Rigid crates for the hold
Airline approved pet crates
Every pet flying in the hold travels in a rigid airline crate that fits it properly. Here are Alaska's crate sizes, how we work out the right one, and the rules the airline checks at the cargo counter.
Sizes
Alaska Airlines crate sizes
Alaska Air Cargo takes five standard crate sizes, the 100 series to the 500 series. The airline weighs your pet and the crate together, so the empty weight of the crate counts too.
| 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 |
We choose the size from your pet's measurements first. If your pet is heavier than the weight guide for that size, we go up to the size meant for that weight. Pet and crate together can weigh up to 150 lb.
Bigger than the 500 series? A pet that needs more room than the 500 series gets a custom quote. Tell us in the quote form and we will look at the options.
Sizing
How we pick the minimum crate
Your pet must be able to stand up without the head or ears touching the roof, turn around, and lie down naturally. We use the standard airline formula with four measurements, taken with your pet standing:
- Length inside the crate: at least A (nose to base of tail) plus half of B (floor to elbow).
- Width: at least C (across the shoulders or widest point) times two.
- Height: at least D (floor to top of head or ear tips, whichever is higher), plus about 1.6 inches for the bedding.
We add about 0.8 inches to each size, because measuring a wriggly pet at home is never exact. Then we pick the smallest size whose inside length, width and height are all big enough. If one of them is short, it is the next size up. Last, we check your pet's weight against the weight guide and go up a size if needed.
What you see in the quote form looks like this:
Suggested minimum crate size: 300 series (32 x 22 x 24 inches)
The crate size is an estimate based on the details you enter. Your pet may need a bigger crate once we see them in person, and the airline makes the final call at check-in. We will confirm the crate before we order it.
It is always a minimum and always an estimate. If your pet is between sizes, go bigger.
Ready to fly
We sell airline crates in every size
What comes with it
- A rigid airline crate in the size your pet needs, 100 series to 500 series
- Nuts and bolts and the metal door checked
- Absorbent bedding
- Food and water dishes clipped inside the door
- "Live Animal" labels and arrows showing which way is up
- Ready before moving day, so your pet can get used to it
How it works
The crate is added to your quote if you need one. We confirm the size with you before we order. We sell crates; we do not rent them.
Already have a crate? You can use it if it meets the rules below and fits your pet. Measure the outside, choose its size in the quote form, and we will check it.
Leave the crate open at home for a week or two before the flight, with a familiar blanket inside. Pets that see the crate as their own space travel more calmly.
Alaska Airlines kennel rules
The airline checks the crate at the cargo counter. If it does not meet these rules, your pet does not fly.
- Rigid crate, top and bottom held together with metal or plastic nuts and bolts. Clips, snaps, zip ties or tape holding the frame are not accepted.
- Solid roof. No wire roof and no door on top.
- One securely fastened metal door.
- Ventilation, and handles on the outside of the crate.
- Food and water dishes clipped inside the door.
- Clean and leakproof, with absorbent bedding that is safe for your pet.
- No wheels (take them off), no broken parts, sharp edges or makeshift fixes.
- No soft, wire, mesh, cardboard, wicker or folding crates, and no crate covers.
- "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch high, arrows showing which way is up, and the name, address and 24-hour phone number of the sender and the person collecting.
- The flight numbers marked on the crate.
Size on the plane
Alaska lists all five sizes, 100 series to 500 series, for its Boeing 737, Embraer E175 and Airbus A321 aircraft. Flights between the Hawaiian islands take crates up to the 400 series only, and nothing over 28 inches high. A crate bigger than the 500 series needs a special check with the airline.
Weight and age
Pet and crate together up to 150 lb. Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned. One dog or cat 6 months or older per crate.
Last checked against the official pages on October 6, 2026.
Airlines and states change their rules. Always check the official page before you book.
Cabin carriers and cargo crates are not the same
Many "flight approved pet carriers" are soft bags made for the cabin. They fit under the seat in front of you, and only small cats and dogs can use them. On Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines the cabin carrier must be soft-sided and up to 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches. Hard-sided kennels are not allowed in the cabin.
The hold is different. A pet flying on its own as cargo, or checked on your flight, must travel in a rigid airline crate that meets the rules above.
We do not sell soft cabin carriers. If you are flying with a small pet in the cabin, see the Alaska Airlines pet policy or the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy.
Airline crates: questions
What is an airline approved dog crate?
What size crate does my dog need to fly?
What is the biggest crate Alaska Airlines takes?
Can I use a soft carrier on the plane?
Do you rent crates?
Can two pets share a crate?
Want us to handle the crate?
We size it from your pet's measurements and weight, supply it ready to fly, and book the flight too. The crate is added to your quote if you need one.