Alaska Airlines is making a policy change that will severely affect thousands of pet owners, especially those in Alaska and remote areas. As of June 4, 2025, the airline will no longer allow pets to be booked as cabin seat baggage (CBBG). This option allows travelers to purchase a seat for their crated pet when the pet is too large or restricted to fly in the cargo hold.

This is a critical option for owners of snub-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs and pugs, which are banned from cargo due to breathing risks. Without CBBG, these pets have no safe, legal way to fly.

I run Alaska Pet Movers and have personally used this method to relocate dozens of dogs. It is safe, secure, and essential. Removing this option means many families will be forced to drive cross-country for days or feel pressured to falsely register their pets as service animals just to keep them in the cabin. That is already happening more and more.

Alaska Airlines has cited “safety concerns,” but that justification falls short. A crated pet secured in a window seat is safer than a pet in cargo or one being passed off uncrated as a service animal. There is no data to suggest CBBG presents any higher risk.

Here is the response I received from the airline:

“We do have a policy change going into effect on 6/4/25 where we will no longer allow pets to be booked as cabin seat baggage. This is primarily due to safety concerns. However, reservations booked with a pet as cabin seat baggage before 6/4/25 will be accepted for travel until 4/4/26.” - - — Cees Verkerk, Managing Director, Airport Services, Alaska Airlines

This is not about convenience. It is about safety, legality, and access. In Alaska and other isolated regions, removing CBBG removes the only humane option left for many pet owners.

We are calling on Alaska Airlines to reverse this decision. Please sign and share this petition to protect the last safe and legal way for large or restricted pets to fly in the cabin. Let's keep CBBG available for those who need it.