Alaska Airlines Carry On Size

While traveling by air, whether you have a single carry-on bag or multiple suitcases, it’s essential to know what the size allowance is. If you’re traveling with Alaska Airlines anytime soon, then you will find this article helpful in figuring out your luggage. This will help you avoid any mishaps while boarding.

Alaska Airlines Main Carry-on Allowance

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to carry one free hand carry-on bag and one personal item on their aircraft. The free carry-on bag should not weigh more than 22 pounds, i.e., 10 kgs. The dimensions for their free carry-on bag are – 9*14*22 inches. You can measure your carry-on bag before checking into the flight, and if your bag exceeds the weight or dimension limit, you may have to pay extra fees for it.

For personal baggage as well, Alaska Airlines only allows one personal item. These items can be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. You can tuck these items under the seat in front of you or put them in the overhead bin. There are several limits associated with eBags or smart bags if they are in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Let’s have a look at them.

It’s imperative for the safety of everyone on the aircraft that the self-propelled bags or smart luggage should be battery powered. These batteries should be lithium, and they should be removable via a key or push-up button.
If the smart bag does not have lithium batteries, it should come with charging devices. These charging devices should be disconnected from the bag when they are onboard, i.e., if it’s a part of your checked luggage.
Smart bags that you want to carry on can remain connected to their charging devices.
Any device that requires a tool such as a screwdriver to remove the batteries may not be allowed either as carry-on luggage or checked baggage.
Regardless of whether it’s a battery-operated or power-operated device, please note that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not allowed on the flight or in the checked baggage.

We will have a detailed look at the prohibited items on Alaska Airlines further in the article.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Size & Rules

As we mentioned before, Alaska Airlines allows each passenger to travel with a carry-on bag and a personal item within the size and weight limits. The carry-on luggage should not weigh more than 10 kgs. This includes any handles or wheels on the bag. You can measure your bag before boarding the flight to prevent any problems from taking place later on.

Furthermore, please remember that the total dimension of the carry-on bag should not exceed 45 inches. The carry-on limit is 9*14*22 inches. There is always the possibility of your bag being misplaced, so it’s crucial to place an identification card on your bag so you can find it easily. You can get the free downloadable tag for identification from Alaska Airlines’ website.

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Alaska Airlines, unlike most airlines, charges extra baggage fees for when you check bags in for baggage claim at your destination. The standard bag fees only apply to bags under 50 pounds or those that don’t exceed the maximum dimension of 62 inches. You can check in the first bag at an Alaska Airlines’ baggage fee of $30. A second bag, however, will be charged 40$.

If you’re taking three checked bags with you, you will be charged 100$ for each bag. You can take as many bags as you want as part of your checked luggage as long as each bag meets the weight restrictions and comes within the maximum dimension allowed to be carried.

Please note that Alaska Airlines is subject to change the number of their checked bag limit whenever they want under special circumstances. This especially happens during peak travel periods.

You can check some items like strollers, cars, or mobility aids into the baggage claim free of charge. Also, several baggage fee waivers can be claimed by certain people, such as Alaska Airlines credit cardholders, the US Military personnel, and Elite level mileage plan members. Please note that according to the Alaska Airlines baggage policy, checked luggage, whether checked free of charge or not, cannot exceed the size or weight allowance.

There are some exceptions, such as sporting equipment, musical instruments, that are chargeable $100 per piece. These exceptions are called oversize or overweighed baggage. If such baggage is brought on, the weight restrictions are 100 pounds, and the linear inches on oversized baggage is 115 inches. If the number of bags you’re carrying, the oversize or overweight bags, all fall into one single fee category, then you will be charged only the highest single fee.

If you need assistance with carrying luggage that is more than the above-mentioned size and weight limits, then you can contact Alaska Airlines’ Cargo service at 1-800-225-2752. Please note that any travel flights operating by Qantas (Alaska Airlines 5000 – 5499) or Alaska Airlines 8001 – 8100 (operated by Americans) have different baggage fees and weight restrictions.

Alaska Airlines have a 20-minute guarantee baggage claim limit. This means that if you cannot claim your baggage within twenty minutes of landing, you are liable for a 25$ discount code on a future Alaska Airlines flight. However, if you’re an Elite member of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, you will receive complimentary 2500 miles for your next flight.

If you can’t claim your baggage within 20 minutes of landing, all you need to do is call their service center within 2 hours of landing, and you will get an update on your baggage.

Exceptions to Carry-On

One of the exceptions you have to keep in mind is that you can’t take carry-on luggage on flights taking off from the Cold Bay Airport according to the TSA screening limitations. However, if you’re flying from the Cold Bay Airport, you can check in one bag meeting the maximum dimensions of 9*14*22 inches or 45 linear inches. Furthermore, you can have a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag as a carry-on item while boarding the flight.

There are some exceptions to the carry-on rules for standard Alaska Airlines flights. These exceptions will not be counted within your carry-on limit or exceed the limit as long as it is safely stored in the overhead bin. Here is a complete list of items you can carry on without being counted as carry-on baggage:

Small musical instruments like a harmonica.
Delicate scientific equipment.
Fishing poles.
Human organs.
Paintings.
Art/Advertising portfolios.

You can bring certain items onboard without being counted as a carry-on. They are as followed:

Prescription medicines.
Medical devices that are needed to administer medication, such as needle syringes, or auto-injection are allowed on the flight. Again, these devices should be compliant with the safety, security, and hazardous materials rules.)
Coats, hats, umbrellas; basically anything that is wearable and can fit into the overhead bin or be tucked under the front seat.
Properly documented service animals.
A reasonable amount of reading material.
Food for immediate consumption.
A pillow for personal use.
Mobility/Medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, approved portable oxygen concentrators (POC), breast pumps, etc.
FAA approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers (based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant). Remember that if the stroller has battery packs, you should make sure they match the Alaska Airlines baggage policy requirements. You can find out more about their battery and electronic items restrictions on their website.

Note that they must be placed in a bag for medical devices and medication to be counted out of the carry-on limit. For more guidelines regarding traveling for people with medical problems and certain disabilities, visit the TSA website.

Carry-On Liquids and Food Policy

Alaska Airlines follow the guidelines given by the TSA and FAA when it comes to liquids and foods. According to the TSA-3-1-1 rule, here are the limitation related to carrying liquids:

Liquids, gels, aerosols in travel-size containers are allowed to be carried by passengers.
The liquid carrier must not weigh more than 3.4 ounces or measure 100 milliliters.
Each passenger can only carry one quarter-sized bag for liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Common liquid items allowed onboard are toothpaste, mouthwash, conditioner, lotion, and shampoo.
These rules are exempted in case of certain medications and infant nourishment.

Now, let’s have a look at the foods you can carry while traveling via Alaska Airlines. There are two things to consider regarding foods: foods you bring with you from home and foods you buy at the airport after having made through security protocols.

Once you have made it through the security, you can bring any food you buy at the airport without worrying about limitations. Most liquids are considered food, such as alcoholic beverages, baby food, utility products, etc. You should store all of these products in a bag. The bag, according to the TSA 3-1-1 rule, should not weigh more than 3.4 ounces.

Below is a complete list of food products you can bring on the plane with you:

Alcohol – You can carry alcohol in your carry-on bag, but it should not exceed the limit of 100 milliliters or 3.4 ounces. In checked bags, you can carry alcohol that does not have an alcoholic content of more than 70%. Your checked bags can contain about 5 liters, i.e., 3 gallons of alcohol. The alcohol should be in sealed retail packaging. Alcohol with 24% alcoholic content can be in your checked baggage without any restrictions.
Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcoholic content, i.e., 140 profs, are not allowed on the flight. They can’t be carried in either carry-on bags or checked bags.
Baby Food – Baby Food can be brought on in both carry-on and checked bags. Remember to take these items out of your bag and get them screened separately. If you would like more information on guidelines about traveling with children, please visit the TSA website for the same.
Baby Formula – Baby formula, just like baby food, can be in your one carry-on bag and checked baggage. Remember to remove these items from your bags for screening separately, or they may get counted with your overall luggage.
Bottled Water – You can bring bottled water in your carry-on only if it’s 3.4 ounces. However, that limitation is not applicable for checked bags.
Bread – Bread is a solid food item that can be brought in both in your carry-on and checked bags.
Breast Milk – Breast milk can be in your carry-on in reasonable quantities. In your checked bag, however, there isn’t a special limitation. Please note that you do not have to be traveling with an infant to be carrying breast milk.
Candy – Candy is allowed both in your carry-on and checked bags. During security, TSA officers might ask you to check in your solid food items such as powders, foods, fruits, etc. This is because, in some cases, they can cause clutter in the bag, making it difficult to scan through the X-Ray machine.
Cereal – Cereal can be carried both in your carry-on and checked bag without any limitations.
Canned Foods – You can take canned foods both in your carry-on and checked bag. However, while getting the items scanned, the TSA officers might ask you to take them out just because of how they appear on the X-Ray machine.

Carry-On Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines do not charge for one carry-on bag, but they do charge for a carry-on pet. Their baggage policy dictates that if you’re carrying a pet with you, it should be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier. The pet carrier cannot be too big, or it will get difficult to store under the seat in front of you.

There are two types of carriers – a hard-sided carrier or a soft-sided carrier. A hard-sided carrier of dimensions 17*11*7.5 inches is allowed as an Alaska Airlines carry-on. However, a soft-sided carrier should not be more than 17*11*9.5. Pets in such cabin kennels will be counted as your one carry-on item. You can carry a personal item along with your pet carrier in this case.

The Alaska Airlines pet fee is 100$ for one-way travel. All Alaska Airlines charge the same amount for a carry-on pet.

Prohibited Items on Alaska Airlines

Per the regulations by TSA to protect everyone on the aircraft, certain items are entirely prohibited from being carried on. Therefore, these items can’t be in your checked bags as well. Let’s have a look at the list of items that are prohibited on Alaska Airlines.

Alcohol more than 100 milliliters is not allowed in your carry-on bag. Your checked bag can carry alcohol with an alcoholic content of not more than 70%.
Battery-powered/Self-folding Strollers – Battery-powered strollers can be part of your carry-on if you can remove their batteries without using a tool like a screwdriver. They should have a push-up mechanism or a key to remove the batteries. These devices should either be battery-powered or chargeable devices that require a charging device like a power bank. In your checked baggage, the batteries should be taken out and placed in a plastic bag before being placed in the bag. These are the conditions of carrying self-folding strollers and battery-powered devices.
Camping outdoor equipment is strictly prohibited both as a carry-on and as a checked baggage item. This includes camp stoves with the residue of flammable liquids, camp fuel cylinders, strike-anywhere matches, animal repellant, propane heaters, etc.
Electronic Smoking devices like e-cigarettes can be a part of your carry-on but not your checked luggage. These should be battery or USB-powered and should be on safety mode to prevent any accidental ignition.
Explosives like fireworks, gunpowder, signal flares, sparklers, or other explosives are strictly prohibited from being a carry-on or your checked baggage.
Any flammable liquids or solids are dangerous and hence, are strictly prohibited from being a carry-on or a part of your checked luggage. Fuel, paints, lighter fluids, refills, Sterno, mothballs, self-heating meals such as MREs are not allowed on the flight or baggage claim.
Household items such as drain cleaners, solvents, other caustic, corrosive solids or liquids are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked baggage.
Lithium batteries can be in your carry-on but not in your checked luggage. They should be able to be removed from the devices.
Marijuana is not allowed both on and off the flight.
A book of matches or one lighter is allowed in your carry-on but not in your checked baggage.
Other hazardous materials such as gasoline-powered tools, wet-cell batteries, radioactive materials, poisons, and infectious substances are not allowed on either your carry-on or checked luggage.
Personal air purifiers can be carried in your checked baggage but not in your carry-on.
Pool chemicals containing hazardous, oxidizing, or reactive materials should not be on your carry-on or checked luggage.
Sharp objects like knives, cutting instruments are not allowed onboard, but they can be in your checked baggage. These include carpet knives, box cutters, folding or retractable blades, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors with a cutting edge of more than four inches, pliers bigger than seven inches, etc.
Styrofoam containers are allowed as a part of your carry-on, but not your checked luggage.
Weapons or firearms are not permitted to be in your carry-on. You can carry firearms in your checked baggage, but you have to follow certain instructions. For example, they must be unloaded and carried in a locked, hard-sided container. Plus, you should be older than 18 to carry firearms on an aircraft. For more information on which firearms or ammunition you can carry, please visit Alaska Airlines’ website.
Printer and toner cartridges are not allowed either on your carry-on or your checked luggage.

FAQs

How strict is Alaska Airlines about carry-on?

Alaska Airlines is rather strict about its carry-on size. They are also fairly strict about the number of bags you carry with you. Each passenger is allowed to have one carry-on bag, and one personal item brought to the aircraft.

Can I take a carry-on and a laptop bag on Alaska Airlines?

Yes, you can take one carry-on bag and a laptop bag on Alaska Airlines. All passengers are allowed one carry-on and a personal item onboard. In this case, your laptop bag would be your personal item.

What if my carry-on is slightly too big for Alaska Airlines?

If your carry-on is slightly too big for Alaska Airlines’ aircraft, then you may be asked to check it in for baggage claim and ask you to pay the standard checked baggage fees.

Can a piece of 24-inch luggage be a carry-on?

Yes, a piece of 24-inch luggage can be a carry-on because the maximum dimension for a carry-on bag is 45 inches. So if you’re carrying a 24-inch bag, then you should be good to go.

Conclusion

It’s important to know what you can carry and what you can’t when you are flying. If you’re traveling via Alaska Airlines, we hope that this guide helped you understand what you can or cannot carry on your next flight. In addition, we hope you have a safe flight.

Alaska Airlines Carry On Size, Fees, Limits Guide [2021]