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Alaska Airlines lounges are getting a makeover! Alaska Airlines recently announced several new changes will be coming to Alaska Airlines lounges in Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
The updates are part of a new commitment Alaska Airlines is putting toward improving and expanding their lounge collection over the next few years. And the nice thing is, you can access most Alaska Airlines lounges with a Priority Pass membership which you can get with many of the best credit cards for airport lounge access!
Alaska Airlines Is Adding Improvements to Their Lounges
These changes will be happening quickly over the next few months and may create temporary disruptions for those visiting them during the holidays (that seems like poor planning on Alaska’s part to add improvements during peak travel season).
These changes are all basically set to bring Alaska Airlines’ older lounges up to match their new lounge opened at JFK airport in New York.
A Refreshed Look & Feel
In the past, Alaska Airlines lounges were fairly uninspiring. Featuring mostly cookie-cutter amenities and designs of a nondescript lounge. The new lounge designs will feature modern furniture and a refreshed feel.
Designed in partnership with Garaham Baba Architects, the new space should feel warm, relaxing, and welcoming. I like the focus on beautiful cedar planks and blue colors they use since this feels very unique to the Pacific Northwest, which is where Alaska Airlines has its roots.
Barista Stations Serving Starbucks, Teavana, And West Coast Wines
Probably the best improvement in this announcement is the fact that several handcrafted beverages will be available complimentary for lounge guests.
This includes custom-crafted Starbucks® espresso beverages and loose-leaf Teavana® made exactly how you want them by an Alaska Airlines lounge barista.
Considering that the last time I grabbed a Starbucks latte at the airport it cost me almost $8 and about 15 minutes of waiting, I am pretty excited to see these available in Alaska Airlines lounges. Hopefully, they stock more than just the 2 to 3 basic Teavana teas found at most Starbucks locations now.
Adult beverages are also available with the introduction of new West Coast wines, local brews, and custom-crafted cocktails.
Enhanced Meals for Purchase
Alaska is also introducing new “heartier” meals available for purchase starting at $8. These meals are prepared to order and can be served at the lounge or made to take on the plane.
It is a bummer that these cost extra, but it is nice to see that they are available. In many ways, a good meal that costs $8 to $10 is still an improvement over most other airport offerings.
I have tried the “Brioche, Tillamook Cheddar, Carmalized Onions, and Egg Sandwich” sold at the JFK lounge for $8 and I can tell you it is far and away better than anything else I could buy for breakfast at the airport for $8.
You can also enjoy:
- Asparagus & Goat Cheese Omelet
- Flatbread Pizza
- Chicken Pesto Panini
- Korean Rice Bowl
The standard Alaska Airlines lounge snacks will be staying just like they already are. This is a bit of a disappointment since Alaska Airlines lounges probably have some of the most limited options for lounge snacks compared to other lounges. You can expect the (very basic) salad bar, cookies, and pastries that have always been there. In addition, Alaska Airlines’ famous pancake machine will also remain complimentary.
How to Enjoy an Alaska Airlines Lounge
The new lounge changes will be rolled out over coming months to Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
There are a few ways to enjoy these new Alaska Airlines lounge changes:
- First Class ticket on Alaska Airlines (complimentary upgrades to First Class do not qualify)
- Alaska Airlines lounge membership
- Priority Pass (not valid at Seattle lounge location)
- Admiral’s Club Membership (must be flying on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines)
Unfortunately, Priority Pass access to Alaska Airlines lounges has become extremely limited lately. While the Seattle location is the only lounge that is officially no longer a Priority Pass lounge, it seems like the Los Angeles lounge is “unofficially” no longer in the program (correct me in the comments if you have been able to gain access this year).
The easiest way to enjoy an Alaska Lounge membership is with Admirals Club membership (assuming you are flying on American or Alaska airlines). You can get complimentary Admiral’s Club membership with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®.
Are you excited for these new changes coming to Alaska Airlines lounges?