Knowing Alaska Airlines’ carry-on size policy will help you avoid paying unexpected fees at the airport and pack right for your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about their carry-on size and weight policies.
What is Alaska Airlines’ carry-on size policy?
Alaska Airlines’ carry-on size policy allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag at no extra charge. The policy requires that the carry-on bag fits into the overhead bin.
- Alaska Airlines has no weight restrictions on carry-on baggage and personal items. Please note, however, that you must be able to lift your carry-on bag or personal item comfortably into the overhead bin.
- Personal items, such as purses, small backpacks, briefcases, and laptops, must fit under the seat in front of you during the flight.
Tip: Measure your luggage accurately with KAYAK’s handy Bag Measurement tool in the mobile app and read tips on how to pack a carry-on.
What extra items can you bring onboard?
Alaska Airlines’ carry-on bag size FAQs
Although there are fewer rules for things like personal item size, Alaska Airlines does strictly enforce its stated carry-on size policies. If your item exceeds the prescribed size, you risk being fined and your luggage checked.
Whether your backpack will be categorized as a personal item will depend on its size. Alaska Airlines does not enforce specific dimensions for a personal item, but its only requirement is that it should fit the space underneath the seat.
If your backpack is small and can fit beneath your seat, you can bring it alongside your carry-on bag. In this case, it will be allowed onboard as a personal item.
Top three Alaska Airlines carry-on size tips
from travel expert Lily Cichanowicz
Tip #1: Use a drawstring bag for in-flight essentials for easy access
Within your personal item, store a drawstring bag with in-flight essentials for handy access. These can include things like earbuds, snacks, medication, and glasses. You can easily hook this on the seat in front of you for easy access while also avoiding the common pitfall of leaving behind valuable items in the seat-back pocket.
Top #2: Use packing cubes and roll your clothes for a colder climate
For those opting to travel only with a carry-on, packing for a colder climate can be a real challenge. Luckily, nowadays there are products like packing cubes designed to help you maximize space. Plus, the internet and social media are full of clever packing hacks like rolling your clothes. And if you’re really in a pinch, you can always wear extra layers on the plane to save space.
Need some extra help packing? Check out these expert tips for maximizing space in your carry-on.
Tip #3: Double-check for the lowest fare when using award travel miles
If you’re using miles to pay for your flight, always double check that you’re getting the lowest possible flight cost to your destination in the weeks leading up to your departure. If not, Alaska Airlines will refund you the different. But only if you look into any price drops yourself. This can enable you to save thousands of frequent flyer miles.
⏰ Last update: March 7, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
