Review of the Brand-New Alaska Airlines Flagship Lounge Seattle Airport – Concourse N

Since it’s opening in July 2019, I haven’t been able to access this lounge since I don’t fly in / out of Seattle that much. And when I do, I am either accessing the American Express Centurion Lounge with my Platinum Card from American Express. A few days ago, I had a 4-hour layover in Seattle and decided to go lounge hopping. I decided to compare the new Alaska lounge to the AmEx lounge.

While the Alaska lounges at SeaTac airport are not part of the Priority Pass program, I had some 4 Alaska lounge passes that has been lying around for quite some time now. Thanks to my MVP Gold 75K status.








This new lounge is 15,800 square feet in size, this lounge (almost) has it all. The lounge is located on the Mezzanine level above Gates N13 – N18 and has a feel of a business class lounge. Checking in only takes a minute just like at every other lounge, but if you have a lounge membership, then the tablet will prompt you to scan your fingers on the scanner.




You’ll find tons of seating area in this new Alaska Lounge, and this is one thing that sets Alaska lounge apart from the other lounges located at SeaTac airport. Unlike The Centurion Lounge by American Express that is always overcrowded (typical of all AmEx lounge these days), you’ll find comfortable seats that suits your needs whether you want some quietness to get some work done, or you just want to stretch a little before your next flight, or maybe you just want to enjoy the air traffic from the aprons and the runways.

How to access the ounge:

First Class ticketed passengers (complimentary upgrades not eligible)

Alaska Lounge Membership ($300 – $450)

Admirals Club members (when flying same day on AS or AA)

MVP Gold 75K Lounge Pass (one per person)

Day Pass ($50 per person) [50% rebate for eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders]

Benefit for military: Day passes are complimentary for active duty US military personnel who are traveling on orders. You must be able to verify your active status, provide orders, and be ticketed to fly on an Alaska flight departing within 3 hours

As at the time of this writing, there are 3 Alaska Airlines lounges located at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA):

This Flagship Lounge located in Concourse N (opens from 5:00 am – 11:00 pm)
Alaska Lounge Concourse C (opens from 5:00 am – midnight)
Alaska Lounge Concourse D (opens from 4:30 am – 8:00 pm)

Since the lounge seated above 6 different boarding gates, it provided more opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the apron, runway, and even the mountains. Thanks to the floor to ceiling glasses all around the lounge.

Food and Drinks:
One of the few things that gave this lounge a setback is the food and drinks offering. For anyone accessing the lounge on a purchased daily pass, you’ll at least expect the lounge to have some good complimentary food available rather than having to spend additional $10 (or maybe more) on some made-to-order food.

I visited this lounge around 9am, and I must say the food wasn’t impressive. There were just very limited options of food. The same as drinks.

Like every of Alaska lounge locations, you’ll find the Alaska Airlines signature and frequently publicized pancake machines at this location also. There was also yoghurt, boiled eggs, oatmeal, a few fruits, bagels, and some sweet sensations on display during my 90 minutes stay at this lounge.

Amenities:
One of the things Alaska Airlines deserves credits for is their WiFi speed. Not just at this location, but also at their other locations I have been to (LAX & JFK). If the 156Mbps download speed doesn’t impress you, the 131Mbps upload speed should. 

Another setback for this lounge is the lack of showers. With 15,800 square feet of space, Alaska Airlines could have easily fitted some showers at this lounge, especially when considering the passengers on a long-haul flight with one of their partners. But I guess they have their reason(s) for not doing so. The bathroom at this lounge was spotlessly clean during my visit.

Final thoughts:
The overall impression of this lounge is quite impressive and added a feel of luxury no doubt. With plenty of room, beautiful open space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and built-in power outlets at each seating area, and a fireplace. But with better food and drinks options (all complimentary) at The Centurion Lounge, I’ll let you (the readers) decide.

Have you been to this Flagship Lounge yet? Do you think it’s worth paying $50 for Day Pass access? Let me know your thoughts below:

Kayode

Nigeria-born, California-based.

Kayode currently holds higher status on multiple airlines and hotel programs. He has visited 4 continents, 30 countries, and 35 of the 50 US states.

He began his adventure journey after selling his first cellphone ever, and used the money to apply for his first passport. He said to himself, “I’d rather have a passport than a cellphone”. And since then, he has been globetrotting.