Pet in cabin = no upgrade
Dec 6, 18, 9:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: All over
Programs: MR, HH, DL, ALK
Posts: 129
Pet in cabin = no upgrade
I'm sure there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but have you noticed that having a pet in cabin notation on your reservation means your name never actually gets to the upgrade waitlist (even though you are "upgrade waitlisted")? That means that you get skipped over by literally everyone else whose name actually makes it to the waitlist itself. It's a thing as confirmed this past weekend on a trip. The pet in cabin notation prevented both the outbound and return flights (MR-style to pick up a new kitten) from upgrading. Thankfully, AS employees are excellent as always and went ahead and upgraded me as my place on the waitlist had been skipped over.
Have you experienced this?
Have you experienced this?
Dec 7, 18, 12:06 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: OR,ID
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 211
I want to clarify, skipped on the leg to get the animal as well?
I have a flight in mid January to take a dog and will not have the animal on the way back. I will keep my eye on the upgrade list
I have a flight in mid January to take a dog and will not have the animal on the way back. I will keep my eye on the upgrade list
Dec 7, 18, 12:12 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, Marriott, Hyatt, TR Seven Stars
Posts: 1,226
I love cats, so that's awesome, but no, I've never traveled with a pet and have never heard of this glitch. I'd be curious to hear if others have experienced this.
Dec 7, 18, 12:15 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ANC, MRI
Programs: AS MVP Gold75K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott LTG, SPG Gold, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 40,769
There is only 1 pet allowed in First, and IIRC 5 in the main cabin.
None are allowed in First on the Airbus series (no underseat storage)
This restriction does not apply to service animals.
Not surprised about this restriction.
A few helpful AS links:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...rst-class-care
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ing-with-pets/
None are allowed in First on the Airbus series (no underseat storage)
This restriction does not apply to service animals.
Not surprised about this restriction.
A few helpful AS links:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...rst-class-care
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ing-with-pets/
Dec 7, 18, 12:42 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
I am fine with this. I already do not agree that pets should be on planes but I do understand their is an apparent need. I would like to see more of a registration policy for pets with some sort of medical process resulting in a doctors note for the requirement of a pet. There are just too many people taking advantage of it and in a closed system I don't want to deal with pets.
So, if I was in an upgraded seat and someone was upgraded next to me along with their pet, I'd be miffed.
Yeah, I get it, I am heartless.
So, if I was in an upgraded seat and someone was upgraded next to me along with their pet, I'd be miffed.
Yeah, I get it, I am heartless.
Dec 7, 18, 9:19 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 441
They may have instituted it to prevent upgrades w/ pets in Airbus cabins due to the lack of underseat stowage as noted above. When I travel with my dog, I usually ensure I'm confirmed in first (furst?) to ensure we have a bit more room and so there are less people around to make it more comfortable for all. Glad you were able to get the upgrade without the pet!
Dec 7, 18, 10:22 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by beckoa
There is only 1 pet allowed in First, and IIRC 5 in the main cabin.
None are allowed in First on the Airbus series (no underseat storage)
This restriction does not apply to service animals.
Not surprised about this restriction.
A few helpful AS links:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...rst-class-care
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ing-with-pets/
None are allowed in First on the Airbus series (no underseat storage)
This restriction does not apply to service animals.
Not surprised about this restriction.
A few helpful AS links:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...rst-class-care
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ing-with-pets/
Last edited by agurg; Dec 7, 18 at 10:27 am
Dec 7, 18, 11:31 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 179
Originally Posted by agurg
I saw three dogs in the First Class bulk head. All medium size pets and would not fit on the lap even if they tryied. However, that was a SkyWest or Horizon flight from MSP to PDX. There are website which will issue a physician certified certificates in 12 hours. I am conflicted as do understand for the need of emotional support animal. However, if you have a pet allergy and sitting next or near an animal then you the passenger will be bumped and the pet will fly. This was confirmed by a supervisor at Alaska Air.
Dec 7, 18, 11:40 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: EUG/PDX
Programs: AS MVP Au, UA Ag, HH Dia, Marriott safety glasses, IHG, Nexus, *$ Au
Posts: 3,641
There are at least three different classifications for animals in the cabin: pets (limited to one carrier per First Class cabin & must be confined to their carrier during flight), emotional support animals (limited to one per person), and service animals. AS has different restrictions and requirements for each category.
Dec 7, 18, 12:37 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 2,695
Originally Posted by Seattlite
I'm sure there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but have you noticed that having a pet in cabin notation on your reservation means your name never actually gets to the upgrade waitlist (even though you are "upgrade waitlisted")? That means that you get skipped over by literally everyone else whose name actually makes it to the waitlist itself. It's a thing as confirmed this past weekend on a trip. The pet in cabin notation prevented both the outbound and return flights (MR-style to pick up a new kitten) from upgrading. Thankfully, AS employees are excellent as always and went ahead and upgraded me as my place on the waitlist had been skipped over.
Have you experienced this?
Have you experienced this?
Dec 7, 18, 6:51 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Houston
Programs: UA 1K and Million Miler, *A Gold Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hertz Five Star,
Posts: 560
Originally Posted by JacksonFlyer
Wow....3 medium sized dogs at the bulkhead in first on a E-175? That would have been something to see (particularly if it was 1A). 3 dogs, two people, how many support animals can one bring? I would be interested in what policy was being enforced on that flight as it appears Alaska's policy as stated above makes it clear.
Dec 8, 18, 12:30 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New York
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PP, UA Plat 2MM, LHW Leaders Club, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 1,079
Originally Posted by TheotherJames
I am fine with this. I already do not agree that pets should be on planes but I do understand their is an apparent need. I would like to see more of a registration policy for pets with some sort of medical process resulting in a doctors note for the requirement of a pet. There are just too many people taking advantage of it and in a closed system I don't want to deal with pets.
So, if I was in an upgraded seat and someone was upgraded next to me along with their pet, I'd be miffed.
Yeah, I get it, I am heartless.
So, if I was in an upgraded seat and someone was upgraded next to me along with their pet, I'd be miffed.
Yeah, I get it, I am heartless.
Dec 8, 18, 2:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 111
From May this year. My seat neighbor had a couple of large dogs with her. A warm wet nose on my elbow. Good thing I like dogs. 
At least the dogs were sweet and well behaved.
At least the dogs were sweet and well behaved.
Dec 9, 18, 12:30 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
I usually find that I am more annoyed at the human than the dogs....I like dogs and cats and if they are next to me, I'm playin with them...… however, they should be in the hold, not in the cabin. They literally name a bus GreyHOUND so go that route.
Dec 9, 18, 3:33 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by JacksonFlyer
Wow....3 medium sized dogs at the bulkhead in first on a E-175? That would have been something to see (particularly if it was 1A). 3 dogs, two people, how many support animals can one bring? I would be interested in what policy was being enforced on that flight as it appears Alaska's policy as stated above makes it clear.
