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If you’ve ever skipped checking a bag just to avoid the long wait at baggage claim, you’re not alone. But Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines give flyers a small incentive to take the risk, thanks to their 20-minute baggage guarantee.
The airlines promise to deliver checked bags to baggage claim within 20 minutes of your plane reaching the gate. If not, eligible travelers can claim either 2,500 Atmos Rewards points or a $25 discount code for a future Alaska or Hawaiian flight.
Here’s what you need to know about this policy.
AwardWallet’s mobile app tells you which carousel your checked bags will arrive. Download the AwardWallet app on Apple or Android to get baggage claim information as soon as your flight arrives.
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How the Alaska and Hawaiian Baggage Guarantee Works
Simply put: If your bag doesn’t show up at the carousel within 20 minutes of your flight reaching the gate, you can visit the Alaska or Hawaiian baggage office to claim your compensation. Unfortunately, claims must be made in person — within two hours of arrival — as there’s no online form option (like there is with Delta Air Lines).
There are a few limitations to be aware of. This policy applies to eligible domestic Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights. It doesn’t apply to international flights requiring customs clearance, and the airlines can suspend the guarantee during severe weather, system issues, or other operational disruptions.
Also, compensation is capped at one delayed checked bag per passenger, regardless of how many bags are affected.
Should You Take the Atmos Rewards Points or the Discount?
Approved claims earn either 2,500 Atmos points or a $25 discount code toward a future Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines flight. So, which option offers more value?
Personally, I’d lean toward the points. Atmos Rewards points can be valuable, especially if redeemed for premium award flights. AwardWallet users redeem Atmos points for an average of 2.22¢ apiece, making 2,500 points worth roughly $53 — or potentially much more if used toward international premium cabin travel.
Atmos points can also stretch surprisingly far on shorter partner award flights. For example, I recently found an American Airlines flight from Albany to Chicago for just 4,500 Atmos points. In a case like that, 2,500 Atmos points could cover more than half the cost of an award ticket.
That said, the $25 discount shouldn’t be dismissed. If you plan to book a paid Alaska or Hawaiian flight soon, the voucher offers immediate savings. Plus, because paid tickets earn points, you’ll still be adding to your Atmos Rewards balance.
In general, travelers who know how to maximize Atmos points will likely get more value from the points. But if you don’t collect Atmos points or expect to book a paid Alaska or Hawaiian flight soon, the $25 voucher could be a practical choice.
Related: Guide to Alaska's New Atmos Rewards Points Expiration Policy
Take Advantage of Credit Card Benefits on Longer Delays
A short delay might score you a few points, but what about longer delays — or worse, a lost bag?
Many travel rewards credit cards offer baggage delay protection, which reimburses you for essentials like clothing and toiletries if your bag is late by more than six hours. This coverage can even apply to award flights, as long as the taxes and fees were paid with the eligible card (but check your card's Guide to Benefits to confirm).
If you find yourself in this situation, check your credit card benefits and keep your receipts. You may be able to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Related: Best Credit Cards With Free Travel Insurance
Other Ways to Earn Atmos Points
Beyond flying (and waiting for your delayed bags), there are several ways to rack up Atmos points.
Using an Atmos Rewards credit card is one of the easiest. Both the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card and the Atmos™ Rewards Visa Business Card offer perks like a free checked bag and extra points on eligible Alaska and Hawaiian purchases.
$95
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
- Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
$70 for the company and $25 per card
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases
- Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
If you earn Bilt Rewards points, you have another valuable option. Bilt is currently the only major transferable points program that transfers to Atmos Rewards, with points transferring at a 1:1 ratio. Or you can transfer hotel points to Atmos Rewards at a lesser ratio:
You can also earn Atmos points by shopping through the Atmos Rewards Shopping Portal and booking hotels and rental cars through travel partners.
Related: What Alaska Atmos Rewards Points Are Worth — and How To Get Top Value
Final Thoughts
The Alaska and Hawaiian 20-minute baggage guarantee is a nice perk if your luggage takes longer than expected to arrive at the carousel. For short delays, 2,500 points or a $25 voucher is a decent trade-off. But if your delay extends beyond six hours, check your credit card travel protections; you may be entitled to additional reimbursement.
