Alaska Airlines Bets Big on Anchorage with Lounge Expansion and New Flights
A redesigned lounge and expanded routes underscore the airline's commitment to growing air travel in The Last Frontier
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines continues its transformation into a global carrier by doubling its commitment to one of its key hubs, Anchorage, where the airline is reopening its newly expanded Alaska Lounge and introducing new nonstop routes.
After nearly a year of construction and development, Alaska has unveiled a refreshed lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This upgraded facility provides a spacious premium lounge for travelers, increasing seating capacity from 65 to 140 and adding 2,600 square feet of additional space.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
The expansion of this lounge is part of Alaska’s broader $60 million Great Land Investment Plan, which aims to enhance airport facilities across the state.
“The Anchorage Lounge is one of the busiest in our network, and we can’t wait to welcome back guests to this newly refreshed space as they travel through Anchorage,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, Vice President of Guest Products and Experience at Alaska Airlines.
“Providing an elevated travel experience is just one way to show we care for our guests and thank them for their loyalty.”
Design and Amenities
Located in Concourse C near Gate C-1, the expanded lounge features modern, Alaskan-inspired interiors, comfortable seating with ample power outlets, and stunning tarmac views.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Guests can enjoy complimentary fresh, seasonal food, premium beverages, and handcrafted espresso drinks made with locally roasted beans from Kaladi Brothers.
The lounge also showcases Alaskan artistry, with a rotating collection curated in partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
“We’re proud to offer our guests a space that feels both modern and deeply connected to Alaska’s rich culture,” said Marilyn Romano, Regional Vice President of Alaska for the airline.
“This year, we’ll feature a carefully curated collection representing the five major cultural regions of Alaska. We hope our guests visiting the Anchorage Lounge feel a true sense of place as they recharge.”
Anchorage’s Growing Importance
As the newly expanded lounge welcomes travelers, Alaska Airlines is also enhancing Anchorage’s connectivity with new nonstop seasonal routes.
Starting June 14, the airline will launch nonstop flights from Anchorage to Detroit (DTW) and Sacramento (SMF), bringing the total number of direct destinations from ANC to a record 15 for the summer season.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
“These new routes provide guests with more options than ever to vacation this summer in the great state of Alaska,” said Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines.
“The nonstop flights from Detroit and Sacramento will put travelers right in the heart of Alaska by skipping a layover, and Portlanders can enjoy nonstop service to Fairbanks.”
Alaska will also resume daily nonstop service from its other key Alaskan gateway, Fairbanks (FAI), to Portland (PDX) on May 15.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
The expanded network provides residents and visitors easier access to major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and New York (JFK).
“Summer is a tremendous time to visit The Great Land of Alaska with our long, warm days, tremendous culture and adventure, and amazing wild Alaska seafood,” said Romano. “Anchorage serves as a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the state and even hopping on a cruise.”
More Flights Between Anchorage and Seattle
And further growing its presence in Anchorage, Alaska is integrating its newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines widebody planes into its summer schedule. This addition not only increases capacity but also enhances inflight service by offering a full business class with flat beds.
Photo: Airbus A330 Premium Cabin. Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines
According to CEO Ben Minicucci, between June 12 and August 20, 2025, the Airbus aircraft, painted in Hawaiian Airlines colors, will operate flights between Seattle (SEA) and Anchorage (ANC), providing greater capacity on one of Alaska’s busiest routes.
The airline plans to offer at least 18 daily round-trip flights between Seattle and Anchorage during the peak summer travel season, Minicucci informed Aviation Week Network in December 2024.
A Bright Future for Anchorage Travelers
The dual investment in Anchorage’s infrastructure and air service echoes Alaska’s long-term vision for the city as a critical hub for both leisure and business travelers.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Whether enjoying the comforts of the newly expanded lounge or taking advantage of new nonstop connections, passengers passing through ANC now have more options to make their journey seamless and enjoyable.
