Important Pet Travel Update: Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines Change Pet Connect Breed Policies

By: Bridget Monrad, R.N. | Sep 11, 2026

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If you travel with pets by air, this is important news!

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have been making major changes as their airlines continue to integrate, and now there are some significant updates to their Pet Connect cargo travel policies that every pet parent should know before booking pet air travel.

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air will implement new breed restrictions for certain brachycephalic (short-nosed or snub-nosed) dogs and cats traveling in the cargo hold.

At the same time, there is some very exciting news for families who have previously struggled to find an airline that will transport certain breeds!

Which Dog Breeds Can No Longer Fly as Cargo?

According to the updated Pet Connect policy, the following brachycephalic dog breeds will no longer be accepted for cargo travel beginning October 1, 2026:

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Chow Chow
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Pekingese
• Pug (all breeds)
• Shih Tzu

The restriction also includes certain brachycephalic cat breeds:

• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian

These restrictions apply to both purebred and mixed-breed animals when the restricted breed is identified on the pet's health certificate or shows physical characteristics of a restricted breed. Alaska Airlines has stated that exceptions cannot be made due to the potential health risks associated with air travel for these breeds.

What Does This Mean for Pet Parents Traveling to Hawaii?

For families traveling to Hawaii from areas outside of Southern California, these changes may make pet travel to Hawaii more complicated—especially when traveling with one of the affected breeds.

For example, a French Bulldog or English Bulldog traveling from the East Coast or another part of the country will no longer be able to simply connect through another airport and continue by air in the cargo hold.

This is where Happy Tails Travel's By Ground Safe and Sound program becomes even more valuable.

With the new restrictions, Los Angeles (LAX) becomes an important departure point for affected breeds traveling to Hawaii, meaning pet parents who live farther away may need a safe and reliable way to get their pets to Los Angeles before their flight.

Our By Ground Safe and Sound service can provide that connection—transporting your pet over long distances to or from the airport so they can continue their journey by air.

For affected breeds traveling to Hawaii, the journey may also involve a connection through Honolulu before continuing to a neighbor island. While this may add some time to the trip, it doesn't mean your pet can't get where they need to go.

It simply means their pet travel plan may look a little different.

The Exciting News: Pit Bulls Can Fly!

Effective October 1, 2026, Pit Bulls (all breeds), Staffordshire Terriers, and Bull Terriers have been removed from Alaska Airlines' restricted breed list.

That means these breeds can now be booked as cargo on any Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air flights.

For years, many families with Pit Bull-type dogs have had extremely limited options when it comes to flying with their dogs. This policy change opens the door to new possibilities for dog air travel and domestic pet transportation.

For Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, and Bull Terrier owners, this is huge news!

What About Pets Traveling in the Cabin?

It's important to understand that these new restrictions apply specifically to animals traveling in the cargo hold.

According to the Pet Connect notice, passengers traveling with pets in the cabin may continue to do so as long as all applicable airline pet and kennel requirements are met.

So, if you're planning to fly with your pet, don't assume that a cargo restriction automatically means your pet cannot travel by air at all. The best option depends on your pet, their breed and size, your itinerary, and the airline's current requirements.

Planning Pet Travel? Let Us Help!

Airline pet policies can be confusing—and they can change!

Breed restrictions, cargo requirements, kennel requirements, temperatures, flight schedules, connections, Hawaii's pet entry requirements, and ground transportation can all affect how your pet gets from one location to another.

At Happy Tails Travel, we've been helping families safely coordinate pet travel By Air With Care and By Ground Safe and Sound for more than 30 years.

Whether your pet needs to fly as cargo, travel in the cabin, or requires ground transportation to or from an airport, our Pet Travel Specialists can help you determine the best travel plan for your individual pet.

Have questions about pet travel, pets by air, dogs by air, pet travel to Hawaii, or the new Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines breed restrictions?

Give us a call at 1-800-323-1718 or submit our Pet Travel Form to get started.

We can't wait to help get your furry family member where they need to go—with care, safe and sound!