Summer may be quickly turning into fall, but that doesn’t mean travel is over. Whether you’re looking for one last summer trip or an early fall getaway, here are 10 travel tips to make your experience as carefree as possible:
1. Download the Alaska mobile app.
Our app is the perfect travel companion, from the day you start buying plane tickets to the moment you arrive at your destination. You can use it to plan your trip, skip the lines, and get your digital boarding pass at your fingertips.
Download the Alaska Airlines app for iPhone Or Android before your next flight (you'll be glad you did!). ✈️
2. Register and pre-order your favorite meal.
Check in for your flight online or with the Alaska Airlines Application to save time in queues at the ticket counters. You can also pre-order your favourite snacks and freshly prepared meals before your flight. Meal orders are open 14 days before departure.
Pro tip: Mileage Plan members can save a payment method to their Mileage Plan account for contactless in-flight purchases, including food and beverages. Join/Login to the Mileage Program
3. Give yourself time.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight departs and three hours before your international flight departs. This should give you plenty of time to park, see one of our agents, check in your bags and go through security.
Visit our airport guides Before your trip, check recommended arrival times, ticket office hours, airport services and more. Remember: we start boarding flights 30 minutes before takeoff.
4. Sign up for a Trusted Traveler program.
Save time with security with SEA Points Savera reservation program to help you get through security faster in Seattle. Similar seat reservation programs are also available at CHS, EWR, MCO, PHX, YYC.
You can also sign up for a trusted traveler program as TSA Pre✓®, World Entry, LinkOr SENTRIMembership in these programs gives you access to the dedicated TSA Pre✓ program® lanes at more than 200 airports across the country.
5. Save time by checking in your luggage
You'll likely get through security faster by checking your bags in. You can pay for your bags in the mobile app and print bag tags by simply scanning your boarding pass at an airport kiosk, if you're flying out of the airport. San JoseLook for our tablets in the lobby.
Before you leave, review our checked baggage policy to save time at the airport. To make your vacation even more enjoyable, you can bring most sports equipment for the cost of a checked bag. (Be sure to check the list of approved equipment.)
As a reminder, Alaska has a 20-minute baggage claim guarantee.
6. Follow carry-on baggage guidelines.
To ensure that your hand luggage will be accepted on board all flights on your journey, we have We have changed our carry-on baggage size limits up to 22″ x 14″ x 9″. When measuring your bag, be sure to include the wheels, handle, and expandable pockets in the total measurement.
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one small personal item. The TSA allows you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquid – aerosols, gels, creams and pastes containing 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Keep the bag of liquids easily accessible, so you can easily place it in the security bin without having to rummage through your carry-on bag at the checkpoint.
More questions? Read our carry-on baggage guidelinesAlso, don't overfill your carry-on bag, as overstuffed and cluttered bags take longer to scan and screen at the security checkpoint.
7. Make it easier to get through security checks.
To quickly get through the security line, try this:
- Have your boarding pass and ID ready to hand over to the security officers.
- Remove all outerwear, belts with metal buckles, large metal jewelry and accessories, and the contents of your pockets. Place these items in your carry-on bag before going through the X-ray tunnel or find a small bin to place them in.
- In general screening lanes, remove electronic devices larger than a mobile phone (including laptops, tablets, e-readers and portable game consoles) and place them in a bin for screening. Mobile phones can remain securely in your carry-on bag.
- In general screening lanes, place the 1-liter bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols in a separate bin for X-ray screening. This will allow the TSA officer to have a clear view of the items to ensure they do not pose a security risk.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove or untie/loosen your laces if you can.
- Once your bags and trash have been X-rayed, be sure to collect all of your belongings. Bring your items to a nearby bench or chair. This will give you more time to gather/repack your items, while allowing those behind you to do the same.
8. Know what to leave behind.
As you pack, refer to the Checklist of Prohibited and Restricted Itemsand make sure you know what's in your suitcase. You can also use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA app, MyTSA, to find out if an item is allowed in carry-on, checked baggage, or if it should be left at home.
If you are going on an outdoor adventure, certain items are prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage because they are considered dangerous goods. Do not bring camping stoves with flammable liquid residue, bear spray, fuel (white gas, propane, sterno, etc.), lighters, matches, or wet ice.
Pay particular attention to restrictions regarding lithium-ion batteriesand devices that use them, including phones, cameras, e-cigarettes, drones, hoverboards, and smart luggage/e-baggage. If you plan to check in a smart bag, the lithium battery must be removed and carried on the plane.
9. Children can travel alone.
If you have children who will be flying alone, visit our site to find out how to book their flights, download the required forms and discover the different types of care we offer to children of all ages.
To speed up the process, fill out the Tutor Contact Form before arriving at the airport. This will help ensure your child's safety.
Be sure to allow extra time for check-in and plan to remain in the boarding area until your flight departs.
10. Plan your pet's trip in advance.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with our Pet Travel Policies Well before you fly. Important note: Animals are not allowed to travel in the luggage compartment or in the first class cabin of Airbus aircraft, whose flight numbers are 1000 to 1999.
Feeling the summer heat? For the well-being of your pet, we may refuse to transport any animal when extreme temperatures are observed on the day of departure. For greater safety, choose flights that depart and arrive during the coolest hours of the day, avoiding mid-day flights if possible.
If you are traveling with a service animal, please be aware that the only service animal allowed on Alaska Airlines is a service dog. Read our updated policy on assistance animals for all the documents and deadlines you will need.
Now it's time to relax.
You just beat the traffic to the airport, parked like a pro, and made it through security with all your belongings. Reward yourself with a drink, a snack, and a comfy spot airports with lounges Alaska.
