Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Alaska takes over North Satellite at SEA

(July 24, 2012 – Seattle) – The Port of Seattle Commission gave final design authorization today for an estimated $230 million renovation of the north satellite at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to better serve passengers. The project will include modernizing facilities, seismic upgrades, enhanced traveler amenities, three new gates and a new roof-top lounge for Alaska Airlines, soon to be the sole tenant in the north satellite.

The North Sea-Tac Airport Renovations (or North STAR project) will be an unprecedented working arrangement between the port and Alaska Airlines, Sea-Tac’s largest airline. Alaska will work with the port throughout the project with the goal of improving its customers’ experience from airport drop-off to flight departure. Additional renovations will include various improvements to the main terminal, the C and D concourses, and the airfield.

“With more gates, ramp area and other facilities needed to grow the airline, the investments in the North Satellite will enhance the travel experience for our customers and employees and greatly improve our operational efficiency,” said Karen Gruen, Alaska Airlines’ managing director of corporate real estate. “The North STAR partnership with the Port of Seattle is an investment in our future and community.”

In deciding to relocate Alaska Airlines to the North Satellite, Gruen said the company carefully weighed perceptions by some travelers that getting to North Satellite gates from Alaska’s lobby takes longer than departures on Concourse C. Three studies conducted in recent years indicate it takes about the same amount of time to reach the North Satellite riding the train as it does to walk to the gates at the end of Concourse C. In order to ease traveler anxiety about waiting for the train, improvements to the communications systems for the train and train lobbies are planned.

Built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the north satellite is in need of modernization, renewal or replacement of many of its basic systems. The renovations will provide significant annual energy savings with the heating/air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and use of natural light. Greater operational efficiency will also be achieved with the inclusion of dual taxilanes for aircraft access to and from the gates.

Overall, the renovation will include:
• Upgrades, renewal and replacement of mechanical, electrical, communications, HVAC, and plumbing systems
• Seismic upgrades
• Refreshed main concourse finishes to include more natural lighting, open areas, and passenger amenities including charging stations, LCD flight displays, better WiFi reception, and expanded concessions
• A rooftop Alaska Airlines Board Room with views of the Puget Sound area
• Addition of three aircraft gates for a total of 15
• Refreshed Satellite Transit System lobbies
• Dual aircraft taxi lane changes around the north satellite
• Refurbishment of the baggage handling system

Alaska Air Group will continue to use concourses C and D for operations as well, which will receive upgrades to the current Horizon Air-operated facilities.

The renovation will be completed in stages to carefully coordinate the construction around continued operation of the north satellite and create the least impact to passenger traffic.

Design contracts will be awarded soon and visual renderings for the project are expected to be released by mid-2013. Construction is expected to start no later than winter of 2014 with completion in late 2016. [final construction schedules are still to be determined]

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Yay new rooftop SEA BR ;)

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Yay new rooftop SEA BR ;)

Right-o. Have pretty much gotten over the whole train to N thing, but it'll be odd to see it work this way, methinks.

Will it come with a bathhouse?

Yeah! of course, each of my flights will still probably be as far from the escalator as possible...

Also really wish the Port would provide escalators down to the tarmac for all Horizon fights, or get jetways that will work with the Q400s.

There were many times when I took the train from the N access point in the main terminal to the C gates. It worked well if I did not want to go to the club, and I used the Pre-check lane, and my outbound flight was at the end of C.

Yeah! of course, each of my flights will still probably be as far from the escalator as possible...

Also really wish the Port would provide escalators down to the tarmac for all Horizon fights, or get jetways that will work with the Q400s.

There were many times when I took the train from the N access point in the main terminal to the C gates. It worked well if I did not want to go to the club, and I used the Pre-check lane, and my outbound flight was at the end of C.

The beauty of the N gates is that no gate is a long walk from the escalator.

I have heard escalators for C2A-Z gates is in the plans, which should substantially improve the QX passenger experience.

Upgrades and expansion are good. I wonder how disruptive the 2-year construction will be.

I think AS should install 2-3 showers as well. Plenty of red eyes from Alaska/Hawaii also there are some red eyes ex-SEA that having a shower at the airport after a long day at work before flying a red eye is huge.

This will also serve paid F AS customers who flew into SEA on DL/BA/AF/FI/etc from Asia or Europe who are connecting onto AS in SEA.

IMO, shower is one of the more important perks of a lounge that does not cost the airline serious money to operate.

Most important benefits of lounge membership for me:

1. Travel Support. IRROPs handling, managing my reservation (SDC, changing seats, processing upgrades, protecting me on an alternative itinerary, etc), assistance with ticketing, etc.

2. A comfortable setting to do work. Wifi with good coverage, bandwidth, and latency. Plenty of power ports along with plenty of comfortable seats.

3. Personal comfort. Reasonable snack selections, decent drink options, nice and clean bathroom facilities, and shower facilities.

If you have all 3, I will always be a member for as long as I fly at least 50K a year. If less, I'll still buy day passes most of the time.

So, AS, when the team gets together to draft up the design work for the new BR, please take this into consideration!

As for #1, it is time to start a slow plan to group the BR concierges with the Agents. When it is time to renew the union contract for the airport agents, put forth a plan to add certain BR staff into the pool or start putting some agents into the BR.

I think AS should install 2-3 showers as well. Plenty of red eyes from Alaska/Hawaii also there are some red eyes ex-SEA that having a shower at the airport after a long day at work before flying a red eye is huge.

This will also serve paid F AS customers who flew into SEA on DL/BA/AF/FI/etc from Asia or Europe who are connecting onto AS in SEA.

IMO, shower is one of the more important perks of a lounge that does not cost the airline serious money to operate.

Most important benefits of lounge membership for me:

1. Travel Support. IRROPs handling, managing my reservation (SDC, changing seats, processing upgrades, protecting me on an alternative itinerary, etc), assistance with ticketing, etc.

2. A comfortable setting to do work. Wifi with good coverage, bandwidth, and latency. Plenty of power ports along with plenty of comfortable seats.

3. Personal comfort. Reasonable snack selections, decent drink options, nice and clean bathroom facilities, and shower facilities.

If you have all 3, I will always be a member for as long as I fly at least 50K a year. If less, I'll still buy day passes most of the time.

So, AS, when the team gets together to draft up the design work for the new BR, please take this into consideration!

As for #1, it is time to start a slow plan to group the BR concierges with the Agents. When it is time to renew the union contract for the airport agents, put forth a plan to add certain BR staff into the pool or start putting some agents into the BR.

Everything you want in a BR is available in the SEA DL SC. DL knows how to do a lounge right. It remains to be seen whether AS is willing to put up for a lounge that outclasses the SC in SEA.

I had to chuckle at the local morning news today when they were talking about the upcoming changes.

The news anchor interpreted the term "rooftop lounge" to mean it would be outside. They were joking it wouldn't be a great perk if it was raining.

totally agree about DL SC. DL SC's are light years ahead of AS BR's. Go to the DL SC at EWR and that is on par with an AS BR.

Also agree with shower comment. It is why I prefer to fly DL to NYC. I can get off my redeye and take a shower before heading to business meetings. AS BRs are boring and small. The DL SC at SEA is part sports bar/TV room/apple store/place to sit.

One thing to keep in mind when comparing SC to BR is that many SC support long-haul international flights. Business class passengers are critical to supporting better lounges. I would be surprised to see the BR get showers, since the additional cost (yes, there is significant additional cost) wouldn't necessarily be covered by AS' network and membership.

One thing to keep in mind when comparing SC to BR is that many SC support long-haul international flights. Business class passengers are critical to supporting better lounges. I would be surprised to see the BR get showers, since the additional cost (yes, there is significant additional cost) wouldn't necessarily be covered by AS' network and membership.

Agreed, but AS is a codeshare "whore", so I'd bet they see tons of paid F/C passengers connecting onto an AS flight in SEA. What about those customers? I don't think DL customers want to go to the SC in concourse S to shower, where they will have to take the train back after clearing customs, and then have to haul all the way to N before their connecting AS flight in F.

This is why I think the SEA BR should have showers. LAX/PDX/ANC not so much, because there is significantly less connecting international premium customers to justify the cost of including showers.

It costs a fortune to add them to an existing club, but I cannot imagine it would cost that much more when building an entirely new lounge. They will have to pay a fortune for plumbing construction if they are going to install bathrooms in the new BR. That is the biggest cost with adding a shower, but it won't sting a lot if they include showers from the get-go. This is why showers are almost always in the same area as the bathroom [either right next to it or right across the hallway] :p

Agreed, but AS is a codeshare "whore", so I'd bet they see tons of paid F/C passengers connecting onto an AS flight in SEA. What about those customers? I don't think DL customers want to go to the SC in concourse S to shower, where they will have to take the train back after clearing customs, and then have to haul all the way to N before their connecting AS flight in F.

This is why I think the SEA BR should have showers. LAX/PDX/ANC not so much, because there is significantly less connecting international premium customers to justify the cost of including showers.

It costs a fortune to add them to an existing club, but I cannot imagine it would cost that much more when building an entirely new lounge. They will have to pay a fortune for plumbing construction if they are going to install bathrooms in the new BR. That is the biggest cost with adding a shower, but it won't sting a lot if they include showers from the get-go. This is why showers are almost always in the same area as the bathroom [either right next to it or right across the hallway] :p

Yes AS 'gets around' but I'm uncertain that they get that much premium cabin passengers from partners. There is however some serious revenue between Alaska and Texas due to oil- and the oil companies do procure F.

Since there is a significant amount of redeyes to SEA I think a shower would be nice too.

And one can clear customs and go back up the escalator to the S terminal without taking the train after clearing TSA.

Agreed, but AS is a codeshare "whore", so I'd bet they see tons of paid F/C passengers connecting onto an AS flight in SEA. What about those customers? I don't think DL customers want to go to the SC in concourse S to shower, where they will have to take the train back after clearing customs, and then have to haul all the way to N before their connecting AS flight in F.

This is why I think the SEA BR should have showers. LAX/PDX/ANC not so much, because there is significantly less connecting international premium customers to justify the cost of including showers.

It costs a fortune to add them to an existing club, but I cannot imagine it would cost that much more when building an entirely new lounge. They will have to pay a fortune for plumbing construction if they are going to install bathrooms in the new BR. That is the biggest cost with adding a shower, but it won't sting a lot if they include showers from the get-go. This is why showers are almost always in the same area as the bathroom [either right next to it or right across the hallway] :p

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. If one comes in from a long haul DL (or Emirates, or Korean Air, or Icelandair...) they can stay right on the S concourse and use the facilities the long haul airline should offer their long haul premium customers before heading over to C, D or N for their Alaska connection.

I don't know the costs involved but it seems as though, the costs of operating showers would far outweigh the revenue gained from having them. In addition to the cost of the real estate alone, there are the costs of the staff responsible for maintaining the showers. Additionally, there would be a cost for the towels and soap/shampoo. I doubt that Alaska's customers would be willing to pay higher Boardroom membership fees to subsidize something a relatively small number of people would use. And I highly doubt that there would be a large number of people using the showers. Most people traveling domestically are looking for the quickest, most efficient connection available. Very few are probably going to schedule an extra hour so they can shower enroute. It's a little different coming in from a 10 or 12 hour long haul than from a 3 or 4 hour flight.

Yes AS 'gets around' but I'm uncertain that they get that much premium cabin passengers from partners. There is however some serious revenue between Alaska and Texas due to oil- and the oil companies do procure F.

Since there is a significant amount of redeyes to SEA I think a shower would be nice too.

And one can clear customs and go back up the escalator to the S terminal without taking the train after clearing TSA.

My ballpark estimate as an armchair quarter back would be ~20% of AS's paid F customer base. Remember, the average % of paid F in the F cabin in the US is around 15-20%, while the rest is upgraders or non-revs or FAMs.

I did not realize customs was in the S satelitte itself, I assumed when SEA built the new international arrivals facility, customs would be located in that part of the airport. I was wrong.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. If one comes in from a long haul DL (or Emirates, or Korean Air, or Icelandair...) they can stay right on the S concourse and use the facilities the long haul airline should offer their long haul premium customers before heading over to C, D or N for their Alaska connection.

I don't know the costs involved but it seems as though, the costs of operating showers would far outweigh the revenue gained from having them. In addition to the cost of the real estate alone, there are the costs of the staff responsible for maintaining the showers. Additionally, there would be a cost for the towels and soap/shampoo. I doubt that Alaska's customers would be willing to pay higher Boardroom membership fees to subsidize something a relatively small number of people would use. And I highly doubt that there would be a large number of people using the showers. Most people traveling domestically are looking for the quickest, most efficient connection available. Very few are probably going to schedule an extra hour so they can shower enroute. It's a little different coming in from a 10 or 12 hour long haul than from a 3 or 4 hour flight.

Only DL customers in paid J or SkyClub members can use the SC after a long-haul flight, most airlines only offer lounge access benefits at the departure point before flying their metal. Some do offer arrivals facilities, but mostly only at the hubs. The general rule of thumb is the connecting airline should assume responsibility to "cater" the premium customers as part of getting some F revenue from an itinerary. AS does not even allow paid F into the BR after arriving from a paid F AS segment. Correct me if I am wrong.

The BR membership is already very expensive compared to other lounge memberships considering AS only has 5 lounges. As an MVPG I am paying $59 per lounge operation, as an 1K with UA I am paying ~$7 per lounge operation. Yes, UA has more premium customers using the lounges, but AS's BR value proposition for the price they want is not good. Lacks the key essentials of a proper lounge, especially for IRROPs handling and in-house reservations support. Showers is another thing.

Even with the already high price, I would even pay $325 annually if they add showers.

As for the number of customers using the shower facilities, you will be surprised at how many customers uses the showers. During peak times, wait times for shower can be as long as one hour. Most cases, it is ~15 minutes for me.

I agree, people do look for the quickest connection, but AS does not offer 3-6x frequencies to many destinations 3+ hours long and finding myself being stuck in SeaTac for more than 3 hours is not uncommon. Once I was stuck for 7 hours and another time overnight. Most time it is ~2 hours. Finding an one hour connection is rare on AS, unless you add a segment down to PDX just to burn the time.

I use the shower at EWR/IAH all the time after a red-eye flight or if it is very late at night when the only thing I want to do at my destination is go straight to bed. I can't sleep when my head is all oily, so it is annoying for me to have to take a shower upon arrival knowing the next morning I will be taking a shower again. But, that is just me.

I do value showers, and I am willing to pay a premium for that. Maybe I am just a minority, but a large majority of people I know would prefer if a lounge has showers.

The general rule of thumb is the connecting airline should assume responsibility to "cater" the premium customers as part of getting some F revenue from an itinerary. AS does not even allow paid F into the BR after arriving from a paid F AS segment. Correct me if I am wrong.

No, the general rule of thumb is the airline providing the C/J service caters to the premium customer.

The BR membership is already very expensive compared to other lounge memberships considering AS only has 5 lounges. As an MVPG I am paying $59 per lounge operation, as an 1K with UA I am paying ~$7 per lounge operation. Yes, UA has more premium customers using the lounges, but AS's BR value proposition for the price they want is not good. Lacks the key essentials of a proper lounge, especially for IRROPs handling and in-house reservations support. Showers is another thing.

UA's lounges are subsidized by its international premium customers. AS does not have that luxury.

There's no need for showers in the Boardroom. Sure they're a nice amenity to have following a red-eye arrival or before a red-eye departure, but to suggest it wouldn't cost any more -as someone suggested- is just flat out wrong.

There's of course the amenity and staff end that has been pointed out, but the additional infrastructure required to support 2-4 shower stalls seems to be a bit excessive. I don't think DL has more than 1 or 2 showers in its SEA facility and they're operating multiple overnight flights in from Asia, plus KE's flights - if they're not using the BA lounge.

Lounge showers make sense in an airport with extensive international operations, like LAX, ORD, JFK and ATL, but not SEA.

No, the general rule of thumb is the airline providing the C/J service caters to the premium customer.

Not sure if I was clear, but let's say someone is flying AS F connecting to QF F on SEA-LAX-SYD.

On SEA-LAX AS will cater to the paid F customer while the customer is in SEA, then upon landing it becomes QF's responsibility to cater that customer for the LAX-SYD flight.

It is the same the other way around, for SYD-LAX, QF will take care of its customers, but AS will take over that responsibility once the customer arrives in LAX. QF, and no airline that I know, will produce a lounge invitation for paid F or C/J customers into the AS BR before an AS flight.

It is the same with Star Alliance, if I am flying in F on LH connecting in IAD to Y on an UA flight I won't get in the UC by virtue of my F BP.

There's no need for showers in the Boardroom. Sure they're a nice amenity to have following a red-eye arrival or before a red-eye departure, but to suggest it wouldn't cost any more -as someone suggested- is just flat out wrong.

There's of course the amenity and staff end that has been pointed out, but the additional infrastructure required to support 2-4 shower stalls seems to be a bit excessive. I don't think DL has more than 1 or 2 showers in its SEA facility and they're operating multiple overnight flights in from Asia, plus KE's flights - if they're not using the BA lounge.

Lounge showers make sense in an airport with extensive international operations, like LAX, ORD, JFK and ATL, but not SEA.

Fine at least one or two shower rooms. No, it is not going to cost AS a million just to add showers. Amenities and towels are cheap, primarily due to bulk orders and collaborative product marketing for the shampoo/soap companies. Towels are reuseable. If showers are very very very expensive to add to a project that will require a total plumbing overhaul anyway, then many airlines would not install showers at locations where they only have 1-2 flights a day like LH at IAD. Something tells me, the cost to install a shower or two is not exorbitant like some people claim. Labor will more likely be the biggest cost over a few years.

KE passengers do not get in the DL SC upon arrival if they are connecting to AS and if AS did not offer BR admission for paid F AS customers those customers will be sitting in the gate area. Prior to departure to ICN they can use the DL SC.

Bottom line, I want showers, of AS feels it is too cost prohibitive for them then fine, but that will be a con against the BR in my book.

Not sure if I was clear, but let's say someone is flying AS F connecting to QF F on SEA-LAX-SYD.

On SEA-LAX AS will cater to the paid F customer while the customer is in SEA, then upon landing it becomes QF's responsibility to cater that customer for the LAX-SYD flight.

It is the same the other way around, for SYD-LAX, QF will take care of its customers, but AS will take over that responsibility once the customer arrives in LAX. QF, and no airline that I know, will produce a lounge invitation for paid F or C/J customers into the AS BR before an AS flight.

It is the same with Star Alliance, if I am flying in F on LH connecting in IAD to Y on an UA flight I won't get in the UC by virtue of my F BP.

Since AS doesn't receive any of the international F revenue from the passenger, why in the heck would it spending money to provide international F-type lounge benefits?

AS currently provides its paid F customers with complimentary access to a lounge with benefits in-line with other domestic clubs. There is absolutely no business case to invest in providing additional benefits like showers.

Bottom line, I want showers, of AS feels it is too cost prohibitive for them then fine, but that will be a con against the BR in my book.

Bottom line, I want a first class suite on my SEA-LAX flights. If AS feels it is too cost prohibitive for them, it will be a con against AS in my book.

Lounge showers make sense in an airport with extensive international operations, like LAX, ORD, JFK and ATL, but not SEA.

I think it's more about the airline than the airport. DL's new club in the S satellite has showers, but then again, they're operating SEA as an international gateway.

I just don't see AS's connecting passengers as the likely bathing types. The only time I feel really inclined to shower at the airport is during a layover following a long-haul redeye. How many AS passengers fit that description? Are people really getting that funky on the way down from ANC?

I'd be curious to know what exactly is meant by the cryptic:
"In order to ease traveler anxiety about waiting for the train, improvements to the communications systems for the train and train lobbies are planned."

Does that mean that in the future we get "next stop baggage claim" announcements in 8 more languages instead of the 3 or 4 (?) that we get now? If so all I can say is FINALLY!!!! That will really ease my anxiety. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I think it's more about the airline than the airport. DL's new club in the S satellite has showers, but then again, they're operating SEA as an international gateway.

I just don't see AS's connecting passengers as the likely bathing types. The only time I feel really inclined to shower at the airport is during a layover following a long-haul redeye. How many AS passengers fit that description? Are people really getting that funky on the way down from ANC?

The flights AS runs as redeyes to SEA are usually the Hawaii ones, plus some Alaska service.

I don't see those as particularly lucrative.

And as for AS running the new SEA Bored Room™ as an international arrivals lounge for partner premium pax... yeah, right.

(Besides... AS BR membership includes DL SkyClub admission, with nifty showers included, so we're REALLY talking a tiny slice of pie here.)

AS does not even allow paid F into the BR after arriving from a paid F AS segment. Correct me if I am wrong.

The requirement is for an F BP dated the same day. It can be used before departure, after arrival, or even at the PDX BR if you are flying out of PDX on a Q400 with no F and connecting (same-day) in SEA to an AS flight in F.

I'd be curious to know what exactly is meant by the cryptic:
"In order to ease traveler anxiety about waiting for the train, improvements to the communications systems for the train and train lobbies are planned."

Does that mean that in the future we get "next stop baggage claim" announcements in 8 more languages instead of the 3 or 4 (?) that we get now? If so all I can say is FINALLY!!!! That will really ease my anxiety. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I was assuming train arrival notifications on the platforms--something like "the next train is arriving in 60 seconds." On tight connections, such announcements would definitely ease my anxiety--even knowing the trains are running two minutes apart, I find myself getting antsy when waiting for a train on a tight connection.

I just don't see AS's connecting passengers as the likely bathing types. The only time I feel really inclined to shower at the airport is during a layover following a long-haul redeye. How many AS passengers fit that description? Are people really getting that funky on the way down from ANC?

I usually fly a red-eye out after a long day at work and connect to a transcon, which means that I'm already funky when I board in ANC and I'm really, really funky when I arrive on the east coast. A shower in SEA would probably make the passengers sitting next to me a little happier. :)

I would love a shower in SEA, and while I would personally find some use for it and some others here would enjoy it, too, I'll admit that it probably would not be not a profit center for AS and we are not likely to ever see one. (That said, a SEA BR shower would actually interest me in purchasing a BR membership again, so that'd be $600 so far [$300 from me and $300 from golfingboy] towards the construction and operation of the shower.)

If showers were installed at SEA, I would gladly be willing to pay an additional $15-$30 (or pay with miles) to use one, especially if it made a night time connection more acceptabe. Even for elites, every benefit & comfort does not have to free.

Even though I easily manage to stay clean while traveling, paying for a shower and being rejuvenated in order to be comfortable while remaining inside the terminal behind security would be better than spending the time & money for a motel, and then maybe leave SEA on a later flight.

I hate spending money for a short hotel stay that ends up being a shower with no sleep time. For example, a few days ago, I worked all day in PA after a short sleep night, flew PHL-SFO non-stop on UA (missed the AS PHL-SEA by 5 minutes) that evening in E+, stayed awake for 3 extra hours because of time zones, and checked into the SFO Hyatt (cheapest of the cheap motels was Travel Lodge North at a whopping $135 for the last 2 rooms, normally $45-65) at 11:45 pm. Outbound flight was at 7:30 am.

What I got for $170:
1: Free shuttle ride to the Hyatt
2: An unexpected big upgrade as a Diamond, courtesy of the desk agent that I didn't need or deserve
3: 3 hours sleeep. After shower, computer work, print boarding passes, etc., got to bed at 2:30 am and awoke at 5:30 in order to catch 6 am shuttle
4: No time for free coffee or snacks
5: No time for a free trip to the members' lounge
6: Out the door at 6:10 am to get shuttle
7: Felt good, felt clean, slept good, but still starving & in need of coffee when I got to airport on time, and after a stress free checkin, realized I left my 2 newspapers on the hotel desk

How much would a behind security shower have been worth to me? Probably $100 that night to avoid the shuttle & motel bill.

I have done the same type of motel trek at SEA by using the SeaCrest Motel on some real cheap rates, but could be just as happy with only a shower in the Board Room.

If showers were installed at SEA, I would gladly be willing to pay an additional $15-$30 (or pay with miles) to use one, especially if it made a night time connection more acceptabe. Even for elites, every benefit & comfort does not have to free.

It would be tacky for AS to charge for a shower in the Board Room. However, I would totally pay for a little post-security transit hotel room or cabana and shower in situations like yours (which I've been in many times).

It would be tacky for AS to charge for a shower in the Board Room. However, I would totally pay for a little post-security transit hotel room or cabana and shower in situations like yours (which I've been in many times).

In this day and age of ala carte pricing, why would it be tacky to pay $15 for a shower in the BR. To operate showers, it requires at least one full-time cleaning person to clean the showers after every use and probably a "shower checkin" agent to manage the waiting list and calling up the next person during the peak times. Additionally, supplies (soap, shampoo, towels, etc.) do cost money.

In this day and age of ala carte pricing, why would it be tacky to pay $15 for a shower in the BR. To operate showers, it requires at least one full-time cleaning person to clean the showers after every use and probably a "shower checkin" agent to manage the waiting list and calling up the next person during the peak times. Additionally, supplies (soap, shampoo, towels, etc.) do cost money.

Well, I guess AS isn't beyond tacky--they did try to charge for baggage for First Class passengers--but if they did charge for showers in the BR, they'd be the only carrier to do that.

Also, the DL SC showers at SEA don't have dedicated staff. The concierge handles the scheduling and the contract staff that takes care of janitorial duties takes care of cleaning the shower.

Well, I guess AS isn't beyond tacky--they did try to charge for baggage for First Class passengers--but if they did charge for showers in the BR, they'd be the only carrier to do that.

Also, the DL SC showers at SEA don't have dedicated staff. The concierge handles the scheduling and the contract staff that takes care of janitorial duties takes care of cleaning the shower.

I think its the same contract staff that also plays bartender for your every need- including a Diet Coke... :(

I think its the same contract staff that also plays bartender for your every need- including a Diet Coke... :(

She scoops your ice right after she cleans the toilet :eek:

Also, the DL SC showers at SEA don't have dedicated staff. The concierge handles the scheduling and the contract staff that takes care of janitorial duties takes care of cleaning the shower.

Never mind.

Maybe this thread should be renamed. It seems to be all about showers in the Board Room.

Bottom line, I want showers, of AS feels it is too cost prohibitive for them then fine, but that will be a con against the BR in my book.

Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, you just might find
You get what you need.

(thanks, Mick!)

There is absolutely no business case to invest in providing additional benefits like showers.

Bottom line, I want a first class suite on my SEA-LAX flights. If AS feels it is too cost prohibitive for them, it will be a con against AS in my book.

Increase in the value of the Boardroom membership? Be a product leader? Isn't that the trend in the airline industry now [in the last few years after many years of cuts]?

IMO, AS's BR is not even close to being in line with other domestic clubs. Sure they have better snack offerings, but that is the only thing they are doing better than the other domestic clubs. They lack a proper support in-lounge support staff to assist customers, they lack the necessary club floor space in SEA where other airlines have 2-8 lounges at their hubs whereas SEA only has one [and it is way over crowded], they lack showers [DL has showers in MIA and that was before the LHR flight started, AA has one in LGA/RDU/SFO, etc], weak international BR membership reciprocity program, and so on.

Well, that is true in a way when comparing AS F and VX F [aka J]. I wonder who has higher % of F sales on SEA-LAX/SFO per flight. So, AS F is probably a con in the the book of high value customers.

Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, you just might find
You get what you need.

(thanks, Mick!)

I understand, having showers in lounge is not important to you, as well as some others who have posted here, and you do not agree with my desire to have a shower in the new SEA BR. I respect that and acknowledge that we have different wants/needs out of a lounge. My flight times are often late evenings after a long day, red-eyes, or long haul international flights. It is very rare for me to have a mid-day trip with an 8-10am departure and arriving at the destination in the evening [I only had that kind of trip once this year]. That kind of time is not a luxury I have, so I value the ability to be able to grab a shower at the airport during my trip. In some cases, I really do need a shower, even on domestic itineraries.

Increase in the value of the Boardroom membership? Be a product leader? Isn't that the trend in the airline industry now [in the last few years after many years of cuts]?

The trend in the industry is selling a product that people will pay for.

The trend in the industry is selling a product that people will pay for.

I would like a shower in the new Board Room, for all the reasons that have already been listed. There has been maybe only one time in the last 4 years that I've regularly connected through SEA that I probably would have paid more than $5 to take one though. That's just based on my own travel.

That said, I still do hope they put one in, I just don't think it's very likely. I do wonder though if they did, if it would increase day pass purchases. That would = more $$$ for AS, and it probably wouldn't take too many of those customers a month to "pay" for the showers.

Also on my wishlist for the new BR. An outdoor area. I would love to have a spot to step outside, even if it's raining, and get some fresh/jet-A air. Though I love the smell of both :D Plus better views would be great.

What if Alaska put in a shower or two and charged for the usage? If you didn't use the shower while in the board room, you're not charged anymore than what you already paid to get in the room (via first class, membership, etc...)

Sure it seems maybe like nickel and dining but it also would make sure that it's being paid for by the people who are using it.

I don't know, maybe it's just me but I really don't care to take a shower unless a have a clean change of clothes and since AS started the 20 minute baggage delivery guarantee I now elect to check my luggage...

I fly quite a bit through SEA and to tell you the truth, I've never felt the need to shower after (or before) a connecting flight there.

I think I'd rather have some hard boiled eggs in the a.m. then a shower:)

IMO, AS's BR is not even close to being in line with other domestic clubs. Sure they have better snack offerings, but that is the only thing they are doing better than the other domestic clubs. They lack a proper support in-lounge support staff to assist customers, they lack the necessary club floor space in SEA where other airlines have 2-8 lounges at their hubs whereas SEA only has one [and it is way over crowded], they lack showers [DL has showers in MIA and that was before the LHR flight started, AA has one in LGA/RDU/SFO, etc], weak international BR membership reciprocity program, and so on.


You have access to TWO lounges at SEA as part of a BR membership. One of them is the DL SkyClub that includes showers. I suppose you don't need them enough to make the train ride?

I dare say that AS is making the correct call by inconveniencing you with a short train ride to facilities that actually support longhaul flights, as opposed to wasting capital on services that most of their travelers won't use. Perhaps you are expecting a bit too much out of an airline that spends a lot of time flying tourists on vacation to LIH/KOA/HNL/OGG, and has most of their business traffic based in SEA/PDX doing nonstops from there and not usually needing redeye showers.

You have access to TWO lounges at SEA as part of a BR membership. One of them is the DL SkyClub that includes showers. I suppose you don't need them enough to make the train ride?

I dare say that AS is making the correct call by inconveniencing you with a short train ride to facilities that actually support longhaul flights, as opposed to wasting capital on services that most of their travelers won't use. Perhaps you are expecting a bit too much out of an airline that spends a lot of time flying tourists on vacation to LIH/KOA/HNL/OGG, and has most of their business traffic based in SEA/PDX doing nonstops from there and not usually needing redeye showers.

I've taken the train to the SEA SC numerous times and used the showers about half the time- there is only one per gender so wait times can be longer, but is refreshing after a redeye from Anchorage or Hawaii.

The times when I would dearly love a shower is before getting on a return flight to SEA when coming to the airport straight from a job. More often than not, I am flying out of OAK, BOI, etc. where there is no club with or without showers.That is when I wish the airport itself provided the amenity.