Cheap Alaska Airlines Flights

Alaska Airlines is one of North America’s leading carriers, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. With a fleet of 332 aircraft, the airline serves 98 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize. Following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines is enhancing its international network and introducing widebody operations for the first time.

Renowned for its friendly service and on-time performance, the airline offers a quality travel experience with locally inspired in-flight meals and a rewarding loyalty program, Mileage Plan. Whether you're flying for business or vacation, Alaska Airlines delivers comfort and reliable service, with upcoming long-haul routes including Seattle to Rome starting in 2026.

You can check in online or via the mobile app anytime from 24 hours up to 60 minutes before departure; this includes seat selection, boarding pass issuance, and baggage payment if needed. Self-service kiosks and ticket counters are also available from 4 hours before departure until 40–50 minutes prior to takeoff, depending on the airport, with domestic flights generally requiring check-in at least 50 minutes, and international flights 60 minutes before departure.

Boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure, and pets or checked baggage should be dropped off earlier—up to 90 minutes in some locations like Guadalajara or Seattle—so it's advisable to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures to ensure a smooth experience.

Hand Luggage

Every passenger is allowed one free carry-on bag (maximum 56 × 36 × 23 cm, including wheels and handles) and one personal item such as a purse or laptop bag that fits under the seat. No weight limit is specified, but you must be capable of placing it in the overhead bin yourself.

Checked Baggage

Standard checked bag fees are $35 USD for the first bag and $45 USD for the second. Each bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and measure a maximum of 157 cm (62 in) in total dimensions; overweight (51–100 lb) and oversized (63–115 in) items incur additional fees of $100–150 USD per bag. Certain customers (e.g., Mileage Plan elite members, First Class passengers, military) may qualify for fee waivers.

Special Luggage

Sports equipment (e.g., bikes, skis, surfboards) is accepted as checked baggage when properly packed—with overweight (over 50 lb) or oversized (over 115 in) fees typically waived up to 70 lb; however, standard checked-bag fees still apply. Fragile or bulky items that won’t fit under seats or in bins can be booked as "cabin seat baggage" by purchasing an extra seat—charged at the full adult fare plus tax.

These policies cover most travel needs, but it's always wise to check Alaska Airlines’ latest guidelines for specific equipment or special items.

Alaska Airlines allows free standard seat selection for all fare types except Saver; Main Cabin, Premium Class, and First Class passengers can pick seats at booking or anytime before departure. Saver fare holders are assigned seats at check-in or at the gate unless they pay a fee to choose one beforehand. Elite Mileage Plan members receive complimentary access to Preferred and Premium Class seating, and may receive free upgrades when available.

Premium Class seats—including extra legroom and early boarding—can be purchased for approximately $9–199, while exit row and other preferred seats are also available for a fee. First Class seat selection is complimentary at booking for all First Class passengers, with upgrades available for eligible elites and paid upgrades on Saver fares.

Alaska Airlines operates the Mileage Plan, a mileage-based frequent flyer program featuring four elite tiers—MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K—aligned with oneworld® status levels Ruby through Emerald. Members earn 1 mile per mile flown in Economy (minimum 500 miles on short flights), up to 2.5 miles per mile in Business, with additional bonus miles based on elite status.

Elite members enjoy benefits like free checked bags (up to 3 bags at MVP Gold 100K), priority check-in/boarding, preferred seating, complimentary upgrades, lounge access, same-day flight changes, milestone perks like lounge passes and bonus miles starting at 10,000 EQMs, and waived fees.

Alaska Airlines offers fresh, West Coast–inspired snacks and meal options to its passengers. Main Cabin and Premium Class travelers can enjoy hot entrées and vegetarian dishes during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all of which can be pre-ordered via the app or website from 2 weeks up to 20 hours before departure. Premium Class passengers receive complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while First Class guests are served regionally inspired gourmet meals crafted in collaboration with local chefs.

In 2024, Alaska Airlines was awarded “North America Best Inflight Food & Beverage” for its quality across all cabins. Even in Main Cabin, flights over 1,100 miles offer up to five chef-curated meals, a limited beverage selection, and options like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Plate. First Class travelers enjoy a multi-course experience starting with fruit or salad, followed by a hot entrée and Salt & Straw ice cream for dessert.

Most of their fleet features a free streaming entertainment system, with over 1,000 movies and TV episodes available directly on your personal device—no app required—by connecting to the onboard Wi‑Fi and visiting AlaskaWiFi.com. This content is stored on the aircraft’s server, so no internet purchase is needed to access it . Many aircraft also include free texting via apps like iMessage or WhatsApp while in flight.

For full internet browsing, messaging, or streaming your own shows, satellite Wi‑Fi is available on most planes at a flat rate of $8 per flight—fast enough to stream Netflix or work online. Basic Wi‑Fi is offered on regional jets and some older aircraft for a lower fee, supporting email and browsing only.

Cabin Travel

Small dogs and cats (and until April 2026, rabbits and birds on existing tickets) are allowed in the cabin for $100 USD/CAD each way, subject to space availability. Pets must remain in a compliant carrier that fits under the seat (hard-sided ≤ 17"×11"×7.5", soft-sided ≤ 17"×11"×9.5") and travelers aged 18+ are limited to one pet carrier plus either a personal item or carry-on bag; first class can have up to 3 carriers and main cabin up to 8 per flight.

Checked Baggage and Cargo

Larger or additional pets can travel as checked baggage in climate-controlled compartments for $150 USD/CAD each way (reduced to $100 for Alaska-internal or military). The combined pet and carrier weight must not exceed 150 lbs, and specific breed, age, and health certificate requirements apply; brachycephalic breeds aren’t accepted in cargo. These policies help ensure pets travel safely and comfortably.

Alaska Lounge Membership

Passengers who purchase an Alaska Lounge membership (Standard or Lounge+) can access all Alaska Lounges on the day of travel by presenting a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by Alaska or a oneworld® partner airline. Members may bring two guests for free, including a spouse or children under 21. Lounge+ members also enjoy access to approximately 90 partner lounges worldwide.

First Class, Elite Status, and Day Passes

Paid First Class passengers on flights over 2,000 miles are granted complimentary lounge access; otherwise, a day pass can be purchased for $30–35 USD. Additionally, elite members such as MVP Gold 75K, 100K, and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members receive complimentary lounge access with one guest when traveling internationally (excluding the U.S., Canada, and Mexico).

Entry is permitted up to 3 hours before departure, and lounges offer regional snacks, beverages, Wi‑Fi, and quiet workspaces.