Alaska Lounge

Alaska Lounge – Anchorage, AK (ANC)

The Alaska Lounge at Anchorage airport (formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Board Room) has a unique twist: it’s the sole airline lounge not only at Anchorage airport, but also in the whole state of Alaska. The club welcomes Alaska Airlines’ First Class passengers (upgrades excluded) and Alaska Lounge members. Several airlines also contract the Alaska Lounge for their own passengers.

The Alaska Lounge is located in Concourse C, on the upper level. The location is convenient to the Alaska gates, although a bit further Concourses A and B, so allocate time to reach your gate accordingly.

Alaska Lounge ANC design

The Alaska Lounge at Anchorage airport is stunning at a first sight. A hardwood and stone clad grand staircase decorated with Alaskan art leads to a posh, dimly lit hallway which features local art pieces in display cases. The experience feels akin to entering a museum or a five star hotel.

Alaska Lounge – Anchorage, AK (ANC)

The club room itself is less impressive. It is similar to all other Alaska Airlines lounges (except the new lounge at Seattle-Tacoma North Satellite), with a dark carpet, brown chairs, earth tones, and an overall slightly old-fashioned, but genuine vibe. There are a few interesting visual features, such as the diagonal lines and the play of the angles in the seating area, as well as the double sided gas fireplace. Unfortunately, the stains on the carpet contrast with the elegant entrance and posh furniture.

The Alaska Lounge is pretty compact, with a small seating area to the left of the reception desk, a dining area with a handful of tables, and a business center with work carrousels. The club can easily get busy at peak times. A large conference room takes up prime real estate, and it’s unfortunate that Alaska Airlines doesn’t open it up for public use when it’s not reserved—which is typical. The room has large sliding doors that open up onto the public area, and would provide welcome extra space.

Alaska Lounge – Anchorage, AK (ANC)

Located on the upper level, the Alaska Lounge boasts great views of the tarmac from the window wall. The oblique sunlight can be harsh on summer evenings and is compounded by the heat from the fireplace, but plane lovers will enjoy the ballet of aircraft – especially the large freighters from Asian airlines, which are a common sight at Anchorage airport. The seating arrangement makes the most of the view, with table top seating along a portion of the window and high cocktail tables in the dining area, for a front row seat on the tarmac action.

The seating layout strikes the right balance between conviviality and privacy. A few cube chairs, in the hallway linking the TV and back areas, provide the ultimate in privacy, while swivel chairs next to the window offer cozy spots for couples. Larger parties will enjoy the area in the back, with a living room like arrangement featuring a TV, floor standing lamps, and a cluster of comfortable seats. By the fireplace is a larger TV zone with theater seating. We wish Alaska offered headsets—two TVs in a small space makes it difficult to escape the noise.

Power outlets are located along the walls, although they’re unfortunately not available at every seat.

Alaska Lounge – Anchorage, AK (ANC)

Alaska Lounge ANC amenities

Alaska Airlines offers a relatively substantial snack and finger food selection. The highlight of breakfast—a staple of the Alaska Lounge network—is the pancake “printer”, which churns hot, fresh pancakes at the touch of a button, to the delight of patrons young and old. Snacks are available throughout the day, followed by soups in the evenings. When we visited, the selection consisted of a spicy bean soup and a beef soup, which were both tasty. A small salad bar is also available, with spinach, eggs, tomatoes, mixed peppers, cheese, a variety of sources and other basic ingredients in a cooler. The presentation may be lacking, but we love the concept and the availability of a healthier option.

The adjacent bar offers a selection of complimentary wines and well drinks, as well as premium cocktails. The Alaska Lounge at Anchorage airport is a small operation—the reception staff double as bartenders. Nudge them gently if they don’t see you, as the bar is behind the reception desk.

Another fixture of Alaska Lounges, a high-tech Starbucks espresso machine will craft the beverage of your choice, and comes accompanied with a selection of syrups.

Alaska Lounge – Anchorage, AK (ANC)

In the back of the lounge is a business center with a dozen small work carousels which offer a comfortable degree of privacy. A few shared computers are available, as well as a printer. As pointed out above, the Alaska Lounge also includes a large conference room, which may be reserved in advance, with a large table for eight and extra seating on the side. Behind a frosted sliding door, the room benefits from both daylight and privacy, and comes with a flat screen TV and a side console.

Other amenities include a selection of newspapers and magazines, as well as an enclosed bag and coat storage room behind the reception desk, next to the bar.

Alaska Lounge ANC bottom line

The Alaska Lounge at Anchorage airport—the only airline club is the entire state of Alaska—is classy and functional. The club boasts an intriguing architecture, a luminous space, enjoyable tarmac views, and fairly private seating. The amenities meet typical expectations for domestic flights, with fast Wi-Fi, convenient work spaces, and a good food and beverage selection.

Yet, despite a grand entrance with luxurious touches, the Alaska Lounge falls short of feeling truly premium. It’s a small operation, seating can be tight at peak times due to the limited real estate, and the two TVs may make for a noisy environment. It’s a simple, unpretentious spot to relax before a flight and enjoy the sunlight in the summer—or views of the illuminated tarmac in the winter—and the Alaska Airlines staff is constantly equally helpful and cheerful.