When it comes to traveling as a military service member or a dependent, understanding the military baggage policy of an airline is crucial. Alaska Airlines, a popular carrier in the United States, recognizes the unique needs of military personnel and their families and offers specific allowances and benefits to make your travel experience smoother.
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of Alaska Airlines’ military baggage policy, outlining the eligibility requirements, carry-on and checked baggage allowances, limits, and fees to ensure hassle-free travel.
Eligibility for Military Baggage Benefits
To qualify for military baggage benefits, you must fall into one of the following categories:
- Active-duty U.S. military personnel
- Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders
- Active-duty U.S. military cadets
- Dependents of active-duty U.S. military cadets traveling on orders
All military personnel, cadets, and dependents must also have a valid military ID.
Note: Military personnel are eligible for military baggage allowances irrespective if they’re traveling on orders or for personal travel.
However, dependents are eligible for military baggage allowances if they are traveling on orders only.
Baggage Allowance for Active Duty Military Personnel
Carry On Baggage Allowance for Active Duty Military Personnel
Active-duty military personnel are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag, adhering to the standard size and weight restrictions set by Alaska Airlines:
Personal Item
Personal Item Size Limit
Alaska Airlines doesn’t specify a size limit for your personal item. However, it must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- A handbag
- Small backpack
- Laptop bag
Personal Item Weight Limit
Alaska Airlines doesn’t apply a weight limit on personal items.
Carry On Bag
Carry On Bag Size Limit
Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- A small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Backpack
- Garment bag
Carry On Bag Weight Limit
As with personal items, Alaska Airlines doesn’t impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, you should be able to lift it into the overhead bins without requiring assistance.
Checked Baggage Allowance for Active Duty Military Personnel
Number of Checked Bags
Active-duty military personnel are entitled to five free checked bags.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. You need to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
Alaska Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags larger than 115 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
If your bag weighs more than 70 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight fee.
Alaska Airlines won’t accept checked bags heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Baggage Fees for Active Duty Military Personnel
Oversized Baggage Fees
Your checked bags aren’t subject to oversized baggage fees. The bag size limit of 115 linear inches is also the maximum size that Alaska Airlines accepts at check-in.
Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag weighs more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms) but is no heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms), Alaska Airlines will charge a $100 oversized bag fee at check-in.
Alaska Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags weighing more than 100 pounds.
Extra Bags
If you travel with more than your 5 free checked bags, each extra bag will be subject to a $100 fee.
Extra checked bags follow the same limits as your bags included with your allowance:
- Size limit: 115 linear inches (292 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
Baggage Allowance for Military Dependents
Carry On Baggage Allowance for Military Dependents
Military dependents are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag, adhering to the standard size and weight restrictions set by Alaska Airlines:
Personal Item
Size Limit
Alaska Airlines doesn’t specify a size limit for your personal item. However, it must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- A handbag
- Small backpack
- Laptop bag
Weight Limit
Alaska Airlines doesn’t apply a weight limit on personal items.
Carry On Bag
Size Limit
Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- A small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Backpack
- Garment bag
Weight Limit
As with personal items, Alaska Airlines doesn’t impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, you should be able to lift it into the overhead bins without requiring assistance.
Checked Baggage Allowance for Military Dependents
Important: Military dependents are eligible for military baggage allowances if they are traveling on orders only.
Military dependents on personal travel are subject to Alaska Airlines’ standard baggage allowances and fees.
Number of Checked Bags
Military dependents are entitled to five free checked bags.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size. This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. You need to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
Alaska Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags larger than 115 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bag can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
If your bag weighs more than 70 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an overweight fee.
Alaska Airlines won’t accept checked bags heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Baggage Fees for Military Dependents
Oversized Baggage Fees
Your checked bags aren’t subject to oversized baggage fees. The bag size limit of 115 linear inches is also the maximum size that Alaska Airlines accepts at check-in.
Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag weighs more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms) but is no heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms), Alaska Airlines will charge a $100 oversized bag fee at check-in.
Alaska Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags weighing more than 100 pounds.
Extra Bags
If you travel with more than your 5 free checked bags, each extra bag will be subject to a $100 fee.
Extra checked bags follow the same limits as your bags included with your allowance:
- Size limit: 115 linear inches (292 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines has one of the most generous baggage allowances for active-duty military personnel and their dependents in the U.S. airline industry.
All eligible passengers are entitled to 5 free checked bags with the following limits:
- Maximum size: 115 linear inches (292 centimeters)
- Maximum weight: 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
Another generous feature of Alaska Airlines’ military baggage feature is that if you buy extra bags beyond the first five, they follow the same size and weight limits outlined above. Most other airlines apply standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches, 50 pounds) for additional bags.
Active-duty military personnel who are not traveling on orders also receive the same free baggage allowance. This differs from many other airlines that provide a smaller free baggage allowance for military passengers on personal travel.
Dependents of active-duty military personnel also receive the same generous baggage allowance. However, it’s important to note an important difference – the baggage allowance applies to dependents who are traveling on orders only. Dependents on personal travel are subject to Alaska Airlines’ standard baggage allowance.
Alaska Airlines is an absolute standout when it comes to their military baggage allowance!
Remember to always check Alaska Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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