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Viral Alaska Airlines Pet Dispute Exposes Gap Between Policy and Gate Enforcement

The episode underscores confusion over a policy that permits two pets in one carrier only if they can move comfortably.

Overview

  • Video from the Las Vegas airport shows passenger Alexandra Compton arguing with Alaska Airlines staff after being refused boarding with two cats in a single carrier.
  • Gate agents cited insufficient room for the animals, while the airline’s website says two similar-sized pets may share a carrier if no body parts protrude and they are not in distress.
  • Compton says she has flown with both cats in one carrier before and later criticized the airline on social media.
  • She says she was made to leave, then purchased a second carrier and an extra seat, rebooking onto a later flight at an additional cost of about $400.
  • Reporters noted the story’s viral spread during peak holiday travel, and Alaska Airlines did not provide comment when asked.