If you are flying out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and have a Priority Pass, you will need to know the best LAX airport lounge you can get into. A Priority Pass gives you access to more than 1,200 airport lounges in 143 countries and 500 cities worldwide.
Most international airlines fly out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX, but some leave or arrive at terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. It is worth noting LAX’s terminal buildings are connected airside, so you can walk or shuttle between airport lounges if you’re flying out of a different terminal from the lounge that you want to use.
Free Airport Lounge Access
If you have not paid for Business Class or First Class, you can access airport lounges for a fee or for free if you have a Priority Pass or an Amex Platinum card. To get extra bonus referral points and advice on the Platinum American Express and other free-lounge-access credit cards, have a read of our best credit cards for luxury travel.
1. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Terminal 2
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Terminal 2 is a fantastic lounge that apparently cost nearly $4 million USD to build 5-ish years ago. It has around 4,000 ft² of floor space and is designed by the same team as the other Clubhouses at JFK and Newark.
Best of all, this is a Priority Pass lounge. Although there’s a reduced food and beverage offering during the hours, this lounge is open to Priority Pass members. The food selection consists of fruit, pastries, yogurt, and cereal, and drinks are limited to soft drinks, beer, and wine.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Terminal 2, takes its design cues from the west coast landscape, with accents of gold to reflect the famous LA sunshine. The walls are adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork, including an installation by California-based digital artist Diana Reichenbach, whose work is shown alongside a hand-drawn mural from British artist Vic Lee.
Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, of course, an apothecary-inspired bar with signature cocktails and juice options, and great food. What really stands out about this lounge is the wall of windows offering a view over the planes and overlooking the Hollywood Hills.
The centerpiece of the lounge is a copper-lined bar, showcasing natural Californian produce and plants as well as their famous bar service featuring fabulous cocktails. Working with The Juicery, They’ve created healthy juice options infused with seeds and spices.
Spaces for relaxing and socializing are framed by panoramic views that span from the aircraft outside the window to the Hollywood sign and the mountains beyond. Fully Wi-Fi-enabled, the lounge provides all the tools that fliers need to get work done before taking off while delighting them with surprising details in the design.
The food and drink concept allows customers to taste and share several dishes, creating a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. The food itself takes inspiration from the clean, healthy west coast lifestyle. Working in collaboration with Hinoki and the Bird, one of LA’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, Virgin has created a travel-inspired menu that capitalizes on the amazing produce available throughout California.
Entry into the Clubhouse is also complimentary for Upper-Class passengers traveling between Los Angeles and London Heathrow.
2. Alaska Airlines Lounge, Terminal 6
This new lounge is a part of Priority Pass and is found after security in Terminal 6 at LAX. Walk towards Gate 64 and look for the Alaska lounge sign. You then take the lift up to the lounge.
You can access this lounge if you are an Alaska Lounge member, Admirals Club member, flying in First, or have a Priority Pass.
The lounge is bright and light, with a wall of windows looking out to the planes. There are many smart, stylish seats, including high tables and stools, sofa seats, cafe seats, and plenty of power points and USB ports. There’s also a kid’s play area, and there are workstations.
The buffet is OK but more snacky than filling, with hard-boiled eggs, bagels, yogurt, and oatmeal for breakfast and soups, salads and cookies in the afternoon. There’s also a pancake machine, local beers on draft, wine and spirits for free, and premium food and liquor available for purchase.
Overall this lounge is a really nice space, beautifully designed, and gets a big thumbs up from us. The main problem with the lounge is the food is rather limited compared to other airport lounges at LAX.
3. Korean Air SkyTeam lounge, Tom Bradley International Terminal
This lounge may well be the worst airline lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal. It is small and uninteresting, the food and alcohol selection is underwhelming, and it can get very crowded. The Business Class and First Class sections have terraces that overlook the terminal. The Business buffet is cold, but the First Class buffet also has a hot section. The Business Class lounge also offers shower suites.
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