Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees
Airline baggage fees can feel like a moving target, especially when you’re trying to avoid surprise fees. Alaska Airlines allows you to bring one carry-on and one personal item for free, but you’ll have to pay at least $35 per checked bag—each way. Although weight and size restrictions apply, extra charges pile up quickly.
Let’s take a closer look at Alaska Airlines' baggage fees, policies, and restrictions, and how you can skip airport hassles and save money by shipping your bags with LugLess.
Alaska baggage fees - Domestic Flights
Below are Alaska Airlines’ typical checked baggage fees for domestic travel, including charges for additional checked bags, overweight luggage, and oversized baggage.
| Baggage category | Fee | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LugLess carry-on | $14-$39 | 25lbs | Calculate |
| First checked bag | $35 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Second checked bag | $45 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Third(+) checked bag | $150 | 50lbs | 62" |
| LugLess checked bag | $25-$45 | 50lbs | Calculate |
| Overweight bag (per bag) | $100 | 51-100lb | 62" |
| Oversized bag (per bag) | $150 | 50lbs | 63"-115" |
| LugLess oversized bag | $28-$55 | 75lbs | Calculate |
While domestic checked bag fees for Alaska Airlines start at $35 for your first bag, that price quickly increases as you add more bags or if your luggage is overweight or oversized.
LugLess vs. Alaska Airlines checked bag fees
Instead of paying $35–$45 and waiting at the airport for your checked bag, LugLess ships your luggage from $25 with no lines and direct delivery.
Can LugLess really save you money on checked bags? Absolutely! But if you want to check for yourself, check out our fee calculator.
For many routes, shipping your bags with LugLess vs. checking them on Alaska Airlines is cheaper. And you can skip long lines for checking bags and the wait at baggage claims. Even bulky sports equipment think golf clubs and ski gear can be shipped for less!
Alaska Airlines carry-on baggage rules
Hoping to fly with just a carry-on or personal item on Alaska Airlines?
Then it’s important to know all of their baggage rules, or you could risk having to check your bag at the last minute.
For all flights and aircraft types, the limit for carry-on bags on Alaska Airlines is 22” x 14” x 19”, including the wheels and handles. All three measurements (length, width, and height) must add up to no more than 45 inches.
Alaska Airlines allows you to bring one small personal item
Along with your larger carry-on baggage, Alaska Airlines also allows you to bring one small personal item. But this isn’t another piece of luggage. Think items such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Medically necessary devices, such as diabetic kit bags, can also be included as personal items.
Items that don’t count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance
Alaska Airlines also allows several additional items that don’t count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance, including diaper bags, duty-free purchases, jackets, umbrellas, and medically necessary or assistive devices such as CPAP machines, walkers, and prosthetics. These can be brought onboard at no extra charge as long as they meet safety requirements.
Alaska Airlines checked baggage policy
If you want to stick to the standard fees on Alaska Airlines, stick to these rules:
- Maximum 2 checked bags
- Weight per bag: 50 pounds or less
- Bag size: linear dimension (length + width + height) up to 62”
There are some items you can fly with for free, and they won’t count towards your checked bag allowances.
- Mobility aids or medical devices
- Strollers and car seats, when you’re traveling with infants or children
- Pineapples—if you’re traveling from Honolulu, Kona, Maui, or Kauai, you can bring one packaged box of pineapples.
Special rules also apply to sporting equipment and musical instruments. While you can fly with items such as skis or golf clubs, oversized or overweight bag fees may apply.
Alaska Airlines will waive overweight bag fees for:
- Archery equipment
- Bicycles (non-motorized)
- Fishing equipment
- Golf clubs
- Hockey/Lacrosse equipment
- Kiteboarding equipment
- Pole vaults
- Scuba equipment
- Skis/Snowboard
- Surfboards/Paddleboards
- Windsurfing equipment
Alaska Airlines will also waive oversize bag fees (up to 70 pounds) for bicycles and windsurfing equipment.
You can also bring musical instruments on Alaska Airlines, either as a carry-on or as a checked bag, provided it’s in the proper storage case.
- Small musical instruments can count as a carry-on, even if they exceed the standard dimensions, provided they fit in the aircraft’s storage compartment.
- Larger musical instruments that can’t be stowed can still fly in the cabin if you purchase a seat for them.
- Musical instruments in a proper case will be accepted as checked bags, but overweight/oversize fees may apply.
Overweight & Oversized baggage on Alaska Airlines
In addition to the fees you pay to check luggage, Alaska Airlines has some restrictions you should be aware of.
First, the maximum weight for checked bags is 50 pounds. If you go over that weight limit, you’ll pay an additional $100 fee, in addition to the checked bag fee.
If you purchased your flight after October 14, 2025 or you’re flying after Jan 2, 2026, the extra fee for an overweight bag goes even higher.
- 50-70 pounds: $100
- 70-100 pounds: $200
So if your first bag weighs in at 60 pounds, you’ll pay the $35 fee plus an extra $100, for a total of $135.
The Alaska Airlines checked bag policy also includes a size limit. Bags with a linear dimension (length + width + height) of 63-115 inches will be charged an additional $150. For flights purchased before October 14, 2025 or departing 2026, that fee increases to an additional $200.
And that only covers domestic flights. For international flights, prices can be even higher, depending on your destination.
Alaska Airline's Overweight baggage fees - Domestic Flights
| Bag Type | Additional Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Overweight 51-100 pounds (before Jan 2, 2026) | $100 |
| Overweight 51-70 pounds (after Jan 2, 2026) | $100 |
| Overweight 71-100 pounds (after Jan 2, 2026) | $200 |
| Oversized (63–115 in) (before Jan 2, 2026) | $150 |
| Oversized (63–115 in) (after Jan 2, 2026) | $200 |
Alaska Airlines Baggage Fee Exceptions and Waivers
Alaska Airlines offers several ways to qualify for free checked bags, though most travelers will pay standard baggage fees unless they meet specific eligibility criteria.
You may receive free checked bags if you are:
-
Flying First Class
-
An Alaska Mileage Plan™ elite member
-
A oneworld® elite member
-
An eligible Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholder
-
Active-duty U.S. military (with valid ID)
-
A Club 49® member on qualifying Alaska-only flights
Additionally, certain items do not count toward your baggage allowance and may travel free, including:
-
Mobility aids and assistive devices
-
Medically necessary equipment
-
Strollers and car seats (when traveling with children)
The number of free bags varies by fare type and status level, so it’s always best to confirm your baggage benefits when booking.
How to avoid Alaska Airlines baggage fees
Smart packing can save you serious cash. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Roll clothes or use packing cubes so they take up less space.
- Wear bulkier items and your heaviest/bulkiest shoes on the plane.
- Lean into a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match items.
- Limit heavy items such as books or bulky accessories.
If you have a travel credit card, check your perks. Many offer free checked bags or reimburse incidental fees.
Another option? Skip baggage fees entirely. LugLess ships your bags to your final destination, and it often costs less than airline bag fees. You’ll save money and hassles for a double win at the airport!
Alaska Airlines Baggage FAQs
Still have questions about Alaska Airlines baggage fees? We’ve got you!
How much does Alaska Airlines charge for checked bags?
Alaska Airlines standard checked bag fee starts at $35 for the first bag. Additional bags, overweight bags, and oversized bags will be charged additional fees on top of that.
How can I avoid paying baggage fees on Alaska Airlines?
Ways to avoid baggage fees include traveling with only a carry-on or personal item, using a travel card that offers free checked bags as a perk, or meeting certain waiver guidelines (such as active military). You can also skip baggage fees by shipping your stuff with LugLess.
Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
No, Alaska Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge for most fares.
What is Alaska Airlines’ carry-on bag size limit?
On Alaska Airlines, the size limit for carry-on bags is 22” x 14” x 9”. These measurements include handles and wheels.
What is Alaska Airlines’ checked bag size limit?
The size limit for standard checked bags on Alaska Airlines is a total linear dimension (length + width + height) of 62 inches.
What is Alaska Airlines’ weight limit for checked bags?
The maximum weight limit for checked bags is 50 pounds. Bags weighing 51 pounds or more will be charged an additional fee.
Can I check more than two bags on Alaska Airlines?
Yes, Alaska Airlines allows additional bags for $150 each (starting with your third bag).
Is shipping luggage cheaper than checking it?
Yes, shipping your bags with LugLess is often cheaper than checking it, especially when you have multiple bags or overweight/oversized bags. It’s always way more convenient.