Seeking advice as I am in a bit of a bind with a puppy. I had planned to bring her home in the cabin, but she has grown unexpectedly fast (currently 10 weeks old), and I am not so sure it’s a good idea.
She will be 12 weeks old when we leave, and I am flying from Raleigh, NC to Seattle, WA (6 hours) and then to Redmond, OR (1.5 hours). I will be on Alaska Airlines, and I have the option to have her in a carrier in the cabin, or put her in cargo. If I place her in cargo, I will not get to see or check on her during my layover.
She is ~12 lbs right now, but very long/lanky. She is very comfortable in her travel carrier for 30 minute car rides, but it is no longer large enough for her to stand up in.
My only other option is having my partner drive her cross-country, which isn’t ideal but I will gladly do it if it’s the only safe, reasonable option.
Has anyone else put such a young puppy in cargo for so long? Has anyone flown Alaska since Jan 2026 (they’ve updated their policy since then)? Were they strict about keeping your pet in the carrier the whole time?
Edit: Based on feedback, I really don’t think I will go the cargo option and would probably die of worry through the process. Still wondering about whether folks have been able to let their dog out of their carries for short stretches on flights?? Particularly Alaska airlines in the last year?
submitted by /u/zucchinimancini
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