Alaska Airlines Baggage Rules - Carry-on, Checked, Fees

Every traveler flying with Alaska Airlines wonders what they can bring on board and check at the airport without paying extra fees. Knowing Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy well is helpful because it saves passengers money and time. Plus, it makes traveling with Alaska Airlines smooth and trouble-free.

Alaska Airlines Carry-on luggage Policy:

While traveling with us, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag in addition to one personal item, such as a briefcase, purse, or laptop. You can read the Alaska Airlines carry on baggage rules below:

• The carry-on bag size limit for flights has changed to 22'' x 14'' x 9'' - these dimensions include the wheels and handles. Make sure to measure your bag accurately before your flight.
• You are permitted to bring one piece of carry-on luggage along with one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag. To help make the boarding process as smooth as possible for everyone, make sure that your items are within the size limits described below, so they will fit into the overhead bin.
• One small personal item such as a purse, laptop bag or briefcase and medically necessary items will be allowed on board.
• You can bring one piece of carry-on luggage at no additional cost, provided it adheres to the size restrictions of Alaska Airlines baggage dimension of 22" x 14" x 9" or 45 linear inches, including wheels and handle.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Alaska Airlines applies a fee of $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second checked bag. The Alaska Airlines baggage weight limit for checked baggage is 50 lbs, and the maximum dimension allowed is 62 inches (linear). If you wish to bring a third bag, each additional bag will incur a charge of $150 on Alaska Airlines flights. It is important to adhere to regulations to avoid any inconvenience and ensure a smooth travel experience with the airline.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees

Fees listed are for one-way travel	Checked bag #3	Checked bag #2	Checked bag #1	Carry-on allowance	Overweight bag (51-100 lb)	Checked bags #4 +	Oversize bag 80-115" (linear)	Oversize bag 63-80" (linear)
Standard fee	$150	$40	$30	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
Club 49™ member	$150	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
MVP and MVP Gold level Mileage Plan™	$150	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K level Mileage Plan™	Free	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
oneworld® Ruby and Sapphire members	$150	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
oneworld® Emerald members	Free	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
Eligible Alaska Airlines credit card holders	$150	$40	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
Passengers confirmed in First Class at the time of check-in	$150	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
Passengers traveling wholly in the state of Alaska	Free	Free	Free	Free	$100/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag	$150/bag
Active duty US military	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free up to 70 lb, then $100	Free up to 5, then $150	No additional charge	No additional charge
US military dependents on travel orders	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free up to 70 lb, then $100	Free up to 5, then $150	No additional charge	No additional charge

Alaska Airlines makes it easy for you to understand their baggage rules, so you won't have trouble knowing what applies to your upcoming trip. Just remember, when you book with Alaska Airlines, the number of checked bags you can bring might change based on the ticket you buy. 

Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on?

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring one standard carry-on bag and one personal item for free, regardless of their ticket type. The personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front, like a purse or small bag, but there are no specific size rules. The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, including any wheels, handles, or other attachments. If a carry-on bag is larger than these measurements, it must be checked instead. Diaper bags are also counted as part of the carry-on allowance. Additionally, passengers traveling with a child can check a car seat and/or stroller for free either at the gate or during check-in.

How much does it cost for checked baggage?

Alaska Airlines offers free checked baggage with many of its fares, except for domestic Economy or Main fares. When purchasing First Class tickets for travel within the United States, customers can check two bags for free, with a $100 fee for each additional bag beyond the second. For flights to Alaska, First Class customers can check three bags for free, with the same $100 fee for each additional bag beyond the third. For domestic Economy fares, customers must pay $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, and $100 for each additional bag. Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches. A $100 fee applies if a bag exceeds 50 pounds but is less than 100 pounds. Additional fees are charged for oversized and overweight bags, with a $100 fee for bags measuring between 63 and 115 linear inches.

Alaska Airlines Extra Baggage Charges:

If you choose to purchase Alaska Airlines' excess baggage allowance through their website, you'll receive an extra 20% discount on baggage fees. The charges for excess baggage vary depending on the destination and origin, but there are some standard rates to follow. Simply follow the instructions provided below for the Alaska Airlines baggage fee.

• Excess baggage charges vary depending on the destination and origin, but there are some standard rates to follow.
• For domestic and European flights, the baggage fee is $85 USD or 70 euros.
• For intercontinental flights, the baggage fee is $105 USD or 90 euros.
• First checked baggage fee is approximately $30 USD, and the second checked baggage fee is $40 USD.
• For additional baggage weight exceeding 24 to 46 KG, passengers must pay $100 USD.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fee Refund

In general, Alaska Airlines does not refund the baggage fee once they have been paid by the passengers. But there are a few exceptions such as:

• Unused Checked Bags: If you have used a checked baggage allowance but did not use it then you are eligible for the refund.
• Damaged or Delayed Bags: If your checked bag is damaged or delayed by the airline, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the baggage fee.
• Military personnel: If you’re active duty military and your orders are changed or canceled, you may be able to get a refund for any baggage fees you paid.

How to complain about Alaska Airlines lost baggage?

Alaska Airlines understands that despite meticulous efforts, there are instances where baggage may experience delays or damage. If you find yourself facing any issues with checked baggage or if you realize that you have left something on board your flight, please don't hesitate to reach out.

• Fill out an Alaska airlines lost baggage report using the provided button if you have left an item onboard.
• Provide accurate and detailed descriptions to increase the chances of retrieval.
• File your report within 14 days of the loss for optimal recovery possibilities.
• Upon submission, receive a confirmation email with a unique lost report ID number.
• Update your report within two weeks of filing it.
• The airline will conduct a thorough search for approximately 30 days after receiving your report.
• If the airline finds an item matching your description, they will contact you for verification and arrange delivery.

Please ensure that you report any issues with your baggage. The airline requires a formal report on file to provide compensation for damaged or missing items. Hold onto your ticket receipts and baggage claim checks securely until your case is resolved.

How do I report damaged luggage to Alaska Airlines?

If your bag is damaged, please inform an agent immediately after retrieving it from the baggage carousel.

• For all other issues, kindly make a visit to the baggage service office at your destination airport within 24 hours to file a report in person.
• Then, you will receive a confirmation email containing your File ID.
• You have the option to inquire about the status of your report by reaching out to the baggage office at the airport where you submitted your report or by accessing the baggage tracing portal with your File ID.

Most bags are typically located within 48 hours. Once found, the airline will arrange for the delivery of your recovered bags to your home or hotel, unless you checked your baggage in late or opted for a different flight than the one your bags were originally tagged for.

Does Alaska Airlines reimburse for damaged baggage?

Yes, if your luggage goes missing, you can seek reimbursement for essential travel items by contacting the airport baggage service office where you reported the issue. If your bag is still not located after five days, your report will be transferred to Alaska's Central Baggage Service office, which will conduct a comprehensive search across airlines globally. You will receive a statement of mishandling form via email within one week from the Central Baggage Service office.

How do I get my Alaska Airlines baggage fee waived?

Fortunately, there are several ways to evade Alaska Airlines baggage fees, even if you plan to bring checked luggage on your upcoming flight.

Elite status benefits: All four tiers of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program offer checked bag perks. MVP and MVP Gold members receive complimentary first and second checked bags for themselves and up to eight companions on the same booking. MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members enjoy a free first, second, and third checked bag for themselves and their travel companions.

Oneworld alliance membership: Oneworld Ruby and Sapphire members receive a free first checked bag, while Oneworld Emerald members get a free first and second checked bag on all Alaska-operated flights.

Credit card perks: Alaska Airlines offers several credit cards with baggage fee waiver benefits. For instance, the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card provides the primary cardholder and up to six companions with a free first checked bag on Alaska-operated flights.

First class travel: Passengers flying in first class on any Alaska Airlines-operated flight can bring up to two checked bags without additional fees.

Alaska Airlines sports equipment checked equipment:

Traveling to Alaska and need to bring sports equipment? You are in luck with Alaska Airlines. They waive oversized or overweight baggage fees for various types of sports gear including archery equipment, bicycles, boogie boards, bowling gear, fishing gear, golf clubs, hockey gear, lacrosse gear, kayaks, kiteboarding gear, pole vaults, scuba gear, skateboards, paddleboards, snowboards, skis, surfboards, and windsurfing gear. For certain items like fishing gear, hockey gear, lacrosse gear, kiteboarding gear, pole vaults, scuba gear, skis, snowboards, surfboards, paddleboards, and windsurfing gear, you can check multiple pieces as one checked bag. This means you'll only need to pay the standard baggage fees of $30 for your first bag and $40 for your second bag. However, if you have found one of the five ways to avoid baggage fees altogether, you won't have to pay anything. Camping equipment and empty fuel containers are allowed as long as they are completely dry. Remember, fuel cannot be transported on Alaska Airlines flights.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy for Firearms

Firearms can be transported as checked baggage, but only individuals aged 18 years or older are permitted to do so, and they must declare the firearms during baggage check. At check-in, one shotgun case, one rifle case, or one pistol case can be checked with no restriction on the number of firearms per case. All firearms must be unloaded and placed in a securely locked, hard-sided container. Some cases may require multiple locks, which only the passenger can access. No other hazardous items, such as loose ammunition, flammable liquids, black powder, primers, or bear spray, are allowed in the containers. Ammunition must also be securely packed and checked.

FAQs about Alaska Airlines Baggage Rules

Q1. Does Alaska Airlines charge for baggage?

Alaska Airlines permits passengers to bring a carry-on bag at no additional cost, regardless of the fare type. The standard charges for checked bags are $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, and $100 for the third bag.

Q2. Does Alaska Premium Class include baggage?

If you upgrade your ticket to the premium cabin, your first two bags will be checked for free. However, the standard baggage fee of $100 applies to the third bag. It is important to note that Alaska requires you to upgrade to First Class before your baggage is accepted in order to receive the fee waiver.

Q3. How to track baggage on Alaska Airlines app?

To track your baggage with the Alaska Airlines app, just open the app and log in. Then, find your upcoming flight in the "My Trips" or "Manage Trips" section. Click on your flight and look for the baggage tracking option. Follow the steps to see where your baggage is. If you need assistance, you can contact Alaska Airlines customer service through the app.

Q4. Does Alaska Airlines give military free baggage?

For active duty US military personnel and their dependents traveling with official travel orders, Alaska Airlines will check their first five bags for free.

Q5. Does Alaska First Class include baggage?

First-class tickets on Alaska Airlines come with the benefit of two complimentary checked bags, along with the allowance of one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag. Additional charges may apply for checked luggage exceeding 50 pounds or 62 linear inches in size.

Q6. How do I add baggage to my Alaska Airlines flight?

To add baggage to your Alaska Airlines flight, you can do so through the airline website or mobile app by accessing your reservation. Alternatively, you can contact Alaska Airlines customer service or visit their ticket counter at the airport to add baggage to your booking.