My wife and kids will be flying from LAX to BNE next month with VA.

My wife and kids will be flying from LAX to BNE next month with VA. She has no status whatsoever but would like lounge access so she and the kids can have some quiet time before the 14hr red eye flight that departs at midnight.

I did some research and found out that there is a possibility of buying a day pass with admiral club for US$50. As T4 now has airside access to TBIT in LAX, it will be quite convenient as she doesn't have to clear TSA security again. However, as she will be flying on VA, which is not AA's partner, does anyone know if she still has access to the lounge using day pass? The T&C seems to suggest that she doesn't have to fly AA or partners, but I would like to confirm with anyone who has experience using the day pass (or 90 day membership).

Alternatively, is there any other paid lounge option in LAX? (I've looked into priority pass, which needs $99 joining fee and $21 per visit per person, so will be quite costly to get her and 2 kids in using priority pass. A day hotel is also not ideal as TSA line in TBIT at night is very long and they'll have to be there 3hrs before departure to be safe)

Thanks in advance.

To be honest, the 'new' Tom Bradley terminal would be far more inducive for the kids than a Lounge anyway!! Save the $ for the lounge ( which will be a push anyway) and spend them in one of the restaurants.....

An Admirals Club pass won't be any good as she's flying VA. Unfortunately I think you're out of luck.

Some Credit Cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership with varying levels of access (eg 2 free entries per year etc). I had this membership through a St George card last year when I transited through TBIT and myself and my partner effectively got lounge access for free. Perhaps check your cards to see if you already have this.

That being said you get entry to the KAL lounge which is very basic. But it may suit your needs.

Looked into that option. Problem is my wife doesn't have any income so it will take time for her to get approved with those top end cards that comes with priority pass. Also the annual fee might cost more than just joining priority pass. 

I personally have 2 priority pass from 2 different cards but I can't give it to my wife. 

Since your wife and kids are departing LAX, with VA they will be checking in / departing from Terminal 3.

TBIT is used for arrivals only in LAX, in VA's case.

The Admirals Club is in Terminal 4 (on the opposite side of TBIT) and I believe that you would still need to clear security seperately in Terminal 3..

Sorry to correct you, but it seems you clearly do not fly VA!

VA has departed all their flights from TBIT for over TWO YEARS since December 1st, 2013! Only check in occurs at Terminal 3 and those counters are the closest to TBIT where the walk to Tom Bradley takes two minutes max after leaving the counter.

Incorrect. I do use VA occassionally, but only for domestic services.

Incorrect, also, according to VA's website: See

http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/airport-guides/international/los-angeles/ where it clearly states - and at the top of the page, no less :

So, if this change happened 2 years ago, then apparently no one bothered to tell VA's IT department. Sloppy at best .. or misleading ... pick your choice.

At a Glance

It does clearly state that on that exact website you made reference to!!

Virgin Australia flights depart from Terminal 3, and arrive at Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Check-in for Virgin Australia flights is located at Terminal 3.

With 5500 square metres of retail and dining options, stylish furnishings, public art and plenty of power point access to charge your mobile devices, the terminal is designed to ensure the best possible travel experience for customers. - REFERRING TO TOM BRADLEY!!

We look forward to providing our guests with a more enjoyable and uniquely LA experience offered by Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Virgin Australia Business class guests, Velocity Platinum and Velocity Gold members can access the Star Alliance Lounge when travelling on Virgin Australia services. Velocity Platinum guests are invited to access the First Class section of the Star Alliance Lounge.

Velocity Platinum and Velocity Gold members may also invite an additional guest with whom they are travelling together with on the same flight.

The ‘Star Alliance Lounge’ is located in the new Tom Bradley International Terminal on level 6. Accessible via escalator or elevator from the main atrium area. The lounge is airside after security and accessible only by guests departing from this terminal - TOM BRADLEY!

Guys, let's tone down the all-caps and constant bolding – it's bordering on 'shouting'/personal attacks which aren't allowed as per AusBT's comment policy.

For the record, Virgin Australia flights arrive into TBIT from Australia.

On departure, passengers check-in in Terminal 3 and then walk to TBIT where the flight actually departs from and where eligible passengers can relax in the Star Alliance business class and first class lounges.

This is because there is currently inadequate check-in space in TBIT for Virgin Australia to set up desks although there are gates available for the aircraft. Passengers are told that flights depart from Terminal 3 so that they go there first, rather than highlighting TBIT and having pax unable to find the check-in desks. :)

I fly out of LAX at least 6 times a year on VA - and always leave from TBIT (was only there 2 weeks ago)

Sorry, didn't expect my simple question to become so complicated. 

Yes, I know I have to check in at T3 (I'll be checking in with my family at T3, but I'll be departing for LAS on VX flight, while my family will head toward TBIT.) Due to different departure time, I won't be able to guest my family into KAL lounge in TBIT. The Loft lounge in T3 doesn't allow kids under 12. So going into Admiral Club in T4 with a day pass looked like a viable option. I know the new TBIT will be exciting, but it will be quite late for my kids and they will be tired so it's nice to have a decent couch where they can just lie down and nap while my wife can also rest a bit before the 14 hour flight. 

The lounge access policy on AA website is a bit vague about entry requirement, it says you need a same day airline ticket but didn't specify it has to be AA operated/marketed flight. So just wonder if anyone had any experience....

If the intention is to prevent kids being feral and somewhat relaxed, why not stay at an LAX hotel the day before and check out about 3h before the flight? That way they'll get some sleep and will be calm and rested before the flight. It goes without saying to avoid sugar and junk food a good 24h before to maintain good chemical balance and manage the risk of poor behaviour. If all else fails, there is always cough syrup...

Was at TBIT last month and the experience is a far cry from my previous travels through LAX - I agree with willvil there is heaps to do and see in the terminal itself - while there is no doubt that a lounge experiance has its benefits - the TBIT also has plenty to offer.

Since they have upgraded TBIT, you can sometimes find a gate with no one else around and find a quiet spot. Normally down the left side after clearing customs - it's the longer side but further away from the "shopping" area.