Heading to the airport without checking Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy can lead to hefty charges or result in your carry-on bag being gate-checked.
Here’s everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines’ carry-on, checked baggage, and excess baggage policies.
Before heading to the airport, It is recommended using a carry-on bag or backpack that complies with Alaska Airlines size regulations.
Let’s dive right in.
How Strict Is Alaska Airlines Carry on?
Nothing surprising your carry-on must comply with Alaska Airlines’ carry-on limits.
Alaska Airlines is fairly strict about carry-on luggage size, so make sure you adhere to their policies:
- One main carry-on bag with maximum dimensions of 45 linear inches (22″ x 14″ x 9″) or 115 centimeters (61 x 43 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. It must fit in the overhead compartment.
- One personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger, free of charge. there is no specific size, but It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Keep in mind that the Alaska Airline staff use sizers at gates sometimes, so your carry-ons that don’t fit overhead get gate checked.
But for the weight Alaska does not enforce any specific weight on carry-ons, as long as you can lift your bag and place it in the overhead compartment by yourself.
Additional items
In addition to your main carry-on and personal item, you may bring a few small items free of charge:
- A jacket or umbrella
- Books to read
- Duty-free items
- Assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) these items will not be counted toward your carry-on.
- Diaper bags are counted as the one personal item.
Please note: Bulkhead seats do not have under-seat storage. All carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Pro Tip: Soft-sided carry-ons are more flexible and less likely to be gate-checked, especially when overhead bins are full.
Alaska Airline Liquid Limits
Like all U.S. airlines, Alaska Airlines follows TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-on baggage.
Liquids, aerosols, pasts creams, and gels must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.
All containers must fit in a single quart-sized, clear plastic bag.
Larger amounts of liquid must be packed in checked luggage.
Best Carry-on Luggage For Alaska Airlines?
There are many carry-on bags that meet Alaska Airlines size requirements and fit easily in the overhead bin.
Soft-sided bags are preferred because they can more easily fit both under the seat and in overhead compartments.
Try Checked Luggage
If your carry-on bag is large and you don’t want to risk it being gate-checked, consider checking it in advance.
Alaska Airlines standard checked baggage allowance:
- Up to 2 bags per person
- Max dimensions: 62 linear inches or 157 centimeters (L + W + H)
- Max weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms
- Each checked bag costs $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (subject to change).
Be mindful of oversized or overweight bags, which may cause additional charges.
Related: How to take extra luggage in flight?
What Is Alaska Airlines Oversized Baggage Policy?
Alaska Airlines (AS) will charge $100 USD for bags measuring between 63 and 115 linear inches (160 to 292 cm).
Bags over 115 linear inches (292 cm) are not accepted as checked baggage.
What Is Alaska Airlines overweight baggage?
Alaska Airlines will charge the following for overweight bags:
- 51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): $100 USD per bag
- Bags over 100 pounds (46 kg) are not accepted as checked baggage.
Musical & Sport Equipment
Alaska Airlines lets you bring small musical instruments as a carry-on if they can fit safely in the cabin.
If your instrument is big, you might need to buy an extra seat for it.
You can also check musical instruments or sports gear as baggage if they are packed safely in a proper case. Extra fees may apply if they are heavy or too big.
Prohibited Items
Just like any other airline, there are a list of items that you can and can’t take on board the airplanes and in checked baggage.
As a general rule, you can’t bring any hazardous or flammable liquids in both carry-on and checked bags.
For more information on what you can bring, check the TSA official website or use the “What Can I Bring?” search in this website.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines is strict about carry-on size, especially on busy flights.
Be ready to place your suitcase in the luggage sizer at the airport.
Overweight or oversized bags can cause boarding delays and disrupt the cabin environment something the airline wants to avoid.
However, if your bag exceeds the dimensions by just an inch or two, you likely won’t have a problem with staff, especially when traveling with a soft sided bag.
I hope this helps .
Happy travels.
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