Alaska Airlines to Increase Lounge Prices in 2025: What It Means for Travelers
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Alaska Airlines has once again announced an increase in the price of Alaska Lounge memberships starting February 1, 2025. This will be the third increase in the last few years.
The cost of Alaska Lounge membership will be $595 per year, and Alaska Lounge+ membership will increase to $795 per year.
According to Alaska Airlines, the decision is part of an ongoing effort to invest in expanding and upgrading its lounges.
Historical Price Increases: A Trend of Rising Costs
Over the past few years, Alaska Airlines has implemented several price hikes on their lounge memberships:
| Year | Alaska Lounge Membership Price (Non-elites) | Alaska Lounge+ Membership Price (Non-elites) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $350 | $500 |
| 2023 | $450 | $650 |
| 2024 | $550 | $750 |
| 2025 | $595 | $795 |
This latest hike makes Alaska’s lounge access one of the more expensive among U.S. carriers, with some travelers questioning whether the added investment in lounge improvements justifies the cost.
What You Get with Alaska Lounge Membership
Even with the increasing costs, Alaska Airlines lounges provide worthwhile benefits. Members of the Alaska Lounge can take advantage of various amenities, such as free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, cozy seating, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy terminal. Additionally, members are allowed to bring their immediate family or up to two guests into the lounge at no extra cost, which is a great perk for families traveling together.
In 2024, Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines, so Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines members now have joint access to both airlines’ lounges.
While the lounge networks of the two airlines are currently separate, flying with the other airline can provide some mutual benefits.
When flying with Hawaiian, Alaska Lounge members can access lounges operated by Alaska. Conversely, Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club members can purchase a one-day pass to enter an Alaska Lounge when traveling on any airline.
How to Save on Alaska Lounge Membership
Even though membership fees are going up, there are still ways to save on Alaska Lounge memberships:
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card Discount: If you have the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card or Alaska Airlines Visa Business Cards, you can get a $100 discount on Lounge+ memberships when you buy it with the card. This discount makes lounge access more budget-friendly, especially for frequent flyers.
- Beginning in 2025, Alaska MVP elite status holders will have the option to earn milestone benefits, which include a $100 discount on either Lounge or Lounge+ memberships after reaching 30,000 elite status miles. This benefit is designed to reward loyal customers while helping them manage rising costs.
- In 2025, get one or two free day passes as milestones and perks (when you pass the 55K, 85K, 150K, 200K, 250K milestone levels).
- You get access to the Alaska Lounges for free if your ticket is a First Class ticket with paid or award tickets on flights of 2,000 miles or more. For shorter trips, you can get a discount on the purchase of a day pass.
- Have an Admirals Clubs membership when departing or arriving on flights sold and operated by American or Alaska Airlines.
Is the Alaska Airlines to Increase Lounge Price Justified?
Alaska Airlines points to the renovation and expansion of their lounges as a reason for the recent price hike. The airline has been focused on enhancing existing lounges and launching new ones to improve the experience for members. However, since this marks the third increase in just a few years, many travelers are reconsidering whether the membership still offers good value, especially when compared to alternatives like credit card lounge access. For instance, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard provides access to American Admirals Club, which includes Alaska Lounges, for a lower annual fee of $550, potentially offering better value.
Conclusion
The upcoming price increase for Alaska Lounge memberships, although indicative of Alaska Airlines’ commitment to enhancing their lounge services, might deter some travelers. Nevertheless, the additional benefits, including access for Hawaiian Airlines passengers and potential discounts through milestone rewards and credit cards, could ease the impact for loyal customers. Frequent users of Alaska Lounges will have to evaluate if the new perks and improved comfort make the higher prices worthwhile.
