Alaska Airlines Increasing Baggage Fees
Alaska Airlines has revealed that starting next year it will increases its baggage fees. For tickets purchased on or after January 2, 2024, Alaska Airlines will increase rates by $5 for the first checked bag ($35) and a second checked bag ($45). The new prices are already published on the airline’s website.
Additional checked bags beyond the first and second remain unchanged. But those already cost a whopping $150 per bag.
It was 2018 when Alaska Airlines last bumped up its checked baggage rates (by $10). And back then all major domestic carriers did so. We’ll see if other airlines follow Alaska’s lead and increase fares again.
Frequent travelers who were previously entitled to a free checked bag will continue to check bags for free. That includes those with elite status or with certain credit cards. You can find more details about those exceptions here.
In 2024 Alaska Airlines will also roll out new award charts, and will add more restrictions for lounge access.