Taking a Look Inside the Alaska Lounge at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport
by Krish Patel
If there’s one amenity that Alaska Airlines is known for offering, it’s without a doubt their lounges. Alaska’s lounges found on the west coast of the U.S. offer a cozy ambiance with comfortable seating and fresh food. One of Alaska’s major hubs is at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport, where the Seattle-based carrier has its own lounge. With offerings that make the airport experience more smooth, this is a lounge that you might want to enjoy before taking off.
ANC Alaska Lounge Location, Hours, and Access
Alaska Airlines is the only carrier to have a lounge at Ted Stevens International Airport, however, you can access the lounge even if you’re not flying Alaska. The space is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily and is located near gate C1 in Concourse C.
Alaska Airlines First Class passengers have free lounge access, as do Alaska Lounge members, OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire members, and Admirals Club members (including those with the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard). While an Alaska First Class ticket grants you access, flying in domestic First on their OneWorld partner, American Airlines, won’t get you in alone. However, I was able to access the lounge because I was traveling with someone who has the United Club Infinite Card, which includes Alaska Lounge access on a same-day United ticket.
ANC Alaska Lounge Seating, Amenities, Ambiance, and Layout
You’ll need to take a set of stairs to reach the main level of the lounge, where all of the food and beverages, seats, and amenities can be found. Located near the welcoming front desk area are several Alaskan artifacts and paintings, each of which come with descriptions. I felt like I was in a museum rather than an airport lounge.
To the left of the front desk is plenty of comfortable seating, with several variants to choose from. There are plush booth-style chairs, as well as desk chairs and armchairs. Table space isn’t an issue in this lounge, as there’s plenty of it for eating and working. During my visit, the lounge was slightly crowded, but finding a seat wasn’t an issue. I must say that I love Alaska’s signature gray color palette, complemented by shades of cool colors.
The overall atmosphere of the lounge feels very cozy, with artwork on the walls, as well as a fireplace, above which is a TV. However, my favorite part of the lounge are the fantastic views of the ramp overlooking the aircraft, also known as an aviation enthusiast’s dream in an airport lounge.
The bathrooms in this lounge are located at the opposite end of the front desk area and are quite spacious and clean, however, they didn’t feel the most modern. There are a variety of soap products available in the restroom. Sadly, there are no showers.
Found near the restrooms is an area with lockers for storing belongings, as well as some plush seating, depicting Alaska’s signature color palette.
At the very end of the lounge is a workstation, complete with work chairs that swivel and desks, as well as charging ports for your device. Wi-Fi is also available for free in the Alaska Lounge.
ANC Alaska Lounge Food and Drink
In terms of food and drinks on offer in this lounge, there’s one bar, as well as two food stations.
Located closer to the lounge’s entrance is a healthy food spread, with soups, salads, and fresh hot dishes, as well as a selection of light and cold snacks. You can customize your own salad at the buffet, as there are several toppings to choose from.
The lounge also features a full-service bar, however, you’ll have to pay for premium alcohol. You can order freshly-brewed coffee, as well as a selection of iced drinks. At the bar is also a basket of Biscoff cookies. The brown finishes and high-top chairs, as well as the white walls give the bar area a sleek appearance.
Located next to the bar area is a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, tea, and a soda machine. Given that I was in an Alaska Lounge, I simply had to try one of the pancakes from the signature pancake printer machine, which is found in all Alaska Lounges. The one here in Anchorage only has one of the famous pancake printers.
Of course, there are condiments that you can add to your pancake, such as caramel sauce and chocolate drizzle.
While the food in the Alaska Lounge lags compared to a Delta Sky Club or Amex Centurion Lounge, it surpasses the buffet quality seen in American Airlines Admirals Clubs and United Clubs.
Bottom Line
Overall, I enjoyed my first visit to an Alaska Lounge. The one in Anchorage is cozy and comfortable, with friendly service and great seating, however, amenities in the lounge are a bit limited. If you find yourself at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport and have free access, then I’d recommend paying a visit. Even if you have to purchase a day pass to get in, it’s totally worth it, as the food is fresh and the cozy ambiance is nice to enjoy before jetting off.