Alaska Airlines Carry-On Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Alaska’s carry-on rules are refreshingly straightforward: you can bring one carry-on bag for the overhead bin plus one smaller personal item that fits under the seat. The two things that matter most are (1) staying within Alaska’s published carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles, and (2) remembering that overhead space is first-come, first-served—especially if you’re on a Saver fare and board later.

Below is the quick cheat sheet, then the details.

Alaska Airlines carry-on rules at a glance

If you only read one section, make it this one—these are Alaska’s published size limits and the practical points most people actually need.

For quick comparisons across airlines, keep my carry-on size by airline guide bookmarked.

Carry-on bag (overhead bin): 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles

Personal item (under the seat): One smaller item that must fit under the seat in front of you (examples: purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack)

Saver fare note: Saver guests board later, and overhead bin space is first-come, first-served

Carry-on weight limit: Alaska does not publish a numeric carry-on weight limit, but you should be able to lift and stow your bag overhead without assistance

Alaska Airlines carry-on size limit (overhead bin)

Alaska’s maximum carry-on size is:

• 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles

Practical tip: measure your bag fully packed, from the outside. Overstuffed front pockets and rigid handle housings are what usually push a bag from “fine” to “doesn’t fit.”

Alaska Airlines personal item rules (under-seat bag)

In addition to your carry-on, Alaska allows one smaller personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. Alaska doesn’t publish a single universal “personal item dimension” the way some airlines do, so the safest approach is to treat your personal item as a true under-seat bag—not a second carry-on in disguise.

If you want a simple packing habit that prevents gate-area stress: keep essentials in your personal item (medications, chargers, travel documents, laptop), because it stays with you even if your carry-on ends up getting checked.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Weight Limit

Alaska does not publish a numeric carry-on weight limit in the way some international carriers do. The practical expectation is that your carry-on should be manageable enough for you to lift it into the overhead bin without assistance.

Alaska Airlines Saver fare and overhead bin space

Alaska’s Saver fare still allows one carry-on and one personal item, but it’s worth knowing how boarding works: Saver guests board later, and overhead bin space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Translation: your carry-on is allowed, but you may be asked to gate-check it if the bins fill up.

Recommended Carry-On Bag for Alaska Airlines

If you want a carry-on that lines up cleanly with Alaska’s published overhead-bin limit, the Travelpro VersaPack Spinner 20″ is a strong option because its overall dimensions match the 22″ x 14″ x 9″ footprint.

Manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
• Case dimensions (the main body): 19.75″ H x 13.25″ W x 8.5″ D

Practical packing tip: Keep it unexpanded and avoid overstuffing exterior pockets. In real life, that’s what usually turns a compliant bag into something that won’t fit smoothly.

Our Pick

Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-on Spinner

Case Dimensions: 

• H: 19 in. W: 15 in. D: 7.75 in.
• Weight: 7.3 lbs.

Fits 80% of International Airlines* as a Carry-On

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Carry-On Rules for Small Regional Aircraft

If you are flying one of Alaska Airlines’ region partners, Horizon or SkyWest, you can bring a personal item on board, but not a carry-on bag due to limited overhead space.  Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

All carry-on bags within Alaska’s size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.   These items will be specially tagged and returned to the cart for retrieval at a designated area on the ramp or jet bridge as you get off of your flight. Just find the red and white stop sign and your bags will be there within 5 minutes of deplaning.

Despite this “official rule” there are some bags you can carry on a regional jet.  Check out this article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets.

Alaska Airlines Liquids Policy

For U.S. departures, liquids are governed by TSA screening rules at the security checkpoint.

TSA liquids rule (quick version)

• Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
• All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
• One bag per traveler

If you want the full “what counts as a liquid?” breakdown (plus common edge cases like peanut butter and gels), use my TSA liquids rule guide.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet.

If you are going to bring a pet on board with you, it must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.  The maximum dimensions for a hard-sided carrier are 17” x 11” x 7.5” and the dimensions for a soft-sided carrier are 17” x 11” x 9.5”

Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry-on item.  In addition to the kennel, you can bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

TSA-Approved Pet Carrier for Alaska

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Alaska’s pet policy.

I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. Shih Tzu-Bichon (in the picture above) and another is a 12lb. Chihuahua mix. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!

Our Pick

Sherpa Deluxe Travel Bag Pet Carrier, Airline Approved

Features mesh panels so your pet can breathe easily, a non-slip shoulder strap, locking zippers, and a rear storage pocket for treats and other goodies.

Approved for use on most major airlines and the small and medium sizes are included in Sherpa's exclusive Guaranteed on Board program.

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Summary: Alaska Airlines Carry-On Size & Fees

Alaska doesn’t charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and does not meet Alaska’s carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate-check it.

Here is a link to Alaska’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road
5. Alaska Airlines Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation