Is IAD really a major hub for Alaska? A quick check of the schedule shows two flights a day to SFO (one morning, one evening) and two flights a day to LAX (one morning, one evening). I also see one morning departure to SEA. Can they really support a lounge of their own at Dulles with that small of an operation? Would seem to be a money loser unless they can ramp up their midday schedule or sign an agreement for other carriers to funnel guests there. Is there space there anywhere near the Alaska gates? Don't know myself as all my Alaska flights this year have been to BWI (where there is a Priority Pass lounge I've never been turned away at).

In the case of SFO, there's just not any space, short of a restaurant or market vacating their current space and opening something up. AA isn't due to move out of their T2 SFO lounge until at least another year or two (after their relocation to T1 which is under construction).

Tom in the Alaska lounge at LAX