This guide breaks down current carry-on and checked bag rules, the latest fee schedule, and a few ways to avoid paying more than you have to.
Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance
Every Alaska Airlines passenger gets one carry-on bag and one personal item at no charge, and that includes Saver fares (Alaska's version of basic economy).
That's a real perk. Most U.S. carriers strip carry-on privileges from their cheapest fares, but Alaska doesn't.
Here's what fits:
Carry-on bag: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Alaska doesn't enforce a weight limit, but you still need to lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.
Personal item: A smaller bag, such as a laptop case, purse, or small backpack, that fits under the seat in front of you.
Keep in mind that spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes need to travel in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, and liquids follow the standard TSA 3-1-1 rule.
For the latest safety requirements, the FAA's guidance on lithium batteries in passenger baggage confirms that spare lithium batteries and power banks must remain in carry-on baggage rather than checked luggage.
Checked Baggage Fees and Size Limits
Alaska raised its checked bag fees on April 10, 2026, and also dropped the discount travelers used to get for prepaying online.
Bags now cost the same whether you pay in advance or at the airport.
Current fees for flights within North America (including Hawaii and Central America):
Bag | Fee |
First checked bag | $45 |
Second checked bag | $55 |
Third and additional bags | $200 each |
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure no more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) total.
Go over either limit and you'll face an oversize or overweight charge on top of the standard fee.
Travelers have reported combined charges running around $300 for bags up to 70 lbs and $400 for bags between 71 and 100 lbs, so it's worth weighing your bag at home before heading to the airport.
One detail trips up a lot of travelers: Alaska bases your fee on the date your ticket was issued, not the date you actually fly.
Book in March and travel in October, and you'll still pay whatever the fee schedule looked like back in March.
If you'd rather cut costs before you even get to the baggage counter, check for a current 50% off Alaska Airlines promo code that can lower your overall fare and leave more room in your budget for bag fees.
Who Flies With Free Checked Bags
Several groups skip checked bag fees entirely:
First Class passengers get two free checked bags regardless of loyalty status.
Atmos Rewards elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) have checked bag fees waived.
Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders get a free first checked bag for themselves and companions on the same reservation.
Active-duty military members traveling on orders fly with free checked bags.
Club 49 members, Alaska residents enrolled in Alaska's regional loyalty tier, also qualify for waived fees.
Business Class passengers get two free checked bags as well, independent of any status or card.
Special Items: Kids, Pets, and Sports Equipment
Alaska doesn't have a separate baggage allowance for infants or young children. That means a child's carry-on or checked bag gets charged the same as an adult's.
There are exceptions, though: strollers, car seats, breast pumps, and diaper bags all travel free and don't count against your standard carry-on or checked baggage allowance.
A collapsible stroller can even ride in the cabin as a carry-on if it fits.
Sporting equipment like golf clubs, skis, and snowboards count as a standard checked bag as long as the item stays within the normal size and weight limits.
If your sporting equipment contains batteries or electronic components, the FAA's passenger baggage safety guidance is worth reviewing because airline and federal restrictions can apply differently depending on the item.
Pack it properly and keep it under 100 lbs, and you'll usually avoid an oversized item fee. Anything heavier or larger gets billed at Alaska's special/oversized baggage rate.
If you're flying with a pet, that falls under a separate pet travel policy rather than the standard checked or carry-on baggage rules, so check Alaska's pet travel page directly before booking.
How Does Alaska's Baggage Policy Compare With Other Airlines?
Alaska's decision to keep carry-on bags and personal items free on every fare, including Saver, sets it apart from carriers that strip those perks on basic economy tickets.
Southwest, by contrast, moved to a paid checked-bag model in 2026 and now charges $45 for a first bag and $55 for a second, putting it roughly in line with Alaska's current pricing.
If you're deciding between Alaska and another major carrier for an upcoming trip, this detailed Alaska Airlines vs United Airlines comparison walks through how the two airlines stack up on baggage, seating, and overall value.
Tips to Avoid Paying More Than You Should
A few habits keep baggage costs down:
Weigh your bag at home. A bathroom scale plus a bit of math can save you an overweight fee that runs into the hundreds.
Check your ticket issue date if you're unsure which fee schedule applies to your trip.
Add bags during booking rather than waiting until check-in, since Alaska processes checked bags the same either way now, but doing it early avoids line delays at the airport.
Look into a co-branded Alaska Airlines Visa if you fly the airline often. A free checked bag on every trip pays for the annual fee quickly for most frequent travelers.
Consider Atmos Rewards elite status if baggage fees are a recurring cost. Even the entry-level elite tier removes standard checked bag charges.
Also Read: Alaska Airlines Baggage Sizes and Allowances
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on bags on Saver fares?
No. Unlike many competitors' basic economy tickets, Alaska's Saver fare includes a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item at no charge.
What changed in Alaska's baggage fees in April 2026?
The first checked bag fee rose from $40 to $45, the second from $45 to $55, and the third-plus from $150 to $200. Alaska also eliminated its online prepay discount.
Can I still save money by prepaying for a checked bag online?
No. As of April 10, 2026, Alaska charges the same rate whether you pay online in advance or at the airport.
Are checked bags free for military members?
Yes. Active-duty military traveling on orders receive free checked baggage.
What happens if my checked bag is over the weight limit?
Bags over 50 lbs face an overweight fee in addition to the standard checked bag charge, with combined costs commonly running $300 to $400 depending on how far over the limit the bag falls.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines keeps its carry-on policy generous across every fare type, which is a genuine advantage over airlines that restrict basic economy passengers.
Checked bags are where the real cost shows up, especially after the April 2026 fee increase, so it pays to know your ticket issue date, weigh your luggage ahead of time, and check whether elite status, a co-branded card, or military service qualifies you for a fee waiver before you head to the airport.
