Airline/Club Name: Alaska Airlines Boardroom

Location: Seattle/Tacoma Int’l (SEA)

Terminal/Concourse: Between Terminals C & D-Airside.

Notes: Alaska Airline’s only lounge at Seattle/Tacoma can get pretty busy, but is pretty well equipped to handle the crowd. Split into 2 floors with a different setup & feel to each, Alaska caters well to both the business and leisure crowds. The upstairs has large TVs and more of a lively atmosphere whereas the lower level is quiet and better suited for getting some work done.

Wi-Fi & Workstations: Wi-Fi was free and worked well during my visit. Workstations are a bit minimalist in appearance but do the trick. Each is equipped with standard power ports. 2 conference rooms are also available for use.

Service/Food & Drink: Front desk service was exceptional. The layout of the club was fully explained and the warm, friendly staff was very accommodating. Service inside was just as friendly,  even the cleanup crew was sweet and conversational. (Perhaps living in NYC has made this kind of behavior stand out more to me, but it was a nice change.) Snacks were good but not extraordinary. Cheeses, snack mixes and fruits/veggies were available. We missed the complimentary pancakes from their fascinating instant pancake maker (available from 5am – 10am daily).

Convenience to gate: If you’re flying Alaska Airlines it’s very convenient in most cases. Operating primarily from the C & D concourses your walk to the gate shouldn’t be too far. A bit farther if you’re flying other carriers.

Rating: 4.5 hops (of 5)

How we got in/Strategy: Priority Pass membership (recommended) allows you to enter member clubs like this one worldwide. A must-have if you’re planning to visit several lounges over the next year. Single visit passes are $45 but day passes still seem like less-than a deal to us. As is the norm, First and Business Class passengers enter at no additional charge.

Airline/Club Name: Delta SkyClub

Location: Newark Int’l (EWR)

Terminal/Concourse: Terminal B-Airside. Between main terminal and Delta satellite.

Notes: A wide open lounge with typical amenities for a US domestic SkyClub. All beverages are self serve including alcoholic beverages. At our late-weekday visit, the lounge was a little crowded but there was no problem finding a seat and didn’t feel cramped. Workstation cubicles are oddly placed in the center of the club and are separated from fax & copy machines which we found to be a bit inconvenient and a little odd.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is free at all Delta Sky Clubs. No signal problems or difficulty setting up.

Service/Food & Drink: Front desk service was cordial but nothing extraordinary. Cleanup and service staff were about average keeping the lounge picked up and snack items stocked (albeit a little slow).

Convenience to gate: Located airside (past security) halfway between the main terminal and the Delta satellite it will be just steps to your gate (provided You’re flung on Delta).

Rating: 3.5p hops (of 5)

How we got in/Strategy: Using a Delta branded American Express card we were allowed entry for $25 per person (cardholder plus guest). As of 10/15/2010  single visit passes are available for $50 and (as of the same date). Delta also offers a 60 day full membership for $90. A great option if you’re traveling frequently over a short period, particularly if you have guests (up to 2 guests are allowed in for free on each visit). Certain high-level SkyMiles Elite members are also granted complimentary access to SkyClubs.

Airline/Club Name: (Independent) Oasis Lounge
Location: New York Kennedy (JFK)
Terminal/Concourse: Terminal 4 – Landside.  Beyond check-in area (same level) to the left.

Notes: This is a reasonably large club with amenities beyond that of a US domestic lounge, largely because most flights from Terminal 4 are international departures. Different types of seating are available from deep leather seats, to the family kitchen style area shown in the accompanying video.  In 2 daytime visits this lounge hasn’t been too crowded, but as you’d expect, it can get busy with flight delays or evenings when there are more trans-Atlantic flights departing. The common areas in this terminal aren’t a bad alternative with decent shopping and food choices, but if it’s a particularly busy day The Oasis is a good place to be.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is free. A number of stationary computers are also available.

Service/Food & Drink: Service was friendly but nothing above ordinary. Food and Drinks are self-serve and employees regularly clean up and keep food/drink areas stocked. The bar is self service and above average in our opinion (if only because they had fresh limes out for gin & tonics). Different food items are offered through the day. We enjoyed sandwiches, fruits & vegetables on our late morning visit. Later and earlier day visits have hot meals.

Convenience to gate: All lounges at Terminal 4 are landside (before security). To be safe,  give  yourself an extra 15-20 minutes to get to the gate…or more if the airport is crowded.

Rating: 4.5 hops (of 5)

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How we got in/Strategy: We used our Priority Pass membership (recommended) to enter the Oasis Lounge. As of 7/15/2010 single visit passes are available for $45 up to 5 hours and $10 each additional hour. Also, if  you’re already a paid member of Delta Sky Clubs, Continental Presidents Clubs or are flying internationally in  business/first class on a number of  carriers such as Singapore, Thai or KLM airlines you’ll have complimentary access to the lounge.   [/access]