Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees & Baggage Allowance

• Alaska Airlines is one of the major U.S. airlines, serving over 120 destinations across North America. Like most airlines, Alaska has a baggage policy that determines how many bags you can check, the size and weight limits, fees for extra or oversized luggage, and regulations for carry-on bags. Understanding Alaska's baggage allowances and restrictions can help you avoid surprises at the airport.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

• Understanding an airline's baggage policies is crucial to avoid fees and hassles when traveling. Alaska Airlines has specific baggage allowances, restrictions, and fees that all passengers should know before flying.

• This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about  Alaska Airlines Baggage carry-ons, checked bags, oversized/overweight luggage, sporting equipment, musical instruments, banned items, and liability limits when checking bags on Alaska Airlines.

Baggage Information

• On Alaska Airlines flights within the U.S., passengers are allowed 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item like a purse or laptop bag. The number of checked bags allowed depends on your ticket type:

• First Class - 2 free checked bags

• Main Cabin - 1 free checked bag

• Basic Economy - 1 checked bag for a fee

• Review Alaska's baggage charts for exact allowances based on your destination and fare class. Basic Economy tickets have very restrictive policies, so traveling light is essential.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Allowance

• Understanding Alaska carry-on baggage policy is crucial to avoid gate-checking fees. Here are the key carry-on size and weight limits:

Alaska Airlines Baggage Allowance—Carry-On Baggage

• Alaska Airlines allows to each passenger one carry-on bag and one personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or briefcase. Here are the maximum carry-on size and weight restrictions:

• 1 carry-on bag - Maximum size 24 x 17 x 10 inches including handles/wheels, maximum weight 25 pounds

• 1 personal item - Maximum size 17 x 13 x 9 inches such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag

• Personal items like small purses, laptop bags, and briefcases must fit completely under the seat in front of you. If your personal item is oversized, it will need to be checked as a carry-on bag.

Carry-On Bag Size

• To ensure your carry-on bag complies with Alaska's 24 x 17 x 10 inch limit:

• Use a tape measure to check length, width, height

• Verify your bag fits easily in Alaska's carry-on size checker at the gate

• Know that overpacked or oversized bags may be gate checked

• How Can I Measure My Carry-On Bag to Make Sure It Fits?

• Follow these steps to accurately measure your carry-on:

• Empty the bag of contents to measure just the bag dimensions

• Lay the bag flat on the floor or table

• Measure the length from side to side

• Measure width from top to bottom

• Measure height from floor to top of bag

• Add up all three dimensions to get total linear inches

• As long as no single dimension exceeds the limits (24x17x10 inches) and the total linear inches is under 45, your carry-on should comply with Alaska's policy. Soft-sided bags may squeeze into size checkers when overpacked but run the risk of being gate checked.

Personal Items Allowed On Board

• In addition to one carry-on luggage and personal item, passengers can usually bring:

• Coat or jacket

• Small camera

• Umbrella

• Reading material

• Infant bag with food/supplies

• Just avoid excessive items that won't fit under the seat or in overhead bins. Overhead space fills up quickly on full flights.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

• On Alaska Airlines flights, passengers are permitted to check one standard piece of luggage free of charge. The exact checked baggage dimensions and weight restrictions depend on your fare class:

• First Class - 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs and 62 inches each

• Main Cabin - 1 free checked bag up to 50 lbs and 62 inches

• Basic Economy - 1 checked bag for a fee up to 50 lbs and 62 inches

• International - 1 or 2 free checked bags with some variations by destination

• For bags weighing 51-100 pounds, Alaska charges an overweight fee. Oversize bags exceeding 62 linear inches also incur oversize fees.

• It's important to note that Basic Economy fares have very restrictive baggage allowances. You are only permitted one carry-on item that must fit under the seat in front of you. No full-size carry-on bags are allowed. This makes traveling very light essential with Alaska's Basic Economy tickets.

Exceptions To Standard Baggage Charges

• Certain travelers qualify for expanded checked baggage allowances:

• Active military - 3 free checked bags up to 70 lbs each

• Dependents of deployed military - 3 free checked bags up to 70 lbs each

• Alaska Airlines elites - Additional free checked bags based on status

• Contact Alaska for full details on waived baggage fees for military and elite status travelers.

Baggage Fee Waivers

• In certain cases, Alaska may waive standard checked bag fees:

• Ticket changes or cancellations

• Itinerary disruptions like misconnected flights

• Delayed bags upon arrival at destination

• Keep baggage claim tickets and receipts when bags are delayed or fees are charged in error for reimbursement.

Oversize or Overweight Baggage

• Exceeding size and weight allowances results in additional fees:

• Overweight bags (51-100 lbs) - $100 overweight fee

• Oversized bags (63-80 inches) - $100 oversize fee

• Extra oversized bags (81-115 inches) - $200 oversize fee

• Avoid surprising fees by weighing and measuring all checked bags at home first. Scale weigh-ins are also available at Alaska counters and kiosks before check-in.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees Carry-on and Checked

• Here is a summary of Alaska Airlines checked baggage fees, gate check, and excess baggage fees:

Alaska Airlines Checked Bags Fees

• First checked bag: Free for First/Main Cabin, $30 for Basic Economy

• Second checked bag: Free for First Class, $30 for Main Cabin

• Third checked bag: $100

• Fourth checked bag: $200

Gate Checked Carry-On Bags

• $30 on Basic Economy tickets (only one underseat personal item allowed free)

• $25 on Main Cabin/First Class tickets

Excess Baggage Fees

• 51-100 lbs (overweight): $100

• 63-80 inches (oversize): $100

• 81-115 inches (extra oversize): $200

• Review Alaska's baggage charts before flying to avoid surprise fees at the airport.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage

• Exceeding Alaska's weight and size allowances results in the following fees:

• Overweight Baggage (51-100 lbs)

• $100 overweight fee per bag

• Bags over 100 pounds will not be accepted. You must redistribute items to get under the 100 lb limit if your bag is rejected for overweight.

• Oversized Baggage

• 63-80 linear inches: $100 oversize fee

• 81-115 linear inches: $200 oversize fee

• Use a tape measure to calculate total linear inches of checked bags. Airlines use length + width + height to determine size fees. Avoid overstuffing bags that exceed maximum dimensions.

How to Pay Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees

• You can pre-pay checked bag fees online when checking in or pay at the airport:

• Online - Add checked bags during online check-in and pay fees with credit/debit card

• Airport kiosk - Choose the option to add bags and pay fees at self-tag kiosk

• Ticket counter - Airline agents can add bags and collect fees at check-in

• Gate checked bags must be paid at the gate by credit/debit card before boarding the plane.

• Travelers enrolled in Alaska Airlines mileage plan can add baggage fees to their account balance. Elites of alaska receive fee waivers or discounts based on status.

Smart Packing Tips to Avoid Fees

• The best way to avoid paying alaska extra checked bag and oversize/overweight baggage fees is to pack intelligently. Follow these carry-on compliant packing tips:

• Stick to carry-on bags only - Limit yourself to one carry-on bag and personal item to avoid all checked bag fees

• Weigh bags at home - Use your own scale to ensure checked bags are under 50 pounds

• Measure dimensions - Use a tape measure to keep bags under 62 linear inches

• Fill dead space - Stuff socks and underwear into shoes, pots and pans, etc.

• Wear bulky items - Wear heavy boots and jackets to reduce weight of packed bags

• Separate liquids - Pack liquids, gels, aerosols in a sealable plastic bag to transfer to a TSA-compliant bag later

• Leave non-essentials - Avoid packing "just in case" items you likely won't need

• Share luggage space - When traveling with others, consolidate items between fewer bags

• Cover luggage - Use a plastic bag or cover to protect checked suitcases from damage

• Following these smart packing tips will help you maximize your carry-on and checked baggage allowances while avoiding costly airline fees.

Alaska Airlines Sporting Equipment Policy

• Alaska Airlines offers guidelines for transporting sports equipment including bikes, surfboards, skis, golf clubs, and more. In most cases, sports gear counts as part of your standard checked allowance.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Rules—Multiple Sporting Equipment Pieces

• 1 item of sporting equipment = 1 checked bag

• 2 items = 2 checked bags

• 3-4 items = 3 checked bags

• As long as equipment is within size and weight limits, regular checked bag fees apply. Certain items like bicycles incur specialty fees.

Alaska Airlines Special Baggage

• Here are size, weight and pricing policies for common sports equipment:

• Bicycles - $50 boxed bike fee, limit one bike per passenger

• Surfboards/wakeboards - $100 each way for boards up to 115 inches

• Skis/Snowboards - Free when within standard baggage limits

• Fishing gear - Standard bag fees apply when packed properly

• Hockey/Lacrosse sticks - Count as one checked bag if under 115 inches

• For specialty sports gear not listed, contact Alaska Airlines for specific policies. Proper packing is required to avoid damage.

Additional Sporting Equipment

• Golf clubs - Must be in covers, standard bag fees apply

• Archery equipment - Limit 2 items per passenger, regular fees apply

• Scuba tanks - Must be empty, count as regular checked bags

• Soft or unprotected equipment may be rejected for safety reasons. Limit quantities of gear to what will fit within your baggage allowance.

CPAP Devices

• Travelers who require CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices for sleep apnea can bring these machines onboard or pack in checked luggage on Alaska Airlines flights. For carry-on CPAPs:

• Remove device from case for screening at security checkpoint

• Bring any liquids (distilled water) in compliance with TSA 3-1-1 liquids rules

• Ensure you have enough battery power for the duration of the flight

• Only use device during flight when seatbelt sign is off

• Checked CPAPs should have all water drained from humidifiers with air filters capped. Always pack these delicate devices securely to prevent damage.

Alaska Airlines Musical Instrument Policy

• Musical instruments like guitars, violins, drums, and brass instruments can be transported as carry-on or checked baggage on Alaska Airlines:

Carry-On Instruments

• Must fit in overhead bin or under seat

• Larger instruments may need to be checked

Checked Instruments

• Standard baggage fees and size limits apply

• Must be packed in hardshell cases

• Subject to oversize fees for extra large items

• Airlines recommend buying an extra seat for large, high-value instruments that exceed carry-on limits. Contact Alaska for specialty musician policies.

Alaska Airlines Banned Items

• While most everyday items can be packed in carry-on or checked bags, some hazardous materials are prohibited by Alaska Airlines, including:

• Compressed gasses - oxygen tanks, propane, spray paint

• Flammable liquids - fuels, solvents, lighter fluid

• Corrosives - car batteries, bleach, drain cleaner

• Explosives - fireworks, flares

• Weapons - firearms, pepper spray, stun guns

• Forbidden items will be confiscated at security checkpoints if found in carry-ons. Packed hazardously in checked luggage, they can also cause fines or even flight cancellations if bags have to be removed.

• Review Alaska's restricted items list before packing. Rules are enforced for safety reasons.

What to Do If Your Baggage is Missing or Damaged on Alaska Airlines

• If your checked bags do not arrive at your destination or are damaged in transit when flying Alaska Airlines, take the following steps:

How to Check the Claim Status of Your Baggage

• File a missing bag report at the airport before leaving baggage claim

• Give the airline your contact information for bag tracking updates

• Check your claim status online using your record locator

• Call Alaska Airlines baggage services if bags remain missing over 24 hours

How to Report Damage to a Bag or Contents

• Notify Alaska Airlines at the airport about any damage before leaving baggage claim

• Ask an agent to document the damage and provide a claim form

• Itemize missing or damaged items on the claim form or online

• Submit expense receipts to Alaska Airlines to get reimbursement

Act quickly to report issues so airlines can locate bags faster and inspect damage right away.

Alaska Airlines' Liability for Lost and Damaged Bags

• Alaska Airlines' liability for reimbursing passengers for lost or damaged checked bags is limited under U.S. domestic transportation rules:

• Up to $3,800 per passenger for lost bags

• Up to $3,800 per passenger for damaged bags

• You can purchase excess valuation coverage when checking bags to increase liability limits. Always remove valuables from checked luggage or pack high-value items in your carry-on bag.

How to Get Reimbursed for Essential Items

• If your checked bag is delayed over 6 hours, Alaska Airlines will reimburse you for reasonable essential item expenses while you wait:

• Save receipts for toiletries, clothing, medications purchased

• Submit expense claim form and receipts to Alaska Airlines

• Reimbursement is limited to $40 per day up to $140 total per delayed bag

• Getting reimbursed for expenses requires submitting detailed, dated receipts proving your costs for replacement items.

Liquids, Creams, Aerosols & Powders

• TSA security rules restrict quantities of liquids, gels, creams, pastes, aerosol sprays, and powders in carry-on bags:

• Must be 3.4 oz size or smaller containers

• All bottles fit together in one quart-sized plastic bag

• Only limit quantities needed onboard are allowed

• Checked bags can contain full-size toiletries in any quantity. Remember to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons to avoid confiscations at airport security.

Frequently Asked Questions on Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

• Review these common questions about Alaska Airlines' baggage policies:

• How many bags can you check on Alaska Airlines?

• Most passengers can check 1 free bag on Main Cabin tickets, 2 free bags on First Class fares, and 1 paid checked bag on Basic Economy tickets. Exceptions exist for elites, active military, and some international routes.

• What is the weight limit for checked bags on Alaska Airlines?

• 50 pounds is the maximum weight per piece of checked luggage. Overweight fees apply between 51-100 pounds. Alaska will not accept bags over 100 lbs.

• What is the size restriction for checked baggage on Alaska Airlines?

• Checked bags can be up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Oversize fees apply from 63-115 inches. Measure and weigh bags at home to avoid excess fees.

• Can you take golf clubs on Alaska Airlines?

• Yes, golf clubs count as standard checked bags as long as they are properly packed in covers. Fees apply if exceeding regular baggage limits.

• What is the Alaska Airlines carry-on baggage size limit?

• Carry-on bags must be 24 x 17 x 10 inches or smaller including handles and wheels. Oversize carry-ons will be gate checked for a fee.

• Can you bring alcohol on an Alaska Airlines flight?

• Yes, passengers 21+ can transport alcohol in carry-on or checked baggage for a fee. Quantities allowed onboard are limited.

• How much does Alaska Airlines charge for pets?

• The pet fee is $100 each way for pets traveling in the cabin. Pets checking as cargo vary by kennel size, typically $100-$200 each way.

• Is there an extra bag fee on Alaska Airlines?

• Yes, additional checked bags beyond the standard allowance incur fees, such as $100 for a third bag or $200 for a fourth bag.

Understanding Alaska's baggage policy details helps ensure you pack compliant luggage to avoid fees and transport all your belongings with ease.

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