Alaska Airlines increases minimum check-in time

SEATTLE - People flying on Alaska Airlines are now required to check in at least 40 minutes prior to departure, whether or not a bag is being checked. Previously, passengers only needed to check in 30 minutes prior to the flight.

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," said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president of customer service.  "A consistent cut-off time should make things easier for everyone."

The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.

Passengers who miss the cutoff will be offered a $25 same-day confirmed seat on the next available flight, depending on availability.