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.
-
- A cheerful Alaska Airlines staff member pouring a drink.
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.
Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Images via Alaska Airlines.
Amazing. I am really impressed!
Thank you!
Alaska! Now to figure out how to get into the LAX Qantas First lounge once they reopen it as an MVP Gold 75k…
Cheap flight to Sydney? 🙂 I’d forgotten about that lounge myself until I was putting together my January trip and I was lamenting at a long layover at LAX, then remembered it. Hopefully it will be open then, as I’ve not been before.
Me neither. The OW business lounge is pretty nice. Got to enjoy that before a Finnair business class trip. But I *really* want to see the Qantas First lounge.
Food wise it looks a lot like Sydney, which is good. I’ve also not been to the oneworld business lounge, so I really will need to see both.
You could fly AS to Costa Rica
That’s an idea. I’m planning a trip to MEX, but I have that booked on AM out of SFO. Will see what the options are once the lounge reopens.
Just to clarify, AS doesn’t allow ALL FC customers into the lounge. It only works for paid FC (cash or miles)…NOT for those who are upgraded.
A very good – and important – point! Thanks very much for that!