As airport lounges continue to be overwhelmed, Alaska Airlines is cutting access for many premium passengers.
Starting early next year, the Seattle-based airline will no longer welcome most first-class passengers into its lounges.
Alaska will implement a distance-based limit for first-class passengers who wish to use the lounge. Starting February 15, 2023, you’ll need to book a first class seat on a flight longer than 2,100 miles to be eligible for free lounge access, updates for alaska’s website first reported by One mile at a time.
The 2,100-mile limit cuts out much of Alaska’s network, but it includes coast-to-coast, Hawaiian, and most international routes, as you can see in the map below.
Lounge access will only be granted on the day of the flight, to all lounges in that day’s itinerary, including connecting flights less than 2,100 miles away. You are not allowed to bring any guests or family members unless they are eligible to use the lounge based on their ticket.
If you don’t meet these updated guidelines, you’ll be able to purchase a discounted day pass for $30, subject to availability.
Only first class tickets purchased with cash or miles are eligible for lounge access. First class upgrade — whether free, paid or with miles — access is not included.
Note that this change does not apply to members of Club 49, the airline’s free program for residents of Alaska. They can still use the lounge when traveling on a first-class ticket to, through, or from Alaska, regardless of flight distance.
Alaska will notify flyers approximately three months before making this change. All bookings made through November 17, 2022 are subject to the old policy, regardless of flight date.
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In addition to tighter access restrictions, Alaska is also increasing the cost of a annual lounge membership. Starting January 1, 2023, Alaska Lounge membership will increase from $450 to $500 and Lounge+ membership will increase from $600 to $650. Elite Plan Mileage will continue to receive a $100 discount on either membership option.
Alaska shared that they are making these changes to combat lounge overload, as you can see in the statement below.
Our lounge has become so popular at certain times of the day, we’re adjusting our free First Class policy to allow more elbow room. We know change can be difficult – but we need to tweak the way we operate our Lounge to make sure our guests have the best possible experience when they visit.
Even with this change, our First Class access policy remains the most generous in the domestic travel industry. Most airlines do not allow lounge use when traveling on domestic First Class journeys with the exception of some markets.
Making these changes seems reasonable for Alaska. With more premium travelers than ever vying for a fixed resource – lounge space – the result is waiting room is too crowded.
Even if you can find a seat in the lounge, these spaces aren’t nearly as relaxing as they once were. Buffets are not replenishing quickly enough to meet demand, nor can airlines rapidly expand their lounge space. You can’t just create more space in airports, and even if you could, expanding existing lounges would take months, if not years.
That might be the same reason why Alaska cuts ties with Priority Pass for all of its lounges, except the one in New York.
That said, some loyal Alaskan flyers will likely disappoint. Alaska has always been the only US airline to offer lounge access to first class passengers, and this distinction won’t be as exciting as it once was.
Alaska operates nine lounges nationwide, most in key cities and centers, including:
Although the airline is changing its approach policy, Alaska is moving on invest in network expansion and modernization. Next week, the airline’s expansive C Concourse lounge in Seattle will expand by 3,000 square feet for 60 additional guests.
The D Concourse Lounge in Seattle will be undergoing an overhaul starting January 7, 2023, and will reopen for next summer travel season.
Finally, Alaska invested $1.5 million in a Portland lounge upgrade this year. The airline added a 1,000 square foot patio area in its existing lounge and also launched a new “Express Lounge” concept in Concourse B to give passengers more space to spread out. .
