A holiday travel plan turned into a viral spectacle when a woman from Portland, Oregon, erupted at Alaska Airlines staff after they refused to let her board a flight with her two cats in a single carrier just before Christmas.
The Viral Confrontation at the Airport
In a TikTok video posted on December 22, 2025, and widely shared on social media, the traveller, identified as Alexandra Compton, is seen in a heated exchange with airline employees. The clip, which branded her "Two Cat Karen," captures the moment her journey home for the holidays was abruptly halted.
The core of the dispute centred on Alaska Airlines' policy for pets travelling in the cabin. A staff member is heard calmly explaining to Compton that it was a "weight restriction, not a size restriction" for animals under the seat. Compton, however, demanded to see the written policy, challenging the employee to show her where it stated she needed "a certain weight of cat" before she booked her flight.
Policy Details and Heated Exchange
Another staffer presented the airline's guidelines, clarifying that the two cats would not have adequate room for a full range of motion in one carrier and needed to travel separately. Compton dismissed this as "inaccurate" and claimed the information was not available on the airline's website during booking.
The situation escalated when Compton connected the issue to her Christmas plans. "You're telling me I can't go home for Christmas!" she exclaimed after a worker denied that was his intention. She further accused the airline of ruining the holiday, stating, "Your company doesn't decide if my cats are comfortable or not."
Complicating matters, staff revealed that Compton had not actually booked her pets on the reservation. She claimed her mother had attempted to do so but found the website non-user-friendly. Compton also asserted she had travelled for "many years" by simply arriving at the airport, paying a fee, and receiving a ticket for her pet carrier—a process the Alaska employee suggested meant she had her "airlines mixed up," as their fees start at $100.
Resolution and Aftermath
Despite the confrontation, Compton did eventually reach her destination. According to a follow-up Facebook post, she was forced to leave the airport, purchase a second pet carrier, and book a new flight three hours later, requiring a second seat for the additional cat.
In her post, she expressed fury at the airline's handling of the situation, writing, "F*** Alaska Airlines, their 'policies' and lack of customer service. I hope you all get coal for Christmas."
The incident underscores a point of confusion for pet owners. Alaska Airlines' policy does state that "up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier" if they are not in distress. However, the final discretion rests with airline staff, who determined Compton's carrier did not meet the well-being standard for both animals.
The Toronto Sun reached out to Alaska Airlines for comment on the viral incident, which has sparked widespread debate online about pet travel rules and passenger conduct.
