How Strict Is Alaska Airlines with Carry-On Size & Weight?

Whether you’re going on an extended vacation or a short trip, most people like to bring a carry-on when traveling. Each airline has specific rules when it comes to bringing carry-ons based on size, dimensions, and weight. But how strict is Alaska Airlines with a carry-on?

Alaska airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, per passenger. The carry-on bag size limit is 22 inches by  14 inches by 9 inches; these dimensions include wheels and handles. The personal item must be able to be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.

This article will further discuss the guidelines about bringing carry-on bags onboard Alaska Airlines. We will also discuss fees for carry-on items and rules about personal items.

What Rules Does Alaska Airlines Have For Carry-On Bags?

The carry-on bag size limit for Alaska airlines has recently changed. Carry-on bags can be 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, which include the wheels and handles. Before you fly with a carry-on bag, you should always measure the bag to make sure it is the correct dimensions.

In addition to a carry-on bag, you’re also allowed one personal item on Alaska Airlines. This item can be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Your personal item must be able to be stowed under the seat in front of you.

If you have a carry-on bag that has a charging device or uses a lithium battery, it must be removed. Bags that have non-removable lithium batteries are not allowed as carry-on luggage.

If you are departing Cold Bay (CDB) airport on Alaska Airlines, carry-on luggage is not permitted. One carry-on bag per passenger will be checked free of charge. You can bring one small personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag; any medically necessary items are permitted.

Related Read: How Strict Is Frontier With Personal Item Size Limit?

How Strict Is Alaska Airlines With Carry-Ons?

Alaska Airlines is relatively strict with carry-on luggage. If your carry-on bag does not meet Alaska Airlines’ guidelines, you face the risk of having to pay additional fees and check your bag at the gate. You should take the necessary steps before bringing your bag through security to ensure it meets the size guidelines.

This means measuring your overhead bag and ensuring that it will fit in the overhead bin inside of the plane. You also want to make sure that your personal item can fit under the seat in front of you.

Before arriving at the airport, double check that your departure location allows carry-on bags. Flights departing for Cold Bay (CDB) do not allow carry-on luggage. Instead, you can check one bag free of charge, and you can still bring one small personal item.

Related Read: How Strict Is JetBlue with Personal Item Size?

Does Alaska Airlines Measure Carry-Ons?

Alaska Airlines does not measure carry-ons, but there are size limitations. Your carry-on bag has to be able to fit in the overhead bin. If it doesn’t, you risk having to check your bag at the gate, which could lead to additional fees.

Carry-on bags brought onto Alaska Airlines must be 24 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, which includes wheels and handles. You may also bring one personal item on board with you, free of charge.

Alaska Airlines does not disclose the size limitations of personal items on its website. However, they do give examples of a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or even a small bookbag. Whatever the personal item is, it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Related Read: What Does 100 ml Look Like?

Does Alaska Airlines Weigh Carry-Ons?

Alaska Airlines does not have weight requirements for carry-on bags. The airline states that the passenger must be able to lift their own bag above their head and into the overhead bin. If you cannot lift your own bag or have a travel companion who can, it may be best to check your bag.

Can I Take A Carry-On Bag And A Backpack On Alaska Airlines?

You can take a carry-on bag and a backpack on Alaska Airlines. The carry-on bag should fit into the guidelines that Alaska Airlines states, 24 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. The backpack can count as your personal item as long as it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Related Read: How to Choose an 18x 14x8 Bag

Does Alaska Airlines Charge Fees For Carry-On Items?

When traveling with Alaska Airlines, they do not charge fees for carry-on items. You are allowed one carry-on bag that is 24 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and one personal item. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

Keep in mind that this is only Alaska Airlines. If you are flying on other airlines during your travel day, you may be subject to the other airline’s bag charges.

How Many Bags Fly Free On Alaska Airlines?

One carry-on bag and one personal item fly free on Alaska Airlines. For checked baggage, you can pay some fees online, at a check-in kiosk, or at the airline counter. Alaska Airlines charges $30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second, and $100 for each additional bag.

Checked baggage on Alaska Airlines has a weight limit of 50 pounds per bag and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches. Checked baggage that is more than 50 pounds or exceeds the dimension allowance will face a $100 fee.

What Happens If My Carry-On Is Too Big For Alaska Airlines?

If your carry-on bag does not meet Alaska Airlines’ guidelines, you may face a fee. You will most likely have to check your luggage at the gate. However, this depends on the route and other factors, as there are some exceptions.

Alaska Airlines will transport the following items without a fee, and they will not count as a checked bag.

• Strollers and car seats when traveling with infants or children. Keep in mind the lithium battery rule if the stroller has a battery or power bank.
• One packaged box of pineapples from Hawaii when traveling within the U.S. from Honolulu, Kona, Maui, or Kauai.
• Any mobile medical aids or medical assistive devices.
• Mileage Plan™ members can bring one protectively-packaged case of wine when traveling from a select list of airports. Visit the Alaska Airlines website for a complete list of airports.

Alaska Airlines Has a 20-Minute Bag Guarantee

Often people are hesitant to check a bag because they fear they’ll be sitting at the carousel waiting on their bag. If you do have to check a bag with Alaska Airlines, you don’t have to worry about excessive wait times. Alaska Airlines has a 20-minute bag guarantee.

If your bags are not at baggage claim within 20 minutes of your plane’s arrival at the gate, you’ll receive a discount. Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future use on Alaska airlines, or 2,5000 Alaska Airlines bonus miles. In the rare instance they don’t meet the 20-minute guarantee, speak with one of the customer service agents at the airport.

Summary

When going on any trip, you want to ensure that the travel process will go off without a hitch. This means preparing ahead of time and adhering to all guidelines set by the airline, especially your luggage. Alaska Airlines has rules when it comes to your carry-on luggage.

Alaska Airlines' carry-on rules allow one carry-on bag that is 24 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and one personal item. The carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin. The personal item has to be stowed under the seat in front of you.

You can face a fee if your carry-on bag doesn’t meet Alaska Airlines’ guidelines. However, there are some exceptions to the rule, such as strollers and car seats. For a more complete list of Alaska Airlines’ exceptions, visit their website.