Alaska Airlines Adds Limitations to First Class Lounge Access
Alaska Airlines has revealed plans to remodel and renovate its lounges, adding more space and new amenities. But at the same time, the airline has also increased the price of the membership and limited access for its passengers.
The price of the two membership options is going up by $50. Starting January 1, 2023, Alaska Lounge memberships will be increasing from $450 to $500 and Lounge+ will be increasing from $600 to $650. Mileage Plan Elites will still receive a $100 discount on either membership option.
There’s also bad new for some first class Alaska passengers who until now received Alaska Lounge access. Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket on flights that are less than 2,100 miles don’t get lounge access going forward. This new rule applies to bookings made on or after November 18, 2022, for travel February 15, 2023 and beyond.
One flight must have a distance of at least 2,100 miles to get lounge access. You can enter Alaska lounges on the day of the flight only, to all lounges in that day’s itinerary, including connecting flights that are less than 2,100 miles.
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket where no single flights exceed 2,100 miles can purchase a discounted day pass for $30.
These rule changes do not apply to bookings made on or after November 18, 2022 for travel through February 14, 2023, or to any bookings made through November 17, 2022 for any future travel date.
Lounge Upgrades
For those who will still be able to access lounges, there are several upgrades in the works.
- Expanded C Concourse Lounge at Alaska’s hometown airport in Seattle opens next week. With an additional 3,000 square feet, the seating space is doubled with enough room for 60 more seats. Great views of the tarmac remain unchanged.
- The second phase of renovations in Seattle begins on Jan. 7, 2023, after the D Concourse Lounge closes for a complete overhaul. It’s set to reopen in summer 2023. The location will have 30% more seating, a new barista station, new food and beverage offerings, and an improved layout.
- Lounges in Los Angeles and San Francisco will be updated with modern furniture and other touches. At LAX there’s new artwork by local artists.
- $1.5 million investment for Lounge upgrades in Portland this year. Along with expansion of the current Lounge by 1,000 square feet with the addition of an enclosed patio area, there’s also a new Express Lounge at Concourse B to give guests more options.
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i have been in the Seattle Alaska lounges several times in the last few weeks. Plastic cups, less food offerings, and generally not the same place. And now a price increase!