A Guide to Alaska Airlines Baggage and Additional Fees

One of the major airlines, Alaska Airlines, can provide a pleasant experience, but being familiar with their baggage policies and adding additional fees can help eliminate unexpected and unwanted surprises when you’re at the airport, whether you’re heading for an adventure in the Pacific Northwest or traveling to one of their domestic or international destinations. It’s high time to learn about the ins and outs of the airline’s baggage rules and other additional costs before departure! Here’s a complete guide to Alaska Airlines Baggage and other fees. 

Alaska Airlines Baggage Regulations: An Overview 

Alaska Airlines runs a straightforward baggage allowance, but like any other airline, Alaska’s rules are based on the type of ticket one chooses to go for, the travel route, and the frequent flyer status. Here’s a breakdown of what you are required to know. 

Carry-on Baggage 

Alaska allows its passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. The carry-on must be the size of the overhead bin, and personal items like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Carry-on Bag Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
• Personal Item Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 9 (43 cm x 25 cm x 23 cm).

Checked Baggage

Alaska Airlines charges checked baggage on most fares except for first-class passengers, Mileage Plan elite members, and those with a certain credit card. With required Weight and Size Limitations for checked bags at Alaska Airlines.

• First Checked bag fee: $35
• Second Checked Bag: $45
• Third and Additional Bags: $150 each

• Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.
• Size Limit: 62 linear inches (158 cm), which is the total of the bag’s length, width, and height.

Excess Weight and Oversize Bag Fees

Here is data on the standard weight or size limits followed by Alaska Airlines. If exceeded, passengers need to incur additional fees:

• Excess Weight (51- 70 lbs/23-32 kg): $100

• Excess Weight (71- 100 lbs/ 32-45 kg): $100 + excess baggage fee

• Oversize Bag  (63 – 115 inches/ 160- 203 cm): $150

• Oversize Bag (81+ inches/ 204+ cm): $200

Special Items 

Certain special items, such as skis, bikes, surfboards, and musical instruments, have unique requirements. For most, an extra fee applies, and Alaska Airlines recommends contacting them in advance to avoid any confusion. 

• Bicycles: $75 (must be in a bike box)
• Snowboards: $75
• Musical Instruments: If they fit under the seat or in an overhead bin, they will be counted as personal items and carry-on. If not, additional charges apply based on the size of the item.

Additional Checked Baggage Fees on Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines applies checked baggage fees to a specific group of people under certain conditions. In most cases, they free bags to its passengers. Refer to the table below to check out levied fees according to your flying status. 

Category of Travelers	First bag	Second bag	3 or more bags
Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders	Free	$40	$150 per bag
Alaska Airlines Visa Business cardholders	Free	$45	$150 per bag
Customers traveling in First Class	Free	Free	$150 per bag
MVP and MVP Gold level Mileage Plan members	Free	Free	$150 per bag
MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K level Mileage Plan members	Free	Free	3rd bag free, and additional bags for $150 each
OneWorld Ruby and Sapphire members	Free	Free	$150 per bag
OneWorld Emerald members	Free	Free	3rd bag free, and additional bags for $150 each
Club 49 members	Free	Free	$150 per bag
Active duty US military personnel	First 5 bags Free		additional bags $150 each
Active duty US military dependents	First 5 bags Free		additional bags $150 each

Baggage Rules When Traveling With Your Pets!

When traveling with Alaska Airlines, it is generally easy to carry your pets with you; however, there is a fee involved. If you’re flying with your furry friend in the cabin, the pet fee is $100 each way. Alaska Airlines allows pets in the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size of the animal. 

• In-Cabin Pets: $100 each way.

• Checked Pets (Cargo Hold): $100-$150 each way, depending on the destination. 

Carrying Your Pet As Checked Baggage

For both in-cabin and checked luggage, Alaska Airlines provides pet travel choices with unique costs and policies:

• Pets cost: $150 USD/CAD each trip. 

• Larger dogs and cats that are unable to travel in the cabin are eligible pets.

• Carrier Requirements: The pet and carrier must weigh no more than 150 pounds (68 kg) together. 

• Reservation: Due to space constraints, reservations must be made in advance.

Extra Details:

• Service Animals: In the cabin, trained service animals are transported at no cost. 

• Military Personnel: For travel entirely inside the State of Alaska, active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents are eligible for reduced pet travel costs. 

• International Travel: Extra paperwork and costs can be required for flights abroad.

How Can One Avoid Extra Baggage Fees On Alaska Flights?

Although the baggage fees and other extra charges are common in the airline industry, there are a few strategies to minimize or avoid these costs altogether:

Pack light

Maximize your carry-on allowance to avoid checked baggage fees. Try to select clothes and accessories that can easily fit into your carry-on, and remember that most airlines, including Alaska, allow passengers to bring an additional personal item like a backpack or purse. 

Use your Mileage Plan benefits 

If one is a mileage Plan elite member or a first-class ticket holder, they can be eligible for complimentary checked baggage. Even a basic Mileage plan member can enjoy benefits on the several number of bags allowed, so think about joining their frequent fyer program to get these perks. 

Book Smart

Certain types of credit cards and loyalty programs provide free checked baggage. For example, Alaska Airline’s Visa Signature card offers a lot of benefits, such as one free checked bag or up to six companions on the same reservations. 

Check the Baggage Guidelines in Advance 

Always check the baggage rules before your flight. Alaska’s official website provides a clear breakdown of its baggage rules. Being familiar with your flight’s limits and options in advance can help you better plan and avoid paying excess baggage charges.

Final Thoughts

If you are traveling with Alaska Airlines, learning about their baggage policies and related fees can significantly improve your travel experience and help you avoid unexpected charges. Always remember that fees can vary depending on your route, ticket type, and loyalty status, so it’s always a useful habit to double-check before the flight. By planning ahead and being aware of the baggage allowances, one can travel smoothly with no worries and simply focus on enjoying their trips! 

Help Desk