Which airline in the USA offers lounge access to First Class passengers on domestic flights?

Around the world, lounge access is offered in business class when flying domestically. It’s one of those perks that I particularly like, however it is not available in the USA except on one major airline.

At this point I should explain that something. What is called business class on domestic flights around the world is called first class in the United States. Lounge access is generally not included except in special circumstances, such as when flying on certain transcontinental services.

Which Airline Stands Apart?

While noodling around a new oneworld alliance airline’s website recently, I came across a line under the heading, “Are you flying First Class?” indicating these passengers had lounge access. I was frankly surprised as this was news to me and I thought, “Well done, Alaska Airlines!”

Curiously, the line has now changed and it reads, “First Class guests can access any oneworld® member lounge when traveling on an itinerary to or from Mexico City, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia.” This would indicate that the perk is gone.

However, the lounge access policy states, “Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket* on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.”

Phew! Everything is as it should be then. Alaska Airlines continues to be the only airline in the USA that offers lounge access to first class passengers on domestic itineraries.

Overall Thoughts

I’m extremely curious to see if this will stay, now the airline has joined a global alliance. The change in text makes it seem as though it’s going to be removed.

Perhaps it’s going to be a secret perk, that only those in the know are aware of. Who can say, but I have to say my curiosity is on overdrive!

What do you think of Alaska Airlines offering ticketed first class passengers lounge access? Did you know about this or is it a surprise? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Images via Alaska Airlines.