To kick off the final sector of my quick review trip to Germany, I visited the Alaska Lounge Seattle located in the North Satellite. This is considered by many to be Alaska’s “flagship” lounge, and it’s a lounge I’ve been wanting to visit ever since it opened in 2019.
This lounge didn’t disappoint. It’s physically a stunning lounge with incredible views, barista-made coffee, and a no tipping policy. The only area where there’s some room for improvement is with the food selection.
Alaska Lounge Seattle location
I visited the Alaska Lounge Seattle located in the North Satellite. Specifically, the lounge is on the mezzanine level, above gates N13-18. After clearing security at the airport I turned right, following the signage toward the N & S gates.
I then went down an escalator, and took the train to the North Satellite.
Once at the North Satellite, I took the escalator to the main concourse level. First of all, I have to acknowledge how ridiculously beautiful the North Satellite is nowadays — I remember how not-great this area was back when I lived in Seattle.
From there, the Alaska Lounge was easy to find. There was an escalator leading up to the Alaska Lounge just 50 feet from where you enter the terminal.
At the top of the escalator, just turn left and then keep walking straight ahead, and you’ll see the entrance to the Alaska Lounge right there.
Alaska Lounge Seattle hours
The Alaska Lounge Seattle is open daily from 5AM until 11PM. That covers most departures, though I’d note that there was quite a queue to enter the lounge at 5AM, given the number of early morning flights that depart the airport.
Alaska Lounge Seattle entry requirements
When it comes to rules for accessing Alaska Lounges:
- Paid Alaska Airlines first class passengers on flights of 2,100+ miles get Alaska Lounge access, whether they paid with cash or miles (those who upgraded don’t qualify)
- Those with an Alaska Lounge or American Admirals Club membership get Alaska Lounge access
- In line with oneworld lounge access rules, Alaska Lounges are standard oneworld Sapphire and oneworld business class lounges
There’s a bit more nuance to lounge access policies, so see my detailed guide about Alaska Lounge access. Personally I was accessing the lounge on account of having a nonstop first class ticket to Miami on Alaska Airlines, though I also have an American Admirals Club membership through the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (review).
Alaska Lounge Seattle seating & layout
The Alaska Lounge Seattle in the North Satellite is 15,800 square feet, making it the largest Alaska Lounge in the carrier’s network (at least as of now). The first thing to note is that the lounge has really high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, with amazing views. That’s a large part of what makes this place so great, especially for us avgeeks.
The Alaska Lounge is essentially broken up into three areas. When you enter the lounge and turn left, you’ll find a space that probably takes up about half the lounge, which is dedicated to relaxing and lounging around.
This area has a cozy fireplace, and lots of seating right by the windows, so that you can watch all that’s happening on the apron and runways.
There are also all kinds of other seating arrangements in this area, ranging from couches, to larger communal tables, to benches, to high-top tables. Almost all the seats in the lounge have outlets, so it’s easy to keep your electronics charged.
The other half of the lounge is designed more for those looking to eat and drink. The next room has a bunch of dining tables, communal tables, and even some booths.
Then the last part of the lounge is the bar area, which has to be one of the prettier bar setups I’ve seen at a US airline lounge membership club.
There’s not just seating at the bar, but there are also dozens of seats around it.
While I was visiting early in the morning, I imagine the views from the lounge are incredible later in the day, especially if the weather is nice.
Honestly, what a lovely lounge. Natural light and views make such a difference, and on top of that the lounge has a really cozy layout.
Alaska Lounge Seattle food & drinks
What are the food and drinks like at the Alaska Lounge Seattle? I’d say the food is just “meh,” while the drinks are very good. The lounge has a buffet just near the entrance and to the right.
Self-serve breakfast options included several kinds of yogurt, fruit, granola, hardboiled eggs, cheese, salami, and oatmeal.
As we’ve come to expect from Alaska Lounge, there was also a pancake machine, which is always a fun feature. There were some pancake accompaniments (like syrup and peanut butter), as well as Biscoffs and Nature Valley granola bars.
There was also a display case with some muffins, scones, and bagels, which one of the staff members by the counter will serve to you.
That’s the extent of the food selection. I’d say the food is pretty average for a US airport lounge.
What’s much more impressive is the drink selection in Alaska Lounges. As someone who loves good coffee, I oh-so-appreciate how Alaska Lounges have proper barista-made drinks.
You can order these either in mugs or to-go cups, and with your preferred milk. I had both a cappuccino and a latte during my visit. Honestly, this is something I value more than any food selection you’ll find in a domestic membership lounge, but I know I’m in the minority there.
There was also a self-serve drink station with a Coca-Cola soda fountain, some drip Starbucks coffee, and an espresso machine. In case it’s not clear, I’d recommend not using that machine, and instead having a barista make you a drink. 😉
For those looking for alcohol, Alaska Lounges also do so much better than what you’ll find at other airlines lounges. In American Admirals Clubs you’ll just find cheap generic alcohol, with all kinds of options to buy-up to premium drinks. Meanwhile in Alaska Lounges you’ll find an excellent selection of complimentary beer, wine, and liquor, with a particular focus on local brands (though there are also some premium drinks available for purchase). It’s so nice to see an airline putting effort into its drink selection in that way.
What’s also nice is that Alaska Lounges have an explicit no tipping policy. Despite that, the staff working in Alaska Lounges are consistently the friendliest I’ve found at any US membership lounge. Huge kudos to everyone working here.
So yeah, if you ask me, Alaska Lounges have just okay food, but amazing drinks… and I’ll take that!
Alaska Lounge Seattle bathrooms
The Alaska Lounge Seattle has two separate sets of restrooms, one on each end of the lounge. Each of the men’s rooms has three sinks, two stalls, and two urinals.
The Alaska Lounge Seattle doesn’t have showers. That’s fair enough when you consider Alaska Airlines’ route network, though with the airline being in oneworld, I suppose there are probably more long haul travelers passing through this lounge.
Bottom line
I’ve seen the Alaska Lounge Seattle in the North Satellite hyped a lot, and it didn’t disappoint. The lounge is avgeek heaven, with incredible views of the airport, and lots of natural light. On top of that, the lounge has barista-made coffee, a thoughtful, locally sourced selection of alcoholic drinks, and a no tipping policy.
I’d say the only area where the lounge can improve is with the food selection. And it’s not that the selection is bad, it’s just not amazing.
Honestly, give me good coffee and airplane views, and I’m a really happy camper. This is definitely among my favorite airline lounges in the United States.
What do you make of the Alaska Lounge Seattle?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.