FAQ - First checked bag free benefit
Who is eligible for the first checked bag free benefit?
Any Cardholder who has an open account at the time of travel and up to 6 guests traveling on the same reservation may check one bag free of charge on qualifying reservations.
The Free Checked Bag Benefit is only available on flights marketed by Alaska Airlines and operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air or SkyWest. Flights with oneworld® partners are not eligible for the Free Checked Bag Benefit. If your flight connects to or from another airline, standard baggage fees will apply. Airfare must be purchased with your Card to qualify for this benefit. Offer may not be applied retroactively, and no refunds will be issued. Not applicable for guests who already receive 1 or more free checked bags.
Airfare purchases made with your Card through a third-party merchant (e.g., travel agency, wholesale club) may not be eligible for the Free Checked Bag Benefit.
Primary Cardholder must be an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ member.
Baggage restrictions apply. See alaskaair.com/freebagfaq for complete baggage rules.
New Cardholders will be eligible for this benefit approximately within 2-3 weeks after opening. Cardholders upgrading from another Alaska Airlines credit card, will be eligible for this benefit approximately within 4-6 weeks after being upgraded.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business cardholders:
Any Alaska Airlines Visa® Business cardholder who has an open account at the time of travel and is on Alaska Airlines will receive a free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card.
What if a primary cardholder bought the ticket, but someone else is traveling.
US: An eligible primary cardholder, authorized user or joint cardholder of the Card must be traveling to qualify for the first checked bag free benefit.
Can I still check in online or with the mobile app?
Yes. You'll receive the first checked bag free benefit whether you check in online, or via the Alaska Airlines mobile apps. You can even save time by taking advantage of our self-tag options.
What flights are eligible for this benefit?
If you're flying on Alaska Airlines operated and ticketed flights, including flights operated for Alaska by Horizon, SkyWest, or PenAir (AS 001-999, 1000-1999, 2000-2999, 3300-3499), you are eligible for the first checked bag free benefit. If your flight connects to or from another airline, including oneworld® partners, standard baggage fees will apply.
Beginning later in Spring 2025, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Alaska Airlines Visa Business cardholders will be eligible for this benefit when traveling on Hawaiian Airlines operated flights that are marketed by Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines.
I already get free bags due to where I'm traveling, elite status, or military affiliation. Does this mean I get another free bag?
The first checked bag free benefit cannot be combined with other free baggage allowances. If you already get free bags for another reason, please visit alaskaair.com/bagrules to determine your free baggage allowance.
What kind of bag can I check?
Free first checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and have a maximum dimension of 62 linear inches (length + height + width) to avoid additional charges. See alaskaair.com/bagrules for complete baggage rules.
Can I use the first checked bag free benefit for my pet?
Pet travel is not covered by the first checked bag free benefit. Please visit our traveling with pets page for information on fees and rules for pet travel.
Does the 20 minute baggage service guarantee still apply?
Yes, our baggage service guarantee applies to all checked bags, even if the baggage fee was waived.
I paid for my baggage fee before entering my Mileage Plan™ number. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are unable to apply the benefit retroactively or issue refunds. It is vital to have your Mileage Plan™ number in the reservation prior to check-in.
I'm an eligible cardholder, but my traveling companions aren't. Are their bags free?
Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholders who have an open account at the time of travel and up to 6 guests traveling on the same reservation may check 1 bag free of charge on qualifying reservations. Airfare must be purchased with your card to qualify for this benefit.
I'm an eligible cardholder, but I want to credit my flight miles to another program.
In order to qualify for the first checked bag free benefit, you must credit your flight miles to Mileage Plan™. Companions traveling with the cardholder may credit flight miles to other programs.