Are you an Alaska Airlines loyalist? Here's why you need the Citi / AAdvantage Executive

When choosing a cobranded airline card, it's natural to focus on the airlines you fly most often. After all, benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and a faster path to elite status are usually most valuable when you're loyal to that airline.But, I often encourage people to think beyond a card's airline or hotel partner when deciding whether it makes sense for them.Take the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees), for example. This card provides a complimentary Admirals Club membership to help cardholders justify its $695 annual fee. On the surface, it seems like that would only be useful for American Airlines' biggest fans.But an Admirals Club membership offers something extra: complimentary access to Alaska Airlines lounges.Here's how Alaska loyalists can maximize this card without ever setting foot on an American Airlines flight.Alaska Airlines lounge accessThrough the Admirals Club membership you receive with your AAdvantage Executive, you'll enjoy complimentary access to Alaska lounges whenever you're flying on a same-day American, Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines flight. Note that this access isn't extended to authorized users, and y...