Passengers flying with Alaska Airlines are in for a cozy treat as the airline has recently refreshed its lounges with new spaces and amenities. Since 2018, Alaska Airlines has been doubling its investment in overall improvements to its lounges and is excited to reveal these changes next week, just in time for the holiday season.

Celebrating the refreshed airport lounges was Sangita Woerner, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experiences at Alaska Airlines:

"Our members know our Lounge program is one of the best values in the airline industry with one of the most generous access policies. We're investing in more space and better products as we strive to ensure our members have a terrific experience when they step inside any of our locations."

Fresh new lounge upgrades

After a hefty investment of $30 million, Alaska Airlines is pleased to boast that its refreshed lounges are currently more extensive after the airline focused heavily on remodeling and renovating, including additional new spaces like a patio, extra seats, and unique food and beverage stations. Let's take a look at what is happening across Alaska Airlines' lounges:

C Concourse Lounge

Located in Alaska Airlines' hometown airport in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the C Concourse Lounge is now massively expanded with an additional 3,000 square feet. Seating has also been doubled, with enough room for at least 60 additional seats.

Even with all the expansive changes, the incredible views of the apron remain unchanged for passengers. The C Concourse Lounge is expected to open next week, right on schedule.

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D Concourse Lounge

Also within the infrastructures of Seattle-Tacoma Airport would be Alaska Airlines D Concourse Lounge, which has recently completed the first phase of renovations. The second phase of renovations is set to begin on January 7th, once the peak holiday season wraps up.

From January 7th onward, the lounge will close for a complete overhaul and will only reopen during the summer season next year. Passengers can look forward to 30% more seating, a new barista station, new food and beverage offerings, and an improved layout.

Los Angeles & San Francisco

Over at Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, Alaska Airlines invested in obtaining new modern furniture to brighten the spaces and even included the installation of contemporary artwork by local artists to soften the ambiance.

Portland

And finally, in Portland International Airport, the airline invested approximately $1.5 million for upgrades to include an expansion of about 1,000 square feet. The lounge now also features an enclosed patio area, and there is also a new Express Lounge at Concourse B to give passengers more options.

Updated lounge policies

While Alaska Airlines' lounges had some new looks, the airline also refreshed its lounge policies. Previously, the Seattle-based airline was one of the more unique US carriers as it granted all paying First Class passengers lounge access, as long as the passengers paid cash or redeemed miles for the air ticket instead of upgrading to first class.

It was one of the more significant competitive advantages for Alaska Airlines, as such a policy was more attractive than the lounge policies for other major US carriers. Unfortunately, the airline has revised its lounge policy and will no longer offer lounge access to first class passengers on flights under 2,100 miles.

The revision applies to tickets booked from November 18th but for travel from February 2023 onward. First class passengers who have flights over 2,100 miles will be given lounge access, including connecting flights under 2,100 miles if included in the same day's itinerary. First class passengers with flights under 2,100 miles will still be granted lounge access by purchasing a discounted day pass for about $30.

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Bottom line

It remains unclear why Alaska Airlines would revise its lounge policies to lose such a competitive edge, especially since most of its flights are under 2,100 miles. And after such a significant investment spent in expanding and refreshing its lounges, it would be a shame to see potentially fewer passengers being able to enjoy these facilities.

However, it could be the airline's strategy to reduce overcrowding in its lounges, which has become quite the nagging problem for several airlines this past year. Hopefully, Alaska Airlines' multimillion-dollar renovations will not go to waste once the policy changes are implemented for travel next year.

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  Alaska Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  AS/ASA

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Anchorage International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1932

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  CEO:

  Ben Minicucci

  Country:

  United States

  Region:

  North America