Travel light in Alaska!
Find affordable luggage storage near you
Planning your Alaska Airlines journey means understanding baggage costs that increased in early 2024. The Alaska baggage policy charges $35 for your first checked bag and $45 for the second, a $5 increase per bag that took effect January 2, 2024. While these fees place Alaska alongside competitors like American and Delta, the Seattle-based carrier maintains numerous exceptions for elite members, credit cardholders, and premium fare passengers that can eliminate costs entirely.
Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy: Fee Structure
The Alaska Airlines baggage policy implements straightforward pricing for standard economy passengers without status or perks. First checked bags cost $35, second bags run $45, and third or additional bags jump to $150 each.
These rates represent the first increase since 2018, reflecting industry-wide adjustments following years of frozen fees despite inflation. Alaska announced the changes in December 2023, giving passengers advance notice before implementation.
All checked bags must weigh 50 lbs or less and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined). Exceeding either limit triggers additional fees, overweight bags cost $100 for 51-70 lbs or $200 for 71-100 lbs, while oversized bags measuring 63-115 inches incur $150 charges.
Alaska Air Baggage Policy: Who Avoids Fees
The Alaska Air baggage policy preserves free checked bags for specific passenger categories:
| Status/Membership | Free Checked Bags |
|---|---|
| MVP | 1 bag |
| MVP Gold | 2 bags |
| MVP Gold 75K/100K | 3 bags |
| First Class | 2 bags |
| Alaska Visa Cardholder | 1 bag (+ 6 companions) |
| Active Military (orders) | 5 bags (70 lbs each) |
The credit card benefit stands out remarkably, one Alaska Airlines Visa or Visa Business cardholder receives first bag free for themselves plus up to six additional passengers on the same reservation. For families or groups, this single card saves hundreds on round-trip travel.
What Is Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy for Carry-Ons?
What is Alaska Airlines baggage policy regarding cabin luggage? The carrier permits one carry-on bag measuring 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including handles and wheels) plus one personal item for all passengers, no restrictions based on fare type.
This generous allowance applies even to Alaska’s basic economy “Saver” fares, setting the airline apart from competitors who limit overhead bin access on lowest-priced tickets. The Alaska airline carry on size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ accommodates standard rolling bags and most travel backpacks comfortably.
Alaska imposes no weight restrictions on carry-ons, though passengers must lift bags into overhead bins without crew assistance. If unable to lift luggage overhead, consider checking bags or packing lighter alternatives.
Alaska Airlines Personal Item Size
The Alaska Airlines personal item size must fit under the seat ahead of you. While Alaska doesn’t publish exact dimensions, standard laptop bags, purses, briefcases, and small backpacks qualify without issue.
Keep medications, electronics, travel documents, and in-flight essentials in personal items for easy access throughout your journey. These items supplement rather than replace your full-size carry-on allowance.
Alaska Airline Baggage Policy: Special Items
The Alaska Airline baggage policy extends beyond standard luggage to accommodate specific needs. Strollers, car seats, breast pumps, and diaper bags travel free without counting against baggage allowances, a valuable benefit for families with young children.
Sporting equipment like golf clubs, skis, and snowboards count as standard checked bags within size and weight limits. Properly packaged equipment under 100 lbs typically avoids oversized fees, though verify specific requirements before departure.
One quirky exception: passengers flying from Hawaii (Honolulu, Kona, Maui, or Kauai) to mainland destinations can check one box of pineapples free of charge, a nod to Alaska’s strong Pacific route network.
Alaska Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy Details
The Alaska Airlines carry-on baggage policy permits jackets, assistive devices, duty-free purchases, and reading materials beyond standard carry-on and personal item allowances. Small musical instruments meeting carry-on dimensions travel as cabin baggage without additional fees.
Passengers traveling with pets find that approved carriers count as either personal items or carry-on bags, not additional allowances. Plan packing accordingly when bringing pets onboard.
Alaska Baggage Fees: When to Pay Less
Alaska baggage fees vary based on purchase timing. Adding bags during initial booking or through the Alaska mobile app typically costs less than purchasing at airport counters. While specific savings vary, prepaying consistently provides better value than last-minute additions.
Passengers booking flights before January 2, 2024 maintain previous $30/$40 pricing regardless of actual travel dates, Alaska honored legacy rates for existing reservations despite policy changes.
Avoiding Baggage Costs
Strategic travelers minimize expenses through several approaches:
- Obtain an Alaska Airlines Visa card for first bag free (extends to six companions)
- Achieve MVP status through moderate flying frequency
- Pack everything in carry-on dimensions using compression techniques
- Upgrade to First Class when the cost difference approaches checked bag fees
- Travel wholly within Alaska for three free checked bags (all passengers)
The Alaska Visa card frequently offers signup bonuses that offset annual fees, making it worthwhile even for occasional travelers who check bags regularly.
Seasonal Restrictions
Alaska implements seasonal limits on certain routes. From November 15 through March 1, passengers flying to or from Billings and Bozeman face one-bag limits per person. Year-round restrictions apply to remote Alaska destinations, including Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue, King Salmon, Nome, and Kodiak, maximum of two bags per person regardless of status.
Mileage Plan members flying from select airports can bring one case of wine free as checked baggage without it counting against standard allowances, check Alaska’s website for eligible departure cities.
Store Bags Between Flights
Exploring Seattle, Portland, or connecting through Alaska’s West Coast hubs works better without dragging luggage. Radical Storage provides secure locations near major Alaska Airlines airports. Drop bags during layovers or when arriving before hotel check-in for flat daily rates with comprehensive insurance.
Find Radical Storage locations near Alaska hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, one carry-on (22x14x9″) plus one personal item are free on all fares including Saver.
$35 first bag, $45 second bag for passengers without elite status or credit cards.
Yes, first bag free for cardholder plus six companions on the same reservation.
No weight limit exists, but passengers must lift bags overhead unassisted.
Yes, properly packaged golf equipment counts as one checked bag within standard allowances.
Final Words
The Alaska baggage policy balances industry-standard checked bag fees with generous carry-on allowances and numerous free bag opportunities. Elite members, credit cardholders, and premium passengers avoid fees entirely, while strategic packing helps others eliminate checked baggage needs. Understanding these nuances ensures cost-effective travel on Alaska’s extensive network throughout the West Coast, Alaska, and beyond.