United StatesoneworldMileage PlanUS Major Airlines
Alaska Airlines Overview & Policy Summary
Alaska Airlines is the dominant carrier on the US West Coast and the primary air link to the state of Alaska. Its merger with Hawaiian Airlines has extended the network across the Pacific. Alaska joined oneworld in 2021, making its Mileage Plan currency redeemable across British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare, Saver included..
- First checked bag: $35 on standard fares..
- Changes: No change fee on Main, Premium and First fares.
- Check-in: 24 hours before departure..
Alaska help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Alaska at a glance
Baggage
One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare, Saver included.
Full baggage rulesChanges
No change fee on Main, Premium and First fares. Saver fares cannot be changed at all after the 24-hour window.
How to change a flightCheck-in
24 hours before departure. 40 minutes before departure at most airports.
Check-in and boarding cutoffsMileage Plan
Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity; any earning or redemption resets the clock.
Loyalty programme guideAlaska fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | Full carry-on and personal item, seat assigned after purchase from the back of the cabin. | Non-changeable and non-refundable; boards last; seat assignment cannot be altered. |
| Main | Advance seat selection, free changes, full Mileage Plan earning. | Fare difference applies on changes. |
| Premium Class | Four inches more legroom, free beer and wine, and early boarding. | An extra-legroom product, not a separate cabin. |
| First Class | Recliner seat, two free checked bags, meal service and lounge-adjacent priority. | Domestic-style First on most routes rather than a lie-flat product. |
Hubs
- Seattle (SEA)
- Portland (PDX)
- Anchorage (ANC)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Honolulu (HNL)
A Boeing 737 mainline fleet operating alongside Embraer E175 regional jets, now integrating Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A321neo and widebody aircraft.
Popular routes
- Seattle (SEA) → Anchorage (ANC)
- Portland (PDX) → Los Angeles (LAX)
- Seattle (SEA) → Honolulu (HNL)
- San Francisco (SFO) → Seattle (SEA)
Alaska frequently asked questions
What is the Alaska Airlines baggage guarantee?
Alaska guarantees checked bags arrive at the carousel within 20 minutes of the aircraft parking at the gate. If they do not, you can claim 2,500 bonus Mileage Plan miles or a discount code toward a future flight.
Is Alaska Airlines part of an alliance?
Yes, Alaska joined oneworld in 2021. Mileage Plan miles earn and redeem across British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Iberia and other oneworld carriers.
Can I change an Alaska Saver fare?
No. Saver fares cannot be changed or refunded after the 24-hour booking window, and the automatically assigned seat cannot be altered. Book Main if there is any chance your plans will move.
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