Alaska Airlines Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
Every Alaska Airlines passenger can bring 1 cabin bag up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm and one personal item. Checked luggage is not included — you will need to pay extra for any bags going in the hold. If your bag looks too big, staff will ask you to place it in the sizer. Pack light and measure twice.
Published on July 11, 2026 · Last verified on July 12, 2026 by Luggage Validator
7/10
Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
Under seat
No official size · Must fit under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
No free bags
Available for a fee
Included in higher fares
Free Special Items
Items you can bring for free that do not count toward your standard baggage allowance on Alaska Airlines.
Jacket / coat
Umbrella / reading material
Walking stick / crutches / mobility aids
Folding stroller / infant car seat
For infant passengers, checked free
Duty-free purchases
Purchased at airport after security
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | Must fit under seat | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | No free | - | - |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Saver | Main | Main Flex | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in | 56×36×23cm 22×14.2×9.1in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | No | No | No | 2 pc | 2 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | - | - | - | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | - | - | - | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
My toddler had her own ticket, so she got a carry-on plus a personal item — her 14×10×8 inch backpack fit under the seat without issue. A backpack counts as a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Think of it as one large item for the overhead bin and one small item for under the seat — it doesn't matter if it's a purse, backpack, or laptop bag.
I packed my laptop and liquids in my personal item just fine as long as they followed the 3-1-1 rule. The only requirement is that the bag fits under the seat — aisle seats sometimes have less space underneath than middle or window seats. If the bag is too stuffed to fit, they may ask you to move items around.
My checked bag was a few pounds over 50 lbs and they just charged the $100 fee. They'll let you take stuff out to avoid the charge if you want. I've also been 2–8 lbs over and the agent didn't say anything — sometimes you get lucky. If your bag is both oversized and overweight, the fees do stack, so measure and weigh before you go.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Alaska Airlines · Economy class · Domestic routes. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Too large for under seat | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Too large for under seat | OK | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict is Alaska Airlines with carry-on baggage size?
Alaska Airlines generally enforces its published carry-on baggage size limits, especially on full flights.
You may bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge on most fares.
The maximum carry-on bag size is 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in), including wheels and handles.
Bags that exceed the permitted size or cannot be safely stored in the cabin must be checked.
Does Alaska Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
Alaska Airlines does not publish a maximum weight limit for carry-on baggage.
You must be able to safely lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin without assistance.
Oversized carry-on bags may still be checked even if they meet the size requirement.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on Alaska Airlines?
Yes. Alaska Airlines allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item on most fares.
A backpack may be used as either your carry-on bag or your personal item, depending on its size.
If your backpack is your personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Larger backpacks that meet the carry-on size limit may be stored in the overhead bin.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Alaska Airlines website. Last updated July 12, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Alaska Airlines contribute your update