The Award Traveler’s Guide to Alaska Lounges in Seattle

Despite its name, Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Seattle, with Seattle-Tacoma Airport serving as its main hub. The airline has multiple lounges at the airport, each offering a unique experience to weary travelers on the go.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Alaska lounges in Seattle so you can escape some of the crowds — and noise — to enjoy more relaxation while flying.

Note: Due to COVID-19, some lounges may not be open at this time. Check the lounge's website for updated operating hours and closures. Certain normal offerings may be limited or unavailable.

What each lounge offers

Sea-Tac airport can feel a bit spread out, so you might want to choose the lounge that is closest to your departure gate. But the train system inside the airport makes getting from terminal to terminal a breeze, opening up your options if you make time to explore. Here's a closer look at each of the Alaska lounges at Sea-Tac.

N Concourse/North Satellite Lounge

The space: The flagship lounge for Alaska Airlines, the N Concourse/North Satellite Lounge allows travelers to stretch out in over 15,800 square feet. It's adorned with Pacific Northwest accents and aviation-themed design elements, and features large windows with views of the Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle and planes taxiing.

The amenities: Take a seat around the large fireplace or head to the bar to relax with a cocktail or one of the dozens of microbrews on tap. Nearby, a barista serves made-to-order espresso drinks. All baristas have been trained by Starbucks, so expect a quality cup every time.

Made-to-order dishes, like flatbread pizzas and salads, are available for purchase. And you’ll find the Alaska Airlines pancake machine “printing” fluffy pancakes throughout the day.

The hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

D Concourse Lounge

The space: The D Concourse lounge has two levels. It's located just past security, so if you're eager to duck out of the airport chaos, head here.

The amenities: On the first level, you’ll find plenty of seating options, a small coffee/tea station and some light snacks. Head upstairs for the bar, more food options (typically croissants or a salad, depending on the time of day), complimentary Starbucks coffee and, of course, another pancake machine.

The hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

» Learn more: Which credit cards that offer airport lounge access?

C Concourse Lounge - currently closed

The space: This lounge can be found in C concourse. Near gate C16, you’ll take an elevator or stairs up one level to the mezzanine to enjoy views of the tarmac and the mountains from this gorgeously remodeled lounge. What's more, seats have power outlets so you can charge your devices.

The amenities: The bar is fully stocked with beer, wine and spirits. Almost all beverages are complimentary, but be sure to ask the bartender for the day's options as selections may have changed. You’ll also find a bevy of hot and cold food options, plus another one of Alaska’s pancake printers.

The hours: Closed until further notice.

How to get in

There are four ways to get into Alaska Lounges at Sea-Tac:

Buy membership

You can buy a membership for from $300 to $450 per year. With a membership, you’re allowed into all Alaska lounges plus 95 partner lounges. You can bring up to two guests or immediate family members with a boarding pass for any airline.

Purchase a day pass

Not planning on traveling that much? You can purchase a day pass at any Alaska Lounge for $50. The day pass is valid for any Alaska lounge within 24 hours. So if you have a connection in one of Alaska’s other lounge locations, your pass will allow you entry there as well.

» Learn more: When is an airport lounge day pass worth the splurge?

Fly first class

Your premium ticket comes with another perk: You get complimentary access to an Alaska Airlines first class lounge at Sea-Tac. Note that the first class lounge and the other Alaska Airlines lounges are the same.

This perk is available only if you're flying on a paid first class ticket or a first class award ticket on an Alaska Airlines flight. If you were upgraded to Alaska’s first class, that upgrade doesn't include complimentary lounge access, unfortunately.

» Learn more: So you've got airport lounge access via your credit card — are you sure?

The bottom line

The Alaska lounges at Sea-Tac all offer a nice place to stretch out and relax, enjoy an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink and grab a pancake before your flight. You can get in if you bought a first class ticket with cash or miles, paid for an Alaska Lounge membership or purchased a day pass. Priority Pass members can access the North Satellite lounge but not the other two.