So how strict is Alaska Airlines personal item size?
Just like Delta or JetBlue; Alaska Airlines offer one personal item free of charge for all passengers, however; the Airline didn’t specify a size limit for the personal item, but any personal item you bring need to fit under the seat in front of you.
This post covers everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines personal item measurements and policy, and what to do if your personal item is oversized.
Let’s get right into it.
TL;DR
- You can bring one personal item free of charge on Alaska Airlines in addition to a carry-on.
- They don’t have a strict size limit for personal items, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Liquids must follow TSA rules (3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters or less).
- Additional items like child seats, medications, duty-free items, coats, or umbrellas do not count toward your allowance.
- Personal items are rarely inspected, and weight is generally not enforced.
- Backpacks count as personal items if they fit under the seat.
- Checking in online can help avoid scrutiny for slightly oversized or overweight items.
- You can use a small backpack or duffle suitable for multiple airlines.
What Is Alaska Airlines Personal Item Policy?
Alaska Airlines states that in addition to your carry-on bag, you are also allowed to have a small personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag.
The carry-on bag size is 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) including the wheels and handles.
The carry-on bag needs to fit In the overhead bin.
But they don’t have a specific size for the personal item, it just needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
Mario asked @AlaskaAir if there are any specific dimensions for personal item size.
They replied that they don’t have any specific dimensions listed for personal items, but if the personal item is about the same size or smaller than your carry-on bag, it should fit under the seat.
So if you bring two larger bags, you will need to check in one of them.
Alaska Airlines carry-on liquids
Alaska allows liquids, gels, or aerosols of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less packed per TSA regulations.
Placing these items in a small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage will facilitate the screening process.
Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your checked baggage.
Additional items
In addition to your carry-on and personal item, you are allowed other items which do not count toward your overall allowance.
Examples include:
- Child safety seats
- Medications
- Duty-free items
- Food or snacks wrapped up or in a container
- Other items such as coats, umbrellas, etc.
How Strict Are Alaska Airlines Personal Item Sizes?
Alaska Airlines will rarely inspect your personal item size, but you should be mindful on busy flights.
They simply state that your item must be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
They use examples such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, and medically necessary items on their website, but in the real world, you can take a lot more than that.
But as longs the airline aid this “At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat“
I therefore highly recommend making the most of this space by using a small backpack or duffle bag that you can squish under the seat.
Besides, there is a lot more space than you think underneath the seat in front of you, so this is a great opportunity to pack some further essentials for your trip.
How Strict Is Alaska Airlines With Personal Item Weight?
It’s rare for airlines to investigate the weight of your personal item, and even for a carry-on bag.
But just to avoid any inconvenience at the airport, ensure that your personal item is not tremendously overweight and heavy.
Give your luggage the old “refrigerator test” before you leave home: see if you can place your personal item and suitcase on top of your refrigerator without any help.
I’ve never had any problems with my personal item weight at the airport, and I don’t think you will either.
Is A Backpack Considered A Personal Item On Alaska Airlines?
Yes, a backpack will be counted as a personal item if it is within Alaska’s personal item size limits and fits nicely beneath the seat in front of you.
Sometimes even a fully staffed backpack will be accepted as a personal item as long as it fits under the seat.
Does Checking In Online Make A Difference?
Checking in online is always better than checking in at the airport, and it is cheaper if you want to pay for your luggage.
On the other hand, when you check in online, you will be more likely to get away with a slightly overweight or oversized bag.
In case you bring a larger bag, when you check in at the airport, you give the airline staff the opportunity to pay attention to your luggage.
The Best Carry-ons And Personal Item For Alaska Airlines Flights
If you’re looking for a personal item that is a perfect fit for Alaska Airlines and some other U.S airlines, I recommend a great value range of suitcases on Amazon.
They have been designed to be carry-on as well as personal items with the vast majority of airlines, and there are plenty of styles to choose from.
The Alaska Airlines personal item backpack is an Approved Weekender Carry-On Travel Backpack that will take all your belongings and gadgets, with dimensions of 18.1 x 12.2 x 6.3 inches / 46 x 31 x 16 cm.
Designed to fit almost all major airlines’ overhead bins as well as under the seat of airplanes.
Final Thoughts
That being said, Alaska Airlines is lenient about its personal item size.
But there are more chances to get caught if you are traveling with a massive personal item that can’t fit under the seat in front of you.
To minimize the risk of frustration, I recommend you stay within the airline carry-on and personal item limits.
A good rule of thumb is to invest in a small backpack that you can use for different airlines.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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