How Early Can You Check-In for Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines offers travelers the convenience of checking in early to save time at the airport and make the travel process smoother. Online check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and remains available until 1 hour before the flight departs. This early check-in window allows passengers to complete most of the necessary steps—such as selecting seats, adding baggage, and printing or downloading the boarding pass—before arriving at the airport.

Checking in online is the quickest and most recommended option. You can check in on the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app. Simply enter your confirmation code or e-ticket number, along with your last name, to access your reservation. Once you’ve completed the check-in steps, you can choose to email, print, or save your boarding pass to your mobile device. If you’re traveling with carry-on only, this makes it easy to skip the check-in counter entirely and head straight to security.

Alaska Airlines also provides airport check-in options, including self-service kiosks and staffed counters. Self-service kiosks typically open at least 3 hours before departure and allow passengers to check in, add bags, and print boarding passes. If you prefer personal assistance or are traveling with special requirements (such as pets, unaccompanied minors, or oversized baggage), you can check in at the customer service counter. Alaska recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.

Baggage check cut-off times vary slightly by airport, but in general, bags must be checked at least 40 minutes before domestic departures and at least 60 minutes before international flights. Arriving early ensures that your bags are processed on time and that you’re not rushed during the boarding process.

Frequent travelers and members of the Mileage Plan program may have access to priority services or earlier boarding groups, which can make early check-in even more beneficial. If you have any issues during the check-in process, Alaska Airlines’ customer support is available to help, either through their website, app, or by phone.

In summary, Alaska Airlines allows you to check in as early as 24 hours before your flight, and doing so online is the fastest and most efficient method. Early check-in helps ensure a stress-free airport experience and a more relaxed start to your journey.