Alaska AirlinesAS

Alaska Airlines is a major US carrier headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1932 as McGee Airways, Alaska has grown to become the fifth-largest airline in the United States, operating over 1,300 daily flights to more than 140 destinations across North America, Central America, and increasingly international markets.

In 2016, Alaska Air Group acquired Virgin America for $2.6 billion, significantly expanding its West Coast presence and California route network. The Virgin America brand was retired in 2019, with all operations consolidated under the Alaska Airlines name.

Alaska joined the Oneworld alliance in March 2021, giving passengers access to a global network of partner airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. In 2024, Alaska Air Group completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, further expanding its Pacific network.

The airline consistently ranks among the top US carriers for customer satisfaction and on-time performance. Alaska is known for its strong West Coast network, excellent frequent flyer program, and genuine customer service culture.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

• Dimensions: 17" x 14" x 8" (43 x 35 x 20 cm)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Backpack, purse, laptop bag, small tote

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles/wheels
• Weight: No limit on domestic flights
• Included on ALL fares (including Saver)—Alaska does not restrict carry-on bags by fare class

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Saver	✓ Free	✓ Free
Main	✓ Free	✓ Free
First Class	✓ Free	✓ Free

Note: Alaska is one of the few US carriers that includes a full carry-on bag even on its lowest fares.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (L + W + H)

Domestic Fees (as of January 2025):

Fare	1st Bag	2nd Bag	3rd+ Bag	Weight Limit
Saver	$35	$45	$150	50 lbs (23 kg)
Main	$35	$45	$150	50 lbs (23 kg)
First Class	Free	Free	$150	50 lbs (23 kg)

International:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	50 lbs (23 kg)
First Class	2 bags	50 lbs each

Overweight & Oversized

Weight	Fee
51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)	$100
71-100 lbs (33-45 kg)	$200
Over 100 lbs	Not accepted

Size	Fee
63-80 linear in (160-203 cm)	$150
81-115 linear in (204-292 cm)	$200
Over 115 linear in	Not accepted

Elite Status & Credit Card Benefits

Status/Card	Free Bags
Alaska Visa Cardholder	1 bag (cardholder + up to 6 companions)
MVP	1 bag
MVP Gold	2 bags
MVP Gold 75K	3 bags
MVP Gold 100K	3 bags
First Class Passengers	2 bags

Alaska Airlines Visa Card Benefit: One cardholder receives their first bag free for themselves plus up to six additional passengers on the same reservation—exceptional value for families.

Military: Active-duty US military personnel and dependents traveling on official orders receive up to 5 free checked bags at 70 lbs each.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 50 lbs
Skis/Snowboard	Standard	Oversize fee waived
Bicycle	$150	Must be boxed
Surfboard	$150	Up to 9'6"
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Breast pump	Free	Does not count as carry-on
Diaper bag	Free	Does not count against allowance
CPAP machine	Free	Does not count as carry-on

Fees verified January 2025. For current fees, see alaskaair.com/baggage.

First Class

Alaska's domestic First Class offers the most legroom of any US domestic airline:

• Seat pitch: Up to 41 inches
• Seat features: Calf rest, 6-way adjustable headrest with neck support, USB-C charging
• New seats: Recaro CL4710 (R5) seats being installed across 737 fleet
• Configuration: 12-16 seats depending on aircraft
• Meals: Complimentary food and premium beverages
• Entertainment: Personal seatback screens on newer aircraft
• Reserved bins: Dedicated overhead space for First Class passengers

Aircraft-specific configurations (2025-2026 refresh):

• 737-800: Increasing from 12 to 16 First Class seats
• 737-900ER: 16 First Class seats
• 737 MAX 9: 16 First Class seats

Premium Class

Located directly behind First Class, Premium Class offers enhanced comfort:

• Seat pitch: 35-36 inches (4+ inches more than Main Cabin)
• Seat width: Standard economy width with leather seats
• Beverages: Complimentary cocktails, beer, and wine
• Boarding: Priority boarding after First Class
• Overhead bins: Reserved placards above Premium Class rows
• Entertainment: USB-C charging, device holders, seatback screens on refreshed aircraft

Configuration: 24-30 Premium Class seats per aircraft

Main Cabin

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (standard for domestic)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches
• Power: USB-C at every seat on refreshed aircraft
• Entertainment: Free personal device streaming via Alaska app, seatback screens on some aircraft
• Food: Complimentary snacks and soft drinks; buy-on-board food service
• WiFi: Satellite WiFi available for purchase on most flights

Fleet Refresh: By end of 2025, nearly all 737s will have updated interiors with device holders, cup holders, USB-C charging, and 6-way headrests.

WiFi & Entertainment

• WiFi: Available on most flights, plans start around $8/flight
• Streaming: Free movies, TV shows via Alaska app (download before flight)
• Seatback screens: On most aircraft, especially post-2024 interior refresh
• Power: AC outlets in First Class; USB-A/USB-C throughout cabin

Booking

• Book direct: alaskaair.com often matches OTAs and you get better service for issues
• Saver fare value: Unlike many competitors, Alaska includes full carry-on on Saver fares
• Compare total cost: Alaska's base fares are competitive; add baggage to compare fairly
• Partner awards: Exceptional value to Asia on Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines using Alaska miles

At the Airport

• SEA: Alaska operates from N and S concourses; allow 15 min between distant gates
• Use the app: Kiosks don't print boarding passes—app is required for digital passes
• Automated bag drop: Complete ID verification in app beforehand for fastest check-in
• TSA PreCheck/Clear: Available at all Alaska hubs

Upgrades

• Same-day upgrades: Clear based on status and EQMs earned
• Purchase upgrades: Often available 24-48 hours before departure via app
• Use certificates: Gold 75K/100K members get upgrade certificates—use on peak routes
• Companion upgrades: New in 2025—upgrade your traveling companion on same reservation

Earning Miles

• Alaska Visa card: Best single card benefit—first bag free for up to 7 passengers
• Shopping portal: 2-15x miles at major retailers via awardwallet shopping portal
• Dining program: Earn miles at participating restaurants
• Partner bookings: EQMs now earned on award flights (new 2025)—status runs count!

Mileage Plan Sweet Spots

• Free stopovers: Add a free stopover (up to 14 days) on international partner awards using multi-city booking
• Partner awards: Alaska miles on Emirates First Class, Cathay Pacific Business, JAL are exceptional value
• Hawaii: 15,000 miles one-way to Hawaii is competitive with cash fares
• No fuel surcharges: Alaska doesn't add carrier-imposed surcharges on most partner awards

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Kiosk confusion: Don't expect to print boarding pass at kiosk—download the app
• International document check: Complete mobile document verification before arriving
• Bag measurement: 22" carry-on limit is strictly enforced (including wheels/handles)
• Status match timing: If doing a status match, request before booking flights