Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy and Fee Guide

Understanding baggage fees and size restrictions on Alaska Airlines helps you avoid unexpected airport charges. Alaska Airlines maintains distinct baggage rules across Saver fares, Main Cabin, and First Class tickets, while offering dedicated regional benefits for intra-Alaska flights and West Coast travelers.

Alaska Airlines allows one free personal item and one free standard carry-on bag (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 cm) on all ticket types, including Saver fares. First checked bags cost $35 USD and second bags cost $45 USD for items up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm). First Class passengers, Alaska Visa® cardholders, Mileage Plan elites, active military personnel, and intra-Alaska travelers receive complimentary checked bag allowances.

At a glance

Baggage Allowance Snapshot

Alaska Airlines includes carry-on baggage on all fare types while applying standard weight and dimension caps to checked items. Free checked allowances depend on cabin class, elite status, card membership, and flight origin.

Overhead Carry-On Allowance 1 Included All fares (including Saver)

Carry-On Size Limit 22" x 14" x 9" 56 x 36 x 23 cm (includes wheels/handles)

Personal Item Allowance 1 Included Must fit under seat in front

1st Checked Bag Fee $35 USD Main Cabin & Saver fares

2nd Checked Bag Fee $45 USD Main Cabin & Saver fares

3rd+ Checked Bag Fee $150 USD per bag Subject to space availability

Checked Size & Weight Cap 50 lbs / 62 in 23 kg / 157 linear cm max

First Class Allowance 2 Free Bags Up to 50 lbs / 23 kg each

Cardholder Waiver 1st Bag Free Alaska Visa® primary cardholder + 6 guests

Overweight Fee (51–100 lbs) $100 USD per bag In addition to base bag fee

What can change: Checked bag allowances vary based on military orders, elite loyalty status, regional route waivers (such as intra-Alaska travel), and operating carrier partnerships.

Measurement guide

Baggage Size Visual

Alaska Airlines measures carry-on items by length, width, and depth. Exterior hardware must fit inside the measuring frame.

22 in (56 cm) 14 in (36 cm) 9 in (23 cm)

Under-Seat Fit Required

62 Linear Inches Max (L + W + H) Max 50 lbs

Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.

Source check

Official Source Verification

Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.

Official source Alaska Airlines Baggage Policies & Fees

Source type Airline policy pages & Conditions of Carriage

Policy scope Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, & SkyWest (operating as Alaska SkyWest)

Last checked 2026 - verification required

Confidence High

Important caveat Standard fees apply to flights operated by Alaska Airlines. Partner or codeshare itineraries follow operating carrier rules.

How BaggageBase Checks This Information

BaggageBase verifies baggage rules directly from Alaska Airlines published tariff schedules, Conditions of Carriage, and official fee tables. We review base dimensions, weight restrictions, cardholder waivers, loyalty benefits, and regional route exemptions to ensure practical accuracy.

Because international codeshares and partner flights (such as American Airlines or British Airways) may follow operating carrier rules under IATA Resolution 302, travelers flying on multi-airline itineraries should confirm baggage calculations with the operating carrier before departure.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On & Personal Item Rules

Alaska Airlines provides a clear carry-on allowance for passengers across all fare tiers. Every ticketed passenger can bring one overhead carry-on bag and one personal item on board.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                  CABIN CARRY-ON ALLOWANCE                         |
+---------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| OVERHEAD CARRY-ON               | PERSONAL ITEM                   |
| - Max: 22" x 14" x 9"           | - Must fit under seat in front  |
| - Includes wheels & handles     | - Purses, laptops, small packs  |
| - No overhead weight restriction| - No numeric dimensions posted  |
+---------------------------------+---------------------------------+

Overhead Carry-On Allowance and Sizing

The maximum size for an overhead carry-on bag on Alaska Airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This measurement includes exterior features such as wheels, rigid handles, side straps, and stuffed pockets. Gate agents measure bags using airport sizing boxes before boarding.

Alaska Airlines does not enforce a weight limit for overhead carry-on bags. However, passengers must be able to lift their luggage into the overhead bin unaided, unless assistance is required due to mobility limitations.

On regional aircraft operated by Horizon Air or SkyWest (flying as Alaska Horizon or Alaska SkyWest), overhead bins are smaller than those on mainline Boeing 737s. If a standard carry-on does not fit in a regional bin, gate agents use the "Delivery at Aircraft" program. Agents place a yellow tag on your bag at the boarding bridge, stow it in the cargo hold for free, and return it directly to the jetbridge upon arrival.

Personal Item Rules and Under-Seat Placement

In addition to a carry-on suitcase, passengers may bring one personal item onboard. A personal item must fit beneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Common examples of personal items include:

• Purses and handbag totes
• Laptop bags and briefcase cases
• Small daypacks or backpacks
• Approved soft-sided pet carriers

Alaska Airlines does not publish strict numerical dimensions for personal items, relying instead on under-seat fit. Certain items do not count toward your carry-on or personal item limit. You can carry the following items onboard without reducing your allowance:

• Outer garments, jackets, and hats
• Umbrellas
• Approved mobility devices and medical equipment
• Diaper bags (when traveling with an infant)
• Approved child safety seats (FAA-approved car seats)

Saver Fare Carry-On Privileges

Unlike several major U.S. competitors, Alaska Airlines includes full carry-on privileges on Saver Fares (basic economy). Passengers buying a Saver ticket receive the standard allowance: one overhead bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one under-seat personal item at no additional charge.

Saver Fare passengers board in the final boarding group, which means overhead bin space on crowded flights may fill up early. If overhead bins become full before you board, gate agents will gate-check your carry-on bag to your final destination at no extra cost.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Allowances, Fees, and Limits

Checked baggage on Alaska Airlines is governed by strict size and weight thresholds to manage aircraft load distribution and handler safety.

Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits

Standard checked bags must conform to the following limits:

• Maximum Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.
• Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (157 linear cm) per bag.

Calculate linear inches by measuring the exterior length, width, and height of your bag (including handles and wheels) and adding those numbers together ($L + W + H$). A bag measuring 26 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches deep equals 56 linear inches, falling under the standard 62-inch threshold.

Base Checked Baggage Fee Structure

Passengers traveling in Main Cabin or Saver Fare tickets on domestic flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America pay standard checked baggage fees unless they qualify for an exemption.

Checking three or more bags is subject to available cargo space on the aircraft. On high-passenger or seasonal routes, Alaska Airlines may apply temporary baggage embargoes restricting additional bags.

Alaska Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Penalties

Bags exceeding standard weight or size limits incur additional fees. Alaska Airlines calculates excess fees per bag, applied when checking in at the ticket counter or self-service kiosk.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|               OVERWEIGHT & OVERSIZED PENALTY TIERS                |
+-----------------------------------+-------------------------------+
| OVERWEIGHT TIERS                  | OVERSIZED TIERS               |
| - 0 to 50 lbs: Standard Rate      | - Up to 62 linear in: Standard|
| - 51 to 100 lbs: +$100 USD Fee    | - 63 to 115 in: +$100 USD Fee |
| - 101+ lbs: REJECTED              | - 116+ linear in: REJECTED    |
+-----------------------------------+-------------------------------+

Overweight Baggage Fee Tiers

Overweight penalties are based on total weight:

• 51 to 100 lbs (23 to 45 kg): Incurs an excess fee of $100 USD per bag. This fee is added to the standard base fee for the bag (for example, a $35 first bag fee plus a $100 overweight fee equals $135 total).
• Over 100 lbs (45 kg): Alaska Airlines will not accept bags weighing over 100 lbs as checked baggage. These items must be shipped through commercial freight or cargo services.

Active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders are exempt from standard weight limits and can check bags up to 70 lbs without paying an overweight fee.

Oversized Baggage Fee Tiers

Oversized penalties depend on total linear dimensions:

• 63 to 115 Linear Inches (158 to 292 cm): Incurs an excess fee of $100 USD per bag.
• Over 115 Linear Inches (292 cm): Alaska Airlines will not accept items measuring over 115 linear inches as checked baggage.

Fee Compounding Rule

If a checked bag breaches both weight and dimensional limits, penalties stack. A bag weighing 65 lbs (overweight) and measuring 70 linear inches (oversized) incurs:

1. The standard checked bag fee ($35 for a 1st bag).
2. The $100 USD overweight fee.
3. The $100 USD oversized fee.

This results in a total fee of $235 USD for that single piece of baggage.

Exemptions: How to Get Free Checked Bags on Alaska Airlines

Many travelers qualify for waived checked baggage fees on Alaska Airlines through cabin class, loyalty status, co-branded credit cards, military service, or specific route rules.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                   FREE CHECKED BAG ELIGIBILITY                    |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [ First Class Passengers ]    --> 2 Free Bags (up to 50 lbs)      |
| [ Alaska Visa Cardholders ]   --> 1st Bag Free (Self + 6 Guests)  |
| [ MVP / Oneworld Ruby ]       --> 2 Free Bags                     |
| [ MVP Gold+ / Sapphire+ ]     --> 3 Free Bags                     |
| [ Intra-Alaska Flights ]      --> 3 Free Bags (Entire itinerary)  |
| [ Active U.S. Military ]      --> 5 Free Bags (Up to 70 lbs)      |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

Cabin Class Allowances (First Class)

Passengers confirmed in First Class receive 2 free checked bags. Each bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (157 cm). This allowance applies automatically during online or airport check-in.

Co-Branded Credit Card Benefits

Holders of eligible co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards receive free checked bag perks:

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card & Business Cards: Primary cardholders receive their 1st checked bag free.
• Companion Eligibility: Up to 6 traveling companions booked on the same reservation as the primary cardholder also receive their 1st checked bag free.
• Requirements: Tickets must be purchased using the Alaska Airlines credit card, or the cardholder's Mileage Plan account number must be attached to the reservation prior to check-in.

Alaska Mileage Plan & Oneworld Elite Status

Frequent flyers holding status in Alaska Mileage Plan or partner oneworld airline programs receive complimentary checked baggage allowances across all fare classes:

Elite status bag waivers apply to the status holder and companions traveling on the same reservation.

U.S. Active Duty Military Allowances

Active duty members of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard) receive expanded baggage privileges:

• Official Travel (On Orders): Up to 5 free checked bags weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each and measuring up to 115 linear inches (292 cm).
• Personal Travel: Up to 3 free checked bags (up to 50 lbs / 62 linear inches each).
• Verification: Military ID must be presented to an agent at the airport ticket counter. Dependents traveling on official military orders with valid military documentation also receive this waiver.

Regional and Route Exceptions (Intra-Alaska, Hawaii, & Wine)

Alaska Airlines offers unique regional baggage programs based on local commerce and West Coast routes:

• Intra-Alaska Flights: Passengers whose entire itinerary takes place wholly within the state of Alaska receive 3 free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each). This benefit helps residents and workers in rural Alaska communities.
• Hawaii Pineapple Exemption: Passengers departing Hawaiian airports can check one properly packaged box of pineapples free of charge. The box must contain only pineapples and is subject to agricultural inspection before check-in.
• Wine Flies Free Program: Mileage Plan members flying on domestic flights departing select West Coast airports in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho can check one protective case of wine (up to 12 bottles / 1 case) free of charge. The case must be securely packed in dedicated wine shipping packaging.

Special Baggage Rules: Children, Sports Gear, and Equipment

Transporting non-standard equipment requires awareness of packing guidelines and potential waivers.

Traveling with Infants and Children

Families flying with infants or young children receive complimentary handling for essential equipment:

• Strollers and Car Seats: Checked free of charge either at the ticket counter or at the departure gate. Strollers and car seats do not count toward standard checked or carry-on allowances.
• Lap Infants: Passengers traveling with an infant on their lap may bring a diaper bag onboard without counting it against their standard personal item limit.

Sports Equipment (Skis, Golf, Surfboards)

Alaska Airlines maintains generous rules for sporting gear:

• Oversized Waiver: Oversized bag fees ($100 USD) are waived for standard sporting equipment, including skis, snowboards, golf bags, surfboards, bicycles, and fishing gear.
• Weight Standard: Sporting equipment bags remain subject to standard weight limits. If a ski bag or golf travel case exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg), standard overweight fees ($100 USD) apply.
• Single Item Definitions: A ski set includes one pair of skis/poles (or one snowboard) plus one boot bag, counted together as one single checked bag.

Mobility and Assistive Devices

Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, CPAP machines, and other approved assistive devices fly free of charge. Assistive devices do not count toward your carry-on or checked baggage limits.

Whenever possible, passengers can use personal wheelchairs up to the departure gate, where the equipment will be gate-checked and returned upon arrival at the jetbridge.

What Happens if Your Bag Exceeds Limits at the Airport

Failing to meet baggage requirements before arriving at the departure gate can cause delay fees or require luggage re-packing.

Check-In Cutoff Times

Baggage must be checked and paid for prior to airport cutoff windows:

• Domestic Flights: Minimum 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Major airport hubs (including SEA, DEN, LAS, PHX, and LAX) enforce a strict 45-minute cutoff.
• International Flights: Minimum 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Bags presented after these cutoff windows will not be accepted for the scheduled flight and may be rebooked on subsequent departures.

Cashless Payment Policy

Alaska Airlines airport ticket counters and check-in kiosks operate on a cashless basis. All baggage payments at the airport must be completed using credit cards, debit cards, or contactless digital payment methods.

Noncompliant Carry-On Gate Procedures

If a carry-on bag exceeds the 22 x 14 x 9 inch sizing frame or if overhead space is exhausted, gate agents will check the bag into the cargo hold.

• Standard Space Gate Checks: If a bag is compliant but overhead bins are full, the bag is gate-checked to your final destination for free.
• Noncompliant Bag Gate Checks: If a carry-on bag exceeds allowable dimensions at the gate, standard checked baggage fees apply ($35 for a 1st bag, $45 for a 2nd bag). If you have already used your checked bag allowance, the gate-checked item will be charged as an additional checked bag ($150 USD).

Before you fly

Alaska Airlines Baggage Preparation Checklist

Review this checklist before leaving for the airport to ensure your baggage complies with Alaska Airlines policies.

• Measure complete carry-on dimensions: Include wheels, handles, and side pockets to verify your bag fits within 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
• Attach Mileage Plan number before check-in: Confirm your Alaska Mileage Plan or credit card account is linked to your booking to trigger fee waivers automatically.
• Weigh sports cases: Ensure golf bags, ski sleeves, and surfboard bags remain under 50 lbs (23 kg) to avoid a $100 USD overweight charge.
• Consolidate loose bags: Ensure small items, water bottles, and purses fit inside your single personal item or carry-on prior to boarding.
• Pack liquids in carry-on according to TSA rules: Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-ons must follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz containers in a 1-quart bag).
• Prepare protective packaging for special items: Use approved wine shipping boxes or hard-sided cases when utilizing West Coast wine benefits.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy FAQ

Does Alaska Airlines Saver Fare allow a free carry-on bag?

Yes. Alaska Airlines includes one free overhead carry-on bag (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item on Saver Fares at no extra charge.

What are the standard checked bag fees on Alaska Airlines?

Standard checked fees for Main Cabin and Saver tickets are $35 USD for the first checked bag, $45 USD for the second checked bag, and $150 USD for each additional bag.

Do carry-on dimensions on Alaska Airlines include wheels and handles?

Yes. The published size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) explicitly includes external wheels, handles, and side pockets.

How can I get a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines?

You receive free checked bags by flying First Class (2 free), holding an eligible Alaska Visa® card (1st bag free for self and 6 companions), maintaining Mileage Plan status (2–3 free), traveling active duty military, or flying wholly within Alaska (3 free).

What is the overweight bag fee on Alaska Airlines?

Checked bags weighing between 51 and 100 lbs (23–45 kg) incur an overweight fee of $100 USD per bag. Bags over 100 lbs are prohibited.

Are golf bags and ski cases charged oversized fees on Alaska Airlines?

No. Alaska Airlines waives oversized fees for standard ski, snowboard, golf, and surfboard cases, provided they are within standard weight limits (under 50 lbs).

How many free checked bags do active military members get on Alaska Airlines?

Active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders receive up to 5 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs and 115 linear inches each).

What happens if my carry-on bag does not fit on a regional Alaska Horizon flight?

On regional aircraft, oversized carry-ons are gate-checked for free under the "Delivery at Aircraft" program and returned on the jetbridge upon destination arrival.

Summary Decision Matrix

When preparing for an Alaska Airlines flight, your overall baggage expenses depend on ticket fare class, status, and destination. Saver Fares offer overhead carry-on privileges, making them cost-effective for short trips with rolling carry-on luggage.

If you plan to check luggage, determine if you qualify for waivers through status, credit cards, or military service before paying at the airport. Keep checked luggage under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) to prevent $100 USD overweight or oversized charges.

Before traveling, double-check your total piece counts and verify departure hub cutoff times. Ensure all cardholder accounts or elite loyalty numbers are properly attached to your reservation during online check-in.

Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.