Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines (AS), is a major North American carrier from the United States. They operate primarily within North America and to Hawaii and Mexico, offering flights to 120+ destinations.

Alaska Airlines' baggage policy is primarily governed by the fare class purchased and the passenger’s elite status or credit card membership. While all passengers are permitted a complimentary carry-on and personal item, checked baggage typically incurs a fee unless specific criteria are met.

Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Alaska Airlines, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 61 x 43 x 25 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Alaska Airlines carry-on allowance

No weight limit is enforced for the carry-on but passengers must be able to lift their carry-on bag into the overhead bin without assistance. In addition to the carry-on, one personal item is permitted per passenger and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Alaska Airlines checked baggage allowance

Alaska Airlines primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

The maximum limit for each piece is 62 linear inches (158 cm). Always verify your specific itinerary on the official Alaska Airlines website, as seasonal baggage limitations may apply to certain Mexican or Central American destinations.

Alaska Airlines extra baggage fees

Alaska Airlines uses fixed fees for overweight, oversized, and additional baggage, which are cumulative and apply in addition to the standard checked bag fees (if applicable). These charges apply across all fare types and most routes (domestic and international), with exemptions noted below. The standard limit for checked bags is 50 lbs and 62 linear inches.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Charges (USD, per bag, per direction):

• Overweight Fee (51–100 lbs / 23–45 kg): $100 USD per bag.
• Oversized Fee (63–115 linear inches / 160–292 cm): $150 USD per bag.
• If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both the $100 and $150 fees are charged, plus the standard bag fee (e.g., $35), totaling $285 USD for the first bag. Bags over 100 lbs or 115 linear inches are generally not accepted as checked luggage.

Additional Baggage Charges (Per Piece Concept):

• 3rd Bag and subsequent bags: $150 USD each. This fee applies after the first two checked bags (for standard passengers) or after the allowance granted by status/fare class is exhausted.

Exceptions apply to active-duty US military personnel and their dependents travelling on orders thus they are permitted to check bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) without incurring the overweight fee.

Alaska Airlines special baggage policy

• Military Baggage: Active-duty US military personnel and their dependents traveling on official orders receive up to five free checked bags, each permitted to weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and measure up to 115 linear inches (292 cm) without incurring overweight/oversized fees.
• Infant/Child Equipment: Strollers, car seats, and child restraint systems can be checked at the ticket counter or gate free of charge and do not count toward the baggage allowance. Diaper bags may also be carried on free of charge.
• Sporting Equipment: Many common items like golf bags, skis, snowboards, and fishing equipment are accepted as a standard checked bag, meaning the standard baggage fee applies. Alaska Airlines will waive overweight and oversized fees for many types of sporting equipment, provided they do not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) and the size limit for the specific item (e.g., ski bags up to 115 linear inches).
• Musical Instruments: Instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If checked, instruments are subject to the standard checked baggage policy, but instruments exceeding 62 linear inches may be accepted up to 150 linear inches on a limited-release basis.
• Unique Items: Passengers traveling from Hawaii to the continental U.S. may check one box of pineapples for free.

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