Alaska Airlines operates lounges in Anchorage, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Portland, and Seattle.
While I wouldn’t say Alaska Lounges are great, I do appreciate that the airline gives paid first class passengers lounge access, even on domestic itineraries (this includes whether you’re paying cash or with miles — only those who upgrade don’t get lounge access).
Historically Priority Pass members have also had access to Alaska Lounges, though the lounges in Seattle were recently removed from the program, due to capacity issues. Priority Pass members continue to have access to other Alaska Lounges, pending availability.
Personally I access Alaska Lounges using the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®. The card comes with an Admirals Club membership, and you can use Alaska Lounges when you’re flying Alaska or American.
Improvements coming to Alaska Lounges
Alaska Airlines has just announced some updates to their lounge locations in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. Since their New York JFK lounge only recently opened, it already features these things.
Alaska says they’re adding “refreshed designs and amenities” in their lounges, including the following:
- A refreshed look and feel featuring new comfortable furniture, warm finishes and a welcoming vibe;
- Barista stations so that you can get your custom-crafted Starbucks® espresso beverages or loose-leaf Teavana® tea just the way you like them from an Alaska Lounge Barista; and
- Meals for purchase, starting at just $8. You can buy fresh, filling, high-quality and affordable food to enjoy in the lounges or take to-go.
New flagship Alaska Lounge coming in 2019
In addition to their existing locations at SeaTac, Alaska Airlines has revealed more details about their new flagship lounge, which is under construction and due to open in the first half of 2019.
The lounge will be over 15,800 square feet. The airline has released the following renderings of the new lounge:
My take
I love that Alaska is adding barista-made drinks. Machine cappuccinos just aren’t the same as those made with the human touch, so I’m thrilled to see that, and it’s something I wish more airlines would offer in their lounges.
I also generally like the concept of higher quality food for purchase, assuming it doesn’t come at the expense of the existing free selection. While I don’t think Alaska is intending to cut anything here, I’ve heard airlines say a million times before “due to the popularity of X, we’re cutting Y.” For what it’s worth, the food they’re showing for purchase looks pretty decent, not that renderings are typically an accurate representation of what you get (I’m sure American’s “lobster roll” didn’t look like this in renderings either). 😉
SeaTac Airport has grown so much the past several years, and the airport in general has a shortage of lounge space. This huge new Alaska Lounge will be a great addition. Who knows, maybe eventually Alaska’s Seattle locations will even be added back to Priority Pass.
(Tip of the hat to Doctor Of Credit)
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