Alaska Airlines changes check-in time

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Alaska Airlines is changing its minimum check-in time for customers traveling on most domestic flights from 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure, regardless if a bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.

Alaska Airlines is changing its minimum check-in time for customers traveling on most domestic flights from 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure, regardless if a bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.

The policy change is being made so that travelers on Alaska Airlines can expect the same minimum check-in time at almost all airports the carrier serves.

Alaska Airlines’ boarding policy remains the same — passengers must be available to board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all flights.

“Our previous policy sent a mixed message by having different cutoff times, depending on the airport and whether a customer is checking bags,” said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of customer service-airports and cargo. “The new policy will make check-in times the same for everyone, making it easier for passengers to remember the cutoff, regardless of how they are checking in and whether they’re checking a bag. A consistent cut-off time should make things easier for customers and employees alike.”