Alaska Airlines offers a variety of check-in methods to make the process as easy and convenient as possible for passengers. The airline’s website and mobile app allow you to check in online starting 24 hours before flight departure, choose your seat, and print or download your boarding pass. You can also use self-service kiosks (soon to be replaced by mobile app check-in) located at most airports to check in and print your boarding passes. For those who prefer a more personal touch, Alaska Airlines check in also offers traditional counter check-in at the airport with the help of customer service agents. Additionally, if you have enrolled for TSA PreCheck, you can take advantage of expedited security screening by using dedicated lanes at participating airports.

How to check in Alaska Airlines?

Currently, you can check in for your Alaska Airlines flight: 

  1. Online via Alaska Airlines’ website 
  2. Through Alaska Airlines’ mobile app (Android, iOS, or Amazon)
  3. At the airport
    1. Self-service kiosk
      (soon to be replaced by mobile app check-in) 
    2. Check-in counter

Alaska Airlines Check in Online 

A screenshot of Alaska Airlines online check-in page

To check in online from Alaska Airlines official website:

  1. Go to Alaska Airlines’ homepage: AlaskaAir.com
  2. Click on Check in
  3. Enter the following information:
    1. Departure city
    2. Any one of these after selecting from the dropdown:
      1. Your confirmation code, or
      2. Your E-ticket number, or
      3. Your mileage plan number
  4. Click on the Check-in button

When checking in online, you will also be able to:

  • Change your seat 
  • Upgrade to First Class
  • Pay for your baggage
  • Print your baggage tags at home
    • On most domestic flights
    • Select the Self-tag option 
  • Print your boarding pass 
  • Make same-day flight changes

If you couldn’t print your boarding pass when checking in initially, you can go through the process once again to print your boarding pass. Otherwise, you can obtain it at the airport. 

Note

  • Alaska Airlines online check in time for most international flights starts 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure for most flights. However, the check-in desks close 90 minutes before departure if your flight is departing from Guadalajara.
  • Alaska online check in time for domestic flights within the United States opens 24 hours before departure and closes 40 minutes before departure for most flights. However, the online check-in deadline is 45 minutes if your flight is departing from Portland, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. For flights departing from King Salmon or Dillingham, you must check in your baggage at least 1 hour before departure.

Alaska Airlines Mobile Check in

Alaska mobile check-in explained

You can check in through Alaska Airlines mobile app from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure for most international flights, and till 40 minutes before departure for most domestic flights. 

To check in with a mobile device, you will need to enter the following information: 

  • Your departure city 
  • Your confirmation code, or
  • Your E-ticket number, or
  • Your mileage plan number

When checking in with your mobile device, you can also: 

  • Pay for your baggage 
  • Make same-day flight changes 
  • Change your seat
  • Upgrade to First Class

After checking in, you will be able to download your mobile boarding pass. However, if the airport you’re departing from does not accept mobile boarding passes—such as airports in Mexico (except Cancun), Costa Rica, Dillingham, and Adak—you will need to collect a paper boarding pass from a kiosk or airport counter. 

After checking in, you can access your mobile boarding pass (online or offline) after selecting the Boarding Pass button, provided you have viewed it at least once through your mobile app. You will need to show it at the Bag Drop location, security checkpoint, and boarding gate. 

Alaska Airlines Airport Kiosk Check-in 

Note. Alaska Airlines is replacing kiosk check-in with mobile app check-in, where you can obtain your boarding pass on your cellphone. Alternatively, you can check in through your laptop/desktop and you’re your boarding pass to your cellphone or print it at home and bring it to the airport. Plus, you’ll be able to check in your bags at bag tag stations where you can tag and pay for checked baggage through your mobile app.

If you’re travelling with carry-on bags only, you can check in at an airport kiosk (where available) till 40 minutes before departure for most flights. However, if you’ll be paying for checked baggage, you must check in your bags no later than 4 hours before your flight’s departure.

To check in at the airport kiosk, you will need your:

  • Your passport (for international flights)
  • Your confirmation code, or
  • Your E-ticket number, or
  • Your mileage plan number

Aside from checking in, you will also be able to do the following things at the self-check-in kiosk:

  • Print your boarding pass
  • Change your seat
  • Enter or change your mileage number
  • Print your baggage tags (at select airports)
    Note. Most airports have Self-Tag Kiosks where you can print your bag tags yourself, after which you can drop off your luggage at the Bag Drop area.

If you haven’t self-printed your bag tags, after obtaining your boarding pass you must proceed to the baggage counter to check in your luggage. 

Alaska Airlines Airport Desk/Counter Check-in

You should reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights, and at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights. 

You can check in physically at your airport’s check-in counter. After you show your passport and other travel documents: 

  • You can check in your luggage
  • You’ll be assigned a seat 
  • You’ll be given your boarding pass 

Alaska Airlines Pre-Flight Check in (TSA PreCheck)

You can apply directly for the TSA PreCheck program or choose another DHS Trusted Traveler Program,  depending on your needs. 

Boarding Groups

A screenshot of Alaska Airlines video monitor screen which makes it easy for passengers to view their flight’s boarding status at the airport.

Alaska Airlines makes it easy for you to board by groups by letting you know via video monitor screens just when to board your flight. 

The boarding process takes place in the following sequence:

  • Pre-boarding includes:
    • Passengers with disabilities or those who require more time to board
    • Families travelling with children below 2 years of age
    • Active-duty military members
  • First Class
    • Passengers travelling in First Class 
  • Group A
    • Mileage Plan:
      • Million Miler members
      • MVP Gold:
        • 100K members
        • 75K members
        • Members
      • oneworld:
        • Emerald members
        • Sapphire members
  • Group B
    • Mileage Plan MVP members
    • oneworld Ruby members
    • Passengers travelling on Premium Class tickets
  • Group C
    • Remaining passengers seated in the aircraft’s back half 
  • Group D
    • Remaining passengers seated in the aircraft’s front half 
  • Group E
    • Passengers travelling on Saver seats

Tip: If you purchase your ticket with Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, you will receive priority boarding for yourself and up to 6 travel companions.

Alaska Airlines Check in Time 

When can I check in for my Alaska Airlines flight?

The Alaska check-in time for online, mobile, kiosk, and airport check-in (before flight departure) is as follows:

  1. Online Check-in Time

What is the Alaska Air check-in time for online check-in?
If you’re holding a confirmed reservation, you can check in online through Alaska Airlines website:

  • For international flights. From 24 hours to 1 hour ahead of flight departure. 

(90 minutes if you’re traveling from Guadalajara)

  • For domestic flights. From 24 hours to 40 minutes before your flight departs.
    (45 minutes for Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Atlanta.
    If your flight departs from King Salmon or Dillingham, you must check in your baggage at least 60 minutes before departure)
  1. Mobile Checkin Time

What is the Alaska Airline check-in time with the mobile app?
Alaska Airlines’ mobile check-in time is the same as the online check-in time mentioned above. 

  1. Airport Kiosk Check-in Time

What is the Alaska flight check-in time at an airport kiosk?

You can check in at an airport kiosk (if available) as follows:

  • With carry-on baggageno later than 40 minutes before departure.
  • If you’re paying for checked baggageno later than 4 hours before departure.
  1. Airport Desk/Counter Check-in Time
    What is the Alaska Airlines flight check-in time at an airport counter?

You can check in at an airport desk/counter for an Alaska Airlines flight as follows:

  • For international flights: From 4 hours to 45 minutes before your flight departs.
    (90 minutes if your flight departs from Guadalajara)
  • For domestic flights. From 4 hours to 1 hour prior to departure.
    (45 minutes if your flight departs from Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Atlanta. For flights departing from King Salmon or Dillingham, you must check in your baggage at least 60 minutes prior to departure).

Check-in Tips

  • To save time, download, print, or email your boarding pass to your cellphone.
  • If you forget or lose your boarding pass, use the airport’s check-in kiosk to print it.
  • Keep enough buffer time for security checks, checked baggage, etc.

Alaska Airline Boarding Times

You must be at the gate with a valid boarding pass after having checked in at least 30 minutes before your flight’s departure. 

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

You don’t need to print your boarding pass if you have downloaded and saved your mobile boarding pass on your smartphone. However, if your flight is departing from an airport that does not accept a mobile boarding pass, you will have to get a paper boarding pass from the airport kiosk or desk.

Photograph of Alaska Airlines printed boarding pass

Frequently Asked Questions on Alaska Check in 

This FAQs guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Alaska Airlines check-in. It includes the check-in times for domestic and international flights, check-in policy, what to do if you run into any issues, and more.

What is Alaskan Airlines check in time?

• If you’re checking in online or with the mobile app:
For most international flights, you can check in 1 to 24 hours before departure. 
For most domestic flights, you can check in 40 minutes to 24 hours before departure. 
• If you’re checking in at the airport counter:
For most international flights, you can check in from 45 minutes to 4 hours before departure.
For most domestic flights, you can check in from 1 to 4 hours before departure.
• If you’re checking in at an airport kiosk:
With carry-on baggage, you can check in at least 40 minutes before departure.
If you’re paying for checked baggage, you can check in at least 4 hours before departure
for most flights.

When can I check in with Alaska Airlines?

Refer to the answer above on when and how you can check with Alaska Airlines. Since the check-in deadlines are different at some airports, refer to the check-in times by airport and destination.

Which Alaska Airlines seats are assigned at check in?

Alaska Airlines Saver fare seats are assigned at check in. 

What is Alaska Airlines check in policy?

According to Alaska check-in policy, you must complete your check-in formalities at least 60 minutes prior to departure for international flights (90 minutes from Guadalajara) and at least 40 minutes before departure for domestic flights (45 minutes for flights departing from Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Atlanta, and 60 minutes for flights departing King Salmon and Dillingham. 

The online/mobile app check-in time for international flights is 24 hours to 1 hour before departure but 90 minutes before departure from Guadalajara. For domestic flights, the online/mobile app check-in time closes 40 minutes before departure, and 45 minutes before departure from Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Atlanta, and 60 minutes from Dillingham and King Salmon.

You can check in at the airport from 4 hours before departure till the check-in deadlines mentioned above.

You must be at the boarding gate (with your boarding pass) at least 30 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time.

What about my Alaska Airlines check-in boarding pass?

When you check in online, you have the option to print your boarding pass at home. If you check in using the mobile app, simply download your mobile boarding pass after checking in and show it at the airport. You can also check in at an airport kiosk (if available) and obtain a printout of your boarding pass, or collect it after checking in at the airport ticket counter.

How early can I check in with Alaska Airlines?

The earliest you can check in at Alaska Airlines is 24 hours before your flight’s departure (online or with the mobile app).

How early can you check in for an Alaska Airlines flight?

Refer to the answer above to learn how early you can check in for an Alaska Airlines flight.

When can I web check in with Alaska Airlines?

You can web check in for your Alaska Airlines flight from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure for most international flights and till 40 minutes prior to departure for most domestic flights.

What is Alaska Airlines self-check-in?

Alaska Airlines self-check-in service allows you to check in for your flight online, with the mobile app, or at an airport kiosk all by yourself.

Does Alaska Airlines provide curbside check-in? 

No, Alaska Airlines does not offer curbside check-in.

What if I can’t check in online at Alaska Airlines?

If you can’t check in online for your Alaska Airlines flight, you will need to check in at a self-service kiosk or airport counter.

Can you check in online with Alaska Airlines—or are there any restrictions?

Yes, you can check in online for your Alaska Airlines flight, unless you’re an unaccompanied minor, require special assistance at the airport, or are travelling with a pet.

Can I check in car seat at Alaska Airlines.

You can check in a car seat and stroller free of charge at Alaska Airlines.

Is there a curbside check in at Alaska Airlines?

No, Alaska Airlines does not offer curbside check in.

Do I need to check in with Alaska Airlines?

Yes, all passengers must check in for their Alaska Airlines flights.

What time does Alaska Airlines check in open?

Alaska check in opens 24 hours before departure if you’re checking in online or with the mobile app. The airport counters/desks open 4 hours before departure for most flights. 

What is the Alaska air baggage check in time?

You should have checked in your air baggage at least 1 hour before departure for international flights (1.5 hours from Guadalajara) and at least 40 minutes before departure for domestic flights (45 minutes if your flight is departing from Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, or Atlanta; and at least 1 hour before departure for flights departing from King Salmon or Dillingham).

What is the Alaska Air domestic check in time?

Alaska Airlines’ domestic check-in time starts 24 hours before departure and closes 40 minutes before departure, but 45 minutes before departure for flights departing from Salt Lake City, Portland, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Atlanta; and 1 hour before departure for flights departing from Dillingham and King Salmon. 

What is the charge of Alaska Airlines stroller check in.

You can check a stroller free of charge at Alaska Airlines if you’re travelling with an infant or a child.

Can I upgrade to First Class at check-in?

Yes, all passengers can upgrade to First Class at check-in (starting 24 hours before departure), subject to seat availability.

How early can you check in baggage at Alaska Airlines?

You can check bags at the airport desk starting 4 hours before departure.

What do you need to board Alaska Airlines?

To board a domestic Alaska Airlines flight after you’ve gone through security, all you need is your boarding pass (your ID won’t be checked again). 

If you’re boarding an international flight, you will need to have your passport ready as well (in addition to your boarding pass).

One thought on “Alaska Airlines Check in”

  • Adam K. Peterson says:

    I searched long and hard to find out how early I can check in bags. 4 hours? 8 hours? Something else? Sometimes it is much more convenient to check them in earlier. But I can’t find out your policy.

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