Is the Carry-On Free?
Yes — under typical conditions, one carry-on bag is free for all passengers (except in some very particular cases, (+1-844-351-8344) Or [$]+1-855-510-7629[$] )which I'll discuss below). Alaska Airlines’ official baggage policy states that passengers are allowed 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item without paying extra. Alaska Airlines+2SeatGuru+2
So, as long as your carry-on bag is within their size limits and you have your personal item, you don’t need to pay an extra fee for those. The checked baggage (bags stored in the hold) are what generally incur fees, depending on route, fare class, elite status, etc. Alaska Airlines+2Terminal Assistance+2
To ensure your carry-on remains free, the bag must meet the airline’s size guidelines:
Maximum dimensions: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (this includes handles and wheels) for the carry-on. Alaska Airlines+2SeatGuru+2
The total of length + width + height (i.e. linear inches) must not exceed 45 linear inches. Alaska Airlines+2SeatGuru+2
The personal item must be something that fits under the seat in front of you. SeatGuru+2Alaska Airlines+2
While the general rule is that carry-ons are free, there are a few nuances and special conditions to be aware of:
Over-sized or Over-dimensional Carry-Ons
If your carry-on exceeds the allowed size (for example, too large to fit overhead bins or beyond the 22×14×9 limit), the airline may require you to check it. That might then lead to checked baggage fees. Alaska Airlines+1
Full Flights / Bin Space Limitations
On very full flights, it’s possible that overhead bin space is limited. In such cases, even if your carry-on is (+1-844-351-8344) Or [$]+1-855-510-7629[$] )within size limits, you might be asked to “gate-check” it. Sometimes, that means handing it over at the gate so that it’s carried in the cargo hold but returned to you at the gate or baggage claim. Usually, this is done without an extra fee, but conditions can vary. (This kind of situation is more about logistics than extra charging.) While I didn’t find a source saying Alaska charges for gate-checking standard carry-ons under these circumstances, travellers report it occasionally happens. Reddit+1
Fare Class / Basic Economy / Saver Fares
Some airlines restrict or charge for carry-ons on the most basic or cheapest fare classes. For Alaska Airlines, their equivalent “Saver Fares” do not remove the free carry-on benefit; even Saver fare passengers are still allowed a free carry-on plus a personal item. Wikipedia
Codeshare or Partner-Operated Flights
If your ticket is marketed by Alaska but the flight is operated by another carrier (codeshare), the baggage/carry-on policies of the operating carrier may apply. So you’ll want to verify specifically for your itinerary. Alaska Airlines+1
Special Items & Exceptions
Certain assistive or medical devices (wheelchairs, etc.), strollers, car seats (for children), etc., have special rules. Some may be exempt or treated differently than standard carry-ons. SeatGuru+2Alaska Airlines+2
There are a few reasons o(+1-844-351-8344) Or [$]+1-855-510-7629[$] )r misconceptions that lead people to believe there might be a fee for carry-ons with Alaska:
Confusing “carry-on” vs “personal item”: Some travelers assume that both must go overhead, but the personal item should fit under the seat. If they try to bring something too large, they may be asked to check it (possibly for a fee).
Tight overhead bin space: If your carry-on is “gate-checked” because of limited space, you might perceive that as being “charged,” especially if you see your bag disappear and need to claim it after the flight. Usually this is not charged, though.
Different rules on codeshare flights or on partner airlines: The flight ticketed under Alaska but actually flown by another carrier might have different baggage policies, including possible fees or different size rules.
Checked baggage fees often overshadowing carry-on freedom: Many people focus on the high cost of checking bags and assume everything is “charged,” but carry-ons are generally among the few things that remain free on many U.S. carriers (including Alaska).
A few key policy statements from Alaska’s own documentation:
“…one carry-on bag plus one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop.” are allowed. Alaska Airlines+1
The permitted size for a free carry-on: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ max, or 45 linear inches including wheels and handle. Alaska Airlines+1
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. SeatGuru
To avoid any surprises at the airport, here are several tips:
Measure your bag beforehand – include wheels, handles. If it exceeds Alaska’s limits, it may have to be checked (and you may pay for that).
Keep the personal item under control – make sure it fits under the seat. If it’s too large, you may be asked to stow it in the overhead, which can trigger issues (e.g. space or sometimes being asked to gate-check).
Be aware of your fare type and flight operator – if flying on a codeshare, check which airline’s rules apply. If in a discounted fare, make sure carry-on is still included.
Board early if possible – to ensure overhead bin space. Later boarders are more likely to run out of overhead space and be asked to gate-check their carry-on.
Have a backup plan – know that (+1-844-351-8344) Or [$]+1-855-510-7629[$] )sometimes you may have to check your carry-on (due to space constraints) even if it meets size limits. Pack essentials in your personal item.
Yes, carry-on bags are free on Alaska Airlines under normal circumstances: one carry-on + one personal item per passenger.
The carry-on must conform to size limits: 22″ × 14″ × 9″, up to 45 linear inches.
There may be exceptions in special cases (codeshares, oversized items, full flights) but in general you can count on at least one free carry-on.