Skip to main content
  • Go digital
  • Pack smart
  • Extra assistance
Travel tips Tips to make your next flight easier.

Here's some of our best advice for planning ahead to make your airport and security checkpoint experience as simple as possible.

Go digital

Download and use the Alaska Airlines app to save time at the ticket counter. Store your reservations, check in and receive digital boarding passes, track your flight status, get notifications about your flight, change to earlier or later flights (if available), and so much more. Don’t have the app? You can still check in online.

For international trips, try Mobile Passport control – an app designed to speed up entry into the United States.

Save on roaming fees

Stay connected on international trips without breaking the bank. Skip the hassle of activating a local SIM card—with CELITECH eSIM, a single click can save you up to 80% on roaming fees with affordable, premium data on the top 5G/LTE networks in 215+ countries and regions. Secure, USA-made and hosted, discover a whole new way to keep in touch on your next global adventure. Get started.

Hot tip!

Connect to inflight Wi-Fi and continue going digital after takeoff.

Browse, stream, and chat on most flights with our inflight Wi-Fi. Once you've switched to airplane mode, simply connect to our Wi-Fi network and visit AlaskaWifi.com.

Learn more about inflight Wi-Fi and our entertainment library.

Know when to arrive at the airport

Give yourself plenty of time to get to and through the airport. Parking, checking bags and getting through security can take longer during peak travel times. Use our airport guides to find your departure airport’s recommended arrival time which will help you get checked in and to the boarding gate before the cut-off time.

Be prepared for TSA screening

Have your boarding pass and valid ID ready to hand to the agent.

Remove outwear, belts, large metal jewelry, shoes and the contents of your pockets, before getting to scanner so they can be quickly placed in a bin.

Liquids and any personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone must be removed from your bags and placed in a separate bin for screening. And don't forget to empty your water bottles.

REAL ID

As of May 7, 2025, all air travelers are required to present a REAL-ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport when flying domestically. This applies to air travelers 18 or older, per the REAL ID Act of 2005. Learn more

Check out your state or territory's REAL ID page.

Hot tip!

Join a trusted traveler program

Membership in programs like TSA Pre-Check®, Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI allow you access to the faster security screening lanes at participating airports, where you don't have to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets, and your 3-1-1 liquids bag and laptop can stay in your carry-on.

Smart packing saves time and money

Know the carry-on limit

You are allowed one carry-on bag that measures up to 22" x 14" x 9" including wheels and handles, plus one smaller personal item. Anything additional or larger must be checked. Read our specific guidelines for carry-on baggage and our checked baggage policy for more information.

Know what items are a no-go

As you pack, reference the prohibited and restricted items checklist, and make sure you know what's in your suitcase. Be especially aware of restrictions regarding lithium ion batteries, and devices that use them – including smart bags/self-propelled luggage.

Got liquids?

The TSA liquids rule allows you to carry one quart-sized bag of liquids - aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item - through the security checkpoint. Be sure to keep the liquids bag easily accessible, so that it's simple for you to drop it into the security bin. If you have additional or larger liquids, you’ll need to check them.

Place an identification tag inside your bag.

In the rare event that your bag is misplaced, this free downloadable tag will make the identification and return process quicker. Simply complete the form and place it inside your bag. 

Download a baggage ID tag. (PDF File is 343K)

Extra assistance

Accessible services

Many of our accessible services can be requested online when booking or managing your reservation. Our dedicated accessible services line is also available at 1-800-503-0101 (dial 711 for relay services).

Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure when requesting accessible services and let us know about your requirements at each point of contact.

If you’re traveling with a service animal, let us know ahead of time as documentation must be completed and processed at least 48 hours before your flight.

Kids

Traveling with kids or letting your kids travel alone can be an adventure. Keep the adventure fun for both you and your child traveler by carefully review our policies and recommendations for traveling with infants and children.

Pet travel

Check Alaska Airlines pet travel policies well in advance of your pet's trip to find out about health certificate and kennel requirements, breed-restrictions, and any limitations on travel to your destination.

Hot tip!

Chat or text us with your questions/Fly for all App

Fly for All - our free mobile app designed for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, first-time flyers, and unaccompanied minors, available now on the App Store   and  Google Play.

Have questions? Text us at 82008 or chat with us.