Not every airline operates out of glassy terminals with latte machines and moving walkways. Bering Air is different. Bush planes. Weather that changes its mind hourly. Runways that look more like gravel driveways. And yes—pets fly on these planes. All the time. The Bering Air Pet Policy exists for real-life Alaska, not brochure travel.
That difference matters.

Flying with animals across western Alaska isn’t a novelty—it’s normal life. Sled dogs, house cats, working animals, rescues heading to Anchorage, puppies going to villages that don’t have a vet within 400 miles. This policy reflects that reality. Sometimes clean, sometimes messy, always practical.

About Bering Air (Context Matters Here)

Bering Air is a regional airline based in Nome, Alaska, serving dozens of remote communities across western Alaska. Flights operate using small aircraft like the Cessna Caravan and Beechcraft 1900. No wide-body cabins. No under-seat storage tricks. No pretending pets are handbags.

That’s why the Bering Air Pet Policy looks different from major airlines. Pets typically travel as manifest cargo or excess baggage, not as in-cabin companions. It’s not cold-hearted—it’s logistical reality.

Does Bering Air Allow Pets?

Yes. Bering Air allows pets on most routes, but with conditions that depend on aircraft type, weather, and weight limits. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Flexibility exists—but it cuts both ways. Pets are usually transported in the aircraft’s cargo area, which is pressurized and temperature-controlled on most flights. However, extreme weather or aircraft limitations may affect acceptance.

In-Cabin Pet Travel: Rare, Not Typical

In-cabin pet travel is generally not offered under the Bering Air Pet Policy. Cabins are small. Space is tight. Safety comes first. Occasionally, very small animals may be allowed in the cabin at the crew’s discretion, but this is the exception—not the rule. Assumptions here cause missed flights. Always confirm in advance.

How Pets Travel on Bering Air

Most pets fly as:

• Manifest cargo
• Excess baggage (on the same flight as the owner)

Cargo doesn’t mean careless. Animals are secured in approved kennels and handled by staff who see pets daily, not once a year. Still—this is bush flying. Expect a more hands-on, practical process.

Approved Pet Types

The Bering Air Pet Policy primarily supports common domestic animals.

• Dogs
• Cats
• Occasionally other small household animals (approval required)

Livestock, wildlife, or exotic animals require special arrangements and are not routinely accepted.

Pet Kennel Requirements

Kennels matter. A lot. Improper crates are the fastest way to derail travel plans.

Accepted kennels must:

• Be airline-approved and sturdy
• Allow the animal to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
• Have proper ventilation on multiple sides
• Include a secure, locking door
• Be clearly labeled with owner contact information

Soft-sided carriers are typically not accepted for cargo transport. Hard-shell crates are the standard.

Weather Restrictions (This Is Alaska)

Weather plays a major role in the Bering Air Pet Policy. Extreme cold or heat can delay or cancel pet transport, even when human passengers are allowed to fly. If temperatures fall outside safe ranges, pets may be refused travel for their own safety. It’s frustrating. It’s also necessary.

Breed Restrictions

Bering Air may restrict transport of brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, especially during temperature extremes.

Commonly affected breeds include:

• Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Persian cats
• Boston Terriers

Approval is evaluated case by case. Advance notice is critical.

Pet Fees on Bering Air

Pet fees vary based on:

• Route
• Animal size and weight
• Kennel dimensions
• Whether the pet travels as cargo or excess baggage

There is no flat nationwide fee structure. Charges are typically calculated at the time of booking or cargo drop-off. Expect fees to be higher for larger animals or longer routes.

Booking a Flight With a Pet

Online booking alone isn’t enough. Pets must be declared in advance—ideally when the ticket is purchased. Contacting Bering Air directly is strongly recommended. Staff will confirm aircraft type, space availability, and weather considerations.

Check-In Process for Pets

Arrive early. Earlier than feels reasonable.

Pet check-in involves:

• Paperwork verification
• Kennel inspection
• Weight and size confirmation

Late arrivals risk missing the flight, even if the owner boards successfully.

Health Certificates and Documentation

Health documentation may be required, especially for inter-community or Anchorage-bound travel.

Typical requirements include:

• Recent health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
• Vaccination records (rabies, where applicable)

Some remote villages have limited veterinary access, so advance planning is essential.

Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals

Service animals required for disability-related assistance are generally accommodated, subject to aircraft size and safety constraints. Emotional support animals do not receive special in-cabin privileges under the Bering Air Pet Policy. They are treated as standard pets for transport purposes.

Unaccompanied Pets

Bering Air does transport unaccompanied pets, commonly used by:

• Rescue organizations
• Breeders
• Families relocating animals between villages

Arrangements must be made in advance, and cargo procedures apply.

Tips for Flying With Pets on Bering Air

• Confirm everything by phone—details change fast
• Label kennels clearly and redundantly
• Avoid sedating pets unless directed by a veterinarian
• Prepare for delays due to weather
• Use absorbent bedding inside kennels

What Makes the Bering Air Pet Policy Different

This policy isn’t polished for marketing. It’s built for necessity. Pets aren’t accessories here—they’re family members, working partners, sometimes lifelines. That reality shapes every rule, every fee, every decision.

Final Thoughts

The Bering Air Pet Policy reflects Alaska as it actually is—unpredictable, practical, occasionally inconvenient, but deeply rooted in community needs. Flying with pets on Bering Air requires preparation, patience, and flexibility. Those who understand that usually arrive just fine.