Your Next Flight Could Cost More: Alaska Air Begins Quietly Charging for Carry-Ons, But Only on This One Route
If you pack light, your wallet just got a little lighter, too. Alaska Airlines has started testing a new fee for carry-on bags on a specific route, and consumer advocates are sounding the alarm that this could be the start of a major shift that will hit every traveler’s wallet. As of last week, passengers flying from Seattle to a select destination are being charged $15 to bring a standard carry-on roller bag into the cabin—a perk that has been included in every domestic ticket for decades. While the airline calls it a "pilot program" to see if passengers prefer lower base fares with more fees, consumer groups warn this is a classic "slippery slope." If successful, don't be surprised if "basic economy" nationwide suddenly means your clothes cost more than your ticket. For now, your best defense is to check every bag you can, or risk paying a fee that used to be free.