SkyWest Airlines Baggage Policy
SkyWest Airlines, a regional carrier operating flights for major airlines (Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines) as Delta Connection, United Express, American Eagle, and Alaska SkyWest, follows the baggage policies of its partner airlines with additional restrictions due to smaller aircraft. The policy below outlines general guidelines for 2025, but specific rules depend on the marketing carrier (the airline through which you booked). Always check your e-ticket or the partner airline’s website for exact allowances and fees. For SkyWest-specific restrictions. Note: SkyWest does not offer direct ticket reservations; bookings are made through partner airlines.
Carry-On Baggage
Passengers are generally allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, but allowances and fees vary by partner airline and fare type. Due to smaller aircraft (e.g., CRJ200, ERJ175), carry-on bags may be gate-checked (valet-checked) on flights with limited cabin space, especially those with 50 seats or fewer.
- General Guidelines (Varies by Partner):
- Carry-On Bag:
- Dimensions: Max 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm, including handles/wheels) for Delta, United, and American; 24 x 17 x 10 in (61 x 43 x 25 cm) for Alaska.
- Weight: Typically no weight limit, but some routes (e.g., Delta to Asia) may impose 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Must fit in overhead bin or under the seat.
- Personal Item:
- Dimensions: Max 18 x 14 x 8 in (46 x 36 x 20 cm) for Delta/American, 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 23 cm) for United, no specific size for Alaska but must fit under the seat.
- Examples: Purse, laptop bag, briefcase, small backpack.
- Additional Free Items: Diaper bags, breast pumps, child restraint seats, assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches), jackets, umbrellas, and food purchased post-security are typically allowed.
- SkyWest Restrictions:
- On flights with 50 seats or fewer (e.g., CRJ200), only one personal item may be allowed in the cabin; carry-on bags may be gate-checked free of charge and returned planeside or at baggage claim.
- Gate-checked bags must not contain lithium batteries or hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids, explosives), which must be carried into the cabin.
- Basic Economy (Varies by Partner):
- United: Basic Economy passengers (except transatlantic/transpacific or Canada/South America routes) may need to pay $25–$35 for a carry-on bag unless gate-checked.
- Delta: Carry-on bag allowed free, but gate-checking may be required.
- American/Alaska: One carry-on and one personal item allowed free, subject to space constraints.
- Notes:
- Liquids/gels: Max 100 ml per container in a 1-quart resealable bag, per TSA rules.
- Prohibited items: Lithium batteries over 160Wh, e-cigarettes (in some regions), and hazardous materials (e.g., explosives, corrosives) are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
- Valet-checked bags are common due to limited overhead space; ensure valuables are in your personal item.
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage allowances and fees depend on the partner airline, fare type, destination, and frequent flyer status. SkyWest imposes additional restrictions due to aircraft size.
| Partner Airline |
Economy Allowance (Domestic) |
First/Business Allowance |
Max Weight/Dimensions |
First Bag Fee |
Second Bag Fee |
| Delta (Delta Connection) |
No free allowance (Main Cabin); 1–2 pieces for Medallion members |
2 pieces, 70 lbs (32 kg) each |
50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm) |
$35 |
$45 |
| United (United Express) |
No free allowance (Basic Economy); 1 piece for Economy |
2 pieces, 70 lbs (32 kg) each |
50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm) |
$40 |
$50 |
| American (American Eagle) |
No free allowance (Basic Economy); 1 piece for Main Cabin |
2 pieces, 70 lbs (32 kg) each |
50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm) |
$35 |
$45 |
| Alaska (Alaska SkyWest) |
No free allowance; 1–2 pieces for elites |
2 pieces, 50 lbs (23 kg) each |
50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm) |
$35 |
$45 |
| Infants (No Seat, All Partners) |
1 stroller + 1 car seat or diaper bag |
Same as Economy |
Not specified |
Free |
Free |
Additional Notes:
- International Routes: Allowances vary (e.g., Delta/United may offer 2 free bags to Europe, 23 kg each; Alaska to Mexico may allow 1 free bag). Check partner airline’s policy.
- SkyWest Restrictions: Due to smaller cargo holds, excess bags may be sent on a later flight. Items like kayaks, windsurfing equipment, hang gliders, or extra-large pet kennels are not accepted.
- Pooling: Some partners (e.g., Delta, Alaska) allow baggage allowance pooling for passengers on the same booking, subject to weight limits per bag.
- Prohibited Items: Pressurized gases, oil-based paints, explosives, poisons, magnetic materials, and corrosives are not accepted.
Excess Baggage Fees
Fees for excess, overweight, or oversized baggage align with the partner airline’s policy but may be subject to SkyWest’s acceptance based on aircraft capacity.
- General Fees (Domestic, Economy):
- Extra Bags: $85–$200 per bag (3rd+ bags, varies by partner).
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100–$200 per bag (Delta/United/American); $100 for Alaska.
- Overweight (71–99 lbs): $200 per bag; not accepted over 99 lbs.
- Oversized (63–80 in): $100–$200 per bag (varies by partner).
- Bags over 80 in (203 cm) or 99 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted by SkyWest.
- Notes:
- Pre-pay online via the partner airline’s website (e.g., “Manage My Booking”) to save on fees.
- Fees are per one-way trip and non-refundable.
- Military personnel, frequent flyer elites, or premium cabin passengers may get waivers (check partner policy).
Special Items
- Sports Equipment:
- Skis, golf bags, bicycles, etc., count as one checked bag if within 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm). Fees: $25–$100 per item if over allowance (varies by partner).
- Large items (e.g., kayaks, windsurfing equipment, hang gliders) are not accepted due to aircraft size.
- Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments within carry-on limits (22 x 14 x 9 in) allowed in cabin; larger instruments may be checked or require an extra seat purchase.
- United: $35 handling fee if checked at gate due to cabin space.
- Pets:
- In-cabin: Small pets in carriers (max 17 x 12 x 8 in for most partners) count as carry-on, fees $100–$125 one-way (varies by partner). Limited to 2–4 pets per flight.
- Checked: Small pets in crates may be accepted as checked baggage, $100–$200 one-way, but extra-large kennels are not allowed.
- Service animals: Free in cabin with prior approval.
- Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices are free, no weight limit, with prior notification.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
- Contact the partner airline’s baggage desk at the airport to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
- Claims must be submitted within Montreal Convention limits: 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, up to 1,131 SDRs (approx. $1,800 USD) for loss.
- Track delayed baggage via the partner airline’s website (e.g., Delta’s Baggage Portal).
- Due to smaller aircraft, delayed bags may arrive on a later flight; passengers are responsible for retrieval at the destination airport.
Additional Notes
- Partner-Specific Policies: Always check the marketing carrier’s baggage policy, as SkyWest operates under their rules (e.g., Delta for Delta Connection flights).
- Small Aircraft Constraints: Excess or oversized bags may be deferred to later flights due to limited cargo space. Plan for potential delays during peak travel seasons (holidays, summer).
- Pre-Pay Fees: Use the partner airline’s website or app to pre-pay baggage fees for savings and faster check-in.
- Recommendations: Weigh and measure bags before travel, label all baggage, and keep valuables/electronics in carry-on to avoid damage or loss.
