N-Gates (North Satellite), Seattle Tacoma Airport, Washington

Introduction

This is my review of the Alaska Airlines Lounge in Seattle’s Tacoma Airport, at N-Gates.

N-Gates is a new terminal at Seattle and appears to be mostly used for Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the construction was finished in 2021.

This lounge is undoubtably Alaska’s best lounge in Seattle – and I think it’s great!

Opening Hours

The lounge is open daily from 05:00 to 23:00.

How to Get There

After taking the N-Gates train to N-Gates, it’s up the escalators to the concourse.

Once you’re on the concourse, take another set of escalators to the mezzanine level – which is sign posted Airline Lounge.

From there, follow the corridor around, and the entrance to the lounge is right in front of you.

Entry Conditions

I always struggle to work out with US airlines who gets entry in to their lounges.

From a OneWorld side, if you are Emerald or Sapphire and flying on a OneWorld carrier, you’re in.

If you’re flying internationally on any OneWorld airline in Business Class, then you’re in.

If, however, you’re flying on OneWorld airlines domestically in Business/First – I am not too sure!

The Lounges page on the OneWorld website may be your friend!

Layout

The decor of this lounge is inkeeping with the Alaskan theme, and it’s super nice – with some great runway views!

There is a variety of lounge seating, which overlook the apron of the airport.

Around the dining area is some ‘restaurant’ seating, and some good places to work.

Alternatively, around the bar area, there are also plenty of places to work from high-tables.

Importantly, if you need to work, there is a printer!

Another feature I really like is the ‘throne chairs’ which overlook the apron of the airport – great for resting and/or napping on!

Food & Drinks

Drinks

There is a barista bar and self-service soft drinks, if you are keeping it light!

However, if you want something heavier, the central bar is excellent!

I believe I am right in saying that ‘premium’ drinks are charged for, but there is otherwise a really good range of non-premium!

I’ve always thought that there is ‘something about’ Alaska Airlines, and an example of that is the local beers (to Seattle), which are offered. I think this is a nice local thing to do – rather than the usual Coors Light offerings of other US airline lounges.

Food

In the ‘dining hall’ area of the lounge is a deli-style self-service area.

Sadly, for my money, the actual offering is pretty basic – with some cookies, salads and soups. The Admirals Clubs are currently winning!

Wifi

The Wifi worked for me, and was fairly good during my visit, I was getting around 30mps up and down.

Showers

Sadly, there is no shower in this lounge, which is a real shame! Especially since the BA Lounge at S-Gates was turning international travelers away to this lounge!

Conclusion

This is a great lounge!

Alaska do things differently in a good way – the local beers being a good example of it!

The lounge is really well designed, has all types of seating/working/resting areas and a whole series of nice views!

The one thing that maybe lets the lounge down slightly is the food – but compared to the American and United equivalents – they’re not exactly offering a 3-course meal! The lack of showers isn’t ideal, but I do have to remind myself this is a domestic airline.

Other than that – it’s definitely (a) the best lounge in Seattle and (b) one of the best ‘domestic’ lounges I’ve ever been to!