Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

The suitcase you packed at home without knowing the Alaska Airlines baggage policy can cost you unexpected charges at the airport. A few extra inches or pounds can make a big difference when you are unaware of the strict baggage rules of the airline. This blog is the right place to be before packing your bags and to stay away from last-minute repacking or unnecessary travel stress that drains your travel budget.
The baggage policy will educate you regarding the size and weight that are accepted for carry-on and checked baggage on Alaska flights. This blog delves into comprehensive details on Alaska Airlines carry-on dimensions, baggage fees, allowances, military baggage rules, and more. If you want to fly smoothly and without any confusion, read the full blog and help yourself with the roadmap to a cost-effective trip.
Wish to understand your fare-specific baggage allowances and fees for Alaska bookings without wasting any time? Dial +1-866-673-8391 to speak with our travel experts today for guidance and travel solutions personalized for your itinerary.

What Does Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy Cover?

Baggage policy includes Alaska Airlines carry-on baggage weight, free carry-on items, standard measurement and checked baggage fees, specific fee waivers and exceptions. Read the details given below to learn about Alaska Airlines baggage rules and guidelines:

• Carry-On: Alaska Airlines permits bringing a carry-on along with a personal item once each for free with any fare type booking. The standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 × 14 × 9 inches, wheels & handles included.
• Free Cabin Allowance: No fixed weight limit is set for the carry-on bags, but they must fit in the overhead bin perfectly, while the personal item must fit completely under the front seat of the traveller (laptop bag, small backpack).
• Checked Baggage: The airline’s standard checked baggage charges and allowances are based on the passenger's fare type and itinerary.
• Standard Measurement: The checked bags must weigh 50 lbs or less, with the maximum accepted dimension measuring 62 linear inches or less (length + width + height).
• Baggage Fees: It charges $45 for the first checked bag of the traveller and $ 55 for the second, on eligible baggage allowance for an individual fare type.
• Special Guarantee: If checked baggage takes more than 20 minutes to arrive at baggage claim after the Alaska flight lands, travellers are eligible to claim a $25 future flight credit or 2,500 bonus miles.
• Waiver Exceptions: US military active-duty personnel and elite status members or credit cardholders are eligible to receive checked bag fee waivers.

How Much Baggage Is Accepted On Alaska Flight?

Alaska Airlines baggage allowance for carry-on remains the same for all fare types and routes, but the checked baggage allowances per ticket may vary depending on their fare classes. Read further to understand what baggage Alaska Airlines customers are allowed to bring:

Free Cabin Baggage

Item Type	Maximum Size	Weight Limit
Carry-On Baggage	22" x 14" x 9" (45 linear inches)	Not Specified (It must fit the overhead bin without any assistance)
Personal Item	Must fit under the front seat of the traveller	Not Specified

Checked Baggage Allowances

Bag Amount	Weight Limit	Size Limit
First Bag	50 lbs (23 kg)	62 linear inches
Second Bag	50 lbs (23 kg)	62 linear inches
Third Bag	50 lbs (23 kg)	62 linear inches

Special And Excess Baggage Allowances

Baggage Type	Weight Limit	Size Limit
Overweight Bag	51–100 lbs	23–45 kg
Oversized Bag	63–115 linear inches	160–292 cm

How Much Is Checked Baggage On Alaska Airlines?

The standard checked baggage on Alaska Airlines might cost you $45 USD for bringing the first bag (Economy fare), $55 USD for the second bag, and for adding a third or more bags, you will be charged $200. Here is a complete breakdown of the checked baggage fees of Alaska Airlines for different cabin types, routes, and bag sizes:

Traveller Type	Carry-On	1st Bag Fee	2nd Bag Fee	3rd Bag Fee	4th Bag Fee
Standard Bag (Economy/Saver)	Free	$45	$55	$200	$200
First Class	Free	Free	Free	$200	$200
Atmos Silver/Gold/Platinum	Free	Free	Free	Free	Varies
Atmos Rewards Visa Cardholders	Free	Free	Standard	Standard	Standard
Hawaii Route	Free	$30	$40	$50	$50
Club 49 Member (To/ From Alaska)	Free	Free	Free	$200	$200
Club 49 Member (Within Alaska)	Free	Free	Free	Free	$200
Active Duty US Military	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free

Free Baggage Allowances

Attributes	Free Allowances
Airline Visa Cardholders	One bag (for cardholder + 6 companions)
First & Business Class	2 bags (up to 70 lbs each)
Active duty Military	5 bags (up to 70 lbs each)

How Much Does An Extra Baggage Cost On Alaska Airlines?

Standard checked baggage on Alaska Airlines costs $45 for adding the first bag, $55 for the extra second bag, and $200 for each additional bag added beyond the free allowances. Adding baggage may also cost you a fee depending on the fare route, like $200 each for the North American flights with Alaska Airlines for adding a third checked bag or more. Here is a quick extra baggage cost applicable on Alaska Airlines depending on the extra checked bags beyond the free bags:

• 1st Checked Bag: $45
• 2nd Checked Bag: $55
• 3rd+ (Extra) Checked Bag: $200 per bag

Note:

The accurate baggage fees are determined by whether you prepay them online or at the airport. All extra bags must weigh under 50 lbs and have maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches.

Oversize And Overweight Baggage Fee

Standard baggage limits accepted on Alaska aircraft are a maximum weight of 50 lbs and dimensions of 62 linear inches maximum. Exceeding these limits results in the following Alaska Airlines oversized baggage or overweight additional charges per bag:

Baggage Type	Size/Weight Limit	Additional Charges
Overweight Bag	51 – 70 lbs	+$100 USD
Overweight Bag	71 – 100 lbs	+$200 USD
Oversize Bag	63 – 115 linear in	+$200 USD

Tip:

Travelling on your Alaska flight with an oversized suitcase or heavier baggage? Call +1-866-673-8391 to connect with our highly qualified travel agent to verify your baggage requirements prior to your flight and get itinerary-specific guidance.

Alaska Airlines Special Baggage And Military Baggage Allowances

Alaska Airlines military baggage policy for active US military members and their dependents: receive fee waivers for bringing baggage up to five checked bags on official orders and up to two checked bags on personal travel with Alaska flight. Special baggage allowances on Alaska Airlines impose specific rules and restrictions on several items that you can read in the details below:

Military Baggage Allowances Official Orders:

Active military members are eligible to check max five bags accompanied by their family members for free of weight up to 70 lbs and dimensions up to 115 linear inches.

Cabin Allowance:

Are eligible to bring standard carry-on and personal item one each fee free for all active-duty passengers and dependent travelling.

Personal Travel:

Active members receive two checked bags for free, with standard measurements up to 70 lbs and 115 linear inches.

Dependents:

Two free checked bags permitted for the accompanying spouses and dependent children travelling on the same reservation, with a max weight accepted is 50 lbs and 62 linear inches of dimensions each free.

Special Baggage Allowances Infant And Child Gear:

Car seats, child restraint systems, or strollers are eligible to be checked at the counter or gate counter for free. Diaper bags and breast pumps are also accepted by the airline for free as extra carry-on items.

Sporting Equipment:

Items such as skis, fishing gear, or golf clubs count as standard checked bags, with oversize fees waived if their weight measures under 100 lbs.

Musical Instruments:

Small musical instruments are permitted in the cabin section, and larger items are eligible to be checked with fees waived for oversized, provided they measure under 100 lbs and 150 linear inches.

Perishables:

Passengers travelling on the Hawaii to continental US route can check one box of pineapples for free.

How To Add Checked Baggage On Alaska Airlines?

You can add bags and prepay for your checked baggage on Alaska Airlines starting 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight using the airline’s official website or mobile app during check-in.

Via Online Portal

• Visit Alaska Airlines' official website or the mobile app.
• Click on the Check-in or Manage section.
• Input the passenger’s last name and 6-digit confirmation number (or log in to the account and choose booking details).
• Proceed to the check-in process until you reach the Baggage section.
• Select the number of bags that require checking online, or that you want to add for each passenger.
• Review the baggage fees shown on the screen that vary for each traveller depending on their route and fare type.
• Enter your payment information and confirm the bags added to the booking.
• Save or print the digital boarding pass. Use this at the airport to print your physical bag tags prior to dropping them off.

At Airport

• Go To Airport: Reach the Alaska Airlines airport and find its Self-Service Kiosk or bag tag station at the terminal gate.
• Scan Your Pass: Scan the baggage QR code on your boarding pass from your mobile or type in your confirmation code.
• Add Your Bags: Choose your payment option to add checked bags by entering the number of pieces, and pay the applicable bag fees using a credit card.
• Print And Tag: Now print your baggage tags from the machine and secure them to the handle of your suitcases.
• Drop Off Your Bags: Carry the tagged bags to a bag drop counter or an automated bag drop to complete the check-in and screening process.

Delayed, Lost, And Damaged Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

Alaska Airlines guarantees your checked bags will reach initially within 20 minutes at the baggage claim after reaching the gate, or you are eligible for a $25 discount code or 2,500 Mileage Plan miles. Alaska Airlines covers up to $3,800 for domestic flights and roughly $1,950 (1,519) for international flights when checked baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged by the airline. To secure reimbursement or compensation, you must follow strict filing deadlines and procedures.

Here is a quick table on deadlines for reporting on your Alaska Airlines baggage issues:

Baggage Issue Type	Domestic Flight Deadline	International Flight Deadline
Lost Bags	Considered lost after 5 days	Considered lost after 21 days
Delayed Bags	Within 24 hours of reaching	Within 21 days of reaching
Damaged Bags	Within 24 hours of reaching	Within 7 days of delivery

Delayed Baggage Policy

• Interim Expenses:

  Alaska Airlines reimburses for baggage damages on reasonable and verifiable essential items (like toiletries) needed while waiting for a delayed bag, provided you submit the itemized receipts.

• Reporting Deadlines:

  Act within 24 hours for domestic flights and for international flights within 21 days for baggage delay.

• 20-Minute Guarantee:

  If your bags do not arrive at the carousel within the initial 20 minutes of flight landing the gate, visit the baggage office within two hours of arrival to claim a $25 discount code or 2,500 Mileage Plan bonus miles.

Lost Baggage Policy

• Compensation Limits:

  Domestic liability accepted by the Alaska flight is of $3,800 per traveller max while international flight rules are imposed by Montreal Convention.

• Deadline:

  A bag is officially declared lost if not found within 5 days of arrival of domestic or within 21 days on international itinerary.

• Exclusions:

  Fragile or expensive personal items like cash, electronics, or jewelry, are generally excluded from standard liability unless excess value was declared prior to flight.

Damaged Baggage Policy

• Reporting Deadline:

  Report bag damage immediately or within 24 hours for domestic flights at the airport the same day and for international itineraries, within a week.

• Coverage:

  The airline is responsible to cover the bag repair or replacement costs for structural damage though any normal wear and tear of the passenger bag is not eligible for compensation.

How To Claim?

For Alaska Airlines baggage claims, you can follow the airport process below to report lost, damaged, or delayed baggage for quick help before leaving the terminal gate after discovering the baggage issue:

• Report Immediately:

  Go to the Alaska Airlines Baggage Service section and approach an Officer in the airport baggage claim.

• Get A PIR:

  Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and keep your file reference number and baggage claim check stub.

• Time Limits:

  Report delayed or missing bags the same day of domestic flight arrival (and within a week on international itinerary). Report damaged bags immediately or within 24 hours of leaving the airport.

• 20-Minute Guarantee:

  If your bag takes longer than 20 minutes to arrive at the carousel, speak to the local team or check options for a $25 travel credit or 2,500 miles.

What Is The Alaska Airlines Baggage Guarantee?

Alaska Airlines baggage guarantee ensures that passengers' checked baggage will arrive at the baggage carousel within 20 minutes of aircraft arrival or after they get off the plane. Read below to learn about the 20-minute baggage guarantee rules and exceptions of Alaska Airlines applicable to its customers' baggage:

Exclusions	The baggage guarantee rule doesn’t apply to international routes requiring customs clearance, flights to/from Dutch Harbor (DUT), or oversized/speciality baggage such as surfboards, golf clubs, firearms, and pets.
Claim Deadline	You must claim your compensation in person at the airport baggage service office within 2 hours of your flight's arrival. There is no online submission form available.
Limit	You are limited to one guarantee payout per passenger, per flight, regardless of how many checked bags you have delayed.
Exceptions	Alaska Airlines reserves the right to suspend the guarantee during severe weather, airport baggage system malfunctions, or other major operational disruptions outside of their control.

Expert Advice: Unsure whether your itinerary qualifies for Alaska's 20-minute baggage guarantee? Dial +1-866-673-8391 to speak with our travel experts to review your flight details and baggage needs before booking to understand fare conditions.

How To Track Baggage On Alaska Airlines?

You can track Alaska Airlines checked baggage status directly using the Alaska Airlines App or by speaking with an airport agent. Follow any of the methods below to track your lost or delayed baggage for an Alaska Airlines booking:

• Open The App:

  Log in to your account using the Alaska Airlines mobile application.

• Open The App:

  Locate your current trip itinerary details.

• Check Status:

  Review the live status updates of your baggage wherever it's scanned to know its location.

Tracking Lost Or Delayed Bags

• File A Claim:

  Use the reference number of your baggage claim to monitor the location and delivery process of your baggage via the international tracking tool.

• Track Online:

  Locate your current trip itinerary details.

• Escalate:

  If your bags remain missing even after 5 days, contact Alaska's Central Baggage office directly.

Expert Tips On Saving Money On Alaska Airlines Baggage

You can follow any of the smart expert strategies below to save money on Alaska Airlines baggage when flying:

• Review Route-Specific Rules:

  Alaska Baggage fees and allowances might vary depending on your destination and itinerary.

• Utilize Carry-On Allowance:

  Make complete use of the free allowance of one carry-on and one personal item, one each, whenever possible to avoid checked-bag fees.

• Weigh At Home:

  Follow the Alaska Airlines standard baggage size and weight limits to avoid overweight or oversized charges.

• Pack Efficiently:

  Combine belongings into fewer bags when possible, but don't make a suitcase overweight.

• Compare Fare Prices:

  Check your fare-specific checked baggage allowances before packing to add only items that are allowed for free.

• Use A Lightweight Suitcase:

  Choose lightweight baggage so more of your weight allowance is available for your belongings.

• Book A Return Trip:

  Leave some extra space for additional purchases and customs shopping so you do not need an additional bag on the way home.

• Wear Bulky Clothing:

  Wear jackets, sweaters, and heavier shoes instead of packing them to create extra space and reduce bag weight.

• Avoid Unnecessary Items:

  Check your baggage before leaving and remove anything you can easily buy or do without at your destination.

• Check Baggage Benefits:

  Eligible Atmos Rewards members, military members, and qualifying credit card holders receive free checked-bag benefits.

• Use Packing Cubes:

  Organize clothes in the packing cubes to utilize the available space and avoid needing an extra suitcase.

As the blog comes to an end, we believe you now know how much Alaska Airlines charges for extra baggage on your fare condition. Not having knowledge of baggage guidelines, allowed dimensions, extra baggage fees, special baggage rules, guarantee baggage rules, and exceptions can get you in trouble during the airport check-in. If you want to skip any extra baggage fees or airport penalties, read the full blog and get expert advice on packing your baggage right. Planning an Alaska Airlines trip without knowledge of baggage costs and guidelines? Speak with our travel team at +1-866-673-8391 before booking the ticket to help you compare flight options and identify potential fees for a more informed travel decision.

Also Read:

Alaska Airlines Flight Change Policy

Alaska Airlines Check-In Policy