Navigating airline baggage policies can often feel like preparing for a separate trip altogether.
Rules change, fees fluctuate, and understanding the fine print is crucial to avoid unexpected charges at the airport. If you’re flying with Alaska Airlines, you’re in the right place.
Carry On Baggage
Alaska Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. It’s important to adhere to the size restrictions to ensure your bags fit properly and avoid having to check them at the gate.
Carry On Baggage Allowance
| Item | Allowance | Size Restriction | Weight Restriction |
| Carry-on Bag | 1 | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ | None Specified |
| Personal Item | 1 | Must fit under seat | N/A |
Your carry on bag must fit in the overhead bin, while your personal item should be stored under the seat in front of you.
What counts as a personal item?
A personal item is a smaller bag that you can bring in addition to your carry-on. Examples include:
- A purse or briefcase
- A laptop bag
- A small backpack
- A camera bag
Certain other items do not count toward your carry-on allowance, such as diaper bags, child-restraint seats, mobility aids, and medical devices.
Checked Baggage Fees & Limits
For bags that don’t meet the carry-on requirements, you’ll need to check them.
Alaska Airlines has a clear fee structure for checked baggage, with upcoming changes for flights purchased or departing in the future.
Standard Checked Baggage
All checked bags must adhere to a standard weight limit of 50 pounds and a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (length + width + height).
Checked Baggage Fees (Flights purchased before Oct 14, 2025, or departing before Jan 2, 2026)
| Bag | Fee |
| First Bag | $35 |
| Second Bag | $45 |
| Third & Additional Bags | $150 each |
Upcoming Changes to Checked Baggage Fees
For travel booked further in advance, new fees will apply.
Checked Baggage Fees (Flights purchased on or after Oct 14, 2025, departing on or after Jan 2, 2026)
| Bag | Fee |
| First Bag (Prepay online) | $35 |
| First Bag (at airport) | $40 |
| Second Bag | $45 |
| Third & Additional Bags | $150 |
Paying for your first bag online at least 24 hours before your flight can save you a few dollars.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, additional fees will apply. These fees are charged in addition to the standard bag fee.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
| Condition | Fee |
| Weight: 51-100 lbs | $100 |
| Linear Dimension: 63-115″ | $150 |
Note that a bag that is both overweight and oversized will incur both fees. Bags weighing more than 100 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
International Flights
Baggage policies can differ significantly for international travel. Fees and allowances often vary by destination and cabin class.
For example, on flights to Korea in the Main Cabin, passengers can check two bags up to 50 lbs each for free. For Business Class, the weight limit increases to 70 lbs per bag.
International Baggage Fees (Example: Korea – Main Cabin)
| Bag | Fee |
| First Bag (up to 50 lbs) | Free |
| Second Bag (up to 50 lbs) | Free |
| Third & Additional Bags | $200 / 200,000 KRW |
Similar free allowances exist for other popular routes to Japan and parts of Europe, but rules for Australia and New Zealand are different.
Always check your travel confirmation to see which airline’s baggage policy applies to your itinerary, especially when flying with partners.
Special Baggage Fees: SEA to KEF
For travelers flying from Seattle (SEA) to Keflavik (KEF), special baggage rules apply:
- First Class: 2 free checked bags up to 70 lbs each.
- Main Cabin: 1 free checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Special Items
Traveling with non-standard items requires extra planning. Here’s a quick overview for common special baggage:
Sporting Equipment
Items like skis, golf bags, and surfboards are generally treated as one checked bag. Standard fees and weight limits apply, but oversize charges are often waived for these items.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments can be brought as your carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Larger instruments can be checked, or you can purchase a separate seat for them in the cabin. Oversized fees may be waived if the instrument is within weight limits.
Firearms
Firearms must be declared, unloaded, and packed in a locked, hard-sided container. They are only accepted as checked baggage.
Fragile or Bulky Items
These may be accepted as checked baggage if properly packed, but the airline is not liable for damage. Consider purchasing a separate seat for extremely fragile items.
How to Avoid Baggage Fees
Paying for baggage can add up, but there are several ways to get your bags checked for free:
Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
The primary cardholder and up to six other guests on the same reservation get their first checked bag free. This benefit applies to both the personal and business versions of the card.
Atmos™ Rewards Status
Elite members of Alaska’s loyalty program receive complimentary checked bags. The number of free bags depends on your status level (MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K).
U.S. Military Personnel
Active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents receive a generous waiver, typically allowing them to check up to five bags for free.
Fly First Class
Passengers in First Class receive two free checked bags.
Pack Smart
If you don’t qualify for a waiver, the simplest way to save is to pack light. Stick to a carry-on and personal item to avoid checked bag fees altogether.
Flights with Partner Airlines
If your itinerary includes a flight operated by one of Alaska’s partners (like American Airlines, British Airways, or Japan Airlines), the baggage rules of that partner may apply.
This is determined by the “most significant carrier” on your ticket, which is usually the airline operating the longest leg of your journey.
Always verify the baggage policy on your booking confirmation or by contacting the airline directly.
Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Bags
In the unfortunate event that your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged, it’s important to act quickly.
File a Report
Report the issue to the Alaska Airlines baggage service office at the airport immediately, before leaving the airport. You will need to fill out a form and receive a file reference number.
Track Your Bag
You can use the file reference number to track the status of your delayed bag online.
Claim Reimbursement
If your bag is delayed, Alaska may reimburse you for reasonable interim expenses. If your bag is declared lost or is damaged, you can file a claim for compensation.
Keep all receipts and documentation.
Your Guide to a Smoother Journey
Understanding the Alaska Airlines baggage policy is the first step toward a stress-free travel day.
By knowing the rules for carry-on and checked luggage, taking advantage of fee waivers, and planning for any special items, you can save money and avoid hassles.
With this guide, you’re now equipped with the most current information to pack smart and fly easy.
Ready for your next adventure? Book your flight today!
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
