SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2002--A quiet relaxed atmosphere, a glass of wine, the latest in wireless connections and voice over IP phones -- they may sound a bit incongruous, but not at Alaska Airlines' new Board Room at Portland International Airport today.

Whether it's a place to take a break from the airport rush or to complete a key project while waiting for a flight, the new 3,400-square-foot Board Room, which opened today, meets the need.

Nearly twice the size of Alaska's previous lounge, the Board Room provides workstations with dialup, DSL and wireless connectivity, as well as voice over IP phones and a printer, copier, fax machine, conference room and other business amenities.

It also offers complimentary snacks and beverages in a quiet first-class atmosphere where Board Room members can relax and enjoy Alaska's award-winning service on the ground.

"We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service and amenities for our Board room members," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska's executive vice president of marketing and planning.

Slate floors, granite countertops and cherry woodwork are a model of Alaska's new generation of Board Rooms, including the Seattle lounge, which is currently under renovation.

In addition to the complimentary beverages, the new "Premium-Call" program offers a special selection of premium wines, microbrews and spirits for a nominal charge.

The Board Room, located across from Gate C5, is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Saturdays when it will close at 5 p.m.

Annual Board Room membership, valid at all Alaska Airlines Board Room locations, is available for a fee of $175, plus a one-time initiation fee of $100. The initiation fee is waived for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold members.

Board Rooms are located in Seattle, Anchorage, San Francisco, Vancouver and Los Angeles. And Board Room membership also is valid for access to American Airlines Admirals Clubs at Chicago's O'Hare airport and Washington, D.C.'s Dulles airport when traveling on Alaska. It is also valid for the Northwest Airlines World Club at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and at all other domestic World Clubs when traveling on Northwest Airlines.

Additional information on Board Rooms is available on the Web at: www2.alaskaair.com/flights/boardroom/BRwelcome.asp.

Alaska Airlines and regional carrier Horizon Air together serve 80 cities in North America, including six resort destinations in Mexico. The highly respected Zagat Airline Survey rated Alaska as the best major U.S. carrier. That recognition came on the heels of similar accolades from the readers of Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines, both of which also rated Alaska the best major U.S. airline.

For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com.

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CONTACT:	Alaska Airlines
	Jack Walsh, 206/901-8753
	or
	Jack Evans, 206/433-3134