congrats on the new addition. i say go out on pick him/her up. great bonding time for you.

alaska airlines is great with flying animals! wheni had to fly my two up here from phoenix the were so nice about it. we were delayed and they even put my two in the boss's office with air con and walked them for me. you get a little ticket that says Don't worry I'm on board. when they put them on the aircraft. bad news, don't think AK Airlines flies out that way from you.

i know its never racking traveling with pets. if you could get the puppy on as a dog in training that would be great, otherwise just stay on top of where the puppy is at all times. that's what i did when i flew with mine. the airline was really nice about it. i heard the same thing about delta or northwest flying dogs around.

good luck.