The holidays are just around the corner, and whether you’re heading to see family, planning a quick getaway, or diving into the festivities somewhere else, travel is part of the season for many. Alaska Airlines knows it can be a busy time, but don’t stress — they're here to help make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Alaska has pulled together some easy travel tips to help you breeze through your holiday journey, so you can focus on what really matters: connecting with loved ones, making memories, and enjoying all the things that make this time of year special. 

Thanksgiving: The Peak Travel Period

Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel period of the fall with flights projected to be nearly full. Alaska Airlines estimates nearly a half million guests will fly between Friday and Sunday with Dec. 1 expected to be the single busiest day of the entire year.

Across Alaska Airlines' major West Coast hubs, the airline expects to fly more passengers than last year. In San Francisco, passenger numbers are anticipated to increase by 15%. In Seattle, Alaska expects to serve 230,000 guests, a 6% increase from last year. Portland is expected to see the largest surge in passenger volume with a 35% increase — or 85,000 passengers during the holiday weekend.

Check out more fall trends

Travel tips:

Download Alaska’s mobile app

With the Alaska Airlines app, all your travel essentials are just a tap away:

• Skip the lines by checking in through the app
• Get real-time flight updates, gate information and a convenient mobile boarding pass
• Pay for checked bag(s), make seat changes, and so much more, right from your phone

Preorder food for your flight app

The food line is another one you can skip:

• Preorder a delicious meal directly to your seat on Alaska's app or website
• Reserve your meal ahead of your flight any time from 2 weeks up to 20 hours before travel

Stay flexible

With unpredictable weather and potential delays, it’s good to keep your plans flexible:

• Alaska Airlines offers easy rebooking options & no change fees so you can adapt your travel plans if necessary
• For all Alaska Airlines travel, please visit airport guides before your trip. Ticket counter hours, recommended arrival times, airport services and baggage/check-in cut-off times vary by airport

Prepay for checked bags

• Use Alaska's mobile app to prepay for checked bags and save time at the airport
• Each guest can bring one carry-on and one personal item, with a $30 fee for the first checked bag and $45 for the second
• If you’re an Alaska Airlines credit card holder, Elite Mileage Plan member, or U.S. military member, your first checked bag is free

Learn more

Stress-free travel for kids + pets

• Stressing over strollers or getting your four-legged family member on a plane? Alaska Airlines has resources to help you with that
• Alaska offers complimentary gate checks for strollers and car seats, ensuring that they are out of your way on board, but ready and waiting when you arrive
• Alaska also provides resources for unaccompanied minors and guarantee young children will be seated with their families—without any additional fees
• Likewise, check out Alaska’s pet travel policies in advance of your pet’s travel to find out about things like breed restrictions, requirements for kennels and health certificates and pet relief areas at airports

Cash in on Mileage Plan benefits

Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of your travel in 2024. Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan helps your money go further; you can earn miles toward future flights for every mile flown, even on the lowest fares.

• Earn 30% more miles on average, compared to other airlines
• Earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel and more
• You can even earn miles when you fly other airlines. Check out the list of oneworld® Alliance member airlines and other worldwide airlines partners

Reach out to Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines' dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care to all guests, day in and day out:

• If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please call (1-800-252-7522) or text (82008)
• Live chatting and additional contact info can also be found on alaskaair.com