Alaska Baggage Allowance: Everything You Need to Know – Faresmatch
When it comes to traveling with Alaska Airlines, understanding their baggage allowance is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Whether you’re packing for a quick weekend getaway or a long vacation, knowing the rules and guidelines for carry-on bags, checked luggage, and special items can save you time and money. Faresmatch is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to Alaska baggage policies, so you can travel with ease and confidence.
Overview of Alaska Airlines Baggage Allowance
Alaska Airlines, known for its excellent service and wide range of destinations across the United States and internationally, has specific rules and regulations when it comes to luggage. The airline’s baggage policies are divided into three categories: carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and special items. Each category has its own set of guidelines, including size, weight, and fees.
Before you start packing, it’s essential to know the key details about Alaska Airlines baggage allowance to avoid extra charges or last-minute surprises at the airport.
1. Carry-On Baggage Allowance
When flying with Alaska Airlines, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra cost. It’s important to note that both items must adhere to the airline’s size and weight limitations.
Carry-On Bag:
- Size Limitations: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
- Weight Limitations: While Alaska Airlines does not have a specific weight limit for carry-on bags, passengers should be able to lift and store their bag in the overhead compartment without assistance.
- Additional Restrictions: Each passenger is allowed one carry-on item and one personal item, such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Both items must fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
Personal Item:
- Personal items are smaller bags, such as backpacks, briefcases, or purses.
- Size Limitations: Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. The typical dimensions are around 17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches.
- No Additional Fees: Alaska Airlines does not charge for personal items, as long as they fit within the allowed dimensions.
2. Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage is typically used for larger or heavier items that don’t fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Alaska Airlines allows each passenger to check in a certain number of bags, with specific size and weight restrictions.
Standard Checked Baggage:
- Size Limitations: The maximum size for checked luggage is 62 inches (157 cm) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
- Weight Limitations: The weight limit for checked baggage is 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag. Bags exceeding this weight will incur additional charges.
- Number of Bags Allowed: Most passengers are allowed to check in up to two bags for a fee, though the exact number may vary based on your fare class, frequent flyer status, and route.
Fees for Checked Baggage: Alaska Airlines charges a fee for each checked bag. The standard fee is as follows:
- First Bag: $30
- Second Bag: $40 Additional bags or overweight bags may incur higher fees. Here’s a breakdown of the additional charges you might face:
- Third Bag: $100
- Fourth Bag and Beyond: $100 per bag
- Overweight Baggage: If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, there’s an additional $100 fee. Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds will incur a $100 charge plus the oversized baggage fee.
- Oversized Baggage: Any bag that exceeds the 62-inch total linear dimension limit will incur a $100 fee.
3. Special Items Baggage Allowance
Alaska Airlines offers special allowances for certain items, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and fragile items. These items may be subject to additional fees, and it’s essential to understand how to pack and declare them properly.
Sports Equipment: Alaska Airlines allows you to check sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, bikes, and fishing rods. These items are subject to specific packing requirements and may incur additional charges.
- Golf Clubs: One golf bag, including clubs, balls, and tees, counts as one checked item, and the fee is typically $30.
- Bikes: If your bike is properly packed in a protective case, it will count as one checked item, with a fee of $75.
- Skis and Snowboards: Ski equipment, including skis, poles, boots, and snowboards, is generally charged a $30 fee when packed properly in a bag.
Musical Instruments: If you’re traveling with a musical instrument, such as a guitar or violin, Alaska Airlines allows you to bring it as a carry-on item or check it as baggage.
- Carry-On: Small instruments, such as violins or flutes, can be carried on as personal items, provided they fit within the size guidelines.
- Checked Instruments: Larger instruments, such as guitars, can be checked, but it’s highly recommended to use a hard-shell case to protect them during transit.
Medical Equipment: Alaska Airlines is accommodating for passengers with medical needs. If you need to bring medical equipment such as a CPAP machine, oxygen tanks, or a wheelchair, you are allowed to do so without extra charges. However, it’s advisable to contact the airline in advance to ensure proper accommodations.
4. Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees for Different Fare Types
Alaska Airlines offers different fare types, each with varying baggage allowances. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect based on the fare type you purchase:
- Main Cabin:
- One carry-on bag and one personal item are free.
- Checked baggage fees apply (first bag $30, second bag $40).
- First Class:
- Passengers flying in First Class enjoy more generous baggage benefits.
- Two checked bags are free.
- One carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed for free.
- Saver Fare:
- Saver fares offer fewer benefits, and checked baggage is not included in the base fare. Fees for checked bags apply.
- Mileage Plan Members:
- Elite members of the Mileage Plan program (MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K) enjoy more favorable baggage policies.
- MVP members receive one free checked bag, while MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members receive two free checked bags.
5. Tips to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees
To avoid paying high baggage fees, consider these tips:
- Weigh Your Bags Before You Go: Use a luggage scale to weigh your bags at home and ensure they meet Alaska’s weight limits.
- Pack Smart: Avoid overpacking by being mindful of the baggage size and weight restrictions.
- Join the Mileage Plan: If you frequently fly with Alaska Airlines, joining their Mileage Plan may offer you extra baggage benefits.
- Check Baggage Fees Online: Before you leave for the airport, check the current baggage fees on the Alaska Airlines website to avoid surprises.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines offers a straightforward and easy-to-understand baggage allowance policy, but it’s important to be aware of the size, weight, and fees associated with your luggage. Whether you’re carrying on a small bag, checking in large luggage, or traveling with special items, understanding the rules will ensure a smooth experience at the airport.
At Faresmatch, we recommend that you carefully review the baggage guidelines before you fly to avoid any unnecessary costs or complications. Traveling light and packing smart can help you stay within Alaska’s baggage allowance and ensure you’re ready for your journey with minimal stress.
With the right preparation, your flight with Alaska Airlines can be an enjoyable experience, leaving you with nothing to worry about but reaching your destination. Safe travels!
