Alaska Airlines: the complete traveler's guide

Everything you need for an Alaska trip in one place — West Coast hubs and routes, cabins from Saver to First Class, baggage, check-in and Mileage Plan — plus how to reach Alaska directly or get help from a live BargainAirTicket agent, 24/7 in English and Spanish.

BargainAirTicket is an independent travel agency. We are not Alaska Airlines and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Alaska Airlines. This guide is for information only. You can manage your booking yourself at alaskaair.com at no cost. If you'd rather we handle it, our agents assist for a service fee, quoted before you're charged.

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About Alaska Airlines

A quick profile of the carrier.

Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines is a major US carrier headquartered in Seattle, with a network built around the West Coast and strong service to Alaska and Hawaii. It is a member of the oneworld global alliance and runs the Mileage Plan loyalty program, long known for generous mileage earning and a wide set of partner airlines. Alaska Air Group now operates together with Hawaiian Airlines, broadening its reach across the Pacific.

Founded

1932

Alliance

oneworld

Loyalty

Mileage Plan

Main hub

Seattle (SEA)

Hubs & route network

Where the airline is based and where it flies.

Alaska's network centers on the West Coast. Your Alaska trip most likely starts, ends or connects through one of these:

SEA

Seattle

Main hub

PDX

Portland

Hub

ANC

Anchorage

Alaska gateway

SFO

San Francisco

Bay Area hub

LAX

Los Angeles

Southern California hub

HNL

Honolulu

Hawaii gateway

Seattle (SEA) is Alaska's primary hub and the anchor of its West Coast network — many Alaska itineraries begin, end or connect there, often on a single stop.

Alaska Airlines route network

Schematic of the airline's main hubs and popular routes we book — not to scale. For the full current network, see alaskaair.com.

Popular routes we book

Call for phone-only fares.

Seattle → Los Angeles SEA–LAXCall for fare Portland → San Francisco PDX–SFOCall for fare Seattle → Anchorage SEA–ANCCall for fare Seattle → Honolulu SEA–HNLCall for fare

Fares & cabins — what's included

Alaska's fare types, from the lowest up. Exact inclusions vary by route and aircraft.

Saver

Basic economy — the lowest, most restricted fare. Your seat is assigned near departure, you board last, and changes aren't allowed. Best only if price is all that matters; you can still cancel for credit within limits.

Main

Standard economy — the flexible everyday fare with advance seat selection, full Mileage Plan earning, and no change fee if your plans move.

Premium Class

Extra legroom, priority boarding and elevated onboard service, at a step up from Main.

First Class

Alaska's front-cabin experience — the widest seats, priority services and the most included, on eligible aircraft and routes.

Not sure which fare fits your trip and budget? An agent can compare them for you on the call.

Not sure which fare or route is best?

Tell an agent your dates and we'll find the right option — plus phone-only fares across 500+ airlines.

Call +1 (833) 667-2918

Baggage — the essentials

General guidance. Your exact allowance depends on your fare, route and Mileage Plan status.

Carry-on:

Most fares — including Saver on most routes — include a carry-on plus a personal item. Always confirm for your specific route.

Checked bags:

Charged by count and weight on most routes; some premium fares and Mileage Plan elite status can include or waive checked bags. Overweight and oversize bags cost more.

Overweight / oversize / special items:

Cheaper added in advance than at the airport. Sports gear, instruments and special items usually need advance arrangement.

We can confirm your exact allowance and pre-pay bags for you — just call.

Check-in & boarding

How to be ready on the day.

Alaska online check-in on alaskaair.com and the Alaska app generally opens 24 hours before departure and closes shortly before the flight. Airport bag-drop and boarding cutoffs vary by airport and by domestic vs. international — arrive earlier for international departures.

Boarding is done in groups; First Class, Premium Class and Mileage Plan elite members board earlier, and Saver boards last.

Mileage Plan loyalty program

The airline's frequent-flyer program.

Mileage Plan lets you earn and redeem miles on Alaska and its oneworld and other partner airlines for flights, upgrades and more — and it's long been valued for generous earning and its broad partner list. Higher elite tiers unlock priority check-in and boarding, complimentary upgrades and free checked bags on eligible fares. If you have a Mileage Plan number, give it to us when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

Alaska Airlines: frequently asked

Quick answers — call us for anything specific to your booking.

How do I change or cancel my Alaska flight?+

It depends on your fare. Main and above have no change fee — you'd just pay any fare difference; Saver can't be changed but can be cancelled for credit within limits. Alaska's 24-hour cancellation applies to eligible bookings. Have your confirmation code ready and call us, or manage it at alaskaair.com.

What happens if Alaska cancels or delays my flight?+

You're generally entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a refund; extra rights can apply by route and cause. Seats fill quickly, so call us right away and we'll re-route you.

What is Mileage Plan and how do the miles work?+

Mileage Plan is Alaska's loyalty program, known for generous earning and a wide network of partner airlines including oneworld carriers. You earn and redeem on Alaska and partners for flights and upgrades. Give us your Mileage Plan number when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

How do I travel with a pet or as an unaccompanied minor on Alaska?+

These need advance arrangement and have specific rules. Call us and we'll set them up correctly on your reservation, or arrange them yourself at alaskaair.com.