Mere Weeks After Opening Alaska Lounge SFO Is Out Of Priority Pass

Alaska Lounge SFO Removed From Priority Pass Network Weeks After Opening

Well this is a strange one. The Alaska Lounge SFO, which was highly anticipated, opened a few weeks ago. Upon launch the lounge was the newest member of the Priority Pass program, as reported by One Mile at a Time. Ben noted in the article that the partnership was a bit strange since most of the Alaska lounges had recently pulled out of the Priority Pass network. The only one left was the lounge at JFK before they added the SFO location as well. Well, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Alaska Lounge SFO was removed from Priority Pass network weeks after the grand opening.

Alaska Lounge SFO Removed From Priority Pass Network

Ian Snyder shared his review of the lounge earlier today. It was brought to his attention by a reader that the the lounge no longer showed as an option in the Priority Pass app.  He reached out to the Alaska social media team to see what is going on and if it was still a member of the program or not. Here is what they said:

So it sounds like they were a part of the program originally at launch, late this summer, but they no longer are.  When the change exactly happened, we are not sure. Was the addition on the app and website an error from the beginning? Possibly.  Although, it sounds like they were a partner and then pulled out mere weeks after joining. What could change that quickly? Who knows. But at least you have other options for entry even if it is not a Priority Pass partner anymore.

There are still five options for accessing the Alaska Lounge SFO:

• Have an Alaska Lounge annual membership (cost is $450 for non-MVP elites)
• Fly on a same-day paid first class fare (complimentary first class upgrades do not count)
• Buy a one-time day pass for $50 (Alaska Airlines cardholders can buy these for 50% off)
• Use a one-time code provided to MVP Gold 75K members (qualifying earns you four)
• Be flying a qualifying itinerary as a Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald elite
• First class ticket on Alaska Airlines
• If you have a paid American Airlines Admirals Club membership you may be able to get access.

Alaska has a pretty good status match option most of the time, that could be your best bet if you have status with another airline. That is how Ian gained access to the lounge on his trip. Shawn did a status match merry-go-round years ago to parlay one status into many, including Alaska elite status.

Alaska Lounge SFO Removed From Priority Pass – Final Thoughts

This is a strange situation for sure. You think you would only join a program if you planned on being a partner for a while. Why do it and then pull out mere weeks later? Although it was strange to see the Alaska Lounge SFO join Priority Pass in the first place since so many Alaska lounges have left the program over the last few years.  Was it an error from the beginning? Possibly, although it doesn’t sound like that. What changed? Your guess is as good as mine.

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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