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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 almost gives flyers an incentive to take the risk, thanks to its baggage guarantee.
The airline promises to deliver checked bags to the carousel within 20 minutes of the plane reaching the gate. If not, it'll compensate you with either 2,500 Mileage Plan miles or a $25 discount code for a future flight. Here’s what you need to know about this policy.
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How the Alaska Baggage Guarantee Works
Simply put: If your bag doesn’t show up at the carousel within 20 minutes (according to the airline's flight status checker), you can visit Alaska’s baggage office to claim your compensation. Unfortunately, claims must be made in person, as there’s no online form option (like there is with Delta Air Lines).
It's also worth noting that you'll only be compensated for one bag per passenger, even if multiple checked bags are delayed.
This policy is only in effect for domestic Alaska flights. It doesn’t apply to international flights since delays due to customs checks are out of the airline’s control. And in cases of severe weather or system malfunctions, Alaska may temporarily suspend the policy.
Should You Take the Alaska Miles or the Discount?
Approved claims get a reward of 2,500 Mileage Plan miles or a $25 discount code you can put towards a future flight. But which should you pick?
Mileage Plan miles can be valuable, especially if redeemed for premium award flights. AwardWallet users redeem Alaska miles for an average of 2.11¢ apiece, making 2,500 miles worth roughly $53 — or potentially much more if used toward international premium cabin travel.
On the other hand, the $25 discount offers immediate savings on a future flight. If you have an upcoming Alaska Airlines trip, it’s a quick and easy way to save some cash. Plus, booking a paid ticket earns additional miles, which could make up for taking the voucher instead of the miles.
If you know how to use Alaska miles, the miles are likely the better option. But if you have a paid flight coming up on Alaska, the $25 voucher could be the smarter pick.
Related: Do Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles Expire?
Take Advantage of Credit Card Benefits on Longer Delays
A short delay might score you a few miles, 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 on 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 Alaska Miles
Beyond flying (and waiting for your delayed bags), there are several ways to rack up Alaska Mileage Plan miles.
Using an Alaska Airlines credit card is one of the easiest. Both the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card offer perks like free checked bags and extra miles on Alaska purchases — and solid welcome bonuses.
- 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
- 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
You can also earn miles by shopping through the Alaska Airlines Shopping Portal, booking hotels and rental cars through travel partners, or transferring Bilt Rewards points to Alaska Mileage Plan.
Related: Alaska Miles Value: Guide To Understanding and Maximizing Your Travel Rewards
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines’ 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 miles 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.
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