In this post I wanted to take a look at Alaska Airlines’ baggage guarantee, which many people aren’t familiar with. It’s worth being aware of, as it should put you at ease when checking a bag with Alaska. That’s because if the airline doesn’t deliver, you’re entitled to compensation.
Continue reading: Alaska Airlines’ 20-Minute Baggage Guarantee
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Last time it took 21 minutes for my bag to arrive at the baggage claim, and I had no trouble receiving the bonus miles. I'm curious how often Alaska meets the 20-minute goal.
I think Alaska Airlines has suspended their service to Dutch Harbor, perhaps related to PenAir, which operated the flight for them, going bankrupt. Maybe that exception predates that and it had something to do with PenAir's operations there?
The only guarantee is that there's never anybody at the baggage desk at JFK and it consistently takes about 40 minutes for bags to come on the evening arrivals.
I have never been successful. They also have an exception for airport irrops that they like to use at PDX. "Sorry, there's construction at the airport, so the guarantee doesn't apply."
At LAX they changed the carousel without updating signs and several of us were waiting for 30 mins before flagging someone down and being told they were on a different belt. We asked for the guarantee as a goodwill gesture, but the LAX baggage office denied it (on top of already being very rude).
I think overall the guarantee keeps a focus on quick bag delivery, but I don't count on ever collecting when they miss.
This is an area where Delta does a good job. In contrast, American’s baggage delivery, systemwide, is best described as “glacial.”
I've used the bag guarantee about 7 times. Certain airports are slower. SEA is fast.
DUT is the launching point for a lot of Pacific fishing - you actually see quick clips of the airport on Deadliest Catch reruns. Tiny airport, probably a whole lot of fishing gear to unload. Also AS doesn’t operate their own metal into here - all local carriers on codeshare basis. Landings look pretty hairy here too!
This is but one of the many reasons I try and fly DL whenever possible, though UA (IAD) and AA (DCA) are arguably easier. DL is just more reliable, and a better experience all around.
I also choose DL because it's the least hopeless of the major carriers. UA is reluctant backup. AA is an emphatic no-no.
I've never been denied a claim for miles due to the guarantee from DL. Typically points are awarded nearly instantly.
I've never been denied a claim from AS. As a loyal and frequent flyer, I've probably racked up over a dozen of these over the years. Never a problem having them follow through. Best US airline for customer service by far.
The problem with AS is not denying claims, it is being available in person for claims. What if the baggage office is closed or there's a huge line? The DL claim is an online form.
Ravn Alaska on the Dash-8 are the only option into DUT, and those are some truly eye watering prices on that route...
Alaska among others used to fly 737-200C's into DUT but the narrow and short runway combined with bonkers weather meant it was highly unreliable (the S2000 runway overrun a few years back highlights this) which is why Alaska outsources the route to this day.
Alaska has had this for years, and constantly made it within the 20 min. However, my last two flights, they were significantly delayed, but we got the 2500 miles per person very efficiently
Then @them on Twitter and they give you the miles. Only works when the baggage office is closed.
One year, when I flew 125k miles on Alaska, I earned 60,000 miles from this guarantee. I always check a bag when leaving SEA, even if it's an empty box that I can leave if something bad happens. Bags are never late at SeaTac - only happens at other airports.
I have used this perk many times. I am also watching the clock to make sure I take advantage of this guarantee. Once I flew to Anchorage and my bag didn't catch the flight like I did. I was staying the night in Anchorage and catching my next flight in the morning so they said they could fly it up on the next flight. Well that night they gave me 10,OOO miles for the inconvenience and another 10,000 miles when I picked it up the next day! Absolutely love Alaska Airlines,
Our bags took well over 30 minutes back on June 18. We approached the baggage agent, she scanned our bag tags and sent us on our way. Its July 12 and none of our 3 Alaska/Atmos accounts have the bag mileage credit. Complete waste of time. on top of the wasted time.