Review: Star Alliance business class lounge, Los Angeles LAX
By Chris C., February 12 2015
Country
United States
City
Los Angeles (CA)
Airport
Los Angeles (LAX)
Alliance
Star Alliance
Airline
Star Alliance
Cabin-class
Business
Notes
The Good
- A plethora of AC and USB power points
- Eight private shower suites
- Different zones to suit different moods
The Bad
- Food service is buffet-only
X-Factor
- Venture outside to the heated terrace
Introduction
With basic amenities including shower suites through to trailblazing features such as a heated outdoor terrace and an 'indoor' balcony, the Star Alliance business class lounge at Los Angeles Airport is a godsend for frequent travellers.
Operated and managed by Air New Zealand on behalf of the Star Alliance collective, the LAX lounge gives travellers a glimpse into what's to come for Sydney and rivals the Qantas business class lounge at the same airport.
But it's not just for Star Alliance passengers – it's also open to Virgin Australia business class guests and eligible frequent flyers, so Australian Business Traveller stopped by for a stickybeak before jetting home with Virgin Australia.
UPDATE: From December 19 2016, Virgin Australia business class passengers and Velocity Platinum members will no longer have access to this lounge, moving to the new Etihad Airways lounge instead.
Location & Impressions
Situated airside in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, you'll find the Star Alliance lounge up on level six and overlooking the terminal's main atrium area.
The first thing you notice as you enter is how expansive yet intimate the space feels – there are 375 seats scattered throughout and yet the lounge is divided into different zones to provide something for everyone.
Among them is a quiet library area, a manned bar with stools for chit-chat, a work-like zone, a balcony overlooking the terminal, tables immediately adjacent to the buffet for peckish travellers and even a heated outdoor terrace with several fireplaces and views out onto the tarmac.
Whatever you're in the mood for, chances are you'll find it here.
Access
The Star Alliance Business Class Lounge at LAX opens its doors to:
- Business and first class passengers of Star Alliance airlines departing from TBIT, currently including Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines
- Star Alliance Gold members travelling onwards with the airlines above in any class of service
- Paid-up United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf members flying with the above airlines in any service class
- Air New Zealand Koru Club members travelling onwards with Air New Zealand in any cabin
- Virgin Australia business class guests and Velocity Platinum members travelling to Sydney or Brisbane (until December 19 2016 only)
- Velocity Gold cardholders flying with Virgin Australia (including beyond December 19 2016)
Dining
A number of buffet counters combine to provide everything from a quick snack to a full meal.
You'll find coffees, nibbles, juice and beer on the left after entering the lounge...
... while the more substantial food is to the right, including fresh salads...
... cheese, bread and small bites...
The red wraps are vegetarian, which sure beats only touching the salad bar.
... fruits, chocolate chip cookies, and main-type dishes such as a yellow coconut chicken curry next to garlic roasted potatoes:
There are also a teasing number of wine bottles kept behind glass panels – some of which you'll find opened in the fridge...
... others over by the Coke machine...
... and some stashed behind the manned cocktail bar, along with two beers on tap and basic and mid-range spirits including Absolut Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua and Midori.
The bubbly is fortunately self-serve and readily available...
... which in this case is Mumm Napa Brut Prestige sparkling wine – a Californian drop from the Napa Valley following the same traditional 'méthode champenoise' used to create champagne.
Simply put, it's as close to French wine as you can get without producing the drink in the Champagne region, and suffices for a business class lounge.
The only thing missing is an Island Dining-style 'dish of the day' for something a little more restaurant-like, and a tray-around service that's useful for travellers who are focussed on their work but could do with a bite.
Work
The overarching philoshophy here seems to be that AC and USB power points are king.
While scattered throughout the lounge, you'll mostly find them tucked away inside the cocktail tables – just press on the black square aside the table to release the charging panel.
For something more serious than iPad browsing or a quick email, head to the library for peace and quiet...
... which is another thing you'll find tucked away: this time behind a frosted glass door close to reception:
The benches in the buffet corner lend themselves well to shorter stays – there's ample space to set up your laptop and you're mere steps from food and drink, which you can rest on the table around you while remaining connected to the office.
There's also fast, free Wi-Fi and a nearby information screen to check up on your flight, although initial and final boarding calls are made for every departure.
Relax
We'd peg that most Aussie business travellers visiting this lounge are heading home after an American jaunt, and while they'll want to check emails and prepare for Virgin Australia's early morning arrivals into Sydney and Brisbane, they're likely more concerned with unwinding and toasting a successful trip.
Fortunately, relaxing is one of the lounge's strongest points, with comfy chairs close to the bar and its cocktail shaker...
... more chairs and tables out on the balcony – again with bartender service...
... a media room that feels much like a good household lounge room for casual film and television viewing...
... and what we've dubbed a 'comfy corner' – nice chairs that allow you to face your partner or workmate and have a drink and a chat, but without enough space to unfold your laptop and return to the virual office:
There are also eight fully-private shower suites: each with an en suite bathroom, lighted mirror and a hair dryer...
... for which there was no queue on our evening visit, even with several flights still on the board.
To truly unwind, head out onto the heated terrace for a more cozy and BBQ-like environment...
... complete with several fireplaces and views of the tarmac for avid planespotters and photogs.
So whether you're hoping to work, want to enjoy a bite to eat before flying home or just want to kick back and enjoy the lounge's calm and peaceful atmosphere with a beer in hand, do yourself a favour and check-in early with plenty of time to explore and relax in the Star Alliance lounge at LAX.
Chris Chamberlin travelled to Los Angeles as a guest of Virgin Australia.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
07 Jan 2014
Total posts 42
A very interesting review. Thank goodness they don't have those detestable tray-arounds - if I want something to eat I can go up to the counter to fix myself a plate. Waiting for a tray-around is akin to always standing in the wrong place at a cocktail party; unless you're by the kitchen door you inevitably end up missing out.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Dont shoot me down but it does look a little more cosy than the Qantas First Lounge at LAX. I'm big on cosy...
Thanks Chris.
Velocity
04 May 2011
Total posts 22
Thanks Chris for the review - It might be worth mentioning that VA Plat can use the AIR NZ Star Alliance First Class lounge ( it has a connecting door into Business for the showers)
18 Feb 2012
Total posts 8
Just an addition: it seems that you don't need to be departing only from TBIT to use it. I flew United BusinessFirst MEL-LAX-JFK return recently, and both legs leaving LAX left from terminal 7. Was able to pass through security, and was only asked about why I was going into TBIT out of concern that I might be in the wrong place. I had INTL SERVICE printed on my boarding pass though, so whether you would have access to the terminal/lounge without that, I'm not sure.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
I thought you could not leave the secure area one entered just like australia international at TBIT
Star Allience
13 Feb 2015
Total posts 2
Yep. Nick, How did you get out from TBIT to terminal 7 for your flight back to OZ?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
TBIT is the only US terminal (I know of) in which you can't leave the secure area once you enter
This assists NZ1/2 on the transfer to LHR cause instead of actually entering the US like they had to in T2 now all you need is to show you have a passport
Star Allience
13 Feb 2015
Total posts 2
Yes, you can exit the secure area. Just confirmed. Take an elevator from level 6 to level 4. Turn left through Duty Free shop and watch for the Exit sign. Follow the path and it will take you to the ticketing hall. Cross the hall and you are out on the street.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
How does that work with the NZ1/2 transfer to LHR
The transfer does require a US Visa but no documentation is completed which means you could arrive and they would not really know?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2011
Total posts 28
It's a great lounge - and I absolutely love the outdoor terrace!
22 Apr 2012
Total posts 5
Absolutely loved this lounge. Superior to the new OW LAX lounge in every aspect (except perhaps for food). The outdoor terrace is the highlight, I can only assume that lots of people didn't know about it when I was there as the terrace was empty yet the lounge was busy (the terrace is somewhat tucked away). Plus points for carrying Japanese lager as well!
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
An amazing lounge!! The shower was ideal, the service was great and the space... the space was perfect!
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