Travel advisories

Important updates

Coronavirus advisories

Please visit our dedicated coronavirus (COVID-19) response page for a step-by-step guide if you need to cancel or change your flight reservation.

Other travel advisories

FAA implements stricter legal enforcement

Federal law prohibits physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault aircraft crew or any other individual on an aircraft. Passengers are subject to civil penalties for such misconduct. Additionally, federal law provides for criminal fines and imprisonment of passengers who interfere with the performance of a crewmember’s duties by assaulting or intimidating that crewmember.

Effective immediately, through March 30, 2021, the FAA will immediately pursue stricter legal enforcement action, including fines of up to $35,000 and imprisonment against passengers who interfere with, physically assault, or threaten to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft.

Historically, the agency has addressed unruly-passenger incidents using a variety of methods ranging from warnings and counseling before pursuing stricter penalties.

Learn more about this order at faa.gov This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites.

Health agreement

All guests are required to accept a health agreement as a part of our normal check-in process through our mobile app, alaskaair.com, or at an airport kiosk. When checking in at the airport with an agent, guests are required to accept the agreement verbally.

Guests who do not meet the health agreement requirements, or refuse to participate, will be directed to an airport agent or our reservations call center to reschedule their trip.

Health care professionals who have been in close proximity to patients with COVID-19 will be able to travel as long as they have adhered to applicable infection prevention and control practices (to include proper use of protective equipment) recommended by the CDC and the health care institution at which they are employed, and otherwise meet all other requirements of the health care agreement.

Masks and face coverings

No mask, no travel, no exceptions.

Policy and guidelines

  • In response to CDC guidelines, all guests 2 and older will be required to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth—with no other exceptions. The heightened policy will remain in effect until further notice.
  • If a passenger is unwilling or unable to wear a mask or face covering for any reason, Alaska will be unable to provide them with travel, or access to the lounge.
  • The only time when guests are allowed to temporarily remove their masks is when briefly drinking or eating.
  • While on board, guests who repeatedly remove or refuse to wear a mask or face covering will be given a final warning—in the form of a yellow card. With a yellow card warning, the guest’s travel with Alaska will be suspended immediately upon landing. Any remaining portion of the guest’s itinerary will be canceled—to include any connecting or return flights—along with any future trips the guest has booked. The guest will be provided with a full refund for any unused travel and will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements from that point.
  • The FAA has implemented stricter legal enforcement and fines against guests who refuse to comply with crew instructions

Acceptable face coverings

  • Face coverings must be made from a cloth or other barrier material that prevents the discharge, release, and expulsion of respiratory droplets from a person’s nose or mouth.
  • If you are wearing a face shield, you must also wear a mask.

Unacceptable face coverings

  • Face coverings with direct exhaust valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind
  • Face coverings that do not cover a guest’s nose and mouth
  • Face shields without masks

Inflight service changes

In response to CDC guidelines, we are minimizing contact and will have limited offerings for inflight food and beverage service. We recommend that you pack your own food and refillable water bottle This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites., or build in a little more time to pick something up at the airport. Most airport concessions are open.

Flights up to 350 miles:

  • No food or beverage service

Flights longer than 350 miles:

Please note: due to FAA regulations, alcohol brought through security or purchased at the airport cannot be consumed onboard the aircraft at any time.

We're also suspending inflight tablet rental/service, but our inflight entertainment library will still be available with over 600 free movies and TV shows to watch on your own device.

We know this can be a stressful time to travel, and we are doing everything possible to keep you safe. As always, the safety of our guests and our employees is our number one priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you during your trip.


 

My flight was changed or canceled

Due to the drop in demand for air travel, we have significantly reduced our flight schedule. If your flight is affected by a schedule change or cancellation, we will move you to the next available flight.

If your new flight works for you, great! We'll see you onboard.

If your new flight schedule was changed by more than one hour, you have some options:

  • Move to a different flight that better suits your schedule
  • Cancel your trip and receive a credit for future travel
  • Cancel your trip and receive a refund* to your original form of payment

*Please note: To qualify for a refund to your original form of payment, you must have an active reservation on the impacted flight. If you voluntarily canceled your trip and received a future travel credit before the flight cancellation, you are not eligible for a refund.



 

I want to change or cancel my flight

If you need to change your plans, we are waiving change and cancellation fees for the following:


Peace of Mind waivers

For tickets purchased on/before February 26, 2020:

Tickets Purchased On / Before

February 26, 2020

Original Travel Dates

March 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020

New Travel Dates

March 9, 2020 - November 30, 2021

Exception Policy

  • Tickets must be changed or canceled prior to the departure of your original flight.
  • If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance.
  • If you purchased a Saver fare for travel through December 31, 2020, you may:
  • If you purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main, or award ticket for travel through December 31, 2020, you may:
  • This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code "027".
  • This waiver does not apply to same day confirmed changes
  • Tickets issued by other airlines with a different carrier code (ticket numbers that don’t begin with “027”) are subject to the waiver policy of the other airline.

For tickets purchased February 27, 2020 to March 31, 2021:

Tickets Purchased Between

February 27, 2020 - March 31, 2021

Original Travel Dates

February 27, 2020 - February 28, 2022

New Travel Dates

One year from the original travel date

Exception Policy

  • Tickets must be changed or canceled prior to the departure of your original flight.
  • If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance.
  • If you purchase a Saver fare between February 27, 2020 and March 31, 2021, you may:
  • If you purchase a nonrefundable First Class, main, or award ticket between February 27, 2020 and March 31, 2021, you may:
  • This waiver is valid only for tickets issued by Alaska Airlines, which you can identify by a 13-digit ticket number that begins with Alaska Airlines code "027".
  • This waiver does not apply to same day confirmed changes
  • Tickets issued by other airlines with a different carrier code (ticket numbers that don’t begin with “027”) are subject to the waiver policy of the other airline.

 

Regional advisories

 

Travel to Canada

Travel that is not considered essential will be restricted and travelers will not be permitted to enter the country.

Travelers to Canada are required to submit information digitally using the ArriveCAN app or website This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites.

Those that meet the following will be allowed to enter on international flights:

  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • U.S. citizens and foreign nationals traveling on direct flights from the U.S. to Canada (transborder flights) who have not resided anywhere other than the United States and Canada within 14 days prior to flight departure (with an essential reason for travel)
  • Foreign nationals connecting to another country via a Canadian airport
  • Extended family members include those in a long-term, exclusive dating relationship and their dependent children, plus adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and grandparents under certain conditions
  • International students attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by a provincial or territorial government as having a COVID-19 readiness plan

Beginning January 7, 2021, all passengers 5 years and older must submit a negative result from an an approved molecular COVID-19 test prior to boarding a flight to Canada. DPI, or antigen and antibody tests are not acceptable.

Passengers aged two and older on flights departing for Canada are required to have their temperature taken by the boarding agent prior to boarding. If a passenger is identified with an elevated temperature and does not hold an approved medical exception, they will be denied boarding and may not travel to Canada for at least 14 days from the scheduled travel date.

  • Medical exception must be provided on the doctor's official letterhead, include physician's full name and address, and be attested and signed by the physician issuing the exception.
  • It must include the name of the passenger and his/her date of birth
  • It must state that the person in question would not be a health risk to anyone else he/she may come in contact with.
  • It must clearly state that any symptom (for example, a fever) a passenger may have is NOT related to COVID 19

All travelers must confirm that they have in their possession the mandatory non-medical mask or face covering during the check-in and/or boarding process otherwise they will not be allowed to continue on their journey. At a minimum, travelers will be asked to wear the non-medical face mask or covering at:

  • Airport security checkpoints inside of Canada
  • In flight
  • As directed by an official of Alaska Airlines, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, a Canada Border Services Agency officer, or a Canadian public health official.
  • Exceptions: Children under the age of 2 years old; passengers with breathing difficulties unrelated to COVID-19.

Canadian Health department is asking all inbound passengers to Canada to self-isolate unless they have essential business to complete.

All other guests will be denied boarding to comply with government mandates.

We will be asking guests questions at U.S. gateway locations to ensure we're following the rules Canada has issued.

Passengers are encouraged to reach out to the Embassy of Canada for further information prior to travel.

Find a testing location


 

Travel to Costa Rica

The following is required of all guests planning to enter Costa Rica:

  1. Have travel insurance that covers accommodation and expenses generated by the COVID-19 disease, offered by one of the authorized insurers in Costa Rica or another international provider. You can purchase your travel insurance through one of the following insurance providers if you don't have one:
  2. Complete the online HEALTH PASSThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. prior to boarding your flight to Costa Rica. The form is available 48 hours prior to departure and must be completed for all guests in a reservation, including minors. This form is available in English and Spanish.

 

Travel to Mexico

All travelers entering Mexico will be required to complete the Cuestionario de Identificacion de Factores de Riesgo en Viajeros / Questionnaire of Identification of Risk Factors in Travelers. This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. Travelers must either print the form or present the QR code from the online form to immigration on arrival in Mexico.


 

Travel to the United States

Effective January 26, 2021: Pre-travel COVID-19 testing is required for guests on flights entering the United States from a foreign country.

This CDC emergency order applies to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.

  • All passengers aged two (2) and older must have one of the following:
    • Paper or digital proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of departure.
    • Confirmation of a previous positive test taken within the last 90 days and accompanied with a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating you have fully recovered and been cleared for travel.

  • You will be required to confirm your health documentation meets the U.S. requirement before departure.

  • We recommend that you confirm what testing is available at your destination before your trip.
    • Ask your hotel or resort - many have on-site testing available
    • Visit visitor bureau and local government websites
    • We are working to build testing partnerships at our non-US destinations. Please check our COVID-19 testing page periodically for updates.

 

Travel to Alaska

Prior to entering to the state of Alaska, all travelers are required complete an online Traveler Declaration and Self Isolation Plan, This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. and adhere to the following testing requirements:

Travel from outside the state
  • Non-residents of Alaska must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight departure, or proof of pending results.
  • Non-residents who arrive without a pre-test must be tested on arrival for $250 (USD) per test and quarantine at their own expense while waiting for results.
  • Non-residents do not have the option to quarantine for 14 days in lieu of testing.
  • Alaska residents may be tested upon arrival at the airport for no cost. Plan to self-quarantine at your own expense while waiting for results.
  • Alaska residents may also choose to self-quarantine for 14 days in lieu of testing.
  • Critical infrastructure workers may travel under the guidelines of their company's workforce protective plan on file with the state of Alaska.
Intra-state travel

For any person - resident or non-resident, who has spent more than 72 hours in a community on the road system, and is traveling to a community off of the road system: A negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of flight departure is required. If test results are not available before departure, you must follow strict social distancing until results are received. If you are not tested, you must follow strict social distancing for 14 days.

For any person - resident or non-resident, who has spent less than 72 hours in a community on the road system, and is traveling to a community off of the road system: It is recommended that you take a COVID-19 test 5 days after arrival into the off-road community and follow strict social distancing from arrival until test results are received. If you are not tested, you must follow strict social distancing for 14 days.

If you are unable to comply with these requirements, you will need to postpone your trip.

For the latest State of Alaska travel protocol, please visit covid19.alaska.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. .

Please note: Some municipalities have implemented stricter mandates for interstate travelers. Please familiarize yourself with all local regulations.

Find a testing location


 

Travel to Chicago (ORD)

The City of Chicago has issued a travel order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.

Please review the CDPH Travel Order This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. state list, which is updated every other Tuesday. States have been placed in three (3) categories — Red, Orange, and Yellow — based on the status of the outbreak and how it compares to Chicago.

  • Travelers coming from "Red" states are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival into Chicago.
  • Travelers coming from "Orange" states are required to provide a pre-arrival negative test takein within 72 hours of arrival into Chicago, or self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Travelers coming from "Yellow" states are not required to test or quarantine, but must maintain social distance and strict masking protocol.

Individuals found in violation of the Order are subject to fines of $100 - $500 per day, up to a maximum of $7,000.

Visit chicago.gov This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. for the complete details of the travel order.

Find a testing location


 

Travel from Cold Bay (CDB)

Due to TSA screening limitations, carry-on luggage will not be accepted on flights departing Cold Bay (CDB) airport.

One small personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, and medically necessary items will be allowed on board.

One piece of carry-on sized luggage (maximum dimension 22" x 14" x 9" or 45 linear inches, including wheels and handle) will be checked free of charge.


 

Travel to Hawaii

Travel to Kauai - Alaska Airlines flights to Kauai are currently suspended.

Kauai has halted participation in the State of Hawaii's pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers.

For travelers arriving from out-of-state: Beginning January 5, 2021, Kauai will implement a pre- and post-travel testing program for out-of-state visitors who agree to a 3-day quarantine in an approved enhanced movement quarantine (EMQ) property, also known as a "resort bubble".

For inter-island travelers: Beginning January 5, 2021, Kauai will resume participation in the State of Hawaii's pre-travel testing program for guests who have been in the state for a minimum of 3 days prior to their inter-island flight.

Visit kauaiforward.comThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. for details.

Travelers arriving on Kauai may also choose to quarantine for 10 days in lieu of testing. Vacation rentals are not permitted as a quarantine location.


Travel to Maui

Effective January 19, 2021: In addition to the requirements listed below, all travelers age 18 and older must download the AlohaSafe COVID-19 exposure appThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. , or another Google-Apple exposure notification (GAEN) system to their mobile phones or you will be required to quarantine for 10 days, or the length of your stay, whichever is shorter.


All travel to Maui, Oahu, and the Island of Hawaii;
Inter-island travel to Kauai

All travelers age 5 and older are required to take a COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner within 72 hours of your Hawaii-bound flight. Testing availability may be limited, please schedule your appointments quickly.

Here's what you need to do prior to the departure of your Hawaii-bound flight:
  1. Create a Safe Travels profileThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites.
  2. Schedule an appointment with a trusted testing partner.
  3. Upload test results in PDF form to your Safe Travels profileThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites.
  4. Take the travel health questionnaireThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. (available 24 hours before your flight)

If your COVID-19 test results are still pending, or are not uploaded to your Safe Travels profile when your Hawaii-bound flight departs, you will be required to self-quarantine on arrival in Hawaii for 10 days or the duration of your stay, whichever is shorter.

Visit alaskaair.com/hawaii-bound to learn more about pre-testing requirements, arrival screening, and the mandatory health form.


 

Travel to/from Las Vegas (LAS)

We’ve temporarily moved terminals: Flights are temporarily operating from the D gates. Check-in and baggage claim remain in place at Terminal 3.

Please note that getting to the D gates requires a tram(train). Please allow additional time to get to your gate.

Sign up to receive flight notifications and watch your flight status to see the latest updates on your flight.


 

Travel to Los Angeles

All visitors and returning residents, aged 16 and older, are required to fill out an online traveler formThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. stating that they have read and understand LA County Department of Public Health's travel requirement and the State of California's travel advisory. The online traveler formThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. must be submitted prior to or upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, or Union Station. Failure to submit the form is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Visit travel.lacity.orgThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. to access the form.


 

Travel to Massachusetts

All visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders, including:

If you are visiting or returning from a lower-risk stateThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. designated by the Department of Public Health, these orders do not apply.

Visit mass.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. more information.

Find a testing location


 

Travel to New Mexico

The State of New Mexico is requiring a 14-day quarantine for all travelers arriving from out of state. This applies to both visitors and returning residents. Exemptions to the quarantine are in place for those who perform essential functions.

Visit cv.nmhealth.orgThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. for more information about New Mexico travel restrictions and exemptions.


 

Travel to New York (JFK)

The JFK Lounge will remain closed until further notice. Updated information on Lounge hours, locations and availability can be found here

Any traveler arriving from out of state, exempting the contiguous states of Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, has the option to test-out of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Visit coronavirus.health.ny.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. for more information.

Find a testing location


 

Travel to Pennsylvania

All visitors and returning residents entering Pennsylvania must produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Pennsylvania, or comply with a 10-day self-quarantine.

Visit health.pa.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. more information.

Find a testing location


 

Travel to/from Portland (PDX)

Effective January 5, 2021: Due to airport construction, the concourse connector will be closed permanently. There will no longer be airside access from Concourse B or C to Concourse D or E. Please allow extra time to move between concourses.

  • Guests who have connecting flights between concourses will need to exit and re-clear security. Priority lines for connecting passengers will be available.
  • Guests with flights originating in Portland will need to use the correct security line for their concourse.

New pet relief areas will be available in the areas formerly used as Gate C4 and Gate D2 to replace the one that was previously located in the connector.


 

Travel to San Francisco, CA

All visitors and returning residents entering the City and County of San Francisco from outside of the Bay area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma), must quarantine for 10-days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter.

Visit sf.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. more information.


 

Travel to San Jose, CA

All visitors and returning residents entering Santa Clara county from outside a 150 mile range, must quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter.

Visit scc.govThis indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. more information.



 

Travel to/from Washington, D.C.

Effective for travel through January 31, 2021: We have temporarily banned checked firearms.

This applies to flights to and from Baltimore (BWI), Washington-Dulles (IAD), and Washington-Reagan (DCA) airports