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Alaska Airlines Gate Dispute Over Two Cats in One Carrier Goes Viral

The airline has not explained a gate decision that conflicts with its posted pet-in-cabin rule allowing two similar-sized animals in one carrier.

Overview

  • Alexandra Compton was stopped on December 21 in Las Vegas while trying to fly to Portland with two cats, Phoenix and Blaze, in a single carrier.
  • Video of the confrontation spread widely as Compton argued that she had flown with both cats the same way before.
  • Gate staff told her to buy a second carrier and an additional seat or she could not board, leading her to rebook onto a later flight roughly three hours afterward.
  • Compton says the changes cost about $400 and that the cats went without a litter box for 13 hours, which she called abusive.
  • Alaska Airlines’ website states two similar-sized pets may ride in one carrier if they are not in distress, and the airline declined to comment when contacted by reporters.