Bellerina

Given how busy the lounges have been recently (at least at SEA), I would hope that people aren't just bringing in random strangers to the lounge. In the case of the young person trying to use an AL pass from his father, I get it, but I hope this doesn't happen a lot. Also, per the rules, you will technically be required to remain with that guest.
"Members are welcome to bring immediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or as many as two guests at no extra charge; however, members must accompany and remain with family and guests at all times."

Ford Fairlane

I appreciate the clarification (really, not being snarky), and I'm all for avoiding overcrowding, but I do think it must be one of those rules that are there only to cite in retrospect in case a specific problem needs to be addressed.

Under "Alaska Lounge house rules", I see half of those violated without employee intervention every time I'm there. And I definitely violate a couple of them myself each time ("We respectfully ask that guests enjoy lounge offerings within the room and not remove food, beverages, or periodicals from the Alaska Lounge, except for purchased made-to-order meals, tea, or coffee.", "Alaska Lounge staff are limited to serving three complimentary alcoholic beverages to a member or guest per visit.").

If I offer to guest in a college-age young lady, and the desk attendant approves it, I am definitely not going to tell the young lady that she has to accompany and remain with me at all times. Nopeity nope nope nope.

But I also think I'm a good judge of character on first impressions and will only make this offer when it seems warranted.

Bellerina

Agreed, a LOT of the rules get violated (there is a rule about the headphones), but I think you might technically be liable for the actions of that guest if they misbehave and that could result in a loss of membership. I think that would be extremely unlikely, but I thought worth noting. I was also in the SEA N lounge on Friday at 7pm and there was not a single table available. Only a smattering of counter spots. They were obviously understaffed as much of the food offerings were running out (no soup despite them saying more was coming), and overall there has been a huge increase in Lounge use. In your specific matter, it seems the person likely had valid access and you were just speeding it up, but bringing in strange guests more often seems like it would hurt those that have paid membership fees.
Personally I have contemplated offering to bring in a fellow FT'er (stranger?) when I was planning to use the lounge, but half the time I'm running later than planned and would hate to do that to them.

Ford Fairlane

Yes, that's totally fair, and part of why I'll rely on my sense that I'm a "good judge of character on first impressions." Add to that young people who remind me of my kids, or their friends, or my friends' kids, and it's a pretty short list of folks I'd make this offer for. No "influencers" allowed.

Exception: If Penelope Cruz or Dave Grohl are being denied access while I'm in line, yes, they're entering as my guests, and yes, they must accompany and remain with me at all times.

Klrduks

Unfortunately, I think we only have members to blame for this. I have a sneaking suspicion this is because they used to show news channels. If they showed CNN, the "Fox News" guy would complain and they would switch it. Then the "CNN" guy would complain and it would be an argument that the lounge staff did not need. So they switched to sports on mute. I guess they could be showing soap operas or one of the 70 or so "Housewives of...". :-)

Visconti

This makes a lot of sense, but I've...er...unwittingly violated this many times over the years. Sometimes, it seems some people really had a rough night especially LAS, and I'll just offer to take them into the CL where they can relax and have some hot food. It's always been assumed that once we enter, they go their way and I go mine; actually, not hanging out with me would be one of my conditions.

Not sure if it's thing for the new generation, but invariably they'd always ask for my cell phone? No qualms with my bus cell number, but is this the new exchanging of business card thing we used to do?

jerry a. laska

For me, my renewal into 2023 is Lounge+.

RAD_PDX

$25 day passes are being sold at LAX (not sure about other locations). There was a sign by the elevator and I overheard them offering them to a few disappointed people who still hadn't received the memo that the lounge no longer takes PP.

navydevildoc

Yup. The Seahawks game was on the big screen in the N Bar area on sunday night, and a large number of people were watching it and enjoying the game. Seemed like a good use of the TV to me.

If I want to watch propaganda, I will just watch it on my laptop. Sports benefit from big screens. But of course I am a sports fan and enjoy watching it.

BOB W

Several years ago I sent a note to AS Customer Care and to the Lounge email stating that I would not be renewing my Lounge membership. I am based out of ANC and the Lounge Manager at that time refused to show anything but Fox News. Over many visits I made a request to change to something else and was refused every time. I did not care what they changed to but something that did not distract from my visit. "Our other guests prefer to watch FOX" was their reply. A few times I spoke up and asked the others in the room if they would mind if we changed the channel. I never heard one objection to changing. Then someone behind the desk would change the channel to sports, soaps, etc. At some point the ANC lounge changed to OAN on the TV. When I asked why it was not on FOX I was told that AS had too many complaints and they could no longer show FOX. At that time OAN was even more far right than FOX and that was what they were showing. Round 2 of notes to AS stopped that shortly. Since then I have watched lots of sports, soaps, older vintage comedies, etc. on my visits.

I use the lounge to relax and enjoy nibbles and drinks before my flights. I did not enjoy being bombarded with right wing propaganda and would not enjoy being bombarded with left wing junk either, much less when I have paid for the peace and quiet of the Lounge. So, YEAH, blame it on me

be_rettSEA

Maybe CSPAN would be more appropriate if we wanted to make it really "relaxing" ?

BOB W

CSPAN=Melatonin. They both put me to sleep very quickly and I would be afraid of missing my flight. No Thanks

PDXPremier

I'd be good with HGTV....Love It or List It, House Hunters International, etc.

pmblinn

I'm thinking endless loops of "Airplane!".

Visconti

My vote would be Bloomberg TV placed on mute.