The newest Alaska Lounge at Sea-Tac airport opened on June 30, 2017. The newest space in the growing lounge network offers travelers a modern oasis with new flair in concourse C. The lounge is near gate C16, is open from 5 am to midnight daily, and is directly above the passenger terminal. The new lounge’s height provides excellent tarmac and runway views below, but because it faces west and north, the mountains are not visible.
As Alaska Airlines continues their merger with Virgin America, Alaska is fighting to not be your Grandmother’s airline, but instead more hip West Coast bird. Taking on vibes from the cooler and youthful Virgin America, the new lounge opens a new door in Alaska Airlines’ history. This is one of three new lounges Alaska Airlines has announced. Other new lounges are coming to San Francisco and New York-JFK, along with expansions in Los Angeles and Portland.
The “L” shaped Alaska Lounge is the former American Airlines Admiral club. As airlines cut back amenities and flights after 9/11, AA canceled their six weekly flights on a 777-200 service to Tokyo. The original service was on a MD-11 and then upgraded to a 777. From October 1, 1991 to January 8, 2002, AA flew between the two cities. With fewer premium flyers and less routes in Seattle after 9/11, the need for an Admiral Club diminished and the Admiral Club was axed. AA shuttered the doors in October 2005 and the space has been empty for nearly 12 years. Now, Alaska has brushed off the cobwebs and has provided the space with a major upgrade.
Alaska Lounge Entrance
Enter the lounge near gate C16. There is an elevator or stairs for travelers. The space is next to the crew lounge, so the elevator does get busy with crew.
Upon entering the lounge guests are greeted by a Chihuly painting and a giant welcome sign. Although Chihuly is famous for his blown glass, he does paint too!
Once inside the lounge there is a long wall of seats. Each seat is an individual seat, but some seats face each other which allow groups to converse.
Eat up in the Alaska Lounge
Behind the long line of seats near the window is a kitchen area with snacks and drinks.
Alaska Lounge Bar
For those who like to drink, sit at the bar and enjoy the free booze and awesome views of the planes! House Spirits, beer and wine are complimentary. For those who prefer name brand alcohol or better wine, some items are for sale for $7.
If sitting at your bar isn’t your thing, sit behind the bar. Each seat and table has its own power outlet! Alaska knows we crave power, so like their planes, each seat offers power!
The new waterfall feature found at the north satellite temporary lounge can also be found in the C gate lounge. It splits the general sitting area from the bar area.
Bathrooms Are in the Lounge, but Still No Showers
If the sound of the running water makes you need to tinkle, don’t worry, bathrooms are in the lounge. The lounge does not have showers, but because Alaska’s longest flights are around 5-6 hours, it doesn’t makes sense to offer showers. Although, a shower would be nice for those connection from Alaska’s long-haul partners such as Hainan, British Airways, Emirates and others. Maybe one day we’ll see a shower at an Alaska Lounge.
Check out the View!
Beyond the bathrooms, the best part, which I love to look at and talk about is the views of the planes!
Alaska Airlines Access Policies
The Alaska Airlines lounge is open to Alaska Lounge members. Admiral club members, priority pass members and Virgin American and Alaska Airlines First class paid customers can use the lounge for free. Select elite members from British airways , Korean Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Iceland Air also have access to the lounge. Despite the lounge expansion, Priority Pass and Lounge Club members are still not allowed to bring guests.
Getting to the Alaska Lounge
The new lounge is really a great place to relax and offers great connectivity to the rest of the airport. As the lounge is right above the airport tram C gate station, connecting to the North Satellite or main terminal is a breeze! The train comes every two minutes and makes travel through the airport easy! Therefore, even if you’re not flying out of the C gates, you should consider stopping by this lounge!
If traveling through Sea-Tac, be sure to see the new lounge! A really neat part of the lounge are the windows. Using smart tinted glass, like the 787, the windows auto dim depending on the brightness outside. The lights also adjust automatically in the lounge to keep the brightness stable. A curtain will never block your view at this beautiful lounge! Great Job Alaska! You really have stepped up your design!
Scott’s wife has also visited the lounge, check out their perspective.
