(Caption: Photographed at the Alaska Airlines Lounge in the domestic terminal of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, USA. Source: Ernest.)
About
After Alaska Airlines joined Oneworld, I used my JGC member (Oneworld Sapphire) status and a Oneworld boarding pass to enter this time. Coincidentally, this segment had a JL flight number, allowing me to accumulate some miles.
This Alaska Airlines lounge in Concourse D at their Seattle hub (AS operates over 30% of SEA flights) has two floors. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab coffee and snacks on the lower level and head straight to your gate (saving time queuing at restaurants or shops). The upper level has a bar and an excellent view of various Alaska Airlines aircraft types across Concourses C and D.
Directions
(I took a Lyft and got off near Door 31 (Alaska). Seattle airport is currently undergoing construction, but the Alaska Airlines check-in and baggage drop counters are right at the entrance. The signage for Oneworld members is also quite clear. On another occasion, I took the light rail from downtown Westlake to the airport, and as soon as I got off the escalator, I was at the Alaska Airlines check-in counter - a true home field advantage for AS.)
(After entering through security checkpoint 4 (First Class and Elite check-in counters are followed by checkpoint 4, which has the actual TSA Pre), I checked the airport terminal map.)
(The Alaska Airlines Lounge is right behind security checkpoint 4, with excellent location and flow planning. A pilot happened to be passing by.)
Space
(After entering, there was a short queue for the counter to check boarding passes and lounge access eligibility. Roughly calculating using 2017 data: (17,600,000 annual passengers)/(365 days)/(16 flight hours/day)x(5% Elite member ratio) ~= 150 (lounge users/hour). During peak times, it could potentially exceed 200 people. However, everyone was polite and orderly.)
(Turning right after entering, to the right of the counter on the same floor, there’s a coffee bar that seems perfect for grabbing coffee and snacks before rushing to the gate. I took a quick photo for the record, but later went upstairs to make myself an iced coffee in my reusable thermos.)
(I really like the warm, soft color scheme used in the Alaska Lounge, accented with small potted plants.)
(The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view, overlooking various AS aircraft types across Concourses C, D, and the North Satellite.)
(There are wide walkways between different seating areas, making it convenient for people to move around with luggage. The variety of seating options usually allows you to find a chair you like.)
(The recliners by the windows were all occupied, with occasional vacancies. I usually prefer areas with tables for work, but as I was still adjusting to jet lag, I ended up lounging in a recliner to soak up some sun.)
(There are also these cocoon-like sofas paired with small snack tables.)
(View from the upper floor. There’s a staircase and a small elevator, making it accessible for those with luggage or strollers. The food options are largely the same on both floors. If you’re not drinking complex cocktails, the lower level is also nice, offering a different perspective of the planes.)
Food
(There’s a diverse range of food options, both hot and cold. Surprisingly, I didn’t manage to get a photo of the pancake machine!!)
(I happened to catch a staff member repairing a drink machine, hence the ladder in the frame.)
(Cheese, ham, and yogurt cold plates.)
(Various jams and butter for toast or pancakes. A bowl full of apples is also a nice fruit option for business travelers.)
(Staff repairing the drink machine.)
(Another cold food section. Having two or three serving areas prevents crowding.)
(Another bread and fruit section.)
(Bar area with some complimentary alcoholic beverages and paid cocktails.)
(Menu of alcoholic beverages.)
(Oh, finally! On the left side, I managed to capture a small corner of the pancake printing machine that’s a staple in Alaska Airlines lounges! Although I ended up having a bowl of hot soup.)
(There’s an ice machine next to the coffee machine for making iced Americanos.)
(Lucky to find an empty window seat!)
(Window seating area.)
(In addition to drink machines, coffee machines, and ice makers, there’s also a machine for dispensing drinking water.)
Boarding
(Admiring the planes one last time before heading to the gate.)
(Both adults and children get excited seeing the planes.)
(Luggage being loaded.)
(I believe I recorded a time-lapse video from this position. If I find it, I’ll edit and share it with everyone.)
(Seattle’s seagulls?!)
(Preparing to board.)
(One of the convenient features of Oneworld Sapphire is being able to board early to stow luggage when flying on single-aisle aircraft. Then I can choose a window seat and start resting.)
(This flight was operated by a 737-800/900.)
(The wing of the 737. See you next time, Seattle.)
Bottom line
The Alaska Airlines Lounge in Concourse D of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s domestic terminal reopened on 2023-06-21 after post-pandemic renovations. Located just behind TSA Pre security checkpoint 4, it’s slightly smaller than the lounges in Concourse C or the North Satellite, but its convenient location makes it easily accessible and close to AS-operated gates. It’s perfect for a quick energy boost or a short rest.
Keep in mind that if your gate is in the North Satellite (Nx) or Concourse C, remember to allow time for walking and taking the train. I’ll try to visit the lounges in Concourse C or the North Satellite next time.
I’m curious to hear from everyone: which lounges or restaurants at Seattle-Tacoma Airport do you recommend? Are there any with special food offerings or unique features?
Information
- Name = Alaska Lounge
- Address = Seattle/Tacoma Airport (SEA), D Concourse, just beyond Security Checkpoint 4
- Google Maps = https://maps.app.goo.gl/BSKWT5B1LAFa4tdp9