Your Guide to Accessing Alaska Airlines Airport Lounges (Feb 2024)
Alaska Airlines Lounges offer a haven for travelers seeking a comfortable and productive space to unwind before their flights. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, understanding the various entry options can ensure a smooth experience.
Who Gets In?
There are several ways to gain access to an Alaska Airlines Lounge:
- Membership: Alaska Lounge and Lounge+ memberships provide the most flexibility. Members can bring guests and enjoy access to all Alaska Lounges, with Lounge+ members gaining additional access to nearly 90 partner lounges. Note: After February 1, 2024, same-day boarding pass on Alaska Airlines, a oneworld® member airline, or an Alaska partner airline is now required for entry.
- First Class Ticket: Passengers flying on a paid or award First Class ticket on Alaska Airlines exceeding 2,100 miles (including coast-to-coast, Hawaii, and international long-haul flights) qualify for complimentary entry. Shorter flights allow purchase of a discounted Single-Entry Lounge Pass.
- Club 49 Membership: Club 49 members flying on a paid or award First Class ticket on Alaska Airlines to, from, or within Alaska (regardless of distance) can access the lounge on the day of travel.
- Upgrades: Upgraded First Class tickets (U Class) on Alaska Airlines don’t grant free entry. However, you can purchase a Single-Entry Lounge Pass at discounted cost of $30.
- oneworld® Elites: Alaska Airlines Emerald and Sapphire members (including MVP® Gold, Gold 75K, and Gold 100K) can access the lounge when flying on a oneworld® member airline to a destination outside of North America or the Caribbean.
- American Airlines Emerald and Sapphire members have similar access, but with some exceptions for Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Other oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire members can access the lounge regardless of itinerary, but must include their frequent flyer number on the reservation.
- Emerald and Sapphire members can bring one guest.
oneworld® Flyers
- First Class: Passengers traveling on a paid or award First Class ticket on a oneworld® member airline with an international flight exceeding 5 hours qualify for entry, along with one guest traveling on a oneworld® flight. These guests can also visit other oneworld® member First or Business Class lounges.
- Business Class: Similar to First Class, passengers with a paid or award Business Class ticket on a oneworld® member airline with a qualifying international leg can access the lounge and visit other oneworld® member Business Class lounges.
Specific Airline Benefits
- American Airlines Transcons: Passengers holding a paid or award First Class ticket on specific American Airlines transcontinental routes (JFK-SFO, SFO-JFK, JFK-LAX, and LAX-JFK) qualify for entry.
Other Entry Options
- American Admirals Club Members: Admirals Club members flying on flights marketed and operated by American or Alaska Airlines can access the lounge with their membership card. They can also bring family and guests. *See below for the detailed rules on American Admirals Club Members access to Alaska Airlines Lounges.
- Single-Entry Lounge Pass: Non-members can purchase a Single-Entry Lounge Pass for access on a space-available basis at select locations. Be aware that as of February 1, 2024, a valid boarding pass for a flight on Alaska, a oneworld® member airline, or an Alaska partner is required for entry with a Single-Entry Pass.
- MVP Gold 75K Day Pass: MVP Gold 75K members can use one of their four complimentary Day Passes for entry to any Alaska Lounge, again requiring a same-day boarding pass on a qualifying airline.
- Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel on official travel with a valid ID and flying on an Alaska flight departing within 3 hours receive complimentary access. Otherwise, they can purchase a discounted Day Pass.
Important Note: Effective February 1, 2024, entry requirements have been updated. A same-day boarding pass on Alaska Airlines, a oneworld® member airline, or an Alaska partner airline is now required for most entry methods (excluding some American Admirals Club members).
By understanding these options, you can ensure a relaxing and enjoyable pre-flight experience at your next Alaska Airlines journey.
*Details from Alaska Airlines Website – American Admirals Club Members access to Alaska Airlines Lounges.
“Complimentary access to Alaska Airlines Lounges (when departing or arriving on flights marketed and operated by American or Alaska Airlines). Admirals Clubs members must present current physical or digital Admirals Club Membership card.
Complimentary access for all Concierge Key Members who present current physical or digital card. Complimentary access for all Airpass Members who present physical or digital card. Complimentary access for all Citi Executive Primary Cardholders who present current physical card. (Authorized users not included in complimentary access to Alaska Lounges.)
Admirals Club members are welcome to bring immediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or up to 2 friends at no extra charge. Lounge members must accompany family and guests at all times and are responsible for their conduct. All guests must be personally known by the member.”
For the latest info check out: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/airport-lounge/policies-and-rules