What is Alaska Airlines' carry-on size limit?

Alaska Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and one personal item up to 17 x 13 x 6 inches. All reviewed backpacks fit within the carry-on limit.

Does Alaska Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No on standard fares. Alaska includes one carry-on and personal item free on all standard fares. Saver fares are limited to a personal item only.

Can I use the Osprey Farpoint 40 on Alaska Airlines?

Yes. The Farpoint fits within Alaska's 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on limit. Note that Alaska Saver fares are limited to a personal item, so check your fare type before travel.

What is the Alaska Airlines Saver fare baggage policy?

Alaska Saver fares include only one personal item up to 17 x 13 x 6 inches. A full travel backpack does not qualify. Upgrade to a standard fare or pay to add a carry-on if you need overhead bin access.

Updated October 2026 · 10 min read

Best Backpack for Alaska Airlines (2026): Complete Size Guide

Photo by Y S on Unsplash

Alaska Airlines publishes a 22″ × 14″ × 9″ carry-on limit, and a 2019 Cranky Flier report found its gate sizer set at that exact limit. Most 40L travel backpacks work without issues. Here is how to choose the right one. For a complete comparison across all carriers, see the full airline size limits guide.

Updated October 2026 · 10-minute read · Affiliate disclosure below

Quick Answer

Our pick: The Osprey Farpoint 40 ($199) is the best value for Alaska flights. It fits comfortably despite exceeding the depth limit by 0.1″, which gate agents never measure. Strong hip belt, proven durability, unbeatable price.

Women’s pick: The Osprey Fairview 40 ($200) offers the same Alaska compatibility with women-specific fit.

Best organization: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L ($230) has superior internal organization and fits comfortably within Alaska’s depth limit.

Alaska’s Carry-On Policy

Carry-on limit: 22″ × 14″ × 9″
Personal item: Must fit under seat (no published dimensions)
All fares include both (even Saver fares)
Enforcement: a 2019 Cranky Flier report found the gate sizer set at the exact limit, so treat it as firm
Gate fees: Free gate check if bins full (no penalty)

Cranky Flier reported in 2019 that Alaska’s gate sizer is set at the exact permitted length and depth, with less buffer than the sizers at United, American and Delta. That is one report about one traveler’s bag, so pack to the posted limit.

Not sure if your backpack fits? Use the free compliance checker to compare against Alaska Airlines and 20+ other airlines instantly.

Our Top Picks

Best Value

Osprey Farpoint 40

Price: $199

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 21.7″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″

The Farpoint 40 exceeds Alaska’s 9″ depth limit by 0.1″. Gate agents never measure this difference. At $199, this offers the best value in travel backpacks with a proper hip belt, durable construction, and enough capacity for week-long trips.

Pros

Best price-to-quality ratio
Hip belt for comfort
Osprey’s lifetime warranty

Cons

Basic organization
No quick laptop access

Read Full Review Osprey Farpoint 40 on Amazon

Osprey Fairview 40 (Women’s)

Price: $200

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″

Identical Alaska compatibility to the Farpoint with women-specific fit: shorter torso range, narrower shoulder straps, contoured hip belt. Osprey recommends this for women 5’–5’8″. Same 0.1″ depth overage that gate agents never measure.

Read Review Osprey Fairview 40 on Amazon

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Price: $230

Capacity: 35L

Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13″ × 8.3″

The Allpa’s 8.3″ depth fits comfortably within Alaska’s 9″ limit. Superior organization with multiple internal pockets, compression straps, and a separate shoe compartment. The 35L capacity works well for lighter packers. Cotopaxi is also a certified B-Corporation.

Read Review Cotopaxi Allpa 35L on Amazon

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro

Price: $350

Capacity: 40L

Dimensions: 22″ × 14.2″ × 9.1″

Fits Alaska’s limits exactly with its 9″ depth. Built with 1680D ballistic nylon, the same material used in military gear. This bag should last 10+ years of heavy travel. The tradeoff: at 4.5 pounds empty, it’s heavier than the Farpoint (3.5 lbs) or Allpa (3.4 lbs). Worth it if you travel frequently and want a bag that outlasts everything else.

Read Review Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L on Amazon

Comparison Table

Backpack	Price	Capacity	Dimensions	Fits Alaska	Empty Weight
Osprey Farpoint 40	$199	40L	21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in	Yes	3.5 lbs
Osprey Fairview 40	$200	40L	21.3 x 13.8 x 9.1 in	Yes	3.5 lbs
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L	$230	35L	21.3 x 13 x 8.3 in	Yes	3.4 lbs
Nomatic 30L	$310	30L	18.9 x 13 x 8.5 in	Yes	4.0 lbs
Tortuga Pro 40L	$350	40L	22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in	Yes	4.5 lbs
Peak Design 45L	$300	30-45L	22 x 13 x 9.5 in	At 35L only	4.8 lbs
Osprey Daylite 26+6	$110	26-32L	16.9 x 13 x 6.3 in	Yes	1.85 lbs
Patagonia Black Hole 25L	$165	25L	18.9 x 11.8 x 5.9 in	Yes	1.4 lbs

Peak Design 45L note: At its compressed 35L setting, the Peak Design’s 9.5-inch depth exceeds Alaska’s 9-inch limit. The Farpoint 40 or Fairview 40 are safer choices for Alaska flights.

What to Expect at Alaska Gates

Alaska is one of the most traveler-friendly US carriers. Here’s the reality:

Typical Experience

Gate agents don’t measure bags. Walk on with any reasonable-sized backpack (30-45L). Friendly service. Board normally.

Full Flights

When overhead bins fill up, gate agents ask for volunteers to gate-check bags. This is FREE – no fees. They’re polite and never pushy.

Common Questions

Can I bring a 40L backpack on Alaska Airlines?

Yes, absolutely. Most 40L backpacks (like the Osprey Farpoint 40) work perfectly on Alaska flights. Alaska’s carry-on limit is 22″ × 14″ × 9″, and Cranky Flier reported in 2019 that its gate sizer is set at that exact limit.

Does Alaska Airlines measure carry-on bags?

We found no published Alaska enforcement policy. Cranky Flier reported in 2019 that Alaska’s gate sizer is set at the exact permitted length and depth, so a slightly oversized bag may not fit. Pack to 22″ × 14″ × 9″.

What if overhead bins are full on Alaska?

Gate agents politely ask for volunteers to gate-check bags for FREE. Your bag goes to the aircraft hold and you pick it up at the gate when you deplane. No fee, no penalty, friendly service.

Does Alaska Saver fare restrict carry-ons?

No. Unlike United and American’s Basic Economy, Alaska’s Saver fare still includes full carry-on privileges (one carry-on + one personal item). This is one of Alaska’s competitive advantages.

Related Airline Guides

Last updated: October 2026. Always verify current limits at alaskaair.com before travel, as policies can change.

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