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How to Pack for Your Alaska Airlines Flight - Baggage Policy Explained
How to Pack for Your Alaska Airlines Flight - Baggage Policy Explained
The Alaska baggage policy is crystal clear and flexible, which makes each passenger’s journey a bliss onboard. Packing smartly and efficiently and following Alaska’s airline baggage policy will help you save money and fly fuss-free.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy is similar to other airline policies regarding checked and carry-on bags, with some exceptions. Whether you're flying from Settle to Portland or from Anchorage to Fairbanks, understanding the Alaska Airlines Baggage rules will help you pack efficiently and avoid those pesky overage fees that come with checking in more bags than allotted. Here's what you need to know about Alaska Airlines' baggage policy, including how much luggage you can bring onboard and whether or not you have to pay extra fees or taxes when checking your bags.

Step 1: The Essential Checklist

Once you have a flight number and date, you can use Alaska Airlines' website to find your Alaska Baggage Policy. From there, all you need is some combination of a carry-on bag, one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag), and checked bags. The current weight limit for checked bags is 50 pounds per bag on domestic flights; if your luggage weighs more than that, it will likely be subject to extra fees. And remember: With Frontier, customers must pay an additional fee if they want their first checked bag waived—unlike other airlines like Southwest and Spirit where passengers can bring two free carry-on with them on board at no charge.

Step 2: Getting There

Alaska Airlines charges $25 for checked bags. Each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds. Small pets (no larger than a domestic cat or dog), are allowed in-cabin as part of your carry-on allowance but will be charged if they exceed that weight. Alaska Airlines doesn’t recommend checking large items like skis and golf clubs because there is no limit on how much these items can weigh, which can create havoc at baggage claims.

Step 3: What You Can Bring 

According to  Alaska Airlines Carry on Policy, you have to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or backpack. It must fit under your seat in front of you and must be no larger than 17 by 14 by 8 (LxWxH). Carry-on bags may not exceed 22 x 18 x 10.5 (LxWxH) and may not weigh more than 40 pounds total combined weight of the bag and its contents.

Step 4: What you can't bring

Alaska Airlines doesn't permit a number of items in checked or carry-on bags. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and flares; weapons; martial arts weapons; kitchenware with sharp edges (knives, swords); tools (wrenches); hazardous material such as acids or flammable liquids; drugs and drug paraphernalia; and incendiary devices. Alaska Airlines will also refuse any shipment that is deemed hazardous. To find out more about prohibited items see Alaska Airline's full list of prohibited items.

Step 5: Personal Items

Alaska Airlines allows most items, including necessary medical devices, in your carry-on bag. If you’re checking a bag and have special needs or medications, we can accommodate you with a limited number of Personal Preference Kits (PPKs) at no charge. Each PPK is outfitted with prescription and over-the-counter medicine, first aid supplies, and various comfort items (e.g., toothbrush/toothpaste). To receive one of these kits on your next flight with Alaska Airlines, please complete the following steps

Step 6: Carry-On Restrictions

You can bring a bag or backpack onboard your flight as a carry-on item. Alaska Airlines allows you to bring one free personal item onboard, which can be either a purse, small duffle bag, backpack, or laptop computer case. For larger items such as suitcases, blankets, and jackets you may pay $25 each way (round trip) for gate check service. Alaska Air does not allow any bags in the aisle of an aircraft that exceeds 16x14x8. The maximum dimensions of a carry-on bag are 45 linear inches (length + width + height). Make sure that anything over these dimensions goes into your checked baggage.

Step 7: Preferred Seats and Entertainment Options Section: More About Preferred Seats 

Stuck in a middle seat or want two seats next to each other? You may be able to get an upgrade with a few clicks. Learn how Section: Preferred Seats and Special Offers: Choose your seat when you book so you can sit comfortably, sleep better and maybe even score an upgrade if available. Also, find great Alaska Airlines Deals and offers Section: Alaska Airport Transportation Services: Skip the baggage claim line and board your Alaska Airlines flight from another city just minutes after landing. Use one of our convenient airport transportation options. Section: How Security Screening Works on Alaska Air: Discover what it’s like traveling through airport security when flying on Alaska Airlines.