For those looking to access Alaska Lounges, some major changes have been made to the Seattle-based carrier’s day pass offering.
In this post:
What has changed about Alaska Lounge day passes
Historically Alaska Airlines has sold lounge day passes for $50, which were valid at all locations for a period of 24 hours. As of Monday, June 13, 2022, Alaska Airlines has made major changes to this feature:
- The cost of a day pass has been increased from $50 to $60
- Day passes can only be purchased for visits in Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO); day passes are no longer valid in Anchorage (ANC), Portland (PDX), or Seattle (SEA)
- Day passes are now only valid at the location at which they were purchased, so you can’t use them to visit multiple lounges anymore
Note that these new restrictions don’t apply to:
- Day passes sold or distributed before June 13, 2022
- Future use or additional guest day passes for lounge members
- Day passes for active duty military
- Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K passes
As it’s described, this change is being made “to maintain space for lounge members and other guests.”
Are these lounge access changes a big deal?
Airport lounge crowding has become a pretty big issue across the board. Alaska Airlines in particular has been having issues with this, and the carrier is working on expanding its lounge footprint in both Portland and Seattle.
With Alaska and American partnering so closely, I imagine the number of American Admirals Club members accessing Alaska Lounges has also increased considerably in the past year or so.
If you’re going to try to work on reducing lounge crowding, restricting the sale of lounge day passes is a good place to start.
Bottom line
Alaska Lounge day passes are much more restrictive than before. The price has been increased by 20% (from $50 to $60), day passes are now only valid at the location purchases for that day, and day passes can no longer be used in Anchorage, Portland, or Seattle.
I would imagine that those who saw value in purchasing these passes won’t be happy about this development, while members and others who have lounge access will appreciate that this reduces crowding somewhat.
What do you make of these Alaska Lounge day pass changes?
We have always liked traveling on Alaska Airlines and use our Visa card for miles its very disheartening to know we arent very well appreciated, they usually cater to those that fly for business etc, and they don't typically pay for their flight, their company does.
Absolutely destroys the value of being a credit card holder when you can’t get half price passes. Most airlines give you access regardless.
Probably nobody considered the problem with "crowding" at SEA was because there is literally NOTHING open after 8pm to eat or drink. This is supposed to be an international airport, and yet you're left with nothing to do at barely after dinner hours. So it isn't surprising they picked up on this.
This used to be my favorite airline, and as an Alaskan, a matter of pride. They have constantly cut rates, perks and choices...
Probably nobody considered the problem with "crowding" at SEA was because there is literally NOTHING open after 8pm to eat or drink. This is supposed to be an international airport, and yet you're left with nothing to do at barely after dinner hours. So it isn't surprising they picked up on this.
This used to be my favorite airline, and as an Alaskan, a matter of pride. They have constantly cut rates, perks and choices all while raising prices. Those of us that are feeling burnt, aren't wrong. With all the nickle and diming they do to us now, its pretty hard to feel sorry for them on specious issues like "crowding"
Just found out about the no day passes after I breezed through security faster then I thought and went to find the almost empty lounge. Such a bummer I really enjoyed relaxing in the lounge stress free while waiting for my flight. But don’t fly enough to justify a membership. I also feel like this was a bait and switch.
I've had two signature cards (personal and business) for over 10 years now. One reason was to be able to buy and use the day pass lounge. I also have a Reserve card with Delta, which gives me free lounge access with two guest passes a year. I am angry with Alaska Airlines for pulling this perk that we looked forward to when flying. My major airline will now become Delta and I'll be giving...
I've had two signature cards (personal and business) for over 10 years now. One reason was to be able to buy and use the day pass lounge. I also have a Reserve card with Delta, which gives me free lounge access with two guest passes a year. I am angry with Alaska Airlines for pulling this perk that we looked forward to when flying. My major airline will now become Delta and I'll be giving up my signature cards. Shame on you Alaska Airlines. I feel like this is a bait and switch.
I fly Alaska 2-3 times a year. Having to buy a 350.00 MVP lounge pass, toss up. For sure will rethink Alaska Airlines. We have been a card member for a long time...
I have been an Alaska card member for years and will be looking for
Another credit card.
Not happy with new policy. I'm doing a major trip from Maui to Seattle then on to Boston and back through Seattle and Maui. Now I won't be able to use day passes. You don't have a happy customer. Will have to rethink my Alaska credit card and travel on Alaska.
First they stopped the Priority Pass that comes with credit cards such as Chase Sapphire, now this. Makes me wonder if the $75 annual fee is worth the trouble! Too top it off airline prices have skyrocketed in the last few months. I'm very disappointed.
Bold move. In a struggling economy business relationships are important. I have accessed these lounges in Seattle and Anchorage for awhile now and as an MVP Gold member for 6 years in a row it makes me lose my sense of loyalty for Alaska Airlines. Makes me think I should stop always booking Alaska despite better prices or times on other airlines. Relationships go both ways.
Quite sad that the airline has cut those of us in Alaska from using a day pass here. I used to think that Alaska Airlines was considerate if it's Alaska customers given that generally, we pay more to fly. Not anymore!
It seems those of us who have been faithful Alaska Airlines card holders don’t mean didly squat to the airlines anymore!!!! Might be time to get a new card ♂️
You are correct. This outfit has lost all it's luster. No day passes indeed....in Seattle no less...home port. They are also suspended nearly all air service to Yakima & Wenatchee. Time to look for a new card and airline. If I have to drive or shuttle to Seattle...why should I give a rip about flying on Alaska Airlines?
I was arguing whether to keep AA Executive card. And I decided to keep it. Well, now there's more reasons...
Exactly. Pay the $450/year for the Citibank Executive Card and you have access to all the Admirals Club and Alaska Lounges with zero problems.
Something missing from this article is how often Alaska has previously cut off day pass sales at lounges in SEA. Seattle has three Alaska lounges, and it has been commonplace for two or more of them to suspend day pass sales during busy times of day... which at the N Gates location was approx. 70% of their opening hours. It made using Day Passes nearly impossible unless you showed up at 5 a.m. when the...
Something missing from this article is how often Alaska has previously cut off day pass sales at lounges in SEA. Seattle has three Alaska lounges, and it has been commonplace for two or more of them to suspend day pass sales during busy times of day... which at the N Gates location was approx. 70% of their opening hours. It made using Day Passes nearly impossible unless you showed up at 5 a.m. when the lounge opened. So this change appears to be making that policy more extensive.
Great way to continue to discourage loyal credit card holders and drive business to Delta and other service oriented airlines. This will definitely impact my thoughts moving forward, especially for business travel...
Really? Delta? Over lounge passes? Have you looked at how many miles you get at Delta vs. Alaska?? How about Delta continually devaluing the Sky Pecos? And, you think Delta has better customer service than AS? As a former Delta Diamond, enjoy your journey!
FYI, I had flown on Alaska in May out of LAX and bought a day pass and they charged me $60. The agent said that same pass would be $30 if I had the Alaska Air Credit card.
That is correct. And you don't even need to be flying Alaska to buy a $30 day pass at LAX if you have the card.
My base is PDX so I'm not happy about it. One of the main reasons why I hold the co-branded credit card is because of the 50% lounge pass discount. Time to consider another credit card with lounge access in PDX.
Alaska Gold 75K member here. I did not renew my Boardroom (Alaska Lounge) membership this year and I will not renew my Bank of America Alaska Airlines card.
Dropping Priority Pass access from AS lounges in LAX, SEA, etc. was a great idea, but changing the day pass rules for credit card holders is not.
My wife and I use Seattle's lounges on our yearly trip to. Hawaii. We have Alaska credit cards, fly, almost exclusively Alaskan Air. The connection wait times for us as sometimes up to 6 hours. Not being able to access these is a big loss to us.
I get that lounges are crowded, but this was advertised as a perk for those with Alaska’s co-branded credit card (like me). No doubt they are covered by their “fine print”, but they’ve just encouraged me to switch more of my business to Delta. Delta has some beautiful new lounges at SEA, and I can actually use them.
I don't fly enough to warrant purchasing the Alaska Lounge membership. I fly Alaska because they have nonstops to where I want to go and I always upgrade to premium seats. I've only purchased Day Passes a couple of times and definitely got the impression from the desk and lounge staff that I wasn't welcome. Now that I know that for sure, I'll use Alaska Airlines for what it is. A ride to where I want to go and thats it.
Their lounges at SEA and ANC aren't all that big to begin with, particularly ANC.
PDX is pretty small as well - even after its renovation.
Interesting change, I don't think joining One World Allaince has done anything good for Alaska Airlines loyal customers so far.
I do enjoy using the lounges, and I like sharing it with my family. I think members should still be able to buy the passes. But credit card holders & other pass holders should be restricted. After all members are their best advertisers to increasing profitable memberships.
I used to be a snob, liking the lounges. Now, I relax in an unused gate area and watch the planes from there. When airlines enhance things so much, I become a cheapskate as a result.
2021 really was the golden age of travel. I was vaxxed, could get $150 roundtrip tickets from little MFR to just about anywhere Alaska flew, got access to the SEA Alaska Lounges with my Priority Pass card, and nearly always got upgraded on the flights.
Now, back to reality...
Cancelling my Alaska card today. How about expanding your lounges vs. taking away benefits of your " incredible" credit card.
Totally. Was same on DL & AS from SEA. Fun while it lasted!
Good! I would be in favor of eliminating day passes altogether. There is not enough room for people purchasing day passes. I have an Alaska Lounge membership for my family since we fly Alaska through SEA pretty much any time we travel domestically. The only lounge we can ever really find much space is at the N Gates and that is because that lounge is huge. All the other ones are always packed. I am all in favor of adding restrictions.
ALASKA AIRLINES IS DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO LOSING ITS DECADES LONG REPUTATION OF BEING THE MOST CUSTOMER FRIENDLY AIRLINES IN THE UNITED STATES. I AM PROFOUNDLY SADDENED. I HAVE ALWAYS BRAGGED ON ALASKA AIR TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LISTEN. ARE YOU GUYS SELLING OUT?
Going, going, gone. I'm seriously considering moving my status to British Airways.
Trust me when I tell you that they won’t miss you.
That makes no sense at all. If you indeed have status with Alaska, you should be pleased that less people will now be getting to the lounges.
Good on you Alaska. With a few exceptions, lounges have become the most crowded, noisiest and least pleasant place at an airport. I am not familiar with the economies of the credit card industry, I assume in some way all those card perks make financial sense, but they completely erode the value proposition of lounges, top tier hotel memberships etc.
I couldn’t agree with your observations more, a shift towards high end airside restaurants seems to me a better choice than a packed lounge with poor food and drink options.
I’ll third this sentiment! Some of the behavior I witnessed at the DCA admirals club on Sunday was appalling to say the least, and more akin what one expects to see in the terminal. Throw in dated US Airways decor, overcrowded with guests, and Miller Lite as the only free beer: I’d be better off in the terminal.
Centurion Lounges solve two of those problems, but the crowds are even worse. Thank god for...
I’ll third this sentiment! Some of the behavior I witnessed at the DCA admirals club on Sunday was appalling to say the least, and more akin what one expects to see in the terminal. Throw in dated US Airways decor, overcrowded with guests, and Miller Lite as the only free beer: I’d be better off in the terminal.
Centurion Lounges solve two of those problems, but the crowds are even worse. Thank god for the Royal Air Maroc status match, the Miami Centurion is always a zoo while Flagship is empty
As a loyal Alaska Airlines fre1uent flier for almost 50 years -- I became a million miler two years ago -- and holder (with my wife) of two Alaska Airlines Visa cards, this strikes me as a punch in the gut. I'm 78 years old and don't fly nearly as much as I used to, but getting a day pass to the lounge at SEA was always a pleasant way to pass time between flights....
As a loyal Alaska Airlines fre1uent flier for almost 50 years -- I became a million miler two years ago -- and holder (with my wife) of two Alaska Airlines Visa cards, this strikes me as a punch in the gut. I'm 78 years old and don't fly nearly as much as I used to, but getting a day pass to the lounge at SEA was always a pleasant way to pass time between flights. It seems my loyalty to Alaska Airlines
means nothing to some corporate suit who cares only about profits. Thanks for punching me in the gut, Alaska.