Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air Offer Holiday Travel Tips

SEATTLE , Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In anticipation of the busy holiday travel season, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air offer the following tips for stress-free travel:

-- Check in online. Alaska and Horizon passengers can check in online for domestic and international flights up to 24 hours before departure at alaskaair.com or horizonair.com. International passengers also can enter passport information online. Passengers should leave ample time to check any luggage at the airport. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members earn 1,000 miles the first time they check in online.

-- Know the carry-on limits. All airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a briefcase, laptop or purse. Details on size limitations for carry-on items are available at alaskaair.com. Horizon's planeside Ala Cart service allows slightly larger carry-on items. Customers using this service planning to transfer to flights on Alaska or other carriers must adhere to standard carry-on limits. Customers using the Ala Cart service should keep valuables with them on the aircraft.

-- Be aware of new or increased fees.

Baggage: Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air charge $25 for a second and $100 for a third checked bag. First class and Gold-level Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members, and customers flying to or from Mexico City may check two bags free of charge, and customers on flights within the state of Alaska may check three bags free of charge, before excess fees apply. The charge for an overweight bag (more than 50 pounds) has increased to $50. Passengers can pay for additional bags with a credit card at the airport through Alaska and Horizon check-in kiosks or at the ticket counter.

Unaccompanied minor and pet fees: The charge for transporting pets in the cabin is $100 one way, and the fee for unaccompanied minors (children traveling alone) is $75 one way.

Booking and change fees: Our reservation change fee is $100 for changes made through an Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air call center or an airport ticket counter. Changes made at alaskaair.com will be charged a discounted $75 fee. The charge for booking a reservation at the ticket counter or through a call center is $15.

-- Be aware of passport requirements for international travel. Passengers traveling between the United States , Canada and Mexico are required to have a passport. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov.

-- Prepare to line up at security checkpoints. Passengers should avoid bringing prohibited items through the security line. A list of prohibited items is available at tsa.gov. Passengers can pass through security more quickly by limiting the number of electronic devices they carry and by removing shoes, metal objects and laptop computers before entering the screening area.

-- Be familiar with rules for liquids. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules for packing liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags. Each passenger is permitted to bring these items in three-ounce or smaller containers, and all containers must be packed in one quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag. The TSA requires each passenger to place this bag in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. TSA rules do permit some exceptions for breastfeeding mothers and people traveling with infants. Full TSA rules are available at tsa.gov.

-- Carry on valuables, fragile items and medication. Passengers should carry prescription medications, passports, cameras, film, electronics, cash, jewelry, business papers and other valuables in carry-on luggage to keep control of these items. TSA rules permit prescription medications through security checkpoints and require them to be declared.

-- Leave gifts unwrapped. Wrapped packages are subject to inspection regardless of whether passengers carry them through security or in checked luggage.