Though they really seem to put in quite some effort to improve the situation, I am not too much a fan of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). On 2nd March 2020, right after six days of ice hockey travels, Air New Zealand took me back home to Germany from Los Angeles (via London). This meant that I was at least able to visit one of my favorite lounges worldwide, the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles. Here is my review.
The Star Alliance Lounge Los Angeles has been selected as my favorite lounge visit in 2020.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX – Location & Access
The Star Alliance Lounge is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where majorly all non-Canadian and non-Mexican international flights depart. You reach the lounge by turning right after security screening and then taking the elevator up to the sixth level. This floor also hosts other lounges like the Etihad one, while right below the Star Alliance Lounge the oneworld Lounge is located. The lounge also features a First Class area, which I did not review (unfortunately).
Access to Star Alliance Lounge (Business Class part) is limited to First Class and Business Class passengers as well as Star Alliance Gold status members. First Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status customers may bring a guest. The lounge is open from 07:00 to 01:00 hrs, daily.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX – Atmosphere
After passing the reception desk, you already see the modern, but also very nicely structured atmosphere of the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles. You may first pass the library-alike area, but there is also a nice restaurant-style area with a cool wall of wine bottles near the buffet or lounge-alike seating. If you fancy to watch TV, you may head to the media room.
One of the key area of the lounge is the bar and the amazing balcony, which gives a nice view over the inside of Tom Bradley International Terminal. You may even look down to the oneworld passengers in the lower level :). This is a real beauty. Of course, power plugs are provided at these seats as well. What the lounge does not feature explicitly, though, is a work desk area.
The heart of the lounge and the other reason why the Star Alliance Lounge is that special is definitely the terrace. Even though you currently rather watch the Los Angeles Airport constructions than the air traffic, it is a lovely quiet and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, which even comes with a small fire pit table and a waterfall along the wall.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX – Eat & Drink
Practically, all of the flights served from TBIT Terminal are long haul, so you may want to feed yourself before departure. The food buffet is really nice. A very special feature is the Asian Noodle bar in the corner – but even if you just fancy an ordinary lunch or dinner, there are quite some options. While the cleaning of the tables was sometimes a bit on the slow side, the refilling of the buffets went quite well, so there was rather any shortage during my visits in the lounge. The bar staff is very friendly and helpful if you fancy a beer or a gin and tonic.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX – Services
The staff in the lounge is very kind and motivated. The WiFi provided is good as well if you have to work before the flight.
The lounge sanitary area is lovely as well, located behind the wine bottle wall. The lounge also offers showers, in case you want to refresh before the flight.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX – My View
Planespotting at In-N-Out Burger might be the best thing to do in and around Los Angeles International Airport – but the Star Alliance Lounge is definitely a nice play as well. Even though it can be quite crowded during peak times, food is great, the bar is very nice. Finally, there is the atmosphere – in case you really need proof that this place is a good one, I recommend the amazing terrace. Even the current construction work view just cannot spoil this place. Nice location to relax before a long flight, definitely!
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