Review: Los Angeles International Star Alliance Lounge

Los Angeles International Airport has inaugurated its new international terminal, which was something the airport sorely needed as the West Coast’s primary gate way to the world. Along with the new terminal is a variety of lounges that are worthy of some of the greatest examples in the world. We take a peek at the new Star Alliance lounge at LAX, which is used by almost all international member airlines of the alliance.

LAX Star Alliance Lounge The entrance is manned by two reception pods where agents scan tickets to permit access. When they are not manned, passengers can proceed inside to be assisted at the reception desk. What is unique about LAX is that passengers can enter any terminal at the airport as long as they have a same-day boarding pass. So even if not traveling from the Tom Bradley international terminal, where the lounge is located, passengers with a boarding pass from any terminal in LAX can enter the terminal. But, be aware that only those traveling internationally with Star Alliance Gold status or in a premium cabin with the alliance can access the business class lounge. The reception desk has three stations to swiftly move crowds through, although with flights spaced out throughout the day, things are rarely busy except for during the mid-afternoon (when most Europe-bound flights depart). At the reception desk, there is a beautiful Airbus A380 aircraft model painted in the alliance’s catching livery, and many passengers were stopping for a photo with it during my visit. Plentiful storage space is available for luggage although most passengers seemed to keep their carry-on bags with them in the lounge, which added to the clutter and often blocked one of the empty seats next to them. Luckily, there are so many seating lounges that there is enough space for everyone. The lounge has a number of types of lounge areas from sofas and armchairs to small conversation areas. Artwork—including a piece with the famous Hollywood sign—throughout spurs conversation. A dim TV room has cushioned chairs and is a great place to curl up with a book or to watch the news, a movie, or the big game. It was too dark to read or work, and some travelers chose it as a space to nap quietly. The lounge has numerous areas for snacks and drinks including a manned bar for special cocktails or numerous beers on tap. Refrigerators house other bottled beers and plentiful wine for self service, and nuts, dry snacks, and champagne sit nearby ready for the taking. The main buffet and beverage areas are backed by an enormous decorative wall of wine.

Wall of wine - LAX Star Alliance Lounge During my morning visit, the breakfast spread was still being offered including several hot items like oatmeal and tasty egg sandwiches. Later in the day, salad, hot pasta, and a separate Vietnamese pho station proved popular for hungry travelers. The coffee machine prepares fancy concoctions including cappuccino and espresso, and staff were eager to help with those that had trouble trying to figure it out. The most unique feature of the Star Alliance lounge at LAX is its al fresco terrace, offering shaded seating areas, relaxing water features and exceptional views of the tarmac and international aircraft parked below. Only Delta’s two Sky Clubs at JFK and Atlanta offer something similar, making this lounge very special, and despite the aircraft taxiing below, it is a surprisingly relaxing place. Back inside the lounge, there is also an interior terrace that overlooks the terminal. It is a nice spot to people watch and have a birdseye view of the activity below although it is more noisy than the actual lounge area itself. Departure screens display updated information on international flights from the terminal, and those interested in taking a shower between flights have one of six private bathrooms to choose from during their visit.

LAX Star Alliance Lounge A separate, smaller lounge is available for first class travelers, and it would not be uncommon to spot a celebrity or two in there. The bar selection is better with more premium labels, and a few extra food platters are available here. It is extremely small and is most popular for its privacy and intimate setting. Views of the tarmac are not available from the first class lounge, and guests have free reign of the business class lounge through a side door. No one appears to be monitoring that door, but it did not appear that business class travelers wandered into the first class section unannounced.

LAX Star Alliance Lounge

LAX Star Alliance Lounge Throughout both lounge sections, seats have convenient power ports that are perfect for the modern-day traveler. Frequent flyers will find this alliance lounge to be nicer than most others operated by an individual airline, and the food and drinks menu is impressive so be sure to arrive early for a cocktail on the outdoor terrace.