Sneak Peak: Alaska Lounge in Concourse C at Sea-Tac
Today I was able to get a sneak peak at the Alaska Lounge located in Concourse C at Sea-Tac (SEA) International Airport. They are still putting the finishing touches on it before it opens to the public.
The new Alaska Lounge will officially open this Friday, June 30. It joins current Alaska Lounges at Concourse D and the North Satellite. Located on the second floor by gate C16, the Alaska Lounge in Concourse C is in space formerly occupied by an American Airlines Admirals Club.
When it opens on Friday, you will have the option of taking the elevator or stairs to the Alaska Lounge.
Once on the second floor, check in is at the desks on the left.
Behind the desk is a Dale Chihuly original painting.
Opposite the check in desk is a living green wall made of moss. Below the moss will be finger print scanners for Alaska Lounge members to check in. Priority Pass members will still need to check in at the desk.
There is seating for about 90 people in the Alaska Lounge. There are a variety of seating options and all have outlets either built in or nearby.
Large windows allow for a ton of light and great plane spotting opportunities.
The frosted glass above the windows was left from the previous Admirals Club.
The windows also have built in tint that can be changed depending on the outside lighting. The window on the right has the dark tint activated.
The food area is larger than in other Alaska Lounges and includes a kitchen island.
New food offers are to be introduced at opening that include a yogurt bar in the morning and a pita and hummus bar in the afternoon. Other offerings include oatmeal, soup, cheese and crackers. There is no plan to offer food for purchase at this time; the the kitchen does have two ovens installed for future food options should they decide to expand in that direction.
UPDATE: At opening, this sign with breakfast options was on display:
Of course there will also be the pancake machine. This one is built on an elevated platform that can lower during the day to hide the machine when it isn’t breakfast.
Along the wall just past the kitchen and bathrooms are monitors that will show flight information as well as offer images that Alaska will rotate through.
The back section is the bar. It is separated from the rest of the lounge with a water feature that helps divide the space.
The bar will offer the same complimentary drinks and drinks for purchase as the other Alaska Lounges.
There is a section of eight cubicle type chairs in the bar area that I am sure will be very popular. They are comfortable and offer additional privacy.
Opposite of the cube chairs is a more open lounge space with tables and chairs as well as benches along the wall. Seats for the bar had not arrived yet. UPDATE: I returned to the Lounge after it officially opened and still no chairs. It may be that they don’t plan to have seating at the bar.
Along one wall is a large print of an old Alaska Airlines Starliner.
The lighting in the bar/lounge area is made of cardboard and offers a warm feeling. Yes, I touched them.
Throughout the bar area are a ton of outlets (usb and 120v) including some hidden under the bar top.
And there are bathrooms! Yes, plural (unlike the Lounge at N gates). There are no showers.
The design throughout the Alaska Lounge is very modern and clean. A lot of dark metal, light wood, and greens, blues and grays. The LED mood lighting from the newer Alaska 737s is also incorporated into the design.
To celebrate the opening, champagne will be served complimentary during the month of July.
An Alaska Lounge at JFK is currently in the design phase and should open early 2018. There are no firm plans for a Lounge at SFO (although I have heard comments that one may be coming to the area above security).
The Alaska Lounge in Concourse C at Sea-Tac is a permanent build and at 4,650 sq. feet the hope is that it will alleviate some of the crowding of the Alaska Lounges at D and N gates.
Access is granted to Alaska Lounge members and those flying in paid (not upgraded) Alaska First Class. Alaska Gold 75K Mileage Plan members also get four Alaska Lounge day passes per year. Day passes can also be purchased for $45 a person.
I was told that Priority Pass members will have access to the new Lounge. I imagine this will all depend on crowding.
There are not plans to have any Alaska Airlines Customer Service reps at the Lounge (except during times of massive service disruptions). You will still need to exit the Lounge if you need to make changes for future travel, paid changes, etc.
The Alaska Lounge in Concourse C at Sea-Tac will open to the public this Friday, June 30, at 5:00am. Standard hours of operation will be 5:00am to Midnight daily.
The furniture is already pretty grimy…they should stick to non fabric seating surfaces.
I would second this. The lime green looks cool but shows dirt and stains.