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This article appears in print in the January 2020 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Something special is brewing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s new flagship Alaska Airlines Lounge and, no, we’re not only talking about the dozen or so beers on tap, including an exclusive Lounge Life IPA by Fremont Brewing.

Opened in July and located on the mezzanine level of the North Satellite Terminal, the 15,800-square-foot oasis boasts postcard views of Mount Rainier and embodies Alaska’s customer-centric ethos, starting with biometric fingerprint readers at the concierge-attended entrance, which establishes the unique sense of prestige carried throughout the space. Aviation enthusiasts might spot subtle interior design nods to the field—such as light fixtures resembling plane engines and propeller-inspired partitions—but those quickly blend into the welcoming atmosphere, an ambiance made all the more inviting with amenities intended to help guests relax and recharge, such as custom-made lounge chairs and a fully stocked bar. One of our favorites? A pancake-maker that can reportedly “print” 180 pancakes in an hour. Weary travelers can put their feet up here as a lounge member ($450/year), with a first-class ticket or by simply purchasing a day pass ($50). The new lounge marks a milestone in a total renovation of the North Satellite, which will wrap up in mid-2021.