Alaska Airlines is expanding its lounge network across its airport hubs. As part of its latest investment, the carrier is planning to develop a new lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Once complete, it will mark the third airline lounge at the airport’s Terminal 2.
The airline plans to make the San Diego lounge one of the largest in the airport, offering a 13,000-square-foot premium space for passengers traveling to more than 45 destinations on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. The announcement comes as Alaska Airlines gains momentum in its integration with Hawaiian Airlines following the merger of the two carriers.
Investing In San Diego Hub
Alaska Airlines has been expanding its presence at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in recent years. The investment in a new lounge at San Diego’s Terminal 2 follows a 30% increase in flight frequencies and the addition of three new nonstop routes just six months ago. The cost to build an Alaska Airlines lounge in San Diego has not been publicly disclosed.
At 13,000 square feet, the new lounge will rank among the largest premium spaces at SAN. Alaska Airlines claims that the lounge will welcome passengers flying to more than 45 nonstop destinations on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, offering the widest network of any other rival carrier at the airport.
While the carrier did not share the rendering of the new lounge space, it said that it will include work areas, a selection of local refreshments and fresh bites, a full bar featuring signature cocktails, and a barista station for handcrafted espresso beverages. Commenting on the investment, Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience at Alaska Airlines, said:
“Our Lounges are more than just a place for guests to wait for their next flight. They’re an extension of our signature hospitality and comfort that our guests experience each time they fly with us. With our new San Diego Lounge on the horizon, we’re shaping the future of travel with spaces designed to make travel feel seamless, elevated and welcoming.”
Lounge Options At SAN Terminal 2
When completed, the new Alaska Airlines lounge at San Diego International Airport will become the third airline lounge in Terminal 2, joining the United Club and Delta Sky Club. Terminal 2 also houses two non-airline lounges, including the Aspire Lounge and the Chase Sapphire Lounge.
Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, said the organization is pleased with Alaska Airlines’ continued growth at SAN. She noted that, together with Hawaiian Airlines, the combined network provides strong connectivity. Through the oneworld alliance and global partners, travelers also gain seamless one-stop access to more than 330 destinations worldwide from San Diego International Airport, making the demand for additional premium spaces a natural next step.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Lounge can be found in six locations across US airports, including Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), and Anchorage (ANC), according to the airline. It is worth noting that first class passengers flying over 2,000 miles get complimentary access to all Alaska Lounges, while Lounge+ members can access every Alaska Lounge and nearly 90 partner lounges, like the American Airlines Admirals Club.
Alaska’s Growth At SAN
In March 2025, Alaska Airlines announced new nonstop routes and more flights from San Diego to bring travelers better connectivity and convenience.
On August 20, 2025, the airline launched year-round nonstop service to Phoenix (PHX) with three daily flights. On October 4, 2025, the carrier will launch nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Denver (DEN), with three daily flights on each route.
Additionally, beginning October 26, Alaska Airlines will increase service on some of the most popular routes from San Diego by more than 50%. This includes six daily nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Sacramento, and San Jose, California, as well as three daily flights to Salt Lake City.