How long does Alaska Airlines have to respond to complaints?

Officially, the DOT requires them to acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and give a real response within 60. But in reality? I had a baggage claim from a flight to Denver that took three months and a dozen follow-ups just to get a 'we're looking into it' email. So, pack your patience. For detailed contact information, check out our [Alaska Airlines customer service guide](/customer-service/airlines-and-aviation/how-to-contact-alaska-airlines-customer-service).

Can I file a complaint against Alaska Airlines online?

Yep. They have a feedback form on their website. It's probably your best first step since it creates a paper trail. Just be ready for the character limit if you have a lot to say. For detailed contact information, check out our [Alaska Airlines customer service guide](/customer-service/airlines-and-aviation/how-to-contact-alaska-airlines-customer-service).

What documents do I need for a Alaska Airlines complaint?

Get everything together before you start. You'll want your confirmation number, ticket number, flight dates, and any photos you have, especially for damaged bags. And whatever you do, don't throw away that little baggage claim sticker they put on your boarding pass, they will almost certainly ask for that number.

Is there a fee to file a complaint against Alaska Airlines?

No, never. It's completely free to complain to them or to the DOT. If anyone ever asks you for money to file a complaint on your behalf, it's a total scam. Just hang up.

Can complaints affect my Alaska Airlines service?

They say it won't, and legally it shouldn't. But let's be real. My friend swears her pre-boarding access mysteriously disappeared for six months after she filed a DOT complaint about a 5-hour delay. It's probably a coincidence. Probably.

What happens after I file a complaint with Alaska Airlines?

You'll get an automated email with a case number almost immediately. And then... you wait. That case number is your lifeline, so don't lose it. You'll need it every single time you follow up, which you almost certainly will have to do. For detailed contact information, check out our [Alaska Airlines customer service guide](/customer-service/airlines-and-aviation/how-to-contact-alaska-airlines-customer-service).

Can I escalate my Alaska Airlines complaint to a regulator?

Absolutely, and you should if you're getting nowhere. The U.S. Department of Transportation is the main regulator for airlines. You generally have to give the airline a chance to resolve it first, but if they ignore you or give you an answer you don't like, file away on the DOT's website. For detailed contact information, check out our [Alaska Airlines customer service guide](/customer-service/airlines-and-aviation/how-to-contact-alaska-airlines-customer-service).

Complain About Alaska Airlines - File a Complaint Today

It's not just you. Alaska Airlines has a shocking 1.3-star rating on Trustpilot from over 2,000 reviews. People are fed up. And get this, their Better Business Bureau page shows 1,350 complaints closed in just the last three years. If you're tired of dealing with endless flight cancellations or lost baggage claims, you're in the right place. It feels like getting a straight answer from them is harder than finding a flight that leaves on time. Let's be clear, you deserve better than automated replies and long hold times. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to make your voice heard and get the resolution you're owed.

Last Edited on 07 Dec, 2025

Olivia Harper, Senior Content Manager

10 min read

Best ways to complain to Alaska Airlines

Navigating customer service can be a nightmare. Here’s a breakdown of the best channels to use, so you can pick the one that makes the most sense for your issue.

Contact Method	Details & Availability	Why use this instead...
Phone	1-800-252-7522. Available 24/7.	Best for urgent issues like a missed connection or problems at the airport. Prepare for a wait.
Live Chat	Available on their website. Typically 24/7, but wait times vary.	Good for straightforward problems or getting quick questions answered without having to talk to someone.
Contact Form	alaskaair.com/feedback. Available 24/7.	Use this for non-urgent, detailed complaints. It creates a written record of your communication.
Social Media	Tag @AlaskaAir on X (formerly Twitter).	Ideal for getting a public response. Companies often react faster when their reputation is on the line.
Mail	Alaska Airlines, P.O. Box 68900, Seattle, WA 98168	The slowest method, but useful for sending physical documents or creating a formal paper trail for legal purposes.

⏱️ Estimated Response Times from Alaska Airlines After Complaining

You've sent your complaint. Now the waiting game begins, and honestly, it always feels longer than it should.

Method	Expected Wait Time
Phone	Immediate to 1 hour (hold time)
Email / Contact Form	24 hours to 14 business days
Live Chat	5 minutes to 45 minutes
Social Media	1 to 24 hours

🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint

Call during off-peak hours: Try calling late at night or early in the morning (Pacific Time) to avoid the longest queues.
Be specific in your subject line: If using the contact form, include your flight number, confirmation code, and a brief issue description (e.g., "Complaint - Lost Bag - Flight AS321").
Have all your details ready: Before you call or chat, gather your Mileage Plan number, ticket number, dates, and any relevant photos or screenshots.
Mention your loyalty status: If you're an MVP, MVP Gold, or higher, make sure to mention it. It can sometimes get you routed to a more experienced agent.

How to Escalate Your Complaint

If Alaska Airlines isn't responding or gives you an unsatisfactory answer, don't give up. It's time to escalate.

Your primary option in the United States is the Department of Transportation (DOT). Airlines are required by law to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days and send a substantive response within 60 days. The DOT takes these complaints seriously and uses them to track airline performance.

How it works: You can file a complaint directly on the DOT's website. You'll need to provide details about your flight and the nature of your complaint.
What to expect: The DOT will forward your complaint to the airline, and Alaska Airlines will be required to respond to you and the DOT. The DOT process is formal, so be prepared to wait, but it often gets results when the airline is unresponsive.

You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While the BBB has no regulatory power, many companies try to resolve BBB complaints to maintain their rating. It's another way to apply public pressure.

Email Template to Complain to Alaska Airlines

Subject: Formal Complaint: Unresolved Issue with Booking [[Confirmation #]]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing again to resolve an issue regarding my flight on [[Date of Flight]]. This is my third attempt to get a resolution, as my previous calls on [[Date(s) of previous contact]] have not solved the problem.

On the date mentioned, [[Clearly and concisely describe the issue. For example: my baggage (tag number [[Baggage Tag #]]) was damaged upon arrival in Seattle. The damage has made the suitcase unusable]]. The cost to replace this item is [[$Amount]].

Having to spend my time chasing this down has been incredibly frustrating and is not the level of service I expect from Alaska Airlines. The lack of a clear resolution from your team so far is disappointing.

To resolve this, I require a reimbursement of [[$Amount]] for the damaged property. Please process this and provide written confirmation within 10 business days.

If I do not receive a satisfactory response by [[Date 10 business days from now]], I will be escalating this matter by filing a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

[[Your Name]] Mileage Plan #: [[Your Mileage Plan #]]

Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved

Use keywords: When you write or call, use phrases like "formal complaint" and "unacceptable service." These terms can sometimes trigger a different internal process.
Ask for a supervisor: If the first agent isn't helpful, politely but firmly ask to speak with a supervisor or a manager. Don't be afraid to escalate the call.
Keep a detailed record: Note the date and time of every call, the name of every agent you speak with, and what was said. This log is invaluable if you need to escalate.
Request a CRO for specific issues: If your complaint is related to a disability, you have the right to ask for a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). They are specially trained to handle such matters.
Reference the contract of carriage: One user on FlyerTalk mentioned they won a dispute by quoting the specific rule from Alaska's own Contract of Carriage. It shows you've done your homework.

Let Pine AI Help Raise the Complaint to Alaska Airlines

Tired of explaining your flight cancellation for the fifth time to a new agent? Or listening to that awful hold music for an hour just to get disconnected? Sound familiar? It's exhausting. Instead of re-living your travel nightmare over and over, let Pine AI handle it. We take all the details of your complaint and manage the back-and-forth for you. No more repeating yourself. No more waiting on hold. We push for the resolution you deserve while you get on with your life. It's not about automation, it's about getting your sanity back.