The Battle for Seattle between Alaska Airlines and Delta represents a great opportunity for Alaska travelers.
In addition to new flights, new nonstop destinations and lower fares, both airlines are arm-wrestling for extra space at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it the fastest-growing major airport in the U.S.
Alaska and Delta want to serve you better in the air — and on the ground. Both airlines are building new lounges in Seattle, which can come in handy if you've got a long layover.
The perks
Earlier this week, I took the longest flight of my life from Seattle nonstop to Hong Kong. In addition to the 14-hour flight (OK, 13:58, but who's counting?) I also had a five-hour layover in Seattle.
As usual, my first stop is the Alaska Airlines Board Room. I've been a member for several years, and it's my go-to resource for a quiet place to do some work between flights in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles. In addition to the self-serve espresso machine, my favorite feature is the attentive staff. I've gotten to know them over the years — they're very helpful. Here in Anchorage, the lounge is just above C-1, so there's a great view of the planes coming and going.
In Seattle, the mother ship of the board rooms is at the start of the D concourse. It's a two-story affair, with munchies on both levels (salads, soup and other goodies). The espresso machine is on the lower level and the bar is up above. The Internet is fast and free, the chairs are comfortable and the atmosphere is, well, clubby.
Since Alaska took over the N gates, the airline added a new board room at the satellite. It's got a modern feel, with a big water feature and the same food and beverage options as on the D concourse. But they're already working on an expanded club up on the roof. Additionally, Alaska announced it was constructing another room on the C concourse.
Delta is taking notice — and has made quite a few improvements at its Sky Club in the south terminal. All of Delta's international flights, including my flight to Hong Kong, leave from the S gates. The lounge is upstairs, looks out at the big jets and features a nice view of Mount Rainier. Interestingly, just to the left of the mountain is one of Alaska's big hangars.
The Delta club is arranged in several areas, including a "quiet room" with oversized recliners where travelers can relax between flights. There's a business-focused area with plenty of counter space and plug-ins for laptops. Then there are plenty of tables by the windows.
The club features a buffet that changes throughout the day. I was there at lunch, so there was a fresh batch of Beecher's artisan macaroni and cheese, fresh from Pike Place Market. Did I want seconds? Yes, please. There also were several choices of salads, fresh fruits and vegetables — and some cookies. The buffet line ends where the bar begins. First, there's the self-service espresso machine (the same Starbucks machine that Alaska Air uses in the Board Room). Then, the bartender will fix you a drink, or you can help yourself to some cucumber-mint water or bottled water to go.
The Delta club also features a shower. The attendants have a little bag of goodies for those who want to freshen up: shampoo, body wash, shaving kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and mouthwash. They put them in a little "Tumi" pouch and send you in to the shower. While Emirates boasts a shower in the air for first-class passengers, this shower on the ground for anyone in the club is a great way to freshen up.
Delta is working on a second lounge between the A and B concourses at Sea-Tac, which promises upscale food and beverage options. The new lounge is due to open later this year. It's also bigger: more than 21,000 square feet.
The cost
Joining an airport club is not cheap. But if you are a frequent traveler, it's one of the best investments you can make, along with a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Alaska charges $450 for a new member for one year. Elite-level travelers get a discount — and you also get a discount if you have the Alaska Airlines Visa card. In addition to Alaska's own lounges, travelers can use American Airlines lounges, as well as select lounges in other cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Phoenix.
If you're thinking about joining the Board Room, you can get a day pass for $45.
A day pass for Delta's SkyClub is more: $59. A yearlong membership ranges from $450 to $695, depending on whether you travel with guests. Delta's membership includes admission to many of its partner airline lounges, including Virgin Australia, KLM, Air France and Alitalia.
There's another lounge at Sea-Tac: The Centurion Lounge, on the A concourse. I couldn't get in, because I don't have a Platinum American Express Card. That card costs $450 per year. There are many benefits, including free admission to lounges in Seattle, Miami, Dallas, Las Vegas, New York and San Francisco. It's supposed to be fancy — but it doesn't have a shower like Delta's club.
One big benefit of Delta's development of an international hub in Seattle is new international flights, including the Seattle-Hong Kong flight. These flights are different from domestic flights. They are long-haul flights on wide-body aircraft. I flew over on an old Northwest Airlines Airbus 330-200 twinjet. Delta is swapping that out for a Boeing 777, which I'm looking forward to flying for the first time. Even back in the cheap seats, you can check two bags at no additional charge. Throughout the 14-hour flight, travelers enjoy three meal services: two full meals (with free beer and wine), featuring choice of entrees, along with a midflight snack. For distraction, there's free seat-back entertainment with Delta's "Studio" system for music, TV shows and movies. Internet was available for $30, but I didn't try it.
Even though Delta and Alaska are scuffling, they still are partners on mileage. Travelers on Delta get 50 percent of the actual flight miles credited to their Alaska Airlines account.
As long as Alaska and Delta continue to work hard to earn our travel business, fares will remain low and both carriers will add amenities like upgraded lounges. They will continue to provide great fares, too. Not just from Anchorage, either, but from Seattle to Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.