Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Fees and Rules 

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy allows one carry-on bag (22″ × 14″ × 9″) and one personal item on all fares at no charge. Checked bags cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second after a fee increase on April 10, 2026. Free checked bags are available for First Class passengers, elite Atmos Rewards members, and eligible credit card holders. 

How Many Bags Can You Take on Alaska Airlines for Free?

Alaska Airlines includes one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge on every fare, including Saver (basic economy). No checked bags are included in the base fare for most passengers. However, checked bags are free for First Class travelers, active-duty military, eligible Atmos Rewards elite members, and qualifying Atmos Rewards Visa cardholders.

Free Checked Bag Eligibility at a Glance

Unique perk worth knowing: Atmos Rewards members flying out of select Hawaii airports can check a full case of pineapples or a case of wine from select mainland airports without it counting toward their baggage allowance.

How Much Does Alaska Airlines Charge for Baggage?

Effective April 10, 2026, Alaska Airlines raised its checked bag fees by $5 for the first bag and $10 for the second. The prepay discount (previously $5 off when booking at least four hours in advance) has been eliminated.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Fees (2026)

Hawaii routes carry different rates: $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second on North American Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines flights to or from the state of Hawaii.

Real-world cost scenario: A family of four with no elite status or eligible credit card, each checking two bags, would pay $400 in baggage fees ($45 + $55 × 4). The same trip with an Atmos Rewards Visa card would cut that cost to $220, since the first bag is free for the cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation.

What Are Alaska Airlines’ Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Every Alaska Airlines passenger regardless of fare class is entitled to one carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional charge. The carry-on must not exceed 22″ × 14″ × 9″. Alaska Airlines does not publish an official weight limit for carry-on bags, which is notably more lenient than many international carriers.

What Counts as a Personal Item vs. a Carry-On?

A standard personal item should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t, it will be reclassified as a carry-on, and if the overhead bins are full at that point, you may be asked to gate-check it.

Saver fare advantage: Unlike Delta and United, whose basic economy fares restrict carry-on bags to the overhead bin, Alaska’s Saver fare still allows a full-size carry-on in addition to a personal item. This is a meaningful differentiator for budget-conscious travelers.

What Is the Checked Baggage Allowance on Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to check bags up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) at the standard checked bag rate. Bags between 63 and 115 linear inches are accepted but incur an oversize fee. Bags exceeding 115 linear inches are not accepted.

First Class passengers receive an increased weight allowance of 70 lbs per bag. Active-duty military also travel with a 70 lb per bag allowance on up to five bags.

What Is Alaska Airlines’ Baggage Weight Limit?

The standard checked bag weight limit on Alaska Airlines is 50 lbs (approximately 23 kg). Bags weighing between 51 and 100 lbs are accepted with an overweight fee of $100 per bag. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted as checked luggage.

If a bag is both overweight and oversize, both fees apply with combined charges reaching $300 or $400 depending on the weight bracket. This is one of the most commonly missed cost scenarios when travelers pack sports gear or large duffel bags.

What Is Alaska Airlines’ Oversized Baggage Policy?

Oversized baggage on Alaska Airlines refers to any checked item measuring between 63 and 115 linear inches, including wheels and handles. The fee for an oversized bag is $150. Items measuring more than 115 linear inches will not be accepted.

Sports Equipment  Where Alaska Airlines Stands Out

This is a content gap most competitor articles miss. Alaska Airlines waives overweight and oversize fees on a wide range of sports equipment, which can save travelers hundreds of dollars. Qualifying items include:

• Skis and snowboards
• Golf clubs
• Hockey equipment
• Fishing rods
• Bicycles
• Surfboards
• Scuba tanks (accepted without surcharge, unlike many carriers)

These items count as a standard checked bag (subject to standard checked bag fees), but overweight/oversize surcharges are waived a significant perk for outdoor travelers and athletes. Always verify the specific requirements for your equipment type on the Alaska Airlines website before flying.

What Is the 20-Minute Bag Policy for Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines guarantees that checked bags will arrive at baggage claim within 20 minutes of the flight’s gate arrival. If bags don’t appear within that window, passengers receive either a $25 discount code for a future Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines flight, or 2,500 Atmos Rewards bonus points.

To claim the guarantee, passengers must speak with a baggage office agent in person within 2 hours of the flight’s arrival.

Important exceptions: The 20-minute guarantee does not apply to:

• Oversized/odd-size items (skis, golf clubs, surfboards, pets, firearms, assistive devices)
• International flights requiring customs clearance
• Flights to/from Dutch Harbor (DUT)
• Non-revenue passengers (employees, guest pass travelers, industry discount tickets)

Alaska Airlines reserves the right to suspend the guarantee during airport baggage system malfunctions, severe weather, or other conditions outside the airline’s control.

How to Avoid Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees

The most reliable ways to avoid checked bag fees on Alaska Airlines:

• Hold an Atmos Rewards Visa card: The primary cardholder and up to six companions on the same booking receive a free first checked bag. The card must have been used to purchase the ticket.
• Earn elite status: Atmos Rewards MVP and above receive at least two free bags. MVP Gold 75K and 100K members also receive a third free bag.
• Fly First Class: Two checked bags fly free with no additional fee.
• Travel within Alaska: Passengers flying entirely within the state of Alaska receive three free checked bags.
• Join Club 49: Alaska residents receive three free bags on intrastate flights and two free bags on flights to/from Alaska.
• Pack carry-on only: Alaska’s generous carry-on policy including a full-size bag on Saver fares makes it viable to travel light on shorter trips.

Baggage Tracking and Claims: What Happens When Things Go Wrong

Alaska Airlines tracks checked bags throughout the journey. If a bag is delayed, damaged, or missing:

• Damaged bags: Report immediately at the baggage carousel before leaving the claim area.
• Delayed or missing bags: Report in person at the baggage service office within 24 hours of arrival.
• Essentials reimbursement: If your bag is delayed, Alaska will reimburse reasonable purchases (toiletries, clothing) while you wait. Speak with a baggage service agent to initiate the claim.
• Recovery timeline: Most bags are located within 48 hours. If still missing after 5 days, the case transfers to Central Baggage Service, which conducts a global search for up to six weeks.

Contact numbers:

• Continental US, Alaska, Canada, Latin America, Reykjavik: 1-877-815-8253 (6am–10pm PT, daily)
• Hawaii, South Pacific, Asia, Rome, London: 1-866-389-6654 (6am–6pm HST, daily)

Alaska Airlines Fleet: What Aircraft Will You Fly?

Understanding the fleet helps travelers plan smaller aircraft may have more restricted overhead bin space. As of July 2026, Alaska Air Group operates the following aircraft:

The Boeing 737 family makes up the bulk of the mainline domestic fleet, while the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 aircraft handle longer-haul and international routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on bags on Saver fares?
No. Unlike many other airlines’ basic economy fares, Alaska Airlines’ Saver fare includes one full-size carry-on bag plus one personal item at no charge.

What changed in Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy in April 2026?
Effective April 10, 2026, the first checked bag fee increased from $40 to $45, the second from $45 to $55, and the third-plus from $150 to $200. The $5 prepay discount was also eliminated.

Can I prepay for bags to save money on Alaska Airlines?
No. Alaska Airlines eliminated its prepay bag discount as of April 10, 2026. Bags now cost the same whether purchased in advance or at the airport.

What is the maximum weight for a checked bag on Alaska Airlines?
The standard limit is 50 lbs. Bags between 51–100 lbs are accepted with a $100 overweight fee. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.

Are oversize and overweight fees charged separately?
Yes. If a bag is both oversize and overweight, both fees apply. Combined charges range from $300 (oversized + up to 70 lbs) to $400 (oversized + 71–100 lbs).

Does the 20-minute bag guarantee apply to golf clubs and skis?
No. The 20-minute guarantee specifically excludes items picked up at the odd-size/oversize baggage claim area, including sports equipment, checked pets, firearms, and assistive devices.

How much does Alaska Airlines charge to fly with a pet in the cargo hold?
The fee is $200 each way per kennel for most routes. For flights entirely within Alaska, the fee drops to $100. Within Hawaii, it’s $60. The pet and carrier combined must weigh no more than 150 lbs.

Does Alaska Airlines waive oversize fees for sports equipment?
Yes. Alaska Airlines waives oversize and overweight fees for many sports items, including skis, snowboards, golf clubs, hockey equipment, bicycles, and scuba tanks. Standard checked bag fees still apply.

How do I claim compensation if my bag arrives late at baggage claim?
Speak with a baggage office agent in person within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival. Alaska Airlines will offer a $25 discount code for a future flight or 2,500 Atmos Rewards bonus points if bags weren’t at claim within 20 minutes of gate arrival.

Are baggage fees the same on Alaska Airlines codeshare flights operated by other carriers?
No. Flights operated by partner airlines including American (flight numbers 6000–6999), Qantas (5000–5249), Qatar (5700–5999), Japan Airlines (7310–7609), and others follow different baggage rules. Always verify the operating carrier’s policy before flying.