KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘It’s privilege, it’s comfort’: Spike raves about Alaska Airlines’ new 40K-square-foot lounge at SEA

May 31, 2026, 5:00 AM

A new Alaska Airlines lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will soon become the largest lounge for any airline in the U.S.

The two-story, 40,000-square-foot lounge will be a part of SEA’s expanded C Concourse, with each story measuring roughly 20,000 square feet.

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, raved about the new addition, noting it’s a ‘privilege’ to be admitted into such a prestigious club, chock full of amenities and pampered treatment.

“If you’re the kind of person who can afford to travel and travel long distances, you have access to three Alaska Airlines lounges at SEA,” Spike said. “The Alaska Lounge, it’s privilege, it’s comfort. First-class travel comes with first-class amenities and first-class perks. There are lounges where you’re not waiting in the general population, fighting for a charger, people sleeping at your feet. No, you go to a nice lounge with great food and free drinks.”

Who actually gets in? Spike breaks down the strict access rules for Alaska Airlines

Spike noted the amenities available to travelers in the Alaska lounge, including chef-curated dining, multiple premium bars, espresso drinks, and shower suites for freshening up before a lengthy flight.

Not just anyone can gain access to the calm oasis away from the normal bustling airport activities. Spike broke down the specific requirements for entering a lounge and explained why his wife gets stopped at the door every time.

“It’s only for international travel, or long-distance travel,” Spike said. “My wife flies first class. She has some issues with crowds, and she’s got some issues with, you know, she’s a nervous traveler. When I can upgrade her to first class, she doesn’t have to wait in a big cattle line. She boards first, and she’s off first. But she doesn’t have access to the lounge.

“It’s only for flights over 2,000 miles, unless you’re like a platinum member, VIP, or titanium. Platinum wasn’t enough, and gold wasn’t enough either. You have to be a titanium member to get these privileges,” Spike continued. “It’s the express lanes of travel. If you can afford to pay for it, you don’t have to hang out with the general population. It’s pretty great.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

WA oil gas prices summer...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Long, hot, expensive summer at the pump’: Jake and Spike break down WA’s soaring gas prices

Jake and Spike recapped some of the factors contributing to rising gas prices, and why it's forecasted to be a "hot, expensive summer" in Seattle.

13 hours ago

seattle mayor katie wilson budget deficit billion...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘You think this could be a firing?’: Jake, Spike question latest abrupt exit from Mayor Wilson’s office

Concerns rise over Sage Wilson's sudden departure from Mayor Wilson's office. Jake and Spike question if this is indicative of a firing?

1 day ago

Jimothy (1) seattle raccoon ballard...

Charlie Harger

Harger: We find something pure and we love it so hard we ruin it. Jimothy needs an exit strategy

Jimothy is a sensation. One week ago, we first brought you the story of this goofy raccoon on our show. Every day since, the Jimothy content has multiplied.

2 days ago

Seattle free lunch school...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Another rookie mistake by Mayor Wilson’: Gee and Ursula clash over who stalled Seattle’s free school lunch plan

Mayor Katie Wilson's initiative for free meals in schools faces hurdles. Explore the debate and its implications for Seattle students.

2 days ago

congress affordable housing home...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Congress just cut thousands of dollars off the only home a lot of Americans can afford

What's going on is that lawmakers in both parties have figured out affordable housing is sinking them with a big part of the country.

2 days ago

silverware at a diner - capitol hill...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘The restaurant remains open’: Gee, Ursula stunned by Capitol Hill business owner’s alleged $1.5M tax scheme

A Capitol Hill restaurant faces scrutiny as its owner is charged with stealing $1.5M in payroll taxes from employees.

3 days ago

‘It’s privilege, it’s comfort’: Spike raves about Alaska Airlines’ new 40K-square-foot lounge at SEA