Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy (2024)

Alaska Airlines is a major American airline that operates primarily in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. If you’re planning to travel with Alaska Airlines, it’s important to understand their baggage policy to avoid any unexpected fees or issues during your trip.

In this post, we’ll provide a detailed guide to Alaska Airlines baggage policy, covering everything from carry-on bags to checked baggage and excess baggage fees. We’ll also look at ways that you can avoid having to pay for fees. We’ll also explore what you need to know when traveling with special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments. It’s rare, but sometimes your bags don’t make it to your destination when you do. We’ll explain what you need to do if that does happen to you.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance and Fees

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on board.

Personal Item

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

It must be no larger than 17 x 11 x 9 inches (43 x 28 x 23 cm).

Examples of personal items include:

• A purse
• Briefcase
• Laptop bag
• Small backpack

Carry-on Bag

The carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin.

It must be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

Extra Free Carry-on Items

In addition to the carry-on bag and personal item, Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring on board certain items that do not count towards their carry-on allowance. These include:

• A jacket or coat
• An umbrella or walking stick.
• A small book or magazine
• A food or drink item purchased after clearing security.

Passengers traveling with infants may also bring on board a car seat or a stroller, which will be checked at the gate before boarding.

Oversized or Overweight Carry-on Bags

If a passenger’s carry-on bag or personal item exceeds the size or weight restrictions, they may be asked to check the bag at the gate or ticket counter. Any bag that is checked at the gate may be subject to additional fees.

Fees for Extra Carry-on Bags

Alaska Airlines does not allow passengers to bring extra carry-on bags beyond the one carry-on bag and one personal item allowance. Any extra bag must be checked and will be subject to checked bag fees.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked Baggage Size Limit

Your standard checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size. You calculate your bag’s size by measuring the outside length, width, and height, and adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, and straps in your measurements.

If your bag is larger than 62 linear inches, it will be subject to an oversized bag fee. Alaska Airlines will not accept oversized bags larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters). Musical instruments and sports equipment are exceptions to this maximum size limit.

Checked Baggage Weight Limit

Your standard checked bag can be up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight. Checked bags heavier than this limit will be subject to an overweight bag fee. Alaska Airlines will not accept overweight checked bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). As with bag sizes, musical instruments and sports equipment are exceptions to the maximum weight limit.

Checked Bag Fees

Alaska Airlines’ checked bag fees are straightforward and follow what the legacy carriers, such as American and Delta, charge.

Your first checked bag will cost you $30, while your second will be $40. As expected, there is a price jump when checking in more than two bags. Alaska Airlines will charge you $100 for each checked bag beyond your first two.

This is cheaper than many other airlines, where you can expect to pay $150 for your third bag, and $200 for each bag beyond three.

Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees

If your checked bag is larger than 63 linear inches but not greater than 115 linear inches, you will be subject to a $100 oversize fee. Alaska Airlines will not accept checked bags larger than 115 linear inches.

If your checked bag weighs greater than 50 pounds but no more than 100 pounds, it will be subject to a $100 oversize fee. Alaska Airlines will not accept checked bags heavier than 100 pounds.

When it comes to these excess bag fees, Alaska Airlines takes a unique approach which is beneficial to travelers (it’s not often that you hear this when it comes to airlines!). If your checked bag is both oversized and overweight, only a single $100 fee applies.

How to Pay for Your Bags

You can prepay for your checked bag fees when you check in online beginning 24 hours before your scheduled flight.

Alternatively, you can wait until you reach the airport to pay for your checked bags. Unlike many other airlines, you won’t have to pay more to check your bags at the airport. You can either pay for your bags at an Alaska Airlines check-in kiosk or at one of their ticket counters.

Checking Your Bags at the Airport

As mentioned earlier, you have the option of checking your bags at a check-in kiosk or at a ticket counter.

Earliest Time That You Can Check-in Your Bags

You can check your bags at the airport up to 4 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.

There are a couple of exceptions though. When leaving Calgary, Alberta, Canada (YYC), you can check your bags up to 2 hours before your flight departs. If you are flying out of Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada (YVR), you can check your bags up to 3 hours before your flight leaves.

Latest Time That You Can Check-in Your Bags

The minimum check-in times when traveling with checked bags depends on your route. If you are flying domestically, you need to check your bags no later than 40 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure.

There are some exceptions though. When departing from the following cities, you will need to check your bags before the following cut-off times.

If you will be traveling internationally, you will need to check your bags no later than 60 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure.

However, there is one exception. If you are flying out of Guadalajara International Airport, Mexico (GDL), you will need to check your bags no later than 90 minutes before your flight.

Alaska Airlines may still accept your bags after these cut-off times, but with caveats. If your checked baggage is delayed when you arrive at your destination, you will be responsible for paying for your bags to be delivered to you. Alternatively, you would need to return to the airport to collect your bags once they do arrive.

Also, checking in by these minimum times does not guarantee that you will be able to make your flight. If the airport is busy, has long security lines, etc., you may need more time to reach your gate in time for your flight’s departure.

Free Checked Bags

In this section, we will examine what types of items you can check for no charge. Also, we will look at ways to avoid having to pay checked bag fees.

Checked Bag Fee Exemptions

The following items can be checked for free. They will not affect your checked baggage allowance.

• Child strollers and car seats: These items can be checked either at the ticket counter or the gate.
• Mobility aids and medical assistive devices: Items such as wheelchairs, crutches, and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) fall into this category. You have the choice of either checking these items at the ticket counter or at the gate.
• Pineapple from Hawaii: Yes, seriously! You can check in one appropriately packaged box of pineapples when traveling domestically and departing from one of the following airports:
  • Honolulu (HNL)
  • Kauai (LIH)
  • Kona (KOA)
  • Maui (OGG)

Free Bags for First Class Travelers

If you happen to be traveling in a first-class cabin, you can check your first 2 bags for free.

Free Bags for Alaska Airlines Credit Card Holders

If you are the primary cardholder of one of the following Alaska Airlines branded credit cards, you’ll be able to check your first bag for free:

• Alaska Airlines Visa cardmembers
• Alaska Airlines Visa Business cardmembers
• Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard cardmembers

Are you traveling with others on the same booking? Up to 6 travel companions in the same reservation can check a bag for free as well.

Free Bags for Mileage Plan Elite Members

Travelers who are members of Alaska Airlines’ frequent-flyer program, Mileage Plan, and have achieved elite status, can enjoy the following checked baggage allowance:

Free Wine Baggage Allowance for Mileage Plan Members

Mileage Plan members traveling domestically can check a properly packaged case of wine at no charge. Please note that alcohol over 70% (140 proof) is prohibited on all flights.

This benefit applies when departing from the following airports:

Free Bags for oneworld Elite Members

Oneworld members who have reached elite status are eligible for the following checked baggage allowance:

Free Bags for Club 49 Members

Club 49 is a free Alaska Airlines program exclusively for Alaskan residents. One of its benefits is that members can check up to 2 bags for free if their itinerary includes at least one Alaskan city. This benefit extends to all the Club 49 members’ travel companions traveling on the same booking.

Free Bags for Travel in Alaska

If your itinerary is solely within Alaska, you can check up to 3 bags for free.

Free Bags for Military Personnel

Active-duty U.S. military personnel with valid ID can check up to 5 bags for free. Each free bag can be up to 115 linear inches in size and 70 pounds in weight, without incurring any excess baggage fees.

Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel with valid ID and travel orders receive the same free checked baggage allowance as the military service member.

Baggage Embargoes

During busy travel seasons, Alaska Airlines imposes checked baggage limits when traveling to or from some cities. Some restrictions are in place all year, while others are seasonal. When an embargo is in effect, you can expect a limit on the number of bags that you can check in. Some cities have an oversize and/or overweight bag restriction as well.

Unless stated otherwise, Alaska Airlines may accept more checked bags if there is sufficient space available in the hold. Alternatively, they will accept extra bags on a standby basis. In this case, the airline will transport your extra bags on the next available flight. The airline would then notify you when your bags arrive at their destination for you to collect.

The following cities are subject to checked baggage embargoes:

Special Baggage

As with standard checked baggage, all your special items that are checked as baggage should be packed in a protective container. Not doing so may lessen Alaska Airline’s liability if your item is damaged during transit, if it is accepted at all.

When measuring your special items, they must include the item and its container.

Musical Instruments

All your musical instruments should be packed in a hard-sided case that provides adequate protection against damage.

Musical Instruments in Carry On Baggage

If you’re traveling with a musical instrument, Alaska Airlines allows you to bring it on board as a carry-on item, as long as it meets the size and weight restrictions.

The musical instrument must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it’s too large to fit in the overhead compartment, it will have to be checked.

Musical Instruments in Checked Baggage

If your encased musical item is within standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches and 50 pounds), it is treated as a standard checked bag, with regards to fees.

The oversize weight allowance depends on the type of aircraft that you will be flying on.

For Alaska Airlines flights 1-1999, your oversized musical instrument can be up to 150 linear inches.

For Alaska Airlines flights 2000-2999 and 3420-3499, your oversized musical instrument can be up to 115 linear inches.

On both flight series, the oversized bag fee is $100.

Sports Equipment

The following list of sports equipment follows standard bag rules and fees. However, oversized and overweight fees are waived.

• Archery
• Bicycles (non-motorized)
• Boogie boards
• Bowling
• Fishing equipment
• Golf clubs
• Hockey equipment
• Kiteboarding equipment
• Lacrosse equipment
• Paddleboards
• Pole vaults
• Scuba equipment
• Skateboards
• Skis
• Snowboards
• Surfboards
• Windsurfing equipment

Kayaks, on the other hand, are subject to oversized and overweight fees.

Restricted Items

Alaska Airlines has some restrictions on certain types of items that can be checked in baggage. These restrictions are in place for safety reasons and to comply with federal regulations. Some of the items that are prohibited or restricted from being checked in baggage include:

• Explosives and flammable materials: fireworks, gunpowder, sparklers, etc.
• Flammable liquids and solids: fuel, paints, self-heating meals, etc.
• Hoverboards and other self-balancing devices
• Lithium batteries (unless installed in electronic devices)

It is recommended to check the Alaska Airlines website for a full list of prohibited and restricted items before packing your checked baggage. Another important resource for restricted and prohibited items can be found on the Transport Security Administration (TSA) website.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

Delayed Baggage

Alaska Airlines defines delayed baggage as baggage that is not delivered to the passenger within 20 minutes of their arrival at their final destination. If your baggage is delayed, the airline has a few steps in place to help you retrieve it as soon as possible.

Step 1: Report the Delay

If your baggage does not arrive on the baggage carousel, head to the Alaska Airlines baggage service office located in the baggage claim area of the airport. You can also report the delay using the airline’s mobile app or by calling their baggage service hotline (1-877-815-8253). Your delayed bag must be reported to the airline within 24 hours of your flight’s arrival.

During the report, the airline representative will ask for your baggage tag information and a description of your bag. The representative will then track your baggage and keep you updated on its location.

Step 2: Get Your Bag Delivered

If your baggage is found, the airline will deliver it to the address you provide. The airline will provide updates on the estimated delivery time, and you may be entitled to compensation for any necessary items purchased during the delay. Remember to keep original receipts for all these incidental purchases.

Step 3: Follow Up

If your baggage is not found within 5 days, the airline will consider it lost. You can file a claim for lost baggage and receive compensation for your lost items.

Damaged Baggage

Alaska Airlines defines damaged baggage as baggage that is damaged in transit. If your baggage is damaged, the airline has a few steps in place to help you file a claim and receive compensation.

Step 1: Report the Damage

If you notice damage to your baggage, report it to the airline’s baggage service office before leaving the airport. This must be done within 24 hours of your flight’s arrival. Take photos of the damage and make sure to keep all baggage tags and receipts.

Step 2: File a Claim

To file a claim, you can either call the airline’s baggage service hotline (1-877-815-8253) or fill out an online form. Make sure to provide all necessary information and documentation, including photos of the damage, baggage tags, and receipts for any necessary repairs.

Step 3: Receive Compensation

If your claim is approved, Alaska Airlines will provide compensation for the cost of repair or replacement of the damaged item. The compensation amount may be subject to limitations and exclusions outlined in the airline’s policy.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy is comparable to most of its competitors. A difference to note is that extra bags beyond the first two cost $100 each, which is less than many airlines. Also, its approach to applying excess baggage fees is unique – only the single highest fee applies.

There are also opportunities to check your bags for free: holding a qualifying credit card, traveling solely within Alaska, Club 49 members with an Alaskan city as part of their itinerary, and more.

A few unique benefits are on offer: Mileage Plan members are able to check in a cask of wine for free, and travelers leaving Hawaii can check in a box of pineapples at no charge.

Alaska Airlines’ website deserves special mention. We have reviewed many airlines’ checked baggage policies in the past. Alaska Airlines’ site stands out as a comprehensive and easily navigated site. Well done to the team that designed the site.

Remember to always check Alaska Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Sources

• Alaska Airlines