Alaska Airlines recently re-launched its new loyalty program, called Atmos Rewards, along with the newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines, and with it a new premium credit card product. Now that it has a brand new card that offers some innovative privileges, Alaska is turning to innovative ways to attract these premium cardholders to the lounge.
New Atmos™ Rewards Summit VisaInfinite® Credit Card There are many benefits, some of which are new benefits of the program. These include:
- Eight Alaska Lounge Passes (twice per calendar quarter)
- Global Companion Award
- Travel Delay Protection
- No change fee on the same day
- No partner reward booking redemption fee
- $120 TSA Precheck/Global Entrance Fee
- 10,000 Status Points for each card anniversary
- Ability to transfer points to hotel loyalty programs
- Points Sharing Up to 10 Atmos Reward Loyalty Program Members
However, one of the most unusual benefits we learned is the elevated bar plan for the Alaska lounge. The airline operates a network of nine airport lounges, all at West Coast airports, except for New York’s John Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Most of these lounges are recently opened or newly renovated and provide a quiet breath from the general boarding area.
Related: Alaska Trifecta: Why I Signed Up for New Advanced ATMOS Rewards Credit Card
While certainly not a reason to get this new credit card, a great strategy for Alaska Airlines is to attract some premium cardholders to the lounge to try to gain more loyalty.
What are the plans for an elevated bar in Alaska?
In addition to the West Coast wine and beer, Alaska has also served tea, brewed and coffee made by baristas, as well as soft drinks. But as part of this new lounge boost promotion, the Alaska Lounge now offers a bartender-curated drink menu with seasonal cocktails.
Some beverage options include The Summit Sunset, a cocktail from Woodford Reserve Bourbon (specially used for Atmos Rewards Summit cardholder), and non-alcoholic beverages such as citrus flowers and spices.
The elevated bar program is currently available in all three Alaska lounges at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). October will enable the program to launch all other Alaska lounge locations.
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Related: Are we all (mostly) winners? My thoughts on Alaska’s new unified atmospheric rewards program
Who can enjoy Alaska’s elevated bar program?
Atmos Rewards Summit Cardholders can enjoy this program without additional need. If you are drinking age, all you need to do is show your summit card (physical or digital version on your mobile wallet) to the bartender. If you visit the lounge with your companions, you can also consider them as a free bar option.
If you haven’t applied for a new Atmos Rewards Summit card (or haven’t received you in the email yet), you can still enjoy some overhead bar options for $9 for modest HD and premium cocktails for non-alcoholic beverages.
Memberships can access the Alaska lounge and anyone who flies at least one flight over 2,000 miles in a first-class paid or reward ticket. If you don’t have an Alaska Lounge membership, you can buy a one-day pass for $65; military members can buy a one-day pass for a lowered tax rate of $35. Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders enjoy eight passes a year at no additional cost.
Related: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points to Alaska Airlines flights with the new Atmos reward card
Bottom line
While the free overhead bar option is not the decisive factor in applying for a premium credit card, it’s nice to see the new lounge allowance available to premium cardholders.
As a Seattle-based Alaska flyer with over a decade of elite status, I usually choose to visit other airport lounges with more upgraded spaces as well as food and drinks. However, seeing the recent lounge renovations and menu products in Alaska might bring me back to the Alaska lounge on my next trip.
Apply here: Atmos™ Rewards Summit VisaInfinite® Credit Card
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