Relax in Style at LAX’s Airport Lounges

By Adelyn Orfila | 2019

Los Angeles International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the world. In 2018, it handled over 87.5 million passengers. It is a major international gateway to the United States and holds the record for the world’s busiest origin and destination airport, meaning more passengers land and stay in Los Angeles rather than use it as a connection. However, whether passengers are leaving or connecting, amenities around the airport are very useful.

LAX has nine passenger terminals with a total of 128 gates, and each of these gates has upscale and casual restaurants, unique stores, and exclusive airport lounges. Airport lounges are areas for passengers to relax and unwind before their flight or while they wait for their next flight during their connection period. Airport lounges are private and require some kind of membership or respective credit card to enter. Most, if not all have private bars, eateries, sitting areas, restrooms, and some even have sleeping areas and showers. They are perfect for passengers who prefer their space, peace and quiet, and need to unwind away from thousands of other passengers. They are also great for travelers who are on business and need a quiet area to continue working. Lounge concierges also provide personal assistance such as changing seat assignments, checking on upgrades, changing reservations, and checking flight statuses.

LAX Airport Lounges
Source: latimes.com

LAX Lounges

LAX offers 18 lounges for travelers to enjoy:

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in Terminal 6 and welcomes club members, Star Alliance Gold passengers, and Air Canada Business Class passengers. It is located between gates 65A and 65B and is inspired by Canadian design with lots of wood and cozy color choices. Amenities include various seating areas, a dining area, private bathrooms, a bar, and a buffet. Air Canada Food options include a selection of snacks, salads, and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Breakfast includes pastries, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit, coffee and teas. Throughout the day travelers will find small appetizers, salads, and finger foods. Complimentary beverages throughout the day include sodas, wines, and spirits. Below is a quick reference:

  • Location: Terminal 6, between 65A and 65B
  • Hours of Operation: 4:30am – 9:45pm
  • Automatic Access: Club members; Star Alliance Gold passengers; Air Canada Business Class passengers
  • Annual Membership Cost: $375 CAD (Canada Club); $495 CAD (North America Plus); $665 worldwide access
  • Day Pass Cost: Day passes cannot be purchased at the lounge; however, access can be added to existing ticket reservations from Air Canada, Air Canada Rogue, or Air Canada Express. The add-on prices are: latitude fare: $25 CAD; comfort fare: $40 CAD; flex fare: $50 CAD

Air New Zealand Elite Priority One Lounge

The Air New Zealand Priority One Lounge is probably the most exclusive at LAX, exclusive meaning there isn’t really enough information about it on the internet. Some of the amenities include premium food, snacks, and beverages. Located in TBIT, the lounge is only available to Air New Zealand premium passengers and specific travelers on partner airlines, more information here: www.airnewzealand.com/lounges

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal
  • Hours of Operation: 9:15am-12:30am
  • Automatic Access: Air New Zealand premium passengers; certain partner airline passengers
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

Alaska Lounge

The Alaska Lounge is located in Terminal 3 and welcomes First Class passengers as well as Priority Pass members (more on this later on). The cozy, ski- inspired lounge features a seating area, a business area with eight cubicles, a conference room, two phone rooms, private restrooms, a bar, buffet, and dining area. The dining area offers different food choices depending on the time of day. Breakfast has the biggest variety, with options such as pastries, yogurt, eggs, an automated pancake dispensing machine, and Starbucks coffee. For lunch, soups and salads are available. Larger food options can also be purchased. As for beverages, there are soft drinks, wines, local beers, and cocktails.

  • Location: Terminal 3, near Gate 64
  • Hours of Operation: 4:30am – 11:00pm
  • Automatic Access: Priority Pass members; Annual members; First Class flyers
  • Annual Membership Cost: Standard: $450; Mileage Plan MVP: $400; Mileage Plan MVP Gold: $350; Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K: $300
  • Day Pass Cost: $50 standard rate; $25 for eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders; complimentary for active military personnel who are traveling on orders

American Airlines Admirals Club

Los Angeles is actually a hub focus city for American Airlines, so it comes with no surprise that there are three different lounges at LAX for the airline. There is a small Admirals Club for regional flights, a normal-sized Admirals Club, and a Flagship Lounge. The smaller Admirals Club, located in the Regional Terminal across from gates 52D and 52E, is large enough for 42 guests and offers quiet seating areas, a breakfast buffet in the mornings, and a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages. The larger Admirals Club is located in Terminal 4 and has comfortable seating, unlimited food and beverage access, shower suites, private bathrooms, and more. The Flagship Lounge, located in Terminal 4, is exclusively for oneworld long-haul premium passengers and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members. For more information on who is granted access to the Flagship Lounge, click here. The Flagship Lounge has personalized service, more food options such as chef-inspired meals, a premium wine bar, private seating, shower suites, and an exclusive dining room for Flagship First travelers.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX
Source: aa.com

  • Location: Regional Terminal; Terminal 4
  • Hours of Operation: 4:45am – 12:45am
  • Automatic Access: Admirals Club members; First/Business class passengers; oneworld status passengers; Citi/ AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard cardholders
  • Annual Membership Cost: $450-$550
  • Day Pass Cost: $59 at select locations

Delta Sky Club

The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 2 and offers comfortable seating, self-service bar, snacks, and shower suites. There is another Delta Sky Club, located in Terminal 3, with more food options such as charcuterie boards, build-your-own- taco bar, and healthy options as well. Both terminals offer continental breakfast and soups and salads throughout the rest of the day. They are modern and recently renovated.

  • Location: Terminal 2, mezzanine level above Gates 22-24; Terminal 3, second level
  • Hours of Operation: 4:30am - 1:00am
  • Automatic Access: Delta Sky Club members; First and Business Class travelers; American Express Platinum and Centurion Card cardholders; Delta Reserve cardholders.
  • Annual Membership Cost: individual membership: $475; executive membership: $745
  • Day Pass Cost: no day passes available

Emirates Lounge

The Emirates Lounge is an intimate, high-end lounge for just 157 customers at a time. Amenities include an indoor terrace overlooking the famous TBIT atrium, a prayer room, shower suites, and a buffet featuring a variety of high-quality appetizers, cold and hot entrees, soups, salads, and desserts. There is also a bar with wines, spirits, and liquors.

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 6
  • Hours of Operation:12:45pm to 4:45pm
  • Automatic Access: Emirates First Class and Business Class passengers, Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members, Skywards members (additional fee)
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a, only available to those flying with Emirates
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge

The Etihad Lounge is located in TBIT and is adorned in a modern, Arabian design palette featuring lots of bold patterns and dark colors. Amenities include a full sit-down a-la-carte dining service, a buffet, a fully loaded bar, shower suites, and prayer rooms.

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 6
  • Hours of Operation: 1:30 – 4:55pm
  • Automatic Access: Etihad First and Business Class passengers; Etihad Guest Gold and Platinum members; Virgin Australia business class passengers; Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

Korean Airlines KAL Business Class Lounge

The Korean Airlines Lounge is a luxurious lounge with high-end, minimalistic finishes. Sitting at 14,200 sq. ft, the lounge offers various seating arrangements such as couches, communal tables, semi-private nooks, and a dining area. Available is a complimentary business buffet, snacks, finger food, soft drinks, wines and spirits. There is also a nice terrace with views of the atrium.

Korean Airlines Lounge at LAX
source: boardingarea.com

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 5
  • Hours of Operation: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Automatic Access: First class KAL passengers, Million Miler and Morning Calm Premium Club members; Sky Team Elite Plus members, Priority Pass members
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: no day passes available

Los Angeles International Lounge

The Los Angeles International Lounge was established for specific international first and business class airline passengers that do not have designated lounges, and those airlines include Japan Airlines, Philippine Airlines, AirTahitiNui, Fiji Airways, and E-Al. It is pretty basic and has all necessities such as a self-serve bar, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and finger foods like sushi and fruits, and different seating areas for dining, working, and relaxing. Overall, it is not over-the-top, but it provides travelers with a more intimate experience while they wait for their flight.

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 5
  • Hours of Operation: 7:30am – 1:00am
  • Automatic Access: Premium customers from Air Tahiti Nui, El Al, Hainan Airlines, Honk Kong Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: no day passes available

oneworld Los Angeles Lounge

The oneworld Los Angeles Lounge is a high-end lounge exclusively for oneworld premium passengers. The lounge is unique because it is designed for every kind of traveler. There are multiple zones with different vibes and seating areas. There are couches, high-top tables, nooks, and a dining area. The bar area has a faux fireplace surrounded by a cozy circular couch. Amenities include a salad bar, many food options including hot plates and desserts, a fully serviced bar including champagne, and nine shower suites. Out of the lounges explained thus far, this is the most high-end lounge.

One World Lounge LAX
source: thepointsguy.com

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 5
  • Hours of Operation: 6:30am – 1:00am
  • Automatic Access: oneworld premium passengers; oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members; Norwegian and Fiji Airways premium passengers
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: no day passes available

Qantas Club

The Qantas Club is run by Qantas in partnership with British Airways and Cathay Pacific and is for travelers flying on a oneworld flight. It mainly fills up with travelers flying to Australia. The design is sleek and modern, decorated with dark furniture pieces. It is actually very dark in there; natural lighting is scarce, with only the atrium providing some in the center of the club. However, the food options are phenomenal and the options are endless. The Australian-US fusion themed menu was created by famous chef Neil Perry. The bar is also well-stocked and staffed. Other amenities include 16 shower suites.

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 5
  • Hours of Operation: 6:30am – 11:30pm
  • Automatic Access: many have access, for more information, click here
  • Annual Membership Cost: $399
  • Day Pass Cost: $49

Star Alliance Business Class Lounge and Star Alliance First Class Lounge

The Star Alliance Business Class Lounge is the most high-end lounge available at Los Angeles International Airport. The stunning lounge sits at a staggering 18,000 sq. ft and is considered the best lounge LAX has to offer. The layout is what makes this place a crowd favorite; it’s spacious enough where you can still have your privacy even in an open room. The main sitting area features an elegant design with dim recess lighting and hardwood flooring. Dark furniture makes the space cozy while high ceilings keep it airy and refreshing. The dining area flaunts a wide floor-to-ceiling wine wall and café-style seating. Dining options include cold and hot entrees including American and Asian food, a large assortment of soft drink, beer, wine, champagne, and liquor, and several espresso machines throughout the space. As beautiful as the lounge is on the inside, the real takeaway is the large outdoor terrace. With views of the Hollywood hills, the terrace is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Other amenities include eight shower suites and a large theater room.

Star Alliance Lounge LAX
source: premium-flights.com

Across the Business Class lounge is the Star Alliance First Class Lounge, the more intimate and cozier space of the two with seating for just about 30 people. There is a small buffet with finger foods and a self-service bar. Both areas are connected, and passengers can access them in the same visit.

  • Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, level 6
  • Hours of Operation: 7:00am – 1:00am
  • Automatic Access: premium and Star Alliance Gold passengers departing on international flights
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

United Club

The United Club is one of the higher-end and larger domestic lounges at LAX. Sitting at 29,000 sq. ft, it was recently renovated and is now located in Terminal 7. The lounge is fresh and modern with marble accents and follows a United Airlines color scheme, featuring blue, beige, and white hues. It has an open floor plan, so privacy is limited, but there are three slightly secluded quieter areas. There are floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural lighting, perfect for catching up on work. One of the biggest perks is the United Club deck, which is an outdoor seating area with views of the blue skies and Hollywood Hills. Other amenities include: a large buffet area with breakfast in the mornings, snacks, salads, soups, and desserts, a large bar with servers, espresso machines, and a work area. There are no shower suites

  • Location: Terminal 7
  • Hours of Operation: 4:30am – 12:15am
  • Automatic Access: United Club members; premium United Airlines passengers; Star Alliance Gold members; Active U.S. military personnel flying with United; Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members
  • Annual Membership Cost: $550-$650
  • Day Pass Cost: $59

USO Lounge

The USO Lounge is a lounge exclusively for active members of the U.S Military and their families. The lounge, a 4,000 sq. ft space, features a TV area with an expansive movie library, a snack bar, a full-service internet café, a nap room with leather recliners, an outdoor patio with a barbecue, and shower suites.

  • Location: Arrivals Level
  • Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
  • Automatic Access: Military Personnel
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is modern and considered a retreat for adults. It has a chill, chic atmosphere and feels very exclusive and intimate due to its small size. Amenities of this club include snacks, premium food options, beer, wine, spirits and liquor. However, food and beverage options are limited before 11:30am.

  • Location: Terminal 2, level 2
  • Hours of Operation: 5:00 am – last departure of the day
  • Automatic Access: Priority Pass members; premium Virgin Atlantic passengers
  • Annual Membership Cost: n/a
  • Day Pass Cost: n/a

What is Priority Pass?

Throughout the article Priority Pass was mentioned quite a few times. Priority Pass is a membership that grants travelers access to certain lounges throughout the nation, discounts at certain airport restaurants, and other perks. At LAX, the lounges and restaurants include: Rock & Brews, Point the Way Café, P.F. Chang’s, Alaska Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and KAL Lounge. There are different membership levels with different benefits, for more information, visit prioritypass.com/en/join-prioritypass

Overall, LAX offers many lounges to suit many travelers’ needs. Lounges are a great way to relax and unwind before a flight. We hope this article helped explain the expansive list of lounges at LAX!