✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Alaska Airlines (now operating alongside Hawaiian Airlines under one group) lets every passenger bring one carry-on plus one personal item free on all fares, but charges for every checked bag in the main cabin. As of flights booked on or after 10 April 2026, checked-bag fees rose to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second — the airline cited “ongoing volatility in fuel prices” for the increase. Most figures below are uniform across Alaska’s network (US domestic, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Central America); some allowances vary by elite status, co-branded credit card, and special programs like Club 49 and active-duty military.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Free — must fit under seat (~17 x 10 x 9 in) |
| Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no published weight limit |
| 1st checked bag | $45 (booked on/after 10 Apr 2026) |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $200 each |
| Checked weight/size | 50 lb (23 kg), 62 linear in (157 cm) |
| Saver fare | Carry-on + personal item only; no free checked bag |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | No official published dimensions; must fit fully under the seat in front (roughly 17 x 10 x 9 in or smaller). Free on every fare. If it won't slide under the seat it is reclassified as your carry-on. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles · No published weight limit — you must lift it into the bin unaided Free on all fares, including Saver |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | No free checked bag on standard Main or Saver fares — each bag is paid. Tier 1 elites, oneworld Ruby members, eligible Atmos Rewards Visa / Hawaiian Mastercard holders, Club 49 and active-duty military get free checked bags. |
| Weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) per bag before overweight fees |
| Typical fee | $45 first bag, $55 second bag, $200 each third and additional bag (fares booked on/after 10 Apr 2026) |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on | None included — $45/$55/$200 schedule applies |
| Main | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on | None included — $45/$55/$200 schedule applies |
| First Class | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on | Free checked bags included (typically 2-3) |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get on Alaska’s cheapest fare: On a deal-priced Saver ticket you get only a carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 in) and a personal item — no checked bag. Budget $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on top of your fare, each way. Saver passengers board in the last group, so if the bins fill your carry-on may be gate-checked. To skip the bag fee entirely, either pack to carry-on only, hold an Atmos Rewards Visa, or book First Class where checked bags are included.
Oversize, sports & special items
Special programs and waivers: Club 49 (free for Alaska-resident Atmos Rewards members) includes two free checked bags on Alaska-marketed flights to/from Alaska. Active-duty US military travel with up to five free checked bags at 70 lb each. Atmos Rewards Tier 1 elites and oneworld Ruby members keep one complimentary checked bag plus companion waivers, and eligible Atmos Rewards Visa / Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard holders retain their existing free-bag benefit.
Sports equipment and instruments: Most sporting gear (golf clubs, skis, bikes) is accepted as a standard checked bag if within 50 lb / 62 in — otherwise oversize/overweight fees apply. Small musical instruments may be carried on if they fit standard carry-on dimensions or in an overhead bin; larger instruments can be checked or, on some fares, bought a seat. Confirm specific item rules at booking, as some items have separate handling.
Note: Fees are in USD and apply per bag, each direction. The 10 April 2026 increase applies to tickets booked on or after that date — earlier bookings keep the prior $40 / $45 / $150 schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a checked bag on Alaska Airlines in 2026?
For tickets booked on or after 10 April 2026, the first checked bag is $45, the second is $55, and each additional bag is $200. Fees are per bag, each way.
Does the Alaska Airlines Saver fare include a checked bag?
No. The Saver fare includes only one carry-on and one personal item. Any checked bag is charged at the standard $45 / $55 / $200 rate. Saver passengers also board last, so overhead bin space for the carry-on is not guaranteed.
What size carry-on can I bring on Alaska Airlines?
The maximum carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
What is the checked bag weight and size limit?
Each checked bag may weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (157 cm) total. Exceeding either triggers overweight or oversize fees.
What are the oversize and overweight bag fees?
Oversized bags (63-115 in) cost $200. A bag that is both oversized and overweight is $300 for up to 70 lb and $400 for 71-100 lb. These are charged in addition to the standard checked-bag fee.
Can I get free checked bags on Alaska Airlines?
Yes, several ways: Atmos Rewards elite (Tier 1) status, oneworld Ruby membership, an eligible Atmos Rewards Visa or Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard, First Class fares, the Club 49 program for Alaska residents, and active-duty US military (up to five bags at 70 lb each).
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