Here's what you'll get at Delta's new airport lounge in Sea-Tac (and what it costs)

As a frequent traveler, I'm something of a lounge lizard. Airport lounges, that is.

In Alaska, there's just one lounge: Alaska Air's Board Room club in Anchorage. If I'm flying out of Anchorage, it's typically my first stop after passing through security at the airport.

The lounges can be an important part of an airline's passenger experience. It's also another way for carriers to compete.

That's what's going on in Seattle, where both Alaska Airlines and Delta are opening new lounges. Last week, Delta opened one of the biggest "Sky Club" lounges in its system, between the A and B concourses. At 21,000 square feet, the lounge cost $24 million to complete, according to Mike Medeiros, Delta's vice president for Seattle.

"I just got back from a Sky Club opening in Atlanta, Delta's primary hub," said Medeiros. "But this lounge is nicer." The two-story lounge features huge, floor-to-ceiling windows that can be tinted on command to protect guests from glare, while still affording views of Mount Rainier. Of course, you have to look past all of the planes coming and going to see the mountain — but it's out there!

The newly opened lounge is Delta's second at Sea-Tac. The first is at the S terminal, where the international flights arrive. That lounge has showers, special amenity packs, a "quiet zone," a buffet and high-back, wrap-around chairs with laptop stands that act like a mini-cocoon for travelers to relax between flights.

Delta's new club, just past the security check near gate A-1, has a spa, six shower stations, a large buffet, a full bar, local art and plenty of room to spread out and relax. The lounge seems designed with the long-haul international traveler in mind. (Delta's nonstop flight from Seattle to Hong Kong, for example, is almost 14 hours long.)

There are all sorts of seating configurations in the club, most of which feature power ports for charging your phone and laptop. There are comfy, low-slung leather swivel chairs around a table, window seats where four people can sit and chat, or work stations where travelers can spread out and tap away on your laptop.

But the action is away from the windows at the back of the lounge, starting with the bar and the buffet. Seattle chef Ethan Stowell is developing locally inspired menu items to serve at the club, but a staple will be Beecher's Mac-and-Cheese. You might have had it before if you've stopped at the cheesemaker's storefront at Pike Place Market. In the club, they add some bacon. The staff changes out the offerings between breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bar features a selection of free drinks, as well as a robust collection of top-shelf items, including premium wines curated by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

Next to the bar is the "Asanda Spa," complete with a mini-store for travelers to purchase their favorite lotions to take home. You can purchase a shoulder rub, a full massage, a facial or other massage services, for $35-$100 depending on the length of your session. There's also a guided meditation room, designed by Deepak Chopra. This includes some noise-reducing headphones in an oversized recliner chair, set in a quiet, dimly-lit room.

What it costs

All these services come with a price, of course.

You can buy a day pass for $59. You can also buy a membership for $400 per year, which includes admission to more than 250 Sky Clubs and partner lounges around the world. That's a bit less than Alaska Air's Board Room, at $450 per year. With your Alaska membership, you also gain access to many American Airlines lounges.

Alaska Airlines is building more lounges at Sea-Tac, by the way. In addition to the main lounge between the C and D concourses, there's a lounge in the North Satellite near the "N" gates. But it's just a temporary club while they build a larger club up on the roof. Alaska also plans to build a third club near the end of the C concourse.

Here's a "travel secret" about getting in to the lounges. I had done some investigating on my own, but it was a Delta employee who confirmed it. If you get an American Express Platinum Card there is a $450 annual fee. But that includes access to all Delta Sky Clubs and Amex's collection of "Centurion Lounges" (including the lounge on Sea-Tac's B concourse). With the platinum card, you also get a free "Priority Pass Select" membership, which includes admission to Alaska Air's Board Rooms. You also get "Gold" status with both Hilton and Starwood Preferred Guest (Westin and Sheraton). Additionally, when you get the platinum card and spend $3,000 in the first three months, you'll receive a 40,000 point bonus toward your "Membership Rewards" account.

For more travel secrets, join me at a "Travel Secrets: World Edition" event Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum (Disclaimer: I am the organizer of this event). This presentation features new strategies for international travel, some travel stories, prizes and Moose's Tooth pizza. Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.