Now that I've reviewed the three non-conventional Priority Pass "locations" at Portland Airport -- House Spirits Distillery, Capers Cafe, and Capers Market -- it's time to review the one "traditional" Priority Pass lounge at the airport, that has been around for a long time. I'm talking about the Alaska Lounge. The Alaska Lounge PDX is…
Continue reading: Review: Alaska Lounge Portland Airport
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Agreed. In a 4 horse lounge race at PDX, this one sadly finishes out of the money.
PDX is Alaska's hub?? I always assumed (wrongly) that SeaTac was their hub.
I have an AL Membership, but not for this lounge. As a PDX-based flyer, this one is indeed dismal. And I can attest to the crowding, mostly from 5am-11am and there have been more than a few times where literally every seat or chair was taken - SRO. Have written to Alaska, and they are working with the PoP to find larger space, though it's becoming a premium in PDX. I use my membership mostly for the LA T6 location and the SEA locations. If it weren't for those, I would dump my membership and rely solely on PP.
The new restaurant options and distillery are really nice adds, and am hoping PP adds even more of the better places to eat at the airport.
PDX isn't a primary hub for Alaska. Their lounges at SEA and ANC are much nicer.
IIRC this lounge does not serve spirits, they only serve beer and wine. I tried to get a bloody mary, they couldn't do it and instead offered me a mimosa.
@ thomas -- You're absolutely right, I stand corrected. Updating the post now.
PDX is one of their secondary hubs. Main hub is SEA but PDX is also a hub for flights to/from Alaska, Hawaii, CA and east coast.
Any craft beer available?
Only been to the AS lounge in LAX but I sure do love those pancakes.
Lukcy, you forget the merits of the pancake machine!! That alone is worth a PDX Alaska Lounge visit!
You nailed the review. While the pancake machine is indeed a morning high-point, Capers is a much better place to while away an hour before the flight than the dumpy Alaska lounge.
Bryan T: Yes, the beer is a local handcrafted variety, differing with the seasons. At least they give you that much....
I've been an Alaska MVP gold and lounge member for 10+ years and I have complained about pdx lounge since day one. It's embarrassing. I think you were too kind. Alaska is a great airline with exceptional service, that just doesn't get "premium," on the ground or in the air. Their exceptoinal staff struggles with a bad product up front, which is ironic b/c their coach product is p rhaps the best I US. The PDX lounge is admittedly the most extreme example of this phenom, but it's a great example that a VIP lounge in the middle of a great airport isn't even worth visiting... next time stop in the free mini movie theater just across the way...it's great!
C'mon didn't even mention the carpets at PDX? I think that's one of the most famous feature of PDX. Just look up #PdxCarpet on instagram
@Dennis -- exceptional staff is right. I was a PDX based MVP Gold for many years and while the physical lounge lacks a great deal, the staff are over the top friendly and helpful. It's been nine years since I left Portland and all the staff who were there when I was still recognize me. A couple still address me by name when I walk in. Try that in ANY Admiral's Club or even most of the other Board Rooms. Love the PDX Boardroom team!
Not surprising--poor us airlines. They cannot do anything right but hustle. That lounge was depressing; look at the sad people diddling with phones and looking shallow and empty. It IS indeed the us!
PDX just kicked off a big new construction project to extend the E concourse and when that's done Alaska will move their operations there so we can assume that it's going to include a new Alaska lounge. But it's still going to be a few more years before that opens.
I believe this lounge is no longer part of the PP stable of lounges as of Nov 1, 2019.