Are you planning to fly with Alaska Airlines soon? If so, you may be wondering how to check in for your flight and what are the different options available for you. Checking in for your flight is an important step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. However, checking in can also be confusing and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the process and the requirements.

That’s why we have created this guide for travelers who want to learn more about the Alaska Airlines check-in options. In this guide, you will find out how to check in online, on your mobile device, at the new lobby, or at the ticket counter. You will also find out how to compare and contrast the different check-in options in terms of convenience, speed, cost, and flexibility. You will also find some tips and tricks to make the check-in process easier and smoother for different types of travelers.

Online Check-in

Online check-in is a convenient and easy way to check in for your Alaska Airlines flight without having to go to the airport. You can check in online from 24 hours to one hour before your scheduled departure time. You will need your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or Mileage Plan number to check in online.

To check in online, you can visit the online check-in page on Alaska Airlines website and follow the instructions. You can also use the Alaska Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet to check in online. You will be able to select or change your seat, pay for checked baggage, and print or download your boarding pass. You can also add your boarding pass to your mobile wallet or email it to yourself.

Online check-in has many benefits, such as saving time, avoiding lines, and reducing contact at the airport. You can also earn bonus miles if you check in online and use a mobile boarding pass. Online check-in is available for most Alaska Airlines flights, except for some international destinations and partner airlines. 

Mobile Check-in

Mobile check-in is another convenient and easy way to check in for your Alaska Airlines flight without having to go to the airport. You can check in on your mobile device from 24 hours to one hour before your scheduled departure time. You will need your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or Mileage Plan number to check in on your mobile device.

To check in on your mobile device, you can download the Alaska Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the instructions. You can also use the mobile website on your browser to check in on your mobile device. You will be able to select or change your seat, pay for checked baggage, and access your mobile boarding pass. You can also add your boarding pass to your mobile wallet or email it to yourself.

Mobile check-in has many benefits, such as saving time, avoiding lines, and reducing contact at the airport. You can also earn bonus miles if you check in online and use a mobile boarding pass. Mobile check-in is available for most Alaska Airlines flights, except for some international destinations and partner airlines. 

New Lobby Experience

New Lobby Experience is a new and improved way to check in for your Alaska Airlines flight at the airport. You can use the self-service bag tag stations and the bag drop area to check in your baggage quickly and easily. You can also use the kiosks to print your boarding pass or scan your mobile boarding pass.

To use the new lobby experience, you can follow these steps:

  • If you have checked in online or on your mobile device, you can go directly to the bag tag station and scan your boarding pass or confirmation code. You can also print your boarding pass at the kiosk if you prefer.
  • If you have not checked in online or on your mobile device, you can go to the kiosk and check in using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or Mileage Plan number. You can also print your boarding pass at the kiosk.
  • After you have your boarding pass and bag tag, you can go to the bag drop area and scan your bag tag. You can also pay for your checked baggage at the bag drop area using your credit card or debit card.
  • After you have dropped off your baggage, you can proceed to the security checkpoint and board your flight.

The new lobby experience is available at select airports and for most Alaska Airlines flights, except for some international destinations and partner airlines. 

Ticket Counter Check-in

Ticket counter check-in is the traditional way to check in for your Alaska Airlines flight at the airport. You can check in at the ticket counter from four hours to 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time. You will need your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or Mileage Plan number to check in at the ticket counter.

To check in at the ticket counter, you can go to the Alaska Airlines counter and present your identification and travel documents. You can also pay for your checked baggage and get your boarding pass at the ticket counter. You can also request a seat assignment or change your seat at the ticket counter, subject to availability.

Ticket counter check-in has some drawbacks, such as longer wait times, higher baggage fees, and less flexibility. You may also have to deal with unexpected issues, such as overbooking, delays, or cancellations. Therefore, it is recommended that you check in online or on your mobile device before going to the airport, if possible.

However, ticket counter check-in may be necessary or preferable in some situations, such as traveling with pets, special needs, or group reservations. 

Check-in Options Comparison

Check-in options comparison is a useful way to compare and contrast the different check-in options available for your Alaska Airlines flight. You can use this section to decide which option is best for you based on your preferences and needs. You can also use this section to learn more about the pros and cons of each option.

The table below summarizes the main differences and similarities between the four check-in options: online, mobile, new lobby, and ticket counter. You can also find some examples and scenarios to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each option in the following paragraphs.

Check-in Option


Convenience

 


Speed

 


Cost

 


Flexibility

 

Online

High

High

Low

High

Mobile

High

High

Low

High

New Lobby

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

Ticket Counter

Low

Low

 

Low

 

Check-in Tips and Tricks

Check-in tips and tricks is a helpful section to provide you with some general and specific tips and tricks to make the check-in process easier and smoother for your Alaska Airlines flight. You can use this section to learn more about how to save time, money, and hassle when checking in online, on your mobile device, at the new lobby, or at the ticket counter.

Some general tips and tricks are:

  • Check in as early as possible to secure your seat and avoid last-minute issues
  • Have your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or Mileage Plan number ready
  • Review your travel documents and baggage policies before you check in
  • Print or download your boarding pass and bag tag in advance
  • Add your boarding pass to your mobile wallet or email it to yourself
  • Use a credit card or debit card to pay for your checked baggage
  • Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time

Some specific tips and tricks for different types of travelers are:

  • Families: Check in online or on your mobile device and use the family lane at the security checkpoint
  • Solo travelers: Check in online or on your mobile device and use the priority access lane at the security checkpoint if you have elite status or a premium ticket
  • Business travelers: Check in online or on your mobile device and use the business class lane at the security checkpoint if you have a business class ticket
  • International travelers: Check in online or on your mobile device and use the passport scanner at the kiosk or the bag tag station
  • Partner airline travelers: Check in online or on your mobile device and use the partner airline check-in page or app

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned about the different check-in options available for your Alaska Airlines flight. You have also learned how to compare and contrast the online, mobile, new lobby, and ticket counter check-in options in terms of convenience, speed, cost, and flexibility. You have also learned some tips and tricks to make the Alaska Air check-in process easier and smoother for different types of travelers. We hope that this article has helped you to choose the best check-in option for your Alaska Airlines flight.