Alaska Airlines, an American airline based in Seattle, Washington, came to TPG to design their premiere lounge area at JFK Airport in NYC. The new space, being leased from TPG’s client British Airways, is located at Terminal 7 and provides first-class passengers with a comfortable lounge area to relax and recharge before flights.

Our design team created a set of design standards for Alaska Airlines that would serve as the brand’s prototype lounge and is intended to be replicated at other airport hubs. The client wanted the space to align with their new corporate branding, values, and overall culture. Instead of the traditional, business-class airport lounge, the client wanted to create a more laid-back, West-coast inspired vibe designed with natural materials and comfortable furniture. The airline wants their guests’ first impression of the lounge to be a very warm, “Instagram-able moment.”

The lounge includes hospitable amenities and a variety of seating areas including their “Take a Breath” quieter, living room area, “Help Yourself” food pantry space, and “Cut Loose” liquor bar. To better define the space, the lounge features more eclectic furniture, open ceilings, and ample lighting and power connectivity. An accent fireplace serves as the lounge’s focal point and creates a less corporate, homier atmosphere.