Alaska Lounge

The Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma Airport North Satellite (formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Board Room) opened in November 2015, offering passengers departing from Satellite N a more convenient location than the legacy club in the main Terminal. The new club also helps relieve crowding at the Concourse D lounge.

Located in an enclave between gates N1 and N2, the Alaska Lounge welcomes Alaska First Class passengers (upgrades excluded) as well as pay-in customers and members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass. Technically, the Satellite N club is a temporary facility, as long-term plans call for a roof-top Alaska Lounge with panoramic views. However, it will take several years for the vision of a renovated terminal to materialize, and the current location is expected to serve passengers for the foreseeable future.

Alaska Lounge SEA design

The opening of the Alaska Lounge at Satellite N marks a significant departure from the airline’s legacy design. The warm but old fashioned wood panels and beige tones have made way for a luminous, modern design with clean lines, recessed lighting, wood slabs, blue tile, and designer light fixtures. While refreshingly modern, the space still projects a simple and genuine vibe, thanks to the inclusion of traditional elements such as the large communal table made of natural wood — perhaps a hint at Alaska Airlines’ roots.

The grand lobby catches the eye, with frosted glass doors, intriguing ceiling lights, and an elegant reception desk. Yet, considering the very small footprint of the club, we can’t help but wonder if perhaps the space could have been used more efficiently—in particular, the bench that runs along the divider between the reception area and the seating area is odd: we can’t imagine anyone ever sitting there.

To the left of the lobby when entering is a seating area with relaxation chairs, a large communal table and a few dining tables, while to the right is a prominent bar plus additional seating. Benches run along walls and partitions, providing additional seating. Power outlets are available at every seat, though many are near the ground, which can be inconvenient. Most seats come with individual stylish but tiny tables, impractical for laptop users.

Large floor to ceiling windows let plenty of natural light in and offer views on the tarmac and the light rail elevated track in the distance. The curved, open wooden partitions let light flow through the space while creating a dynamic vibe.

Alaska Lounge SEA amenities

The food and drink selection at the Alaska Lounge North Satellite is in line with what Alaska offers at their four other lounges. The morning breakfast selection includes pastries, yoghurt, cereal and hard broiled eggs, as well as a staple of Alaska Lounges: a pancake machine which “prints” pancakes on demand, at the touch of a button. An elaborate Starbucks espresso machine is also available along with a selection of syrups. Throughout the day, soups and salads are on offer.

Drinks wise, patrons will find a self-serve soda dispenser, while a wide selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages is available from the bar, including sparkling wine. Beers on tap include Alaskan Amber—another staple of Alaska Lounges—as well as microbrews including Airways Curbside Porter, Pyramid IPA and Manny’s Pale Ale. Premium beverages are also available for purchase. (See Food and Beverages.)

A single bathroom is located next to the bar. While we understand the space constraints, we cringe at the idea of a single stall — it might just be more convenient to use the public restrooms in the terminal.

There is no dedicated business center, though complimentary Wi-Fi is naturally available.

Alaska Lounge SEA bottom line

The Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma Airport North Satellite (formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Board Room) is a simple, convenient and pleasant lounge for passengers departing from Satellite N. The space is modern and elegant and doesn’t have a temporary feel.

The club is small, however—perhaps the smallest lounge at SEA—and might get busy at peak times. It’s hardly a destination, and there is no reason to use the Satellite lounge if you’re departing from the main terminal. For a temporary facility, it exceeds expectations, though, and the new design bodes well for the future—we look forward to Alaska’s rooftop flagship lounge!

More! The Definitive Guide to the SEA Lounge Scene — all lounges, ranked and reviewed