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Alaska Airlines

The West Coast airline, flying from Seattle

  • United StatesCountry
  • ASIATA Code
  • ASAICAO Code
  • oneworldAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is a major US airline based in Seattle and the owner of Hawaiian Airlines, flying across North America, to Hawaii and on long-haul routes as a oneworld member. In 2026 checked bag fees rose to $45 for the first bag, and Saver fares stopped earning Atmos Rewards points. This guide covers the fares, new bag fees, power bank rules, Atmos Rewards and how Alaska compares with JetBlue and Southwest.

Alaska Airlines was founded in 1932 as McGee Airways in Anchorage and is now headquartered in Seattle. It bought Hawaiian Airlines in 2024; the two now fly under one operating certificate while keeping both brands.

Alaska Airlines flights to Seattle
Photo: Andrea Leopardi / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules

Alaska and Hawaiian follow the same battery rules:

  • Power banks and spare lithium batteries go in carry-on bags only, never in checked bags.
  • Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed for personal devices.
  • Up to two batteries of 101–160 Wh are allowed with the airline’s approval.
  • Keep power banks where you can reach them, not buried in a bag in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Seattle

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on the website and app, and self-service bag tag kiosks speed up bag drop.

Seattle–Tacoma security queues can be long in the morning, so arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two can fly on an adult’s lap, and small pets can travel in the cabin for a fee. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance in advance.

How to Find Cheap Alaska Airlines Flights

Cheap Alaska Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Saver and Main: Main adds seats, changes and Atmos points.
  • Compare Seattle, Portland and Bay Area airports.
  • Travel mid-week and avoid holiday weekends.
  • Use the Atmos Rewards Visa for free bags if you fly often.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Alaska next to JetBlue, Southwest and others.

Alaska Airlines vs JetBlue vs Southwest

All three include a carry-on on their cheapest fares.

Alaska AirlinesJetBlueSouthwest
Main basesSeattle, Portland, Anchorage, Bay Area, Los AngelesNew York JFK, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, OrlandoNationwide point-to-point
Cheapest fare carry-onIncluded (Saver)Included (Main Base)Included
First checked bag$45$45–$49Paid (launched at $35 in 2025)
Alliance / partneroneworldBlue Sky with UnitedNone
Best forWest Coast, Hawaii, AlaskaEast Coast, Caribbean, transatlanticUS domestic trips

See our JetBlue guide and Southwest Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Seattle

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is about 20 km south of downtown. Link light rail reaches the city centre in around 40 minutes, and taxis and rideshares are available.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Alaska Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. Alaska is one of the best-rated US airlines, with reliable operations, friendly service, oneworld partners and a growing long-haul network. Watch the 2026 changes: higher bag fees and no points on Saver fares.

For more options, see our Hawaiian Airlines guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Alaska Airlines’ bag fee update, FlyMag on the Saver fare changes and a July 2026 round-up of US power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Alaska Airlines website before you travel.

oneworld & Airline Partnerships

Alaska Airlines joined oneworld in 2021, and Hawaiian Airlines followed in 2026. You can connect onto partners such as American, British Airways, Japan Airlines and Qantas and earn Atmos Rewards points across the alliance.

Learn more about oneworld

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Alaska works closely with American Airlines on US routes and partners with many oneworld and non-alliance airlines. Hawaiian Airlines is now part of the same company.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) is Alaska's largest hub. Portland, Anchorage, San Francisco and Los Angeles are also major bases, and Honolulu is the hub for Hawaiian Airlines.

Popular Alaska Airlines Routes

Alaska's busiest routes link Seattle with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anchorage, Las Vegas, Phoenix and New York, plus Hawaii. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Alaska Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Alaska sells its cabins as Saver (basic economy), Main, Premium and First Class. Saver is the cheapest: seats are assigned at check-in, so groups may not sit together, changes are very limited and there is no standby. Saver fares booked from 11 June 2026 for travel from 1 August 2026 also earn no Atmos points or status points.

Main and higher fares have no change fees; you pay only any difference in fare. If you cancel a Main or higher ticket that isn't refundable, its value is returned as a credit for future travel.

  • Saver Very limited changes; seat assigned at check-in; no Atmos points on bookings from 11 June 2026.
  • Main No change fees; fare difference applies; earns Atmos points.
  • Premium Extra legroom with the same flexibility as Main.
  • First Class The most comfort and flexibility.
  • Cancelling non-refundable Main tickets Value returned as a credit.
  • 24-hour rule Tickets booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage trips on alaskaair.com or the Alaska app.

Alaska Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

On Saver fares, seats are assigned at check-in. Main fares include free standard seat selection, and Premium Class seats offer extra legroom and free drinks. First Class has wider seats and priority services.

Alaska offers free messaging and paid Wi-Fi on most flights, with free Wi-Fi being rolled out for Atmos Rewards members.

  • Saver Seat assigned at check-in; boards last.
  • Main Free standard seat selection.
  • Premium Class Extra legroom and free drinks.
  • First Class Wider seats and priority services.
  • Wi-Fi Available on most flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Allowance

Every Alaska fare, including Saver, allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. Checked bags are paid on Economy fares; First Class includes free bags of up to 70 lb.

For tickets bought from 10 April 2026, the first checked bag costs $45 and the second $55 on flights in North America, with a third or more at $200 each; within Hawaii it is $30 and $40. The $5 discount for paying online has been removed. Bags can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and measure up to 157 cm (62 in). Atmos Rewards elites, oneworld Ruby members and eligible Atmos Rewards Visa holders keep their free bags, and active-duty military get up to five free bags.

  • Carry-on (all fares) 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item, up to 56 × 35 × 23 cm.
  • 1st checked bag $45 (was $40).
  • 2nd checked bag $55 (was $45).
  • 3rd bag and more $200 each.
  • Within Hawaii $30 for the 1st bag, $40 for the 2nd.
  • First Class Free bags of up to 70 lb.
  • Free bags Atmos Rewards elites, oneworld Ruby and eligible cardholders.
  • Active-duty military Up to five free bags.

Atmos Rewards: Alaska Airlines Loyalty Programme

Atmos Rewards is the free loyalty programme of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. It replaced Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles in 2025. You earn points on Alaska, Hawaiian and oneworld flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights worldwide. Saver fares booked from 11 June 2026 no longer earn points.

Frequent flyers can reach Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium status, recognised as oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. From 1 July 2026 partner awards carry a $20 booking fee per person each way.

  • Member Free entry level for all members.
  • Silver Free bags and oneworld Ruby status.
  • Gold More upgrades and oneworld Sapphire status.
  • Platinum and Titanium The highest priority and oneworld Emerald status.
  • Hawaiian Shares the same programme.
  • oneworld Earn and redeem across oneworld airlines.
Join or log in on the Alaska Airlines website

Alaska Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Alaska Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is AS. It appears in flight numbers (for example AS 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is ASA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Alaska Airlines part of?

It is a member of oneworld. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Alaska Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Seattle, United States.

04When was Alaska Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1932.

05What are Alaska Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Seattle (SEA) – Main Hub.

06What is Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Atmos Rewards. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Does Alaska Airlines Saver include a carry-on?

Yes. All Alaska fares, including Saver, allow one carry-on bag and one personal item.

08How much does a checked bag cost on Alaska Airlines?

For tickets bought from 10 April 2026, $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second on flights in North America, or $30 and $40 within Hawaii.

09Do Alaska Saver fares earn Atmos points?

No. Saver fares booked from 11 June 2026 for travel from 1 August 2026 earn no Atmos points or status points.

10Are Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines the same company?

Yes. Alaska bought Hawaiian in 2024, and the two fly under one operating certificate while keeping both brands. They share the Atmos Rewards programme.

11What happened to Alaska Mileage Plan?

Mileage Plan was replaced by Atmos Rewards in 2025. Members' miles became Atmos points.

Alaska Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Alaska Airlines, Inc. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Alaska Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.