Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees 2026 — Complete Guide
Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest carrier in North America, built its reputation on friendly service and one of the most generous carry-on policies in the industry. But checked bags still cost real money. Whether you are flying Main Cabin, Saver, or First Class, here is the complete 2026 guide to what Alaska charges for bags and exactly how to avoid those fees.
Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees at a Glance
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | All fares |
| Carry-On | Free | All fares, incl. Saver |
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 | Domestic |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45 | Domestic |
| 3rd Checked Bag | $150 | Per bag |
| Oversize (62+ in) | $175 | Additional |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $100 | Additional |
* Fees apply per bag, each way. International routes may have different fee schedules.
Checked Bag Fees on Alaska Airlines
For domestic flights in 2026, Alaska Airlines charges:
- First checked bag: $35 (waived for MVP elite members, Alaska Visa Signature cardholders, and premium cabin passengers)
- Second checked bag: $45
- Third checked bag: $150 per bag
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
The $35 first-bag fee puts Alaska right in line with American, Delta, and United. The notable difference: Alaska's elite program is one of the easiest to earn, and even entry-level MVP status includes a free checked bag on every flight — no credit card required.
International routes vary. Flights to Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica generally follow the domestic schedule, while some long-haul partner routes may include the first bag depending on the fare and operating carrier. Always check the baggage page when booking a partner-operated itinerary.
Carry-On & Personal Item Policy — Free on Every Fare
Here is where Alaska shines. Unlike American, United, and the ultra-low-cost carriers, Alaska includes a full-size carry-on free of charge on every fare class — including Saver, its most basic fare. There is no carry-on fee, no gate sizer scare, and no $45 surprise.
✅ One Less Fee to Worry About
Carry-on bags must fit within 22″ × 14″ × 9″, and personal items (backpacks, purses, laptop bags) must fit under the seat in front of you. Alaska's overhead bins are standard size, so a typical spinner suitcase is fine. If you fly with only a carry-on, your bag fee for the entire trip is $0.
This policy makes Saver fares on Alaska genuinely usable for travelers who pack light. On American or United, a Basic Economy ticket plus a carry-on can add $45–$65 to the fare. On Alaska, the math stays simple: carry-on is always included.
Oversized & Overweight Bag Fees
Alaska charges fixed premiums for bags that exceed standard limits:
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100 additional
- Oversized (62+ linear inches): $175 additional
- Bags over 70 lbs or 115 inches: Not accepted as checked baggage
These fees are in addition to the regular checked bag fee. A 55-lb first checked bag would cost $35 + $100 = $135 each way, and an oversized third bag would run $35 + $150 + $175 = $360. A $10 luggage scale and a tape measure are the cheapest insurance you can buy before a trip.
How to Save on Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees
Best Ways to Get Free Bags on Alaska
- Get the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card: Cardholders get 1 free checked bag on every Alaska flight for themselves and up to 6 companions on the same reservation. The $95 annual fee pays for itself after roughly two round trips with a bag.
- Earn MVP Elite Status: MVP members get 1 free checked bag. MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP 100K get 2 free bags — plus priority boarding and upgrades. Alaska's elite thresholds are among the lowest in the industry.
- Use the companion fare: The Alaska Visa Signature card's annual companion fare (from $99 plus taxes) applies to a second ticket — and that ticket's first bag is also covered by the card benefit when the cardholder is on the reservation.
- Travel with only a carry-on: Alaska charges nothing for a carry-on on any fare, so a 3–4 day trip can be done completely bag-fee-free.
- Active Military: Active US military members on personal travel get up to 5 free checked bags (100 lbs each) with Alaska.
- Compare total costs: Alaska's $35 first bag is standard, but the fare itself can vary. Use our Baggage Fee Calculator to see the true cost of any itinerary.
Compare Alaska & Calculate Your Total
Bag fees only matter in context. Compare Alaska against other carriers, then run your exact itinerary through the calculator before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a checked bag on Alaska Airlines in 2026?
The first checked bag costs $35 on domestic flights, the second costs $45, and the third costs $150. Fees apply per bag, each way. MVP elite members and Alaska Visa Signature cardholders get the first bag free.
Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
No. A full-size carry-on is free on every Alaska fare, including Saver. Just keep it within 22″ × 14″ × 9″. This is one of the most traveler-friendly carry-on policies among major US airlines.
What credit card gives free checked bags on Alaska?
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card gives 1 free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation. The annual fee is $95, and the card also includes an annual companion fare from $99 plus taxes.
Does MVP status include a free checked bag on Alaska?
Yes. MVP members get 1 free checked bag on every Alaska flight. MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP 100K members get 2 free bags. Elite-qualifying miles on Alaska are easier to earn than on most competing programs.
What is Alaska's overweight and oversize bag fee?
Bags weighing 51–70 lbs cost $100 extra, and bags over 62 linear inches cost $175 extra, on top of the standard checked bag fee. Bags over 70 lbs or 115 linear inches are not accepted as checked baggage.
How can I avoid Alaska baggage fees without a credit card?
Travel with only a carry-on and personal item — both are free on every fare. Or earn MVP status, which includes a free checked bag. Active military members also get up to 5 free checked bags on personal travel. See our full guide on avoiding fees without a credit card →
The Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines keeps baggage pricing simple: $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second, $150 for the third — and a carry-on that is free on every fare, including Saver. The fastest way to skip the $35 is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card (1 free bag for you plus companions) or MVP status, which is easier to earn than most competing elite tiers. If you pack light, Alaska can be one of the cheapest airlines in the air. Check Alaska Airlines' current rates →
Source: Alaska Airlines Baggage Overview · Last verified June 1, 2026. Fees are subject to change; always confirm at booking.