Star Alliance's new LAX super-lounge to open next week
By David Flynn, September 20 2013
Star Alliance will open its new lounge at Los Angeles' Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) next Wednesday, September 25.
The sprawling 'super-lounge' will be managed by Air New Zealand but open to all Star Alliance members travelling in business class or holding Star Alliance Gold status, although there’s a separate first class lounge for the very well-heeled.
You can see what appears to the the first class receptions area (sporting an iconic Eames chair) to the right of main entry door below.
Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab told Australian Business Traveller earlier this year that LAX will be the latest in a series of Star-branded lounges “in locations around the world where we don’t have either a strong home carrier or we have a large number of Star Alliance carriers operating to that particular airport.”
This allows for a lower operating cost across the airlines, as well as longer opening hours and facilities such as showers which a single airline might not justify.
Star already operates branded lounges at London Heathrow and Buenos Aires, and Schwab says the group is “looking at a couple of areas in Asia, and the new Terminal 3 at São Paulo, Brazil may be a suitable location for us.”
The new LAX lounge itself is three times the size of Air New Zealand's existing LAX T2 Koru Lounge.
According to Star, the LAX lounge's design vibe is “inspired by a contemporary interpretation of modernist LA architecture of the 1950s and 1960s.”
Other LA touches include "black and white photos, inspired by L.A. and shot by renowned photographers", while "a collection of objects linked to L.A. and Southern California will also be on display, sparking the curiosity of locals and guests alike."
Designed by global architectural firm Gensler, the Star Alliance lounge incorporates defined spaces to suit passenger needs ranging from social gatherings around the bar to quiet time in the library.
But the stand-out feature has got to the open air terrace with views to the Hollywood hills, complete with both a cosy fireplace and a water feature.
Australian Business Traveller will be attending the media opening of Star Alliance's new LAX lounge on Monday October 23rd as a guest of Star Alliance.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Any update on the first stage of the oneworld lounge??
LAWA hasn't published the September newsletter yet, which is the normal source of updates
Qantas
10 Sep 2013
Total posts 5
Indeed, would love an update on the OneWorld lounge and it's a huge shame that VA continue to use their silly little LAX lounge when Air NZ/* Alliance have a far superior lounge!
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2563
Hi moa999: no update to share on the QF/Oneworld lounge for LAX, all we can say is to repeat the "by end of this year" line.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
moa999, even the staff at the lounge do not seem to know when I was there earlier this month!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Plat
21 Apr 2011
Total posts 39
Heard that SYD is also up for one of these very soon. Anyone else heard that?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2563
No, but Sydney is getting a lounge for the SkyTeam alliance, in case that's the one you are thinking of?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Plat
21 Apr 2011
Total posts 39
No. I know they are different. Can't think of who it was telling me but can remember they were saying that Alliance who is operating both the skyteam and current NZ lounges will close the NZ lounge and renovate it and reopen it as a Star Lounge. They mentioned UA Air China and AC were really pushing the issue as they feel the current lounge isnt up to bar
26 Jul 2013
Total posts 12
I passed through this lounge a few days ago enroute back to aus on virgin and I was blown away by this lounge! Especially compared with the previous lounge and 3 weeks of using the awful delta lounges! From the moment I walked in staff were friendly and helpful, food options were excellent and tasty - I loved the make your own noodle soup!, plenty of showers, plenty of seats and it was great to relax on an outdoor couch in the cool night air for an hour or so. Also a great bar with bar tender on hand to whip up anything you might like.
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