Travelers flying with Alaska Airlines are set to encounter an uptick in baggage fees in the upcoming year, affecting those who plan to check their luggage.
Effective January 2, 2024, passengers purchasing tickets on or after this date will experience a $5 increase in fees for both their first checked bag, priced at $35, and their second checked bag, at $45. This adjustment was outlined in a newly released chart on the airline’s official website. Additional checked bags beyond the initial two will retain the existing fee of $150 per bag.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines, while reaffirming the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, highlighted the rationale behind the fee adjustment. “Alaska Airlines remains dedicated to providing outstanding service to our valued guests. To navigate the challenges posed by escalating operational costs, particularly in the face of soaring fuel prices, periodic adjustments to our fee structure become necessary to uphold the high standard of service we offer,” the spokesperson stated.
This fee modification is not a standalone instance for Alaska Airlines. The airline, in line with several major domestic carriers, previously raised checked baggage fees in 2018, setting them at $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.
Alaska Airlines extends a checked bag exemption to holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card, along with up to six additional travelers on their reservation. The annual fee for both cards amounts to $70, presenting a viable solution for ardent Alaska Airlines supporters keen on bypassing these incremental baggage charges.
Moreover, certain categories of travelers are already excluded from incurring checked bag fees. These include Mileage Plan MVP elite members, Club 49 members residing in Alaska, and all active duty military personnel.
The recent hike in baggage fees by Alaska Airlines could potentially establish a precedent for ancillary fees within the airline industry, prompting other carriers to follow suit, much like the pattern observed nearly five years ago.
Amid Alaska Airlines’ announcement of its intention to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, these revised checked baggage rates might significantly influence the merged entity. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines applies varied rates for checked bags on intra-island and North America flights, setting the first and second bag fees at $25 and $35, respectively. For flights to the mainland, Hawaiian Airlines adheres to the industry standard, charging $30 and $40 for the first and second checked bags.
These impending changes in checked baggage rates mark a significant adjustment for travelers and may potentially signal shifts in baggage fee structures across the airline industry in the future.