# Can't Check In Alaska Airlines? Complete Guide to Troubleshooting Alaska Airlines Check-In Issues If you can’t check in on Alaska Airlines, call their support at 1‑833‑341‑3894. They’ll help troubleshoot online check-in issues, update your booking, or assist at the airport. Flying with **Alaska Airlines** is usually smooth and efficient, but occasionally, passengers encounter problems during the **check-in process**. Whether you're trying to check in online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk, being blocked at this stage can be frustrating—especially when your travel clock is ticking. This detailed and practical guide will help you understand **why you may not be able to check in with Alaska Airlines**, what to do about it, and how to avoid issues in the future. We’ll also cover **fare types**, **mobile and online glitches**, **document issues**, and much more. Let’s get started with everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines check-in problems. --- ## Table of Contents 1. Introduction to Alaska Airlines Check-In 2. Available Check-In Methods 3. When Can You Check In for an Alaska Airlines Flight? 4. Common Reasons You Can’t Check In on Alaska Airlines 5. Technical Glitches and System Errors 6. Unconfirmed or Incomplete Bookings 7. Incorrect Passenger Information 8. Payment and Fare Type Issues 9. International Travel Restrictions and Documents 10. Basic Economy Check-In Restrictions 11. Group Bookings and Companion Travel 12. Airport Check-In Requirements 13. Special Cases (Infants, Pets, and More) 14. TSA and Secure Flight Requirements 15. Late Arrival and Missed Check-In Windows 16. How to Fix Online Check-In Problems 17. What to Do if App Check-In Fails 18. In-Person Check-In: What to Expect 19. Same-Day Flight Changes and Standby 20. Seat Assignment Conflicts 21. Baggage Drop and Check-In Timing 22. Contacting Alaska Airlines Customer Support 23. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Check-In Next Time 24. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 25. Final Thoughts --- ## 1. Introduction to Alaska Airlines Check-In Alaska Airlines is a major U.S. carrier known for friendly service and reliable operations. They allow travelers to check in via multiple methods, but like all airlines, there are **rules, restrictions, and potential issues**. Whether you're flying within the U.S. or internationally, you must ensure your details, documents, and timing are correct. --- ## 2. Available Check-In Methods Alaska Airlines offers several check-in options: * **Online** via the Alaska Airlines website * **Mobile App** for iOS and Android * **Airport Kiosks** at most terminals * **Ticket Counter** with an agent * **Curbside Check-In** (at select airports) Each method works for most travelers, but some restrictions apply based on your booking. --- ## 3. When Can You Check In for an Alaska Airlines Flight? * **Online or Mobile Check-In:** Opens 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before for domestic flights, 90 minutes before for international flights. * **Airport Check-In:** Opens about 3 hours before the flight, depending on the airport. * **Bag Check Deadline:** Typically closes 40–60 minutes before departure. Missing these timeframes can lead to being unable to check in. --- ## 4. Common Reasons You Can’t Check In on Alaska Airlines Here are the **most frequent reasons** travelers are unable to check in: * Booking not confirmed or payment pending * Minor misspelling or mismatch in passenger name * Need to verify documents (e.g., passport, visa) * Special services added (e.g., pet in cabin) * Technical issues with app or website * Basic Economy or Saver Fare restrictions * Check-in attempted too early or too late Let’s dive deeper into each reason. --- ## 5. Technical Glitches and System Errors Sometimes, it's not your fault at all. Alaska's systems—like any tech—can have bugs, outages, or browser conflicts. **Possible problems:** * App crash or failure to load * Website error messages * Boarding pass not generating **Fixes:** * Try another device or browser * Clear your cache * Restart your app or reinstall it * Check for system maintenance alerts --- ## 6. Unconfirmed or Incomplete Bookings You can only check in if your reservation is confirmed. **Problems that block check-in:** * Ticket not yet issued (often with third-party bookings) * Pending payment or invalid credit card * Booking canceled or changed without reissuance **Fix:** * Log into alaskaair.com > “Manage Trip” to confirm ticket status * Contact Alaska or your booking agency --- ## 7. Incorrect Passenger Information Even a minor typo can block you from checking in. **Examples:** * Misspelled name * Reversed first and last name * Name mismatch with ID/passport **Fix:** * Contact Alaska Reservations (1-800-252-7522) for name corrections * You may need to provide ID or passport copies --- ## 8. Payment and Fare Type Issues **Saver fares** (Alaska’s Basic Economy) often have strict policies: * No changes * No seat selection * No online check-in for international travel Also, if a payment failed, your ticket may not be active. **Fix:** * Verify fare type * Use airport kiosk or check in at the desk if online isn't working --- ## 9. International Travel Restrictions and Documents Flying internationally with Alaska Airlines means more documentation. **Check-in may be blocked for:** * Missing passport info * Visa requirements not fulfilled * Entry form or vaccination certificate not uploaded **Fix:** * Upload documents using the Travel Ready Center on Alaska's site or app * Use the app scanner to submit passport/visa --- ## 10. Basic Economy Check-In Restrictions Alaska Saver fares have the following limitations: * Often block seat selection * May require manual check-in for security/document check * Cannot be changed or upgraded **Fix:** * Consider upgrading to Main Cabin or checking in at airport --- ## 11. Group Bookings and Companion Travel If you’re part of a group booking (5+ passengers): * You may not be able to check in individually * App/online check-in may not allow partial check-in **Fix:** * Use airport kiosk or call Alaska Group Travel Desk --- ## 12. Airport Check-In Requirements You **must** check in at the airport for: * Unaccompanied minors * Travelers with pets * Disability or medical assistance requests * Paper ticket holders --- ## 13. Special Cases (Infants, Pets, and More) Some reservations **require staff approval** or documentation: * Infants (under 2 years) * Pet-in-cabin or checked animal * Medical equipment approval * Wheelchair or escort service **Fix:** * Check in at the airport counter --- ## 14. TSA and Secure Flight Requirements You may be unable to check in if: * TSA Secure Flight data is missing * You're on a watchlist * Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) wasn't added **Fix:** * Add KTN or Redress Number to your profile or reservation * Contact TSA if your name was flagged --- ## 15. Late Arrival and Missed Check-In Windows You can’t check in if: * You missed the check-in or baggage cut-off time * You arrived at the airport too close to departure **Fix:** * Arrive 2+ hours early * Use app alerts for check-in deadlines --- ## 16. How to Fix Online Check-In Problems If you can’t check in online: * Try another browser or device * Check that all passenger details are filled * Verify that all payments and documents are processed * Look for an error message with details --- ## 17. What to Do if App Check-In Fails If the Alaska Airlines app doesn’t let you check in: * Update the app * Clear cache and data * Try deleting and reinstalling * Use the website as a backup --- ## 18. In-Person Check-In: What to Expect At the airport: * Use kiosk if available * Head to full-service desk for complex cases * Have ID, passport, and confirmation number ready **Kiosk Tips:** * Swipe credit card or enter confirmation number * Print boarding pass and bag tags --- ## 19. Same-Day Flight Changes and Standby If you made a same-day change or were added to standby: * Check-in may be delayed until seat is assigned **Fix:** * Wait and try again in 15-30 minutes * Go to desk for faster rebooking --- ## 20. Seat Assignment Conflicts You may not be able to check in if: * No seats are available for assignment * You skipped seat selection * You're traveling on a blocked fare **Fix:** * Let Alaska auto-assign a seat * Select a seat for a small fee --- ## 21. Baggage Drop and Check-In Timing For checked bags: * Check-in and bag drop must be done 40 minutes before domestic and 60–90 minutes before international * Late bag check can prevent boarding --- ## 22. Contacting Alaska Airlines Customer Support **Phone:** 1-800-252-7522 (open 24/7) **Live Chat:** Via mobile app or website **Social Media:** @AlaskaAir on Twitter/X Provide: * Confirmation number * Flight number * Full passenger name --- ## 23. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Check-In Next Time * Check in exactly **24 hours before departure** * Download the **Alaska Airlines app** * Ensure your **passport and visa** are uploaded * Add **KTN/Redress** info before check-in * Avoid Saver fares if you need flexibility * Confirm booking via “Manage Trip” before check-in opens --- ## 24. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **Q: Can I check in without a seat assignment?** A: Yes, you’ll be assigned a seat at the gate or during check-in. **Q: What if I didn’t get a boarding pass after check-in?** A: Use the app or kiosk to reprint, or ask at the gate. **Q: Why is my boarding pass showing SSSS?** A: You’ve been selected for secondary security screening. Arrive early. **Q: Can I check in for someone else in my group?** A: Yes, if they’re on the same reservation. **Q: What if I booked through Expedia or another agency?** A: You may need to check in directly on Alaska's website with your airline confirmation code. --- ## 25. Final Thoughts Getting stuck during check-in is stressful—but often preventable. With Alaska Airlines, the key is knowing your fare type, keeping your documents ready, and following the correct timeline. While technical glitches or unique booking situations can sometimes block check-in, the fixes are usually straightforward. If in doubt, always arrive at the airport early and speak to an agent. With the right preparation, you can get your boarding pass and be on your way without delay. For real-time help, always feel free to call **Alaska Airlines at 1-800-252-7522** or use their in-app live chat.