New details have emerged about Alaska Airlines’ plans to build a massive premium lounge in its hometown.
The airline confirmed Thursday that its new high-end outpost will open in late 2027 in C Concourse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Like TPG first reported earlier this monthThis club will measure a whopping 41,000 square feet over two floors, easily the largest club in Alaska yet.
And it should also be the best.
A cut above Alaska Lounge
This won’t be your typical Alaska Lounge, at least on the top floor.
The second floor of this club will be a more exclusive facility that will cater to travelers making long-haul flights in reclining seats.
That should bring this lounge more in line with a United Airlines Polaris lounge, an American Airlines flagship lounge… or a Delta One lounge, like the one the Atlanta-based airline opened in SeaTac last year.
Alaska facilities will have showers and a la carte style meals.
Speaking with me last month in Rome, Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci told me the facility will lean heavily on the airline’s Pacific Northwest ethos.
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“It will serve the true premium customers,” Minicucci said. “If you are going to charge for it [lie-flat] product, we want the entire experience from start to finish to be fantastic.
Premium Titanium elite members of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program will also be able to access the elevated space when flying long distances.
Last month, the airline cut the ribbon on a New luxury check-in facilities at SEA, which includes a private entrance to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. This lounge will greatly complete the premium “land” experience for those travelers.
A key next step for America’s fourth global airline
Opening a true premium lounge should be a key step for Alaska as the airline establishes a global hub in SeaTac. It plans to launch at least a dozen long-haul international routes from the airport by 2030, after previously operating only short-haul domestic and international service.
Among the new routes is a non-stop flight to Rome, that I accompanied during the last month.
Meanwhile, service to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starts on Thursday.
Alaska already operates direct service to Seoul and Tokyo.
Alaska Lounge space included in the plans
Alaska’s sprawling new club in Seattle’s C Concourse (which is currently under construction) will also include a more traditional Alaska Lounge space on the first floor.
That space will be accessible to anyone with an Alaska Lounge or Alaska Lounge+ membership, as well as travelers who get daily access through the airline’s premium credit card.
SeaTac currently has three standard Alaska Lounge locations, including a beautiful outpost on N Concourse that now doubles as the go-to club for travelers flying internationally.
Looking forward
However, before this facility opens late next year, Alaska hopes to unveil its new outpost at Portland International Airport (PDX) this summer.
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