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Alaska Airlines has one of the most clear-cut baggage policies we’ve seen.
Depending on the route and cabin, 2 or 3 standard bags are either included or only $30 for your first bag, with additional bags coming in below the average cost for airlines we’ve reviewed. Thanks, Alaska!
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE
Size Restrictions
Alaska does not have a weight allowance for carry-on luggage, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead compartment unassisted.
Lap Infant Carry-on Policy
Stroller Gate Check Policy
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
Domestic
Economy
First Class
Within the State of Alaska
Each additional piece of luggage (3+ bags): $100 each
Overweight Fee: $100 for bags 51 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kg)
Oversized Fee: $100 for bags 63 to 115 inches (158 to 292 cm)
* If a bag is both overweight and oversize, the fee is charged only once
For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.), please refer to Alaska’s policy.
Seasonal limitations apply. See the Alaska Airlines website for more information.
Alaska Airlines does allow passengers the ability to prepay luggage online or via its mobile app from 24 hours before the flight departure.
Alaska Airlines might waive checked bag fees if you fly first class or within the state of Alaska, but what if you’re flying economy outside of Alaska?
The answer is simple — get one of the co-branded credit cards provided by Bank of America. By holding the Alaska Signature card or Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card, you and up to 6 companions will receive 1 free checked bag. The Canada-based Alaska Airlines® World Elite® Mastercard® also offers the same benefit.
To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.
The information regarding the Alaska Airlines® World Elite® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
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72 comments
Adine L Moody
April 08, 2019
Not sure if my first comment was successful. Above, in the FAQ it indicated the 1st bag is $25, 2nd bag is $25, 3rd bag is $75. But in another section it indicted Alaska fees are bag is $30, 2nd bag is $40, 3rd bag is $100. We are flying International using Avianca and Alaska Airlines. International always gave us our first two checked bag ‘free’. Can you please explain this for us? Thank you much.
Catherine Luther
April 08, 2019
Hi Adine,
The prices in the main article are correct: 1st bag $30, 2nd bag $40, and 3rd bag $100 (we’ve updated this in our FAQs). Did you book these two flights together through Avianca or separately? I’m going to assume separately as I believe Alaska is not an interline partner of Avianca. If you booked them separately then you would need to purchase luggage for your flight with Alaska Airlines as no baggage is included for Economy passengers. You can pre-pay for your baggage when you check-in online for your flight 24 hours before departure.
Hope that helps!
Marcellino
April 19, 2019
If I travel with 3 people and each of us has a one checked bag, does this mean we have to pay 4 x $30 = $120 or (1x$30) +(1x$40) + (2x$100) = $270? We booked one reservation with 4 passengers.
And how do we pay for baggage? After the reservation is complete or when we make the reservation?
Thanks
Erin Miller
April 21, 2019
Hi Marcellino, the baggage fees are per person and will depend on which fare type (cabin class) you purchased. For example, if there are four of you flying and have all purchased economy tickets, each of your first bags will be $30 per person so that would total $120.
As you can see in the “Can I Prepay for Baggage?” section above, Alaska Airlines allows passengers to pre-pay for luggage online or via the mobile app (when you officially “check-in”) from 24 hours before your flight departure.
Todd
August 18, 2019
I already bought my ticket with a family friends card will the card be charged when I pay for luggage? Or can I pay with my own card or cash?
Jarrod West
August 18, 2019
Hi Todd,
Has the luggage already been paid for? If not, when you add luggage to your itinerary you can pay with your card.
Thanks for reading!
Sky
April 29, 2019
“All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 23kg (50lb).” May I know if the 23kg is meant for each checked bag or if the total weight for 2 checked bags must not be more than 23kg if I were in first class?
Erin Miller
April 29, 2019
Hi Sky, this SHOULD mean 23kg max for each bag. However, since we’re not Alaska Airlines – we can’t conform with 100% accuracy and suggest calling their customer service line if you’re in doubt! (1-800-252-7522 from the U.S.)
rajinder
May 07, 2019
Thanks for allowing the passengers to carry a twenty-two-inch suitcase without any payment. Additional handbag should be of what size? And lastly, if a passenger wants to upgrade from economy class to the next step or premier class, how much are payments for that? Can you email me with your response?
Erin Miller
May 07, 2019
Hi Rajinder – please be advised we are not Alaska Airlines. We are Upgraded Points, a website that’s dedicated to producing content based on points/miles accrual, as well as other travel related articles such as these baggage fee pages.
That being said, you can find the additional sizing above unless you’re referring to a “personal item” – most airlines are vague on this definition and won’t give you an actual size which is why we have listed the dimensions as “undisclosed”. On their website, Alaska simply states you will be “one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag”.
Again, since we are not Alaska Airlines, we cannot assist in answering your questions as accurately as you may require. This is especially the case when considering your questions about the upgrade charges. We suggest you call Alaska Airlines’ reservations/customer service line for the most accurate information.
Stuart
June 03, 2019
Either the American Executive Plat info is incorrect you posted or Alaska agents are not aware of this in Seattle. I was on a codeshare flight with American (#6997) flown by AS but booked at AA. This was on Friday. I checked in and was made to pay $30.00 for my bag even though I explained I was Exec Plat, that this was a codeshare flight, and I was ticketed with American. Both she and a supervisor disagreed with me and said no American status if operated by AS and that I had to pay for my bag. I had no more time to argue after 15 minutes of trying to show them and falling on deaf ears.
Catherine Luther
June 03, 2019
Hi Stuart,
Sorry to hear about your experience. It looks like Alaska has updated their baggage policy. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, the article has been updated.
Stuart
June 05, 2019
My point should have been that you are actually correct – but Alaska rarely honors it. I do not think this is an update by Alaska. One needs only to read the years of threads on this issue at Flyer Talk to understand that it is a shell game that AA/AS have been playing with for years. My ticket, booked at AA.com with an American flight number (operated by Alaska) clearly stated in the terms “bag fee $0.00.” These should be honored by Alaska without bag fees and your original post is the right one.
Catherine Luther
June 05, 2019
Hi Stuart,
If the bag was advertised at $0 then I agree, this should have been honored. You could file a complaint with the Department of Transport, but if you haven’t already, then it would be a good idea to first contact AA as the marketing carrier to give them the chance to rectify the situation.
Stuart
June 08, 2019
I now have replies from both AA and Alaska which basically tell me that there is no more agreement between the two carriers. Yet, they continue to sell flights on each other using their own flight numbers, lol.
Yes, I have also contacted DOT and have yet to receive a response. More than the $30.00 (whatever) I am really upset over the cumulative of thousands of people like me each year that get lured in to this bait and switch.
Brittany Rasmussen
June 03, 2019
Hello, if I book through Costco Travel and use my alaska card will I still be eligible for free checked bags for me and my companion?
Catherine Luther
June 04, 2019
Hi Brittany,
For the conditions of the first bag free benefit, Alaska states “If you are the eligible primary Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholder on the account, have entered your Mileage Plan™ number into your reservation, and are traveling on Alaska Airlines, we will waive the first checked bag fee for you and up to 6 other guests on the same reservation.” This does not reference that you are required to book directly with Alaska, but you would need to be able to access your reservation to input your Mileage Plan number or have the option to submit this when booking with a third party.
Evelyn
June 08, 2019
I am a military dependent, is my bag that I will check in free of charge and can it weigh more than the 59 pounds but does not exceed 70 and still be no cost?
Catherine Luther
June 09, 2019
Hi Evelyn,
As a military dependent, you are permitted up to 5 checked bags free of charge providing you are on a travel order with valid military ID. Each piece must not exceed 50lbs and 62 linear inches.
Melissa
June 26, 2019
So I just checked into a flight and they tried to charge me $54.80 for some reason for a checked bag. I had reviewed the baggage policy and believed it should be $30.00. Has anyone else experienced this?
Catherine Luther
June 26, 2019
Hi Melissa,
We haven’t heard of any other readers reporting this. Possibly a training error? What did the check-in assistant say when you challenged the fee?
Melissa OMahony
July 23, 2019
Hi there,
Not sure if I’m in the right place. I was wondering if I could gate check a child’s scooter? Probably a silly question, but had to ask! Thanks!
Stephen Au
July 23, 2019
Hi Melissa,
Keep in mind that we aren’t Alaska Airlines, so we can’t give you a straight answer. Our best advice is to measure your child’s scooter and cross-check with Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy. You can call Alaska Airlines directly as well. Thanks for reading.
Mak
August 08, 2019
Hi, I would like to know if there are checked baggage fees for 1st bag if I am using Alaska miles to book a ticket for myself and spouse. No Alaska Visa card number entered in reservation above.
If the answer is yes to the above question, can you advise if I can book the above award tickets and 3 non award tickets on the same reservation and attach Alaska visa credit number to the reservation so that all bags fly free for all 5 passengers. Is that possible to do so?
Please advise. Thank you.
Catherine Luther
August 10, 2019
Hi Mak,
The first part of your question would depend on your Mileage Plan status as passengers do not receive a free checked bag for booking with miles. However, as an eligible Alaska Airlines credit card holder, you and up to 6 guests on the reservation would receive the first checked bag for free. This should still be possible with a combined miles and cash booking but as we’re not Alaska Airlines, we can’t confirm this 100% for you so it’s recommended that you give the airline a call directly.
Samantha mclachlan
August 10, 2019
Hi, I’m flying from the U.K. to Vegas with Virgin who offers 2 checked bags for free. I separately booked a trip to San Francisco rto Vegas with Alaska. Do you charge for my bags even though on return I’m going back to the UK with Virgin the same day as my return flight? Thanks
Jarrod West
August 10, 2019
Hi Samantha,
Please keep in mind that we are not, and have no affiliation with, Alaska Airlines but I am happy to assist. Is your ticket with Alaska booked in economy? If so, you will need to pay $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for your second.
Thanks for reading!
Joe
August 29, 2019
My wife and I are both Alaska Air cardholders on the same account.
I booked a flight for her alone, using my miles reward points, and paid taxes/fees using the Alaska credit card.
Is she required to pay $30 for her first bag checked in?
Jarrod West
August 29, 2019
Hi Joe,
No, she will not have to pay to check her bag.
Thanks for reading!
dave
April 27, 2023
Hmmm – beware they may try to charge you!
I just asked an AK Air representative – even after upgrading to Premium (not first class) seat.
Angeles
October 31, 2019
Can i pay cash for my checked bags at any Alaska counter?
Catherine Luther
November 01, 2019
Hi Angeles,
According to this information on Alaska’s website, cash is accepted at all ticket counters except Charleston. However, this does not specifically reference bag payments, so if you don’t have a credit card handy for payment and want to be 100% certain, then you’ll need to call the airline.
rhodora gumboc
November 23, 2019
I booked a flight from San Antonio to Cebu City Philippines through Cheapoair. Are my 2 luggages of 50lbs each be free from San Antonio to Seattle then to Taiwan then Cebu? They booked me From San Antonio to Seattle with Alaska Airline, Seattle to Taiwan and Taiwan to the Philippines.
Jarrod West
November 25, 2019
Hi Rhondora,
Per the Alaska Airlines website, you should expect to pay $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for your second checked bag. https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/checked-bags
Derrell Schooley
November 27, 2019
I have booked a flight in economy class from Kansas City to Seattle (Alaska Airlines), Seattle to Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), Hong Kong to Cebu PH (Cathay Pacific). Will Alaska Airlines charge the $30 per person checked bag fee in this circumstance?
Jarrod West
November 27, 2019
Hi Derrell,
Yes, it is likely that Alaska Airlines will charge $30 for the checked bag.
Stacy
December 17, 2019
Hi, I am a first time flyer and I have a couple of questions. Are both my carry-on and my personal bag allowed to have wheels? Also does my personal item have a restricted size? Is my carry-on supposed to be what goes under the seat in front of me, or is that my personal? Thank you for reading.
Catherine Luther
December 18, 2019
Hi Stacy,
Your personal item and standard carry-on bags can both have wheels if you choose. Generally an airline expects your personal item to be stored under the seat in front of you and the standard carry-on in the overhead compartments. Alaska Airlines does not disclose size restrictions for the carry-on item but this would be the size of an item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Melissa
December 26, 2019
Hi,
does a C-PAP count as a carry-on?
Melissa
Jarrod West
December 26, 2019
Hi Melissa,
A C-PAP machine is covered by the ADA and not considered a carry-on bag, nor does it court towards your overall baggage limit.
Jennifer
January 21, 2020
Me and my bf will go to Anchorage and Fairbanks next month, just wondering if no charges for first and second checked bag to fly within state of Alaska(Alaska airline)?
Thank you!
Katie Seemann
January 22, 2020
Hi Jennifer,
If your flight is within the state of Alaska then yes, your first and second checked bags will be free. If you’re leaving from or landing in a different state, the regular charges will apply.
Jeff
February 10, 2020
I have an Alaska Mileage Plan World Elite MasterCard. This is the Canadian version of Bank of America Visa. I want to be sure that we will get a free checked bag (for each of us travelling). Please let me know that I have this correct.
Catherine Luther
February 11, 2020
Hi Jeff,
Alaksa Airlines states that Alaska Airlines World Elite® Mastercard® cardholders and up to 6 passengers traveling in the same reservation receive a free checked bag. You can view this information on their baggage fee exceptions page.
martin
February 24, 2020
Hello, do you know what is the weight permitted for carry on luggage?
Thank you.
Catherine Luther
February 25, 2020
Hi Martin,
Alaska does not have a weight allowance for carry-on luggage, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead compartment unassisted.
Jack
February 27, 2020
I have AAdvantage Platinum status.
Will I be able to check a bag for a domestic flight on Alaska Airlines without paying the $30 fee?
Does Alaska recognize the status of American Airlines passengers for baggage fee waivers?
Thanks for your information.
Jack
Catherine Luther
March 03, 2020
Hi Jack,
We’re pretty sure Alaska doesn’t waiver baggage fees for AAdvantage members but we advise you give the airline a call to check.
Rob
July 21, 2020
I have a 3rd bag that weighs slightly below 60 lbs. Do I get charged $100 for the 3rd luggage plus $100 for overweight? Or does the policy that max $100 per bag apply here?
Thanks,
Rob
Jarrod West
July 29, 2020
Hi Rob,
The max $100 charge is only for bags that are both overweight and oversized but still within the number of bags allowed. Since your bag both and extra bag and overweight the fee should be $200 total.
Thanks for reading!
Ted Buila
October 20, 2020
Can I use my Alaska miles to “pay” for a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bag?
Jarrod West
October 23, 2020
Hi Ted,
Unfortunately, Alaska does not allow you to use your miles to pay for baggage.
Juliet
October 27, 2020
Do I get a free bag if I’m an Alaskan resident?
Jarrod West
October 30, 2020
Hi Juliet,
Yes, if you’re apart of their Club 49 membership program.
Sherry C. Agnew
November 14, 2020
I am traveling from Bellingham, WA to Santa Anna/Anaheim. I have a carry-on and a personal bag, and I want to bring toys, etc for my grandson’s but I don’t have a separate large suitcase to use as a checked bag. Can I use a UHaul box? What is the size allowed and how does 62 linear inches translate? Thank you.
Jarrod West
November 19, 2020
Hi Sherry,
You could use a UHaul box as long as it does not exceed 62 linear inches. Linear inches means the height, length, and width should not exceed 62 inches when you add them together. For example, a box that is 28 x 20 x 14 would be 62 linear inches.
GW Buchko
November 27, 2020
I have an Alaskan Airlines credit card. If I purchase a ticket for my son with this credit card, is the first checked bag free when he travels (I am not traveling). I suspect no, I need to travel.
Second question. I have gotten my son a credit card on my credit card account (I’m responsible to make sure the bill is paid). If he uses the credit card to purchase an airline ticket, is the first bag then free?
Jarrod West
November 28, 2020
Hi GW,
Since the card is linked to your loyalty account number, you would need to travel with him in order to get free bags. The same applies if he were to pay with his authorized user card.
Patrick
April 05, 2021
I’m wondering how linked reservations work. For example – I paid for a trip for my family in two parts because I wanted to use the companion fare and I cannot book more than the two people at a time who will be part of the companion discount. My wife and other two kids are booked on the other reservation, paid for with the Alaska credit card, then we linked the reservations. Will they get to use the free bag perk, or just me and my “companion” (other child) on the reservation that I’m on?
Jarrod West
April 05, 2021
Hi Patrick,
If you have linked all tickets together under your reservation then they all should receive the free baggage benefit. Thanks for reading!
Tim McLaughlin
May 21, 2021
I am a 49er who is going back to Anchorage from Seattle. So I get to free checked bags but what if I have additional bags? What would the additional charges per bag if under 50lbs?
Jarrod West
May 24, 2021
Hi Tim,
The charge for a 3rd checked bag should be $100.
Marilyn
June 09, 2021
I’m wondering how linked reservations work. I have 3 separate reservations for my family, as I used Alaska miles for 1 ticket (daughter), two of us are on the companion discount (myself & son) & then I purchased one ticket (spouse). I am the Alaska Visa credit card owner that purchased all 3 reservations. When checking in I was only able to get the free first bag for myself and my son. It did not allow the other 2 family members that I used my miles and purchased the ticket to get their free first bag. I would imagine this is because they are not on the same reservation, even though the reservations are linked, is there anyway around this?
Catherine Luther
June 10, 2021
Hi Marilyn,
Companions must be on the same reservation to qualify for the free checked bag. It might be worth giving Alaska a call to see if there’s anything they can do.
Denise
June 14, 2021
I will be flying to Ft. Lauderdale from San Diego to get on a cruise. I will be using Princess EZ air. I have been told we can have 4 suitcases at no cost since we will be flying First Class. I have been hearing all sorts of different prices. Can you verify this information or send me in the right direction.
Jarrod West
June 14, 2021
Hi Denise,
First class passengers with Alaska should be able to bring up to 2 checked for free, along with a carry-on bag and personal item.
Brittany Erickson
June 24, 2021
I will be bringing a small travel-sized cpap machine with me as I need it for sleeping. Can I pack it in my luggage that I plan on checking in? I will already be carrying all of my type 1 diabetes supplies and medications in my carry-on bag, so no room in that for the machine.
Jarrod West
June 24, 2021
Hi Brittany,
Yes, it will be fine for you to bring that in your checked luggage.
Ken Shelton
July 10, 2022
Do you have a policy for bringing a fishing pole? Ken
Christine Krzyszton
July 10, 2022
Hi Ken. We are not Alaska Airlines, we’re Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card rewards and travel resources. However, I flew 6 flights on Alaska Airlines last week and I saw more than a dozen fishing poles brought on board. The flight attendants stored them in the front closet.
TCee
July 19, 2023
Hi,
I have the Alaska VISA CC. Do I still get the free 1st checked bag when booking
the tix with miles? FYI I booked my flights late last year for next month August using miles,
and paid the taxes with a different credit card.
Thanks for any insights on this.
Jarrod West
July 20, 2023
Hi TCee,
Yes, you should still get the free checked bag.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
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