Andrea Rotondo 
Comments
January 22, 2021 
Mileage Plan elite members can check a certain amount of luggage for free on Alaska Airlines flights. The rest of us may need to cough up some cash. Here’s a look at how much checked bags cost on Alaska Airlines and ways to skirt the fee whenever possible.
How Much Does a Checked Bag Cost?
You’ll pay $25 each for your first and second checked bag on an Alaska Airlines flight. You’ll need to lay out $75 for each additional bag you plan to check. Those bags must have a maximum linear dimension (length + width + height) and weight 50 pounds or less.
If your bag weighs 51 to 100 pounds, it will cost an additional $75 to check it. If the bag’s dimensions are 63 to 115 linear inches, the additional fee is also $75. (If your bag is both overweight and oversize, you’ll only pay the $75 once.) You can’t check a bag that weights more than 100 pounds or is larger than 115 linear inches. There are additional rules for checked sports equipment and musical instruments.
If you are confirmed in First Class when you check in, you are entitled to check two bags for free. Likewise, if you are
Active U.S. military get up to five bags checked for free as do their dependents when
How Many Bags Can Elites Check for Free?
Certain members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan can check bags for free. You need to be an MVP, MVP Gold, or MVP Gold 75K elite member of the program in order to snag free checked bags. The number of free bags you’re allowed is listed in the chart below.
| MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75K | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage Fee Waiver for member and companions traveling in the same reservations on Alaska Airlines* | First 2 bags | First 2 bags | First 2 bags |
| Checked Baggage Fee Waiver for member and companions traveling in the same reservation on American Airlines* | First bag | First 2 bags | First 2 bags |
* Companion waiver does not apply to group bookings
Can You Avoid Baggage Fees?
Yes. Alaska Airlines offers quite a few ways to avoid checked baggage fees and is particularly generous to Alaska residents and those serving in the U.S. military.
Club 49 Member: If you are a resident of Alaska or are in the U.S. military and are stationed in Alaska, you can register to be a Club 49 member. Membership includes your first and second bags checked for free. Subsequent checked bags will cost you $75 each.
American Airlines AAdvantage Elites: If you hold elite status with American Airlines’ AAdvantage program, you are entitled to two free checked bags when you travel on Alaska Airlines flights. Each bag after that will cost you $75 to check.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card Holders: If you hold the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card from Bank of America you are entitled to one free checked bag. A second bag will cost $25 to book and subsequent bags cost $75 each.