Alaska Airlines has declared a temporary suspension of pets on the cargo hold in dozens of U.S. airports because extreme winter temperatures are unsafe conditions to the animals. This is a very delicate action by the airline since dog owners and exhibitors are currently experiencing the 150 th Annul Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. 

Banned Cargo Schedule and Impacted Airports

The pet cargo ban was implemented on January 27, 2026, on the select airports and it will last until February 1 or February 3, depending on the location. The New York JFK, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare are some of the largest airports that have been affected.
On its web site, Alaska Airlines published an official announcement and said:

Extreme cold weather conditions will also not allow animals in the baggage section to board flights coming and going through affected airports.

This move is based on the fear of the safety of pets during loading, unloading, and transportation during unfreezing temperatures despite aircraft cargo holds heating.

Cabin Travel Still an Option

Although pets are not permitted to the cargo section, small animals may still be carried in the cabin, as it is regulated by Alaska Airlines:

• Pets should be able to fit into an official carrier with 17 11 9.5 in size.
• Dogs, cats and domesticated rabbits can be used.
• Animals should be aged 8 weeks and weaned and they should be quiet enough to travel without disturbance.

The passengers are allowed up to two pets per flight, and the second one is placed under the adjacent seat at a fee. The aircraft cabins normally have a maximum of three pets (First Class) and eight in the Main Cabin.

Cargo Policies and Pricing

In case pets that cannot fly in the cabin, the airline usually does not allow the delivery in the cargo department unless the animal is a service animal. Smaller and larger dogs that are service animals are welcome to accompany the passengers but should not take up more than just the seat or footwell space.

Alaska Airlines pays much attention to safety despite the increase in the fee, particularly due to extreme weather conditions. The airline cannot assure that the animals will be safely loaded or unloaded in subzero temperature and this is the main reason why the temporary embargo is provided. 

Influence on the Dog Show participants

Respondents of the posh Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in New York City, January 31 to February 3, 2026, have been frustrated by the timing of the cargo ban. The transport of pet cargo and the delivery of show dogs to the event has been a key factor that allows many of the exhibitors to travel with their dogs safely, and this has caused a ruckus that has compelled some of them to change their travel plans or make other arrangements.

The airline is urging the affected passengers under the embargo to consider the in-cabin pet service whenever possible, or defer the travel until the situation improves.

Complete List of Airports Pet Cargo Embargoed

Various airports in the United States have imposed a pet cargo embargo until the end of January and early February. Major hubs that were impacted are Atlanta (Jan 27-Feb 1), Baltimore, Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Washington Dulles, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, and Indianapolis and the embargo dates are different according to the airport.

Other airports that have been affected are Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St.Paul, Raleigh, Nashville, New York JFK, Newark, Omaha, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Washington national and the embargo periods are between Jan 21 and Feb 3.

The traveling and pet owners are encouraged to make prior plans because these limitations are temporarily ending the shipment of pets in the places.

Why Alaska Airlines Took This Step

In a normal condition, moving pets in cargo holds has become relatively safe, but the extreme cold conditions presently experienced in the U.S. raises some risks especially when handling the pets on the ground. Though cargo holds are regulated by temperature control, dogs and cats can still be subjected to freezing conditions during the loading and offloading process, so the airline has to be wary of it.

This move shows that the Alaska airlines is concerned with animal safety, and responsible travel although it may inconvenience the passengers in the short run. To exhibitors and the owners of pets, this shows the need to ensure that the airline policies and weather advice are checked in advance before flying pets.

Conclusion

The temporary rule of prohibiting pets in cargo aircraft by Alaska Airlines is a proactive action to take to keep animals safe during severe winter conditions. Although this may be inconvenient to others more so those who are competing in dog shows, it demonstrates the responsibility of the airline towards safety. Small pets can also be carried to the cabin by passengers though their pets must meet the airline conditions.

In the case of pet owners, it is essential to always be aware of the property limitations in each airport, and to make preparations in advance in order to have a stress-free and safe trip.