Alaska Airlines tightens check-in window

Alaska Airlines is tightening its check-in window, saying customers flying from most its domestic airports now must check in at least 40 minutes prior to departure. Alaska Air says that’s regardless if a bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.

Previously, the Alaska Air’s minimum check-in time had been 30 minutes prior to departure. The airline’s customers can check in at the airport, online or via one of the carrier’s mobile apps.

In a Tuesday statement, Alaska Air says “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.”

“Our previous policy sent a mixed message by having different cutoff times, depending on the airport and whether a customer is checking bags,” Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines’ VP of customer service — airports and cargo, says in a statement. “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 cutoff time should make things easier for customers and employees alike.”

However, exceptions remain at certain airports. They include Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Newark and Philadelphia, where Alaska Air notes “the check-in cutoff is already 45 minutes” prior to departure. Alaska Air customers flying out of Guadalajara, Mexico, must check in 90 minutes prior to their scheduled departure.

Whenever Alaska Air customers check-in, the carrier reminds them that the company’s “longstanding boarding policy remains the same — passengers must be available to board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all flights.”

Alaska Air says “the vast majority” of its customers already comply with its new check-in time. But, starting Wednesday, Alaska Air says fliers “who miss the cutoff will be treated the same way as customers today — they will be offered a $25 same-day confirmed seat on the next available flight, depending on availability.”

Despite the 40-minute rule, Alaska Air also reminds passengers that cutoff “does not ensure travelers will make it to their departure gate in time for boarding.” The carrier advises passengers to account for security lines and passenger traffic in calculating how early the must arrive at the airport.