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Navigating airline fees can feel like a strategic game where the house usually wins. For travelers flying with Alaska Airlines, baggage fees can quickly add up—starting at $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. However, the Alaska Mileage Plan offers one of the most straightforward paths to bypassing these costs entirely.
By achieving elite status, passengers can save hundreds of dollars annually while enjoying a more seamless airport experience [1]. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to leverage status levels to eliminate baggage fees and provides actionable steps to secure those benefits.
Table of Contents
- The Elite Status Advantage: Baggage Fee Waivers
- How to Earn Status for Free Bags
- Alternative Methods to Avoid Fees
- Maximizing the Benefit: Real-World Application
- Summary of Key Takeaways
- Sources
The Elite Status Advantage: Baggage Fee Waivers
Alaska Airlines is notably more generous with its baggage allowances for elite members compared to some competitors. While many airlines only offer a single free bag for their lowest elite tier, Alaska grants two free checked bags to every elite level, including their entry-level MVP status [2].
1. MVP Status
At the MVP level, you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation each receive:
Two free checked bags: This applies to all Alaska Airlines operated flights.
Priority Check-in: Access to dedicated elite lines to drop off your bags faster.
2. MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K
Higher tiers maintain the same baggage allowance but add significant flexibility:
Two free checked bags: Standard for the member and companions.
No Change Fees: Alaska Airlines allows MVP Gold and 75K members to change or cancel non-refundable tickets with no penalty, which provides additional peace of mind when checking gear for scheduled trips [1].
3. MVP Gold 100K
The top-tier status provides the maximum benefit for heavy packers:
- Three free checked bags: This is particularly useful for international travel or relocating.
MVP members and up to eight companions on the same reservation each receive two free checked bags. This is more generous than many other airlines that only offer one free bag for entry-level status.
Yes, MVP Gold 100K is the highest tier and provides three free checked bags per person. This is especially beneficial for travelers on long-haul international flights or those carrying heavy equipment.
Yes, Alaska Airlines extends the baggage fee waiver to up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation as the elite member.
How to Earn Status for Free Bags
To stop paying baggage fees, you must reach specific Elite Provider Miles (EQM) or segment thresholds. As of 2024–2025, the requirements are:
- MVP: 20,000 EQMs.
- MVP Gold: 40,000 EQMs.
- MVP Gold 75K: 75,000 EQMs.
- MVP Gold 100K: 100,000 EQMs.
A unique feature of the Alaska Mileage Plan is that you can earn these miles through partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and other Oneworld members [3].
For those looking for a more comfortable journey once they’ve stepped off the plane, knowing how to find the best airline seats can complement the perks of elite status, especially since elites often get priority access to exit rows and Premium Class.
To reach MVP status and start receiving free checked bags, you need to earn 20,000 Elite Provider Miles (EQM). Higher tiers like MVP Gold and 100K require 40,000 and 100,000 EQMs respectively.
Yes, you can earn EQMs toward Alaska status by flying with Oneworld partner airlines, such as American Airlines or British Airways, and crediting those miles to your Alaska Mileage Plan account.
Alternative Methods to Avoid Fees
If you are not yet an elite member, you can still avoid baggage fees using these specific Alaska Airlines policies:
The Credit Card Shortcut
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is the most common “status-lite” method. Cardholders receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to six companions on the same reservation [2]. This does not require EQMs, only an active account in good standing.
The “Wine Flies Free” Program
Unique to Alaska Airlines, all Mileage Plan members (even those without elite status) can check one case of wine (up to 12 bottles) for free when departing from 32 specific West Coast airports, including hubs in California, Oregon, and Washington [1].
Paid Cabin Upgrades
If you are flying in First Class, baggage fees are waived regardless of your elite status. If you are a pilot or aspiring to be one—check out this guide on how to become an airline pilot—you may already be familiar with the “non-revenue” or crew baggage benefits that differ from standard passenger rules.
Cardholders receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to six companions on the same reservation. This benefit does not require earning any elite miles, making it a great option for infrequent flyers.
This unique program allows all Mileage Plan members to check one case of wine (up to 12 bottles) for free when departing from 32 specific West Coast airports in states like California, Oregon, and Washington.
Yes, baggage fees are waived for all passengers flying in First Class, regardless of whether they hold any elite status with the airline.
Maximizing the Benefit: Real-World Application
Based on community discussions and Alaska Airlines official policies, here is how to ensure your fee is waived at the airport:
- Link Your Number: Ensure your Mileage Plan number is attached to your reservation at the time of booking.
- Use the App: Check-in via the Alaska mobile app. The system should automatically recognize your status and display “$0” for your first two bags.
- Check Weight Limits: Even with elite status, bags over 50 lbs (23 kg) will incur overweight fees. The status waives the number of bags, not the weight limits.
You should link your Mileage Plan number to your reservation during booking and use the Alaska mobile app for check-in. The system should automatically display a $0 fee for your eligible bags.
No, elite status only waives the fee for the number of bags checked. Standard weight limits (typically 50 lbs) still apply, and bags exceeding this limit will incur overweight charges.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Standard Elite Perk: All elite levels (MVP and above) get at least two free checked bags for the member and up to eight companions.
- Tier Differences: MVP Gold 100K members receive three free bags.
- No Status? No Problem: Use the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card for one free bag or utilize the “Wine Flies Free” program for specialty items.
- Oneworld Synergy: You can earn the status required for these waivers by flying on partner airlines and crediting the miles to Alaska.
Action Plan
- Join Mileage Plan: Sign up for the free loyalty program immediately if you haven’t already.
- Audit Your Travel: Check if your upcoming flights on Oneworld partners (like American Airlines) can be credited to Alaska to speed up your path to MVP status.
- Apply for the Credit Card: If you fly Alaska at least twice a year with a checked bag, the Visa Signature card pays for itself via the waived fees.
- Confirm Reservation Details: Always verify that your elite status level is reflected on your boarding pass before reaching the luggage drop-off counter.
Eliminating baggage fees is one of the most tangible ways to reduce the cost of air travel. By strategically hitting the 20,000-mile MVP mark, you ensure that every future flight starts with a significant discount.
| Tier / Method | Free Checked Bags | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| MVP / MVP Gold | 2 Bags | For member + 8 companions |
| MVP Gold 100K | 3 Bags | Maximum allowance for heavy packers |
| Visa Signature Card | 1 Bag | No mileage requirement; up to 6 companions |
| First Class Cabin | 2 Bags | Included with fare regardless of status |
| Wine Flies Free | 1 Case | Specific West Coast airport departures |
The most effective way is to achieve at least MVP status by flying 20,000 miles, which guarantees two free bags on every flight. Alternatively, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card provides one free bag for a lower barrier to entry.
To ensure your benefits are applied, always verify that your current elite status level is reflected on your boarding pass before reaching the check-in counter or luggage drop.