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7 Things to Know About Alaska Airlines Lounges
Alaska Airlines has lounges in six U.S. airports, mostly on the West Coast.
As a digital nomad for nearly five years, JT is a freelance writer that proves through experience that credit card rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel. After working as a tax accountant for a decade, JT turned his analytical skills to points, miles and credit cards. He published over 2,000 articles as a writer for The Points Guy.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
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Alaska Airlines has lounges in five U.S. airports, with multiple locations at its largest hub in Seattle. While Alaska’s lounge footprint is smaller than competitors like Delta Sky Club or American Admirals Club, the airline offers several flexible ways to gain access, from day passes to credit card perks.
Here are the key things to know before your next trip.
1. Alaska lounges are located in six major airports
Alaska Airlines currently operates nine lounges across six airports:
Seattle (SEA):
C Concourse, mezzanine level next to gate C-16.
D Concourse, just beyond security checkpoint 4.
North Satellite, mezzanine level, above gates N13-18.
Portland, Oregon (PDX):
Concourse B, near the entrance to Concourse B.
Concourse C, across from gate C5.
Anchorage, Alaska (ANC): Concourse C, near gate C-1.
Los Angeles (LAX): Terminal 6, mezzanine level near gate 64.
San Francisco (SFO): Terminal 1, across from gate B6.
Alaska has also announced plans to open a new flagship lounge in Portland in 2026.
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2. Membership options provide unlimited access
Alaska sells two types of memberships:
Alaska Lounge membership
The standard Alaska Lounge membership is the tier to get if you need access to only the eight Alaska lounge locations. Following Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, the standard membership also includes access to The Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu.
The cost is $595 per year.
Alaska Lounge+ membership
Alaska also offers a more expansive Alaska Lounge+ membership, which includes access to nearly 90 partner lounges, including select American Admirals Club and Qantas Club locations when flying on eligible itineraries.
Atmos Rewards members can also select a $100 discount as a reward when they reach the 30,000 status point milestone.
Alaska day pass rebate
Another way to save on lounge access is by purchasing an Alaska lounge membership within 30 days of purchasing a day pass, which costs $65 at the door. This rebate program effectively lets you get a free visit before purchasing a full lounge membership.
After purchasing your lounge membership, email [email protected] with your Atmos Rewards number to get a refund of the day pass.
The lounge at San Francisco International Airport. (Photo by Sally French)
If you’re flying paid or award first class on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines, you may receive complimentary lounge access, depending on flight distance:
Flights 2,000 miles or longer (such as coast-to-coast, Hawaii, or select long-haul domestic and international routes): Complimentary access.
Flights under 2,000 miles: Option to purchase a discounted lounge pass for $35, subject to space availability.
Club 49 members: Alaska residents with Club 49 enjoy lounge access on any paid or award first class ticket to, through, or from Alaska, regardless of distance.
Upgrades (U Class): Not eligible for free access, but travelers may buy a $35 pass.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
4. The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card offers lounge benefits (with a limit)
The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card, which has an annual fee of $395, offers a unique benefit: you'll receive eight Alaska Lounge passes each year (broken out as two per calendar quarter).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire via Alaska: Lounge access when flying a oneworld airline to destinations outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire via American Airlines: Eligible for access when traveling outside the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), or the Caribbean.
Oneworld elites via other airlines: Access anytime when traveling on a oneworld carrier.
American Airlines Admirals Club, ConciergeKey, and AirPass members also enjoy complimentary access to Alaska lounges when flying on eligible itineraries.
Note that if you have Admirals Club membership through the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, you’ll need to present your physical card to gain access. Additionally, authorized users on that card don't get complimentary access to Alaska lounges.
6. Day passes are sometimes available — with restrictions
Treats at the San Francisco outpost come from Bay Area companies. (Photo by Sally French)
For travelers who don’t hold status, memberships, or premium tickets, single-entry passes can be purchased:
Standard cost: $60
Discounted cost: $35 for first class passengers on short flights, active duty military, or as an add-on for guests of members.
Limitations: Passes are valid only at the lounge where purchased, for same-day travel on Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld, or approved partners. Space availability applies.
7. You can bring guests and pets
What about your guests? Alaska allows the following guest access for eligible travelers:
Alaska lounge membership: Bring immediate family members (partner and children under 21) or two guests with you for free. Purchase additional passes for $35 per person. Children under age 2 can visit for free with eligible adults.
Admirals Club membership: Bring immediate family (partner and children under 21) or up to two guests at no charge.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire elites: Bring one guest for free.
International first class on Oneworld airline: Bring one guest for free.
Pets are allowed in Alaska lounges as long as there is no conflict with local or state ordinances. Pets must remain quiet, well-behaved and in a carrier. Whether you’re traveling with a service animal or a family pet, no animals are allowed on furniture.
What sets Alaska lounges apart
The pancake maker is an Alaska lounge staple. (Photo by Sally French)
Alaska Airlines lounges may not be as widespread as larger competitors, but the airline makes access relatively easy through memberships, premium tickets, oneworld status, and credit cards like the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card. For travelers based on the West Coast, Alaska lounges can provide a valuable retreat before boarding.
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