• Alaska Airlines is opening its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport, featuring thoughtfully designed spaces with twice the square footage and seating of the current space
• The new Lounge reflects the airline’s appreciation for its loyal guests and comes as Alaska continues to expand its service in Portland, offering more flights and more options for guests
• The investment to modernize the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing portfolio to elevate its global guest experience and expand its Lounge footprint, including new spaces in Seattle, San Diego and Honolulu

PORTLAND, Ore., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.

After more than two years of construction, the approximately 14,000-square-foot Lounge will welcome guests with a warm, thoughtfully designed Pacific Northwest aesthetic, featuring an inviting fireplace and a striking wooden Mt. Hood mural by artist Ben Butler. At twice the size of the current Portland Lounge, it offers more than 230 seats, including Alaska’s Signature Loungers, along with high, open ceilings that bring in natural light and views of PDX’s new terminal. Guests can relax, enjoy fresh, regionally inspired food, sip barista-crafted beverages or cocktails from West Coast partners, or take advantage of ample power plugs and privacy booths for calls and meetings.

“Portland guests have chosen Alaska for years and played an important role in our growth in the Pacific Northwest,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, products and guest experience. “This new Lounge is our way of thanking them and a reflection of our growing portfolio of premium guest experiences. We look forward to opening our doors this week and welcoming guests with the signature hospitality and thoughtful touches Alaska is known for.”

Alaska is the largest carrier serving Portland, operating more flights than any other airline, including more than 100 daily departures. Portland is a critical hub in Alaska and Hawaiian’s network with expanding service to over 60 destinations across North America and beyond. This summer, Alaska will launch year-round service to Everett/Paine Field and Pasco–Tri-Cities, along with seasonal service to Jackson Hole. Last month, new service began to Baltimore, Bellingham, Idaho Falls, Philadelphia and St. Louis. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.

“Our strong partnership with Alaska has helped to elevate the new PDX as a world-class destination that showcases the Pacific Northwest and makes everyone feel at home,” said Chris Czarnecki, PDX business and properties director. “We’re thrilled their new PDX Lounge is here for the long-haul, offering travelers a stunning spot to relax, recharge, and experience a taste of our region.”

The nearly $18 million investment in the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing Lounge footprint and broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience as it expands globally. Building on this investment, Alaska just announced its plans to open a landmark, more than 41,000-square-foot Lounge in 2027. The Lounge, which will be located in Seattle – home to the airline’s main hub – will be the largest in its network and among the largest airline lounges in the country. The airline is also designing its first Lounge in San Diego along with a new, expanded Lounge in Honolulu, both slated for early 2028.

Alaska Airlines Lounge members can access eight premium Lounges across the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines network, including its largest Lounge in Seattle and additional locations at its hubs in Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alaska Lounge+ membership unlocks access to all Alaska Lounges, plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, including select oneworld and partner Lounges. To learn more or sign up to become an Alaska Lounge member, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Alaska Airlines opening at Portland International Airport?
A: Alaska Airlines is opening a newly redesigned Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) on June 4, 2026, offering a larger, more modern space with premium amenities, regional food and beverage options, and enhanced comfort for guests.

How big is the new Alaska Lounge in Portland?
A: The new Lounge is approximately 14,000 square feet—about twice the size of the previous Portland Lounge—and features more than 230 seats.

What amenities are available in the new Alaska Lounge at PDX?
A: Guests can enjoy:

• Barista-crafted coffee and specialty beverages
• West Coast-inspired cocktails
• Fresh, locally inspired food
• Signature Lounge seating and private booths
• Ample power outlets and workspaces
• Relaxation areas with premium finishes

Who can access Alaska Airlines Lounges?
A: Access is available to:

• Alaska Lounge members
• Alaska Lounge+ members
• Eligible First Class guests
• Eligible oneworld and partner airline passengers

What is the difference between Alaska Lounge and Lounge+ membership?
A: Alaska Lounge+ membership includes access to all Alaska Lounges plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, while standard Alaska Lounge membership provides access to all eight Alaska-operated Lounges.

Why is Portland important to Alaska Airlines?
A: Portland is one of Alaska Airlines’ key West Coast hubs, with more than 100 daily departures and nonstop service to over 60 destinations across North America. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.

How is Alaska Airlines expanding its Lounge network?
A: Alaska Airlines is investing in multiple new and expanded Lounges, including:

• A 41,000+ square feet landmark Lounge in Seattle opening in 2027
• A new Lounge in San Diego
• An expanded Lounge in Honolulu

How much did Alaska Airlines invest in the new Portland Lounge?
A: Alaska Airlines invested nearly $18 million in the new Portland Lounge as part of its broader investment in premium travel as the airline continues to grow globally.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance told the state House Finance Committee on Monday that the Alaska LNG megaproject could cost the municipality up to $173 million over nine years because of the city’s current tax structure, citing a new report.

The project’s 800-mile pipeline, which would move gas from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska, would not pass through Anchorage. As a result, the city would not receive direct property tax or gas-volume tax from the project, she said.

But thousands of workers associated with construction and related activity would be based in Anchorage, she said.

“Our community will serve as a logistical, operational, transportation, and administrative hub throughout the life of the project,” she said. “That will bring important economic benefits, but it will also create real demands on local government services.”

“Since we rely on property taxes, we don’t get new tax revenues from an influx of people until new homes and commercial properties are built and added to our tax rolls,” she said. “That takes years, but there will be immediate pressure on public safety, emergency response, roads, schools, and other municipal services.”

Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the Legislature into special session to weigh his proposal to cut property taxes to support the LNG line and replace them with a much smaller tax based on gas volume moving through the project.

Proponents say it would deliver long-term natural gas to Alaska, lowering energy costs, and after exports begin, it could provide billions of dollars in revenue for three decades even with the tax cut.

Skeptics fear that too large a rate cut could saddle municipalities and the state with high, uncovered costs to deal with the influx of workers and their demand on roads, police, housing and hospitals.

LaFrance said the municipality supports a community impact fund that would provide some revenue to Anchorage and other communities to help offset costs, she told the House Finance Committee. That idea, and a revenue sharing measure, are currently included in an amended version of the governor’s bill before the committee.

The concerns come as the LaFrance administration takes aggressive steps to build thousands of new homes in the coming years to address a tight housing market in Anchorage.

The report, prepared for the Anchorage Community Development Authority by economist Jonathan King with Halcyon Consulting, found that the project will “create a significant structural fiscal gap for the municipality.”

Lacking a sales tax that would provide immediate revenue as workers arrive, the city would instead lose large amounts of money during construction even if new housing is built, the report says.

But even in the most optimistic scenario, with new housing built in Anchorage for 100% of the workers, the city “will face a structural deficit” several years into the project, the report says.

With no new housing built for the workers, the city will face a cumulative deficit of $173 million over nine years, the report says. If new housing is built for all the workers, the city faces a nine-year deficit of $23 million.

“Avoiding a deficit likely means seeking new tax revenue outside the tax limit calculation, modifying the tax limit calculation, or receiving project impact payments from the state or project owners,” the report says.

Rep. Jeremy Bynum, a Ketchikan Republican, said that there would also be positive long-term effects, including from low energy costs that can support the economy and new industries, and population growth that can shore up dwindling school enrollment.

Nolan Klouda, policy director for LaFrance, said that once exports to foreign countries begin, the project’s gas price can be very affordable for Anchorage and other communities.

“We’re always very concerned about anything that could cause the cost of living to go up,” Klouda said. “So I think that having low-cost heating and power from that natural gas is really critical for our economy.”

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) remains one of the most closely watched state benefit programs in the United States, providing eligible residents with an annual payment funded by the state’s oil and investment revenues.

As June 2026 begins, many Alaskans are checking the status of their applications and looking for updates regarding upcoming dividend payments, eligibility requirements, and payment timelines.

The Alaska Permanent Fund was established in 1976 to manage a portion of the state’s oil wealth for future generations.

Since the first dividend was distributed in 1982, eligible residents have received annual payments that vary depending on the fund’s performance and state policy decisions.

For 2026, the final dividend amount has not yet been fully distributed, but the Alaska Department of Revenue continues to process applications and issue payments throughout the year for applicants whose eligibility is confirmed after the initial distribution date.

According to information provided by the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division, individuals whose applications have been approved and moved into “Eligible-Not Paid” status can receive payments during scheduled monthly distributions.

The state regularly publishes payment schedules for applicants whose cases are finalized after the main dividend release.

While most eligible residents receive their dividend during the primary fall distribution period, additional payments are often issued during subsequent months as application reviews, appeals, and eligibility determinations are completed.

Who qualifies for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?

To receive a PFD payment, applicants must meet several residency and legal requirements established by the state.

Generally, an applicant must have been a resident of Alaska for the entire calendar year preceding the application period and must intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely.

The program also requires applicants to have been physically present in the state for a minimum period unless an allowable absence applies.

The PFD Division reviews a wide range of factors when determining eligibility, including residency history, time spent outside Alaska, criminal convictions, and other legal considerations.

Certain individuals may be disqualified based on incarceration status or specific criminal offenses during the qualifying year.

Residents must also submit an application during the annual filing period, which typically runs from January 1 through March 31.

The review process can take several months, particularly when additional documentation is required. Applicants can monitor their status through the state’s online portal, where updates regarding eligibility decisions and payment schedules are posted.

How much could recipients receive?

The exact 2026 dividend amount depends on calculations approved by state officials and the performance of the Permanent Fund.

In recent years, dividend payments have fluctuated significantly as lawmakers debated the appropriate balance between resident distributions and state budget priorities.

The Permanent Fund itself has grown into one of the largest sovereign wealth-style funds in the world, with assets valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

Earnings generated by the fund’s investments help support both annual dividends and government services.

Although payment amounts vary from year to year, the dividend remains an important source of income for many Alaskans.

Some families use the funds to cover essential household expenses, while others apply the money toward education, savings, transportation costs, or seasonal needs.

For June 2026, residents whose applications have recently reached approved status should continue monitoring official PFD communications for specific payment dates.

The state periodically issues updated schedules as more applications move through the review process.

As Alaska’s unique dividend program enters another year, the Permanent Fund Dividend continues to serve as a distinctive example of how resource revenues can be shared directly with residents while preserving long-term financial assets for future generations.