How Strict Are Alaska Airlines Personal Item Size Limits? 2024

So how strict is Alaska Airlines personal item size?

Alaska Airlines is a bit strict about the appliance of its personal item size policy, and according to them to help make the boarding process as smooth as possible for all the passengers, the personal items need to fit under the seat in-front of you.

Keep reading to know more about Alaska Airlines personal time rules, and what to do if your personal item is oversized.

We recommend using a personal item that will be placed perfectly under the seat in front of you, Amazon has a large line of backpacks and personal items that will be fitted nicely and with great deals.

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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” including the wheels and handles.

They didn’t have a specific size for the personal item size, but it needs to fit under the seat in front of you.

Or at least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you, and you’ll also need to be able to lift your main carry-on bag into the overhead compartment.

Mario asked @AlaskaAir if there are any specific dimensions for personal item size.

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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 items it should fit under the seat.

Alaska Airlines carry-on liquids

Alaska allowed Liquids, gels, or aerosols 3.4 oz (100ml) or less packed per TSA regulations.

Placing these items in the small bag and separating 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 towards 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.

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, or laptop bag, and medically necessary items on their website, but in the real world , you can take a lot more than that!

We 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 even if your carry-on bag is a little larger.

But just to avoid any inconvenience at the airport, ensure that your personal item is not tremendously overweight.

You 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 assistance or pain. 

Is A Backpack Considered A Personal Item On Alaska Airlines?

Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item if it is within alaska personal item size and weight and it fits nicely beneath the seat in front of yours in the airplane.

Even this bulky backpack will be accepted as a personal item if it fits under the seat.

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Does Checking In Online Make A Difference?

Check 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 online you will be more likely to get away with a slightly overweight and oversized bag.

Check in at the airport, you will give the airline staff to investigate or ask about your luggage weight and size.

The Best Carry-ons And Personal Item For Alaska Airlines Flights

If you’re looking for a personal item which is a perfect fit for Alaska Airlines and many other US airlines , we recommend this great value range of suitcases on Amazon.

They have been designed to be carry-on as well as for personal items with the vast majority of airlines, and there’s plenty of styles to choose from.

This Alaska Airlines personal item backpack is an Approved Weekender Carry-On Travel Backpack that will take all your belongings and gadgets, with the Dimensions of 18.1 x 12.2x 6.3 inches / 46 x 31 x 16 cm.

Designed to fit almost all major airlines’ overhead bin as well as under the seat of airplanes.

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Final Thoughts

Without being said, Alaska Airlines are 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 being frustrated, we recommend you respect the airline carry-on and personal item limits.

We strongly recommend investing in a small item that will fit perfectly under the seat, meanwhile take all your essential items.

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