Using Gifted Alaska Lounge Passes?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SFO/SEA
Programs: Gold 75K
Posts: 209
Using Gifted Alaska Lounge Passes?
I'm a lounge member so planning to give my 4 lounge codes expiring this year to friends and family. Do you know if a single code will allow entry of more than one person? Or do I need to give two of my four codes away to a couple travelling?
#4
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec
Posts: 193
As a personal data point, I've had issues using my 75K lounge passes/codes for my partner (traveling without me), even though I booked her flight with miles from my account, etc.
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
Last edited by mixmastermark; Dec 1, 21 at 3:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 2,966
As a personal data point, I've had issues using my 75K lounge passes/codes for my partner (traveling without me), even though I booked her flight with miles from my account, etc.
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
#6
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec
Posts: 193
[From 2019] That is what I thought as well, and I immediately reached out to Alaska when she texted me that the lounge wouldn't let her in.
As you can see below, AS told me the same as they said to her at the lounge: that either I need to be there with her or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance. Seemed really strange to me. This was in Jan 2019.


I recall thinking 'letting them know in advance' was especially absurd unless one has a crystal ball. I only sent her my 75K lounge codes and told her to use the lounge after her flight was cancelled + rebooked with a weather delay 2.5hrs. Her original connection was too short for a visit otherwise.
As you can see below, AS told me the same as they said to her at the lounge: that either I need to be there with her or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance. Seemed really strange to me. This was in Jan 2019.


I recall thinking 'letting them know in advance' was especially absurd unless one has a crystal ball. I only sent her my 75K lounge codes and told her to use the lounge after her flight was cancelled + rebooked with a weather delay 2.5hrs. Her original connection was too short for a visit otherwise.
Last edited by dayone; Dec 1, 21 at 5:26 pm Reason: Add year for context.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,432
If there is a new policy, they need to update the terms of the program. So long as she had the codes and your name, she should have been allowed entry per the terms listed on the elite status benefits page (screengrab below). It says nothing about a requirement to email 24 hours in advance.

#8
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Yellow Springs
Programs: AS 75k
Posts: 1,517
That is what I thought as well, and I immediately reached out to Alaska when she texted me that the lounge wouldn't let her in.
As you can see below, AS told me the same as they said to her at the lounge: that either I need to be there with her or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance. Seemed really strange to me. This was in Jan 2019.
...
As you can see below, AS told me the same as they said to her at the lounge: that either I need to be there with her or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance. Seemed really strange to me. This was in Jan 2019.
...
#9
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec
Posts: 193
She had all my codes, my name, MP#, etc
This was in 2019, so they must have updated their lounge access policy since then.
Good to know for the future!
This was in 2019, so they must have updated their lounge access policy since then.
Good to know for the future!
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,554
As a personal data point, I've had issues using my 75K lounge passes/codes for my partner (traveling without me), even though I booked her flight with miles from my account, etc.
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
I was not a lounge member at the time, but I think we tried two separate lounges (I think SEA & LAX). Both times the lizards said either I have to be present or contact the lounge 24hrs in advance to let them know someone would be using one of my lounge passes.
Not exactly sure on the policy, but you may need to contact the lounge a day or two before they fly so they can enter.
Hope it all works out!
#11
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,716
Years ago, before I was a lounge member, I had a 75K give me a lounge pass and all I had was the lounge pass code which was not sufficient for entry so I was turned away (at PDX). I think as others have mentioned the "official" policy is that the lounge member doesn't have to physically be present, but there has been enough variation in this policy over the years that it really depends on which agent you get at the lounge. At the very least, come prepared with the name AND MP #. I don't think the code alone is enough information and honestly the only way you're going to 100% guarantee entry is if the 75K is physically present which I always thought was an odd policy since if they give you a GGU code #, you can upgrade without any further information.

#13
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: sometimes, strangely, I find myself at home
Programs: I need to do better in managing my affiliations. Oops, I overshot the runway for status next year.
Posts: 625
The agents at the entrance have a difficult job of applying rules and needing to be alert for scammers and grifters.
A couple of years ago, I helped a family member who was unexpectedly stuck in an airport. All I needed to do was provide them with one of my pass codes which was accepted.
I hope this is the method that continues to work.
I also hope, people don't try to "game" or otherwise abuse the system and be the cause for rules that make it difficult for the rest of us.
A couple of years ago, I helped a family member who was unexpectedly stuck in an airport. All I needed to do was provide them with one of my pass codes which was accepted.
I hope this is the method that continues to work.
I also hope, people don't try to "game" or otherwise abuse the system and be the cause for rules that make it difficult for the rest of us.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA 1MM, AS MVPG, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 14,993
Years ago, before I was a lounge member, I had a 75K give me a lounge pass and all I had was the lounge pass code which was not sufficient for entry so I was turned away (at PDX). I think as others have mentioned the "official" policy is that the lounge member doesn't have to physically be present, but there has been enough variation in this policy over the years that it really depends on which agent you get at the lounge. At the very least, come prepared with the name AND MP #. I don't think the code alone is enough information and honestly the only way you're going to 100% guarantee entry is if the 75K is physically present which I always thought was an odd policy since if they give you a GGU code #, you can upgrade without any further information.
I have offered/given away my lounge passes and GGUs in the past via Missydarlin to traveling military. Didn’t require my MP# based on the PMs I just reviewed. Don’t have anything to give away at the moment, but sharing my MP# with my spouse wouldn’t be an issue, but with a stranger not even known to me… probably not.
Regarding contacting the AS lounge in advance, how would that even work. Do they have published contact info somewhere? https://www.alaskaair.com/content/ai...tion-and-hours doesn't have it.
Now that AS has a worthwhile lounge in SEA (and SFO?) I might actually use my own passes
