Access to Star Alliance First Class Lounge in LAX for Velocity Platinum

Apologies in advance if this has been mentioned or covered by AusBT before. I noticed while doing some random searching about VA International Lounge access, on their website, under International lounge access, if you select that you are a VA Platinum member (which I am) you can access the Star Alliance FIRST Class lounge at TBIT in LA when flying on VA Metal. I haven't heard about this before, I thought the only FIRST lounge access for VA Plat was in Abu Dhabi. Can any one else say if they have tried to access that small section of the TBIT A* Lounge? I assume because its so small it would be subject to capacity restrictions often enough. I've never tried in that lounge because I didn't know. Either a very favourable typo on their website or just a perk that's kept quiet!

Sorry for the long question / statement!

Hi Gian, it's been open to Velocity Platinum members for almost a year now – see here for more details.

Thanks Chris, I knew something like this wouldn't escape you guys! :) 

VA plat indeed have access to the *A first class area but other than improved booze, being a little quieter and having someone to go to the buffet for you it's not that much of a plus... There are plenty of nice spots in the rest of the lounge that are personally more my style - especially the outdoor terrace if the weather is decent.

Hello Gian, yes I am Velocity Platinum and few on VA metal a few months ago.  I had access to the Star Alliance First Class Lounge at TBIT; a very nice lounge.  The outdoor terrace is beautiful too!

Unfortunately when I tried back in June (VA Plat) I wasn't allowed in to the First lounge, but the regular lounge is very nice with plenty of different 'zones', and the F&B offering was good too. Enjoy your time in there!

I agree the rest of the lounge is lovely. Did you get knocked back due to capacity? Or was the attendant not familiar with the entitlement?

Must have been some system error or something. When they scanned my boarding pass (had my plat status on it) the system didn't indicate that I had access, and the two different staff I spoke to just shrugged their shoulders. Didn't bother me that much given how nice the rest of the lounge is.

One thing to note too, is that VA does not have any international lounges of their own, they only have Au domestic lounges.

Any other lounges, mentioned as international access in regards to VA, are all provided by other airlines.