6 tips to travel like a pro on Alaska Airlines in 2024

Alaska

6 tips to travel like a pro on Alaska Airlines in 2024

Mar 1, 2024

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a newbie wanderluster, below are some tips to help you travel like a pro in 2024.

1. Take advantage of apps

Keeping your things organized can be a struggle, especially during those early morning airport visits!

Our Alaska Airlines app keeps your travel needs at your fingertips. You can use it to check in, pay for your bag(s), get your boarding pass(es), track flights, make seat changes, and so much more, right from your phone.

2. Speed through TSA

Consider joining a trusted traveler program to spend less time in line. Membership in programs like TSA Pre-Check^®, Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI grant access to faster security screening lanes at participating airports, where you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets, and your 3-1-1 liquids bag and laptop can stay in your carry-on.

While many of these options require days or weeks for approval, programs like CLEAR offer same-day sign up. Plus, Mileage Plan members enrolling in CLEAR will receive $10 off the standard price of a 12-month CLEAR Plus membership linked to their Alaska Mileage Plan account.

Flying through our hometown?

You can also take advantage of spot saver programs like SEA Spot Saver, a non-membership program in Seattle where you can book a screening timeslot and use a dedicated lane to zoom through the security process. Similar spot saver programs can be found in Calgary, Charleston, Newark, Orlando and Phoenix.

3. Order food for your flight ahead of time

The food line is another one you can skip! Preorder a delicious meal directly to your seat on our app or website ahead of your flight. You can preorder inflight food any time from 2 weeks to 20 hours before travel. See what’s currently on the menu.

4. Feel confident traveling with kids + pets

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

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

Likewise, check our 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.

5. 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.

What’s more, you can:

Earn 30% more miles on average, compared to other airlines.
Earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel and more.
You can even earn miles when you fly other airlines. Check out our list of oneworld® Alliance member airlines and other worldwide airlines partners.

6. Reach out to us if you have any questions

Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care to all our guests, day in and day out. Should you have any inquiries or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to call (1-800-252-7522) or text (82008). Live chatting and additional contact info can also be found on alaskaair.com.