Alaska Airlines announced Monday that it is planning to develop a new lounge at San Diego airport’s Terminal 2, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Once complete, it would mark the third airline lounge in the terminal. The other two currently operating are affiliated with United and Delta airlines. Come 2028, when the new Terminal 1 project is complete, Delta, which will relocate there, will open a new lounge, airport spokesperson Nicole Hall said.

The decision to add a lounge in San Diego is part of a multi-billion-dollar investment in airport and lounge projects across the Alaska Airlines network, with the goal of upgrading the passenger experience, an airline spokesperson said.

The airline says the new lounge will be one of the largest among those already at the airport. The 13,000-square-foot space will include private work areas, locally inspired refreshments and fresh local bites, a full bar showcasing signature cocktails, and a barista station for handcrafted espresso beverages.

Because details are still sketchy, Alaska was unable to say where in Terminal 2 the new lounge will be or whether it will be redeveloping an existing venue.

“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,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience at Alaska Airlines. “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.”

While Alaska isn’t the largest airline at the San Diego International Airport, it offers the most nonstops — 45 — of any other carrier. Among the new destinations added this year are Phoenix, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Reagan National in Washington, D.C., and Medford, Ore.

“We are very pleased to see Alaska continue to grow at SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, president of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Providing an exceptional customer experience at our airport is at the heart of our purpose. Alaska’s new lounge will offer travelers an enhanced option for dining and relaxing while experiencing all that our airport offers.”

Originally Published: September 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM PDT