Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders now get free, fancy cocktails at some Alaska Airlines lounges

Alaska Airlines recently relaunched its new loyalty program, called Atmos Rewards, along with newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines — and with it came a new premium credit card offering. Now that it has a brand-new card offering a few innovative perks, Alaska is turning to creative ways to draw these premium cardholders to its lounges.

The new Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card comes with plenty of benefits, some of which are new to the program. These include:

• Eight Alaska Lounge passes (doled out twice per calendar quarter)
• Global Companion Awards
• Travel delay protection
• No same-day change fees
• No partner award booking fees on redemptions
• A $120 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit every four years
• 10,000 status points every card anniversary
• Ability to transfer points to hotel loyalty programs
• Points sharing with up to 10 Atmos Rewards loyalty program members

But one of the more unusual benefits we have learned about is the elevated bar program at Alaska Lounges. The airline operates a network of nine airport lounges, all of which are in West Coast airports with the exception of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Most of these lounges have been either recently opened or newly renovated and offer a quiet respite from the general boarding area.

Related: Alaska Trifecta: Why I signed up for the new premium Atmos Rewards Summit credit card

While certainly not a reason to get this new credit card, it is a great strategy from Alaska Airlines to entice some of its premium cardholders to come to its lounges as a way to try and gain more of their loyalty.

What is Alaska’s elevated bar program?

In years past, Alaska has offered tea, brewed and barista-made coffee, and soft drink options, in addition to West Coast wines and beer. But as part of this new lounge perk rollout, Alaska Lounges is now offering a mixologist-curated drinks menu with seasonal cocktails made with premium spirits.

Some of the drink options include The Summit Sunset, a Woodford Reserve bourbon-based cocktail (available exclusively to Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders), as well as nonalcoholic offerings like the Citrus Bloom and the Spiced Mule.

The elevated bar program is currently available at all three Alaska Lounge locations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). October will see the rollout of this program to all other Alaska Lounge locations.

Related: Are we all (mostly) winners? My take on Alaska’s new unified Atmos Rewards program

Who can enjoy Alaska’s elevated bar program?

Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders can enjoy this program at no additional cost. If you’re of drinking age, all you need to do is show your Summit card (either the physical card or the digital version on your phone wallet) to the bartender. If you visit the lounge with a companion, you can treat them to a complimentary bar selection as well.

If you haven’t applied for the new Atmos Rewards Summit card — or haven’t received yours in the mail yet — you can still enjoy some of the elevated bar options for a modest upcharge of $7 for the nonalcoholic drinks and $9 for premium cocktails.

Alaska Lounges are accessible to those with a membership and anyone flying Alaska or Hawaiian on paid or award tickets in first class with at least one flight longer than 2,000 miles. If you do not have an Alaska Lounge membership, you can purchase a day pass for $65; members of the military can buy a day pass for a reduced rate of $35. Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders enjoy eight passes every year at no additional cost.

Related: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points toward Alaska Airlines flights with new Atmos Rewards card offers

Bottom line

While complimentary elevated bar options won’t be the deciding factor in applying for a premium credit card, it is great to see new lounge perks offered to premium cardholders.

As a Seattle-based Alaska flyer with elite status for more than a decade, I have generally opted to visit other airport lounges with more upgraded spaces and food and beverage offerings. However, seeing Alaska’s recent lounge renovations and menu offerings may drive me back to Alaska Lounges on my next trips.

Apply here: Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card

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• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed