Guide to Seattle Airport Lounges: Top Things to Know [2024]

Key Takeaways

Seattle Airport lounges offer a variety of premium experiences, including the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and Alaska Lounge, providing travelers with comfortable seating, food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Access is primarily available via airline status or premium credit cards like American Express Platinum or Priority Pass memberships.
Amenities include local food, showers, and workspaces, with standout features like runway views at Delta Sky Club and craft beers at the Alaska Lounge.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SEA, is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, with millions of travelers passing through each year.

Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or just want a quiet spot to relax before a flight, Seattle airport lounges offer a respite from the bustling terminals.

With several great lounges to choose from, knowing which one best suits your needs is key to upgrading your airport experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top Seattle Tacoma airport lounges in 2024, including amenities, access rules, and what makes each lounge stand out.

Whether you’re looking for a premium VIP experience, a smoking lounge in Seattle Airport (yes, they exist!), or just a comfy spot with good Wi-Fi, we’ve got you covered.

Overview of Seattle Airport Lounges

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is home to a variety of lounges, from high-end VIP experiences to more accessible Priority Pass lounges. No matter your airline, membership status, or credit card perks, you’ll likely find a lounge that meets your needs. SEA offers lounges from major carriers like Delta and Alaska Airlines, as well as dedicated spaces like the Centurion Lounge and several Priority Pass lounges.

But let’s be honest: Not all lounges are created equal. Some are bustling hubs of activity, while others are peaceful sanctuaries. Let’s take a deeper dive into the best lounges in Seattle Airport and how to access them.

Centurion Lounge Seattle Airport (American Express)

Topping the list of Seattle airport lounges is the Centurion Lounge Seattle Airport, located in Concourse B. This is one of the most popular lounges at SEA, thanks to its exclusive access for The Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Centurion cardholders. The Seattle Airport Centurion Lounge stands out for its cozy Pacific Northwest-inspired design and thoughtful amenities.

What to Expect:

Food & Drink
The Centurion Lounge offers a menu curated by local chefs, including regional favorites and fresh, seasonal options. Complimentary premium cocktails, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
Amenities
Comfortable seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, a variety of workspaces, and showers for freshening up before or after your flight.
Access
You’ll need The Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Centurion card to enter. Each cardholder is allowed two guests for free.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of Seattle’s local coffee scene, don’t miss the barista-made drinks at the coffee station. It’s like grabbing a cup from a trendy Seattle café, but without having to leave the airport.

Delta Lounge Seattle Airport (Delta Sky Club)

Next up is the Delta Lounge Seattle Airport, also known as the Delta Sky Club, located in Concourse A. If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, this lounge is a must-visit. With plenty of seating, stylish design, and runway views, it’s a great spot to unwind before your next flight.

What to Expect:

Food & Drink
Complimentary snacks, light meals, and a variety of beverages, including coffee, wine, and cocktails.
Amenities
The lounge offers quiet workspaces, Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating, from bar stools to cozy chairs. If you’re looking to be productive, the Delta Sky Club provides a quieter environment than the main terminal.
Access
Access is available to Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Diamond Medallion members, The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

If you enjoy watching planes take off, grab a seat by the large windows that offer fantastic views of the tarmac. You’ll feel like you’re in a VIP section of the airport.

Alaska Lounge Seattle Airport

Seattle is home turf for Alaska Airlines, so it’s no surprise that the Alaska Lounge Seattle Airport is one of the best lounges in SEA. With multiple locations throughout the airport—Concourse D, Concourse C, and the North Satellite—it’s easy to find a convenient spot to relax before your flight.

What to Expect:

Food & Drink
The Alaska Lounge offers local beers, wines, and cocktails, along with a variety of snacks and light meals. For the early birds, there’s also a DIY pancake machine that’s become a bit of a legend among travelers.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, showers (available in some locations), and friendly service are standard at all Alaska Lounges.
Access
Access is available to Alaska Lounge members, Alaska Airlines first-class passengers, and The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders (with certain restrictions).

The North Satellite Alaska Lounge is the newest and largest of the bunch, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a local craft beer before your flight.

Priority Pass Lounge Seattle Airport

For travelers holding a Priority Pass membership, Seattle has a few lounge options to choose from. The best Priority Pass lounge at SEA is The Club at SEA, with locations in both Concourse A and the South Satellite. These lounges offer a comfortable place to relax, but be prepared for them to get busy during peak travel hours.

What to Expect:

Food & Drink
A modest selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and showers (in the South Satellite location).
Access
Available to travelers with a Priority Pass membership, which is often included with premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The Club at SEA lounges might not be as luxurious as the Centurion Lounge or Delta Sky Club, but they provide a nice break from the terminal’s crowds. The South Satellite location is the quieter of the two, so head there if you have time to spare.

VIP Lounges in Seattle Airport

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, Seattle also offers a range of VIP lounges. These spaces are generally reserved for first-class passengers, members of specific airline loyalty programs, or those holding premium credit cards. For instance, airlines like British Airways and Emirates offer their own lounges for premium passengers.

If your status or ticket doesn’t grant access to a specific lounge, consider purchasing a day pass at one of the more accessible lounges, like The Club at SEA.

Smoking Lounge in Seattle Airport

For those looking for a smoking lounge in Seattle Airport, you might be out of luck—SEA is a completely smoke-free airport. Unlike some international airports, Seattle does not have designated smoking areas inside the terminals or lounges. Smokers will need to head outside the terminal before going through security if they want to light up.

How to Access Seattle Airport Lounges

Access to lounges in Seattle Airport can vary depending on your airline, loyalty program status, or credit card perks. Here are the general rules for lounge access:

Centurion Lounge
Requires an American Express Platinum, Delta Reserve or Centurion card, plus two complimentary guests.
Delta Sky Club
Access for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Diamond Medallion members, The Platinum Card® from American Express or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders, or SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Alaska Lounge
Open to Alaska Lounge members, first-class passengers on Alaska Airlines, and certain credit cardholders.
Priority Pass Lounges
Available to Priority Pass members, which is included with many premium credit cards.

Day passes are also available for purchase at some lounges, including Alaska and Priority Pass lounges. It’s worth checking with your lounge of choice to confirm pricing and availability.

Amenities to Expect in Seattle Airport Lounges

No matter which lounge you choose, there are a few common amenities that you can expect across most Seattle airport lounges:

Complimentary food and drinks
Ranging from light snacks to full meals, plus a variety of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
High-speed Wi-Fi
Essential for staying connected, whether you’re working or streaming your favorite shows.
Showers
Available in select lounges, offering a refreshing break during long layovers or before international flights.
Comfortable seating
With various options from workspaces to cozy chairs, most lounges have seating designed to fit your mood—whether you’re working or lounging.

Best Lounge in Seattle Airport: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the best lounge in Seattle Airport really depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:

For the foodies
The Centurion Lounge Seattle Airport takes the cake with its locally-inspired menu and handcrafted cocktails.
For frequent Delta flyers
The Delta Lounge Seattle Airport is a solid choice with a great selection of food and drink, plus plenty of quiet workspaces.
For a local vibe
The Alaska Lounge Seattle Airport offers regional beers, wines, and cozy seating. The North Satellite location has stunning views of the mountains.
For Priority Pass holders
The Club at SEA lounges offer decent food and drink, but keep in mind they can get crowded.

Upgrading Your SEA Experience

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who just wants to avoid the chaos of the terminal, Seattle airport lounges provide the perfect escape. With a range of options, from the upscale Centurion Lounge Seattle Airport to the more accessible Priority Pass lounges, there’s something for every traveler at SEA.

So next time you’re passing through, skip the crowded food court and unwind in one of these fantastic lounges. You might never want to go back to the main terminal again.