How can I select my seat in advance?

You can usually select your seat during booking or by managing your booking online. Some airlines may charge a fee for selecting a seat.

Who do I contact for lost or delayed baggage?

Report lost or delayed baggage at the airline’s baggage counter as soon as you land. They will provide a tracking ID and updates on the status of your baggage.

Alaska Airlines Check-In

By flightshelpcenter

Published on September 26, 2025

Traveling with Alaska Airlines can be a seamless experience when you know how their check-in system works. Whether you prefer checking in online, through the mobile app, at a self-service kiosk, or directly at the airport counter, Alaska Airlines offers flexible options for every traveler. This guide covers everything from deadlines to baggage policies so you can plan your journey stress-free.

Quick Summary: Alaska Airlines Check-In Policy

Online & Mobile Check-In: Available 24 hours before departure until 1 hour (domestic) or 90 minutes (international) before flight.
Airport Counter/Kiosk: Must complete check-in 40 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before departure.
Baggage Drop Deadline: Same as counter closing time; late bags may not be loaded.
Gate Arrival: Be at the gate at least 30 minutes (domestic) or 40 minutes (international) before departure.
Best Practice: Check in early (online or mobile), arrive at the airport with enough buffer, and have ID/documents ready.

What Is Alaska Airlines’ Check-In Policy?

Alaska Airlines provides multiple check-in methods (online, mobile, kiosk, airport counter) and imposes certain cutoffs for when check-in must be completed. The goal is to balance passenger convenience with operational requirements so flights depart on time. Below are key time windows and conditions to keep in mind.

Time Windows & Cutoffs

Online / Mobile Check-In You can check in (and often get your boarding pass) from 24 hours before the flight until about 1 hour before departure for domestic flights, and 90 minutes before departure for international flights.
Airport Counter / Kiosk (Offline) Check-In These must typically be completed at least 40 minutes before domestic flights, and 60 minutes before international flights. Also, the checked baggage drop-off deadline tends to coincide with those counters’ closing times.
Gate Arrival Time Passengers should arrive at the gate well before departure: about 30 minutes before for domestic, and 40 minutes before for international flights to avoid denied boarding.

Check-In Methods & Tips

1. Online Check-In (via Website)

The most straightforward method: log in to Alaska Airlines’ official site, enter your booking code or account, verify your information, and print your boarding pass (if printing is possible) or download it.
If you have checked bags, you may be able to print bag tags or pay baggage fees in advance.
Doing this avoids long queues at the airport.

2. Mobile / App Check-In

Alaska Airlines offers mobile check-in through its app (Android & iOS).
After checking in, you’ll receive a mobile boarding pass (QR code).
This is particularly useful when you’re traveling light (carry-on only) since all formalities can be handled via smartphone.

3. Airport Kiosk / Counter

If you prefer human interaction or need assistance (e.g. special requests, reissues), use the counter.
Kiosks (self-service machines) are often available in larger airports for printing boarding passes and bag tags.
For checked baggage, you’ll need to drop your bags at the counter within the allowed time window.

4. With vs. Without Checked Luggage

If traveling with luggage, you’ll need to check in and drop your baggage before the cutoff time. If you miss baggage drop, you risk your bags not making the flight.
If traveling without bags, the process is simpler: check in (online or mobile is sufficient), show proof, and proceed to security and gate directly.

Things to Watch Out For & Best Practices

Arrive Early Given the cutoffs, arrive at the airport early – especially during peak seasons or in case of traffic or security delays.
Have ID & Documents Ready You’ll need a valid photo ID (or passport, for international flights). For international destinations, make sure you have all required travel documents (visas, vaccination certificates, etc.). Alaska Airlines may request verification.
Check Baggage Rules in Advance Ensure you understand weight limits, fees, and that you’ve checked in baggage before arriving.
Monitor Notifications / Updates Sometimes airlines adjust gates, times, or requirements – keep an eye on emails, app alerts, or Alaska’s notifications.
Be Mindful of Time Zones If your itinerary spans multiple zones, double check that your cutoffs are relative to the departure airport’s local time.

Why Knowing the Check-In Policy Matters

Avoid Stress & Delay – Checking in early (online or via app) reduces your time in airport queues, and ensures you’re not too late to board.
Better Seat Options – In many cases, earlier check-in gives better options for seat selection or upgrades.
Baggage Assurance – Dropping your checked bags before the deadline means they get loaded; missing the window might leave your bag behind.
Flexibility in Travel Plans – If you’re aware of cutoffs, you have more leeway to respond if something goes wrong (traffic, delays, etc.).

Alaska Airlines Baggage Check-In

Carry-On Allowance: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (laptop bag, purse, backpack).
Checked Bags: Must be dropped no later than the counter cut-off time.
Baggage Fees: First bag $30, second bag $40 (domestic flights; international fees may vary).
Tip: Pay for baggage online or via app during check-in to save time at the airport.

Sample Timeline (Domestic Flight)

Time Before Scheduled Flight	What You Should Be Doing
-24 hours to -1 hour	Check in online or via mobile; obtain boarding pass
~40 minutes before	If you have checked baggage or need a counter, finalize check-in at the airport counter
~30 minutes before	Be at the boarding gate for final boarding checks
Departure time	Flight departs

Check-In Tips for a Smooth Experience

Check In Early – Use online or mobile check-in as soon as the 24-hour window opens.
Arrive at the Airport on Time – Allow at least 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights.
Keep Travel Documents Handy – Passport, ID, visa, or other required documents must be ready for inspection.
Use Mobile Boarding Pass – Go paperless for a faster and more eco-friendly experience.
Monitor Flight Status – Download the Alaska Airlines app to receive updates on delays, gate changes, and boarding.
Special Assistance – Families with children, unaccompanied minors, and travelers with medical needs should allow extra time.

Alaska Airlines Boarding Process

Priority Boarding: Available for elite Mileage Plan members, First Class passengers, and certain fare categories.
General Boarding: Begins approximately 30 minutes before departure.
Final Call: Boarding gates typically close 10-15 minutes before takeoff.

Missing the boarding call, even if you have checked in, may result in denied boarding.

Final Thoughts

Checking in with Alaska Airlines is a straightforward process, thanks to multiple convenient options like online check-in, mobile check-in, kiosks, and counters. By knowing the timelines, baggage rules, and boarding procedures, passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience. Whether flying domestically or internationally, being prepared in advance helps ensure a stress-free journey.

FAQs: Alaska Airlines Check-In

When does Alaska Airlines online check-in open?

Online check-in for Alaska Airlines opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure and closes 1 hour before domestic flights or 90 minutes before international flights.

Can I use the Alaska Airlines mobile app to check in?

Yes. Passengers can check in using the Alaska Airlines mobile app, receive a mobile boarding pass, and even pay for baggage in advance.

What are the airport check-in deadlines?

Passengers must check in at least 40 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights at airport counters or kiosks.

What is the baggage drop deadline for Alaska Airlines?

Checked baggage must be dropped off before the counter closes — 40 minutes prior to domestic flights and 60 minutes prior to international flights.

How early should I arrive at the boarding gate?

Alaska Airlines requires passengers to be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before domestic flights and 40 minutes before international flights.

What documents do I need for check-in?

For domestic flights, a government-issued photo ID is required. For international flights, a valid passport and any necessary visas or travel documents are mandatory.