 series has to be cleared with the airline first.
Weight and age
The pet and crate combined can weigh up to 150 lb. Puppies and kittens need to be weaned and 8 weeks old or more. Dogs and cats aged 6 months and up fly one to a crate.
Last checked against the official pages on October 6, 2026.
Airline and state rules can change, so check the official page before booking.
Cabin carriers and cargo crates are not the same
A lot of carriers sold as "flight approved" are soft bags meant for the cabin. They slide under the seat ahead of you and suit only small cats and dogs. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines require cabin carriers to be soft-sided and no larger than 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches, and hard kennels cannot go in the cabin.
The hold has its own rules. Whether your pet travels alone as cargo or is checked on your flight, it needs a hard airline crate that passes the rules above.
Soft cabin carriers are not something we sell. For a small pet riding in the cabin with you, read the Alaska Airlines pet policy or the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy.
Airline crates: questions
What makes a dog crate airline approved?
How big a crate does my dog need for a flight?
What is the biggest crate Alaska Airlines takes?
Is a soft carrier OK for flying?
Can I rent a crate from you?
Can two pets fly in one crate?
Leave the crate to us
Enter your pet's four measurements and weight in the form. The crate size comes back with the price, and the crate arrives before moving day.