Summary

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If you’re one of thousands of Alaska Airlines guests traveling on our flights this holiday season, make your trip even smoother by taking a few key steps to save time during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

The holiday season is here! Whether you’re visiting family, planning a quick getaway, or diving into festive celebrations, travel is a big part of the season for many. We know it can be busy, but don’t worry — we’ve pulled together some travel tips to help you breeze through your holiday journey, so you can focus on what really matters: connecting with loved ones, making memories, and enjoying all the things that make this time of year special.

Travel tips:

Download Alaska’s mobile app

With the Alaska Airlines app, all your travel essentials are just a tap away.

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Skip the lines by checking in through the app.

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Get real-time flight updates, gate information and a convenient mobile boarding pass.

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Pay for checked bag(s), make seat changes, and so much more, right from your phone.

Preorder food for your flight app

The food line is another one you can skip!

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Preorder a delicious meal directly to your seat on our app or website.

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Reserve your meal ahead of your flight any time from 2 weeks up to 20 hours before travel.

Stay flexible

With unpredictable weather and potential delays, it’s good to keep your plans flexible.

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Alaska Airlines offers easy rebooking options & no change fees so you can adapt your travel plans if necessary.

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For all Alaska Airlines travel, please visit our airport guides before your trip. Ticket counter hours, recommended arrival times, airport services and baggage/check-in cut-off times vary by airport.

Prepay for checked bags

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Use our mobile app to prepay for checked bags and save time at the airport.

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Each guest can bring one carry-on and one personal item, with a $30 fee for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.

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If you’re an Alaska Airlines credit card holder, Elite Mileage Plan member, or U.S. military member, your first checked bag is free.

Learn more

Stress-free travel for kids + pets

Stressing over strollers or getting your four-legged family member on a plane? We have resources to help you with that!

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Alaska offers complimentary gate checks for strollers and car seats, ensuring that they are out of your way on board, but ready and waiting when you arrive.

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We also provide resources for unaccompanied minors and guarantee young children will be seated with their families—without any additional fees.

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Likewise, check out Alaska’s pet travel policies in advance of your pet’s travel to find out about things like breed restrictions, requirements for kennels and health certificates and pet relief areas at airports

Cash in on Mileage Plan benefits

Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of your travel in 2024. Our Mileage Plan helps your money go further; you can earn miles toward future flights for every mile flown, even on our lowest fares.

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Earn 30% more miles on average, compared to other airlines.

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Earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel and more.

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You can even earn miles when you fly other airlines. Check out the list of oneworld® Alliance member airlines and other worldwide airlines partners.