Alaska Airlines Baggage Rules
Carry-on baggage, personal item allowances, checked baggage fees and weight limits explained.
Last updated: 2nd June 2026
Every passenger can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, making Alaska one of the easier US airlines to travel with using cabin baggage only.
Carry-on bags are limited to 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles, and must fit in the overhead locker.
Personal items such as laptop bags, handbags or small backpacks should fit beneath the seat in front.
Alaska is commonly used as part of wider North American itineraries, particularly when connecting through Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and other major US gateways, often connecting through Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles or other major US gateways.
As a result, baggage allowances can vary depending on whether you are travelling solely on Alaska Airlines or as part of an international journey with a partner airline such as British Airways.
Checked baggage fees generally apply on domestic North American routes, with the first checked bag typically costing from $45 and the second from $55.
Standard checked baggage weight limits are 23kg (50lb) per bag, while First Class passengers benefit from higher allowances.
If you're travelling with cabin baggage only, remember that UK airport liquid restrictions still apply regardless of your destination.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are designed to help travellers pack efficiently, stay within airport security rules and avoid unnecessary checked baggage fees where possible.
View the Alaska Airlines full baggage policy →
Free Cabin Bag Size
1 personal item and
1 carry-on bag
included on all fares
Checked Baggage Fees
North America routes
First bag FROM $45
Second bag FROM $55
Fees may vary by route
and ticket type
Checked Baggage Weight
Economy, Premium Economy
and Main Cabin
UP TO 23kg PER BAG
Business and First Class
UP TO 32kg PER BAG
Key Alaska Airlines Baggage Tips
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Most passengers can bring both a carry-on bag and personal item at no extra charge.
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Ensure your carry-on bag does not exceed 56 × 36 × 23cm including handles and wheels.
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Keep your personal item small enough to fit completely beneath the seat in front of you.
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Backpacks, laptop bags, handbags and briefcases generally qualify as personal items.
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Check baggage fees before travelling, as charges vary depending on route, fare type and loyalty status.
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Review baggage allowances carefully if your journey includes partner airlines, as different baggage rules may apply.
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Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less when travelling through airports that apply standard liquid restrictions.
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Keep passports, medication, valuables and electronic devices in your personal item for easy access.
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Travelling with carry-on luggage only can often help avoid checked baggage fees on many North American routes.
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Review your baggage allowance before departure, particularly when travelling on connecting or international itineraries.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
Alaska Airlines baggage allowances by fare type
Alaska Airlines baggage allowances vary depending on fare type, route and cabin class, but all passengers can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge. Checked baggage fees and allowances vary by destination and ticket type, particularly on domestic North American routes and international itineraries.
Saver
Personal Item Included
(43 × 25 × 22 cm)
Carry-on suitcase
(56 × 36 × 23 cm)
No checked baggage
Fees typical from $45
Best for:
Budget-conscious travellers wanting the lowest available fare while still benefiting from a free carry-on bag.
Main Cabin
Personal Item Included
(43 × 25 × 22 cm)
Carry-on suitcase
(56 × 36 × 23 cm)
No checked baggage
Fees typical from $45
Best for:
Travellers wanting flexibility, seat selection options and a standard Alaska Airlines economy experience.
First Class
Personal Item Included
(43 × 25 × 22 cm)
Carry-on suitcase
(56 × 36 × 23 cm)
Checked bag included
Typically 2 x 32kg bags
Best for:
Travellers wanting premium comfort, priority services and more generous baggage allowances.
Checked baggage with Alaska Airlines: what you need to know
Alaska Airlines checked baggage rules are generally straightforward, although allowances and fees vary depending on your route, fare type and whether you are travelling as part of a wider international itinerary.
For many UK travellers, Alaska Airlines flights form part of a North American journey, often connecting through Seattle or another major US gateway.
On most domestic North American routes, checked baggage is charged separately, with the first checked bag typically costing from $45 and the second from $55. Standard checked baggage is usually limited to 23kg (50lb) and total dimensions of 158cm (62 linear inches).
First Class passengers benefit from more generous allowances, including higher weight limits and additional checked baggage on many routes.
If you are travelling on a through-ticket from the UK with a partner airline such as British Airways, your checked baggage allowance may be determined by the airline that issued your ticket rather than Alaska Airlines itself. Always check the allowance shown on your booking confirmation before travelling.
Oversized, overweight and additional bags may attract extra charges. Where possible, purchasing baggage in advance and travelling with cabin baggage only can help reduce costs and simplify your journey.
Key Alaska Airlines checked baggage tips:
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First checked bag usually costs from $45 on domestic North American routes
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Standard checked baggage allowance is typically up to 23kg (50lb)
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First Class passengers often receive more generous baggage allowances
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International and partner-airline itineraries may have different baggage rules
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Check baggage allowances on your booking confirmation before travelling
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Keep valuables, medication and travel documents in your cabin baggage
Alaska Airlines cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge on all fares.
Personal items such as handbags, laptop bags and small backpacks should fit beneath the seat in front, while carry-on bags must remain within the airline's maximum dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
Carry-on bags should fit comfortably in the overhead locker and be light enough for passengers to lift safely without assistance. On some smaller regional aircraft, larger cabin bags may need to be placed in the hold at the gate and returned after landing.
Liquids carried in cabin baggage must comply with airport security requirements. When departing from UK airports, liquids, gels, creams and aerosols should generally be in containers of 100ml or less and presented for screening in accordance with local airport procedures.
Duty-free purchases, prescription medication and essential medical items may be subject to separate security requirements.
For travellers hoping to avoid checked baggage fees, Alaska Airlines' generous carry-on allowance makes cabin-bag-only travel a realistic option for many trips.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are designed to help travellers pack efficiently, remain within UK airport liquid rules and travel with confidence through security.
Common Alaska Airlines cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
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Exceeding Alaska Airlines carry-on bag dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm
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Packing a personal item that will not fit beneath the seat in front
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Bringing liquids in containers larger than 100ml through airport security
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Forgetting that some regional aircraft may require larger cabin bags to be gate checked
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Assuming baggage allowances are identical across partner-airline itineraries
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Placing medication, valuables or travel documents inside checked baggage
Cabin-approved travel kits make it easier to stay within liquid limits, pack efficiently, and get through airport security without hassle.
Alaska Airlines baggage FAQs
1. What is the Alaska Airlines carry-on bag size limit?
Alaska Airlines allows one carry-on bag measuring up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
2. Does Alaska Airlines allow a personal item?
Yes. All passengers may bring one personal item free of charge, such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits beneath the seat in front.
3. Does Alaska Airlines charge for checked baggage?
On most domestic North American routes, checked baggage is charged separately. The first checked bag typically costs from $45 and the second from $55.
4. What is the checked baggage weight limit on Alaska Airlines?
Standard checked baggage is usually limited to 50lb (23kg) per bag. First Class passengers often receive higher baggage allowances.
5. What size can checked baggage be on Alaska Airlines?
Checked bags should generally not exceed 62 linear inches (158cm total dimensions), calculated as height + width + depth.
6. Are checked bags included on international Alaska Airlines flights?
Some international routes include checked baggage, while allowances can also depend on partner airlines and ticket type. Always check your booking confirmation before travelling.
7. Can UK travellers fly Alaska Airlines on a British Airways connection?
Yes. Many UK travellers connect to Alaska Airlines flights through Seattle or other US gateways after flying with British Airways or another partner airline.
8. What liquid rules apply when flying Alaska Airlines?
If departing from a UK airport, liquids should generally be in containers of 100ml or less and comply with airport security requirements.
9. Can Alaska Airlines require cabin bags to be checked at the gate?
Yes. On some smaller regional aircraft, larger cabin bags may need to be gate checked before boarding due to limited overhead locker space.
10. How can I avoid Alaska Airlines checked baggage fees?
Travelling with a personal item and carry-on bag only can help avoid checked baggage fees. Packing efficiently and using travel-sized toiletries can make cabin-bag-only travel much easier.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
Cabin-approved travel kits make it easier to stay within liquid limits, pack efficiently, and get through airport security without hassle.
