Alaska Airlines Policies: Everything You Need to Know

The Bottom Line on Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier that consistently ranks among the best U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction. Unlike ultra-low-cost carriers, Alaska includes a carry-on bag and personal item with every fare -- even Saver fares. Add in free Starlink wifi for loyalty members and a generous cancellation policy, and Alaska is one of the most passenger-friendly options out there.

Based in Seattle, Alaska operates a large West Coast network plus routes across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and more. The airline joined the Oneworld alliance and acquired Hawaiian Airlines, making its loyalty program and route map even more valuable. If you fly the West Coast regularly, Alaska should be on your radar.

Carry-On and Personal Item Policy

Personal Item (Free)

Every Alaska Airlines ticket includes one free personal item. This can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. There's no strict dimension listed for personal items, but it needs to fit entirely under the seat.

Carry-On Bag (Free)

Alaska includes one free carry-on bag on all fare types, including Saver fares. Maximum dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches including handles and wheels. This is a significant advantage over budget carriers that charge $40-$100 for carry-ons.

There's no weight limit for carry-on bags, but you need to be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. Gate agents won't weigh your bag like they might on Spirit or Frontier.

Checked Baggage Fees

Alaska's checked bag fees are straightforward and competitive for a full-service airline:

• First checked bag: $35
• Second checked bag: $45
• Third+ bags: $150 each

Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure 62 linear inches or less (length + width + height).

Overweight and Oversized Fees

• 51-70 lbs: $100 extra
• 71-100 lbs: $200 extra
• 63-115 linear inches: $150 extra

Bags over 100 lbs or 115 linear inches are not accepted. Sports equipment like skis, snowboards, and golf clubs are generally treated as regular checked bags and subject to the same fees and size limits.

Free Checked Bags

Several groups get free checked bags on Alaska, and this is one of the most generous sets of waivers in the industry:

• Atmos Rewards Silver/Gold: 2 free checked bags
• Atmos Rewards Platinum/Titanium/Oneworld Emerald: 3 free checked bags
• Active-duty U.S. military and dependents: 5 free checked bags
• Atmos Rewards credit card holders: 1 free checked bag for cardholder and up to 6 companions

That credit card perk is exceptional. If you're traveling with a family of four, that's $280 saved in roundtrip bag fees. The card's annual fee pays for itself in a single trip for most travelers.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Alaska Airlines has one of the better cancellation policies among U.S. airlines:

• Within 24 hours of booking: Full refund when booked directly through Alaska
• Main Cabin and above: No change fees -- you just pay any fare difference
• Saver fares: Changes and cancellations are more restricted and may incur fees

When you cancel a non-refundable ticket outside the 24-hour window, you'll receive an Alaska Airlines credit for future travel. Refundable fares get money back to the original payment method.

Flight changes can be made online through the Manage Trip section of Alaska's website or app. There's no need to call unless you have a complex itinerary. If Alaska cancels or significantly changes your flight, you're entitled to a full refund regardless of fare type.

Name Change Policy

Alaska Airlines charges a $125 fee for name changes. However, several types of corrections are free:

• Inverted first and last names
• Last name changes due to marriage or divorce
• Completing an abbreviated first name
• Fixing misspellings (up to 3 characters)

These are corrections, not transfers. You can't change a ticket to a different person's name. For legal name changes, you'll need to provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order. Contact Alaska's reservation line at 1-800-252-7522 to process these requests.

Seat Selection Policy

Seat selection varies by fare type, and Alaska's approach is more generous than most:

• Saver fare: No seat selection at booking. Seats are assigned at check-in (24 hours before departure). You can pay to choose a seat after booking.
• Main Cabin: Free seat selection at booking from available standard seats
• Premium Class: Free seat selection including extra legroom seats
• First Class: Full seat selection with the widest seats and most legroom

If you're on a Saver fare and want to sit with your travel companion, you'll need to pay for seat selection or hope for the best at check-in. Families with young children may get seated together even on Saver fares, but it's not guaranteed.

Premium Class seats offer extra legroom and are available throughout the cabin, typically in exit rows and the front section. First Class on Alaska is a domestic-style product with wider leather seats, complimentary food and drinks, and priority boarding.

Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines allows small dogs and cats in the cabin for $100 each way ($35 for flights entirely within Hawaii). Pets travel in a carrier that fits under the seat.

• Maximum 2 pets per passenger (must purchase an adjacent seat for the second carrier)
• Exit row and bulkhead seats aren't available when flying with a pet
• Reservations are subject to space availability -- book early
• Pet reservations must be made by calling Alaska Airlines, not online

The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers work best. Alaska doesn't publish specific carrier dimensions, but most standard airline-approved carriers that fit under a seat will work.

Species Restrictions

As of mid-2025, only dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin. Domesticated rabbits and household birds were temporarily still allowed through early 2026, but only on tickets booked before June 2025. Going forward, it's dogs and cats only. Service animals (dogs only) fly free with proper documentation.

Wifi and Entertainment

This is where Alaska really shines. The airline is rolling out free Starlink wifi across its fleet, powered by T-Mobile. It's among the fastest inflight wifi available -- fast enough for video streaming, video calls, and working from 35,000 feet.

• Atmos Rewards members: Free wifi (just sign up for the free loyalty program -- it costs nothing)
• Non-members: Paid wifi available, pricing varies by route

Here's the great part: signing up for Atmos Rewards is free. So effectively, everyone can get free wifi just by creating an account before their flight. There's no reason not to.

Alaska also offers free movies, TV shows, and music through its in-flight entertainment portal. Stream to your own device -- no app download required on most aircraft. Some planes have seatback screens with a full entertainment library. USB and AC power outlets are available at every seat on most aircraft.

Other Key Policies

Oneworld Alliance

Alaska is a member of the Oneworld alliance, which means you can earn and redeem miles on partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. This makes Alaska miles significantly more versatile than budget carrier loyalty programs. You can use Alaska miles for premium cabin awards on partners like Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines -- some of the best redemption values available.

Hawaiian Airlines Integration

Since acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, the two carriers are merging loyalty programs and aligning operations. You can earn and redeem Atmos Rewards miles on both Alaska and Hawaiian flights, opening up Hawaii, Asia, and Pacific destinations.

Unaccompanied Minors

Alaska accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-12 on nonstop and direct flights for a fee of $50 each way. Teens 13-17 can travel alone without the unaccompanied minor service but can still opt in for an additional fee.

Food and Drinks

Main Cabin passengers can purchase food and beverages onboard from a rotating menu featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired options. First Class passengers receive complimentary meals and drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. The food quality is a step above most domestic carriers.

Power Outlets

Most Alaska aircraft have AC power outlets and USB ports at every seat. This is standard across the fleet, not a premium-cabin-only perk.

Flight Pass

Alaska offers a Flight Pass subscription for frequent flyers on specific routes, allowing discounted flights for a monthly fee. It's ideal for commuters or travelers who fly the same route repeatedly. Check the Alaska website for available city pairs and pricing.

Check-In

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Airport check-in counters and bag drop close 40 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international flights. Arrive early during peak travel periods.