Star Alliance Los Angeles Lounge

One of only seven Star Alliance-branded lounges around the world, the LAX lounge is worth getting to the airport early for.

The bar is amazing, the seats area comfortable, there is a good food selection, shower suites and a heated outdoor terrace plus an 'indoor' balcony. In the First Class section there is even a-la-carte dining.

Alas, the obstructed views of the runway and just a view of the main shopping centre at TBIT is a bit disapointing.

Los Angeles Star Alliance lounge review

The stunning Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport offers impressive facilities and services. It is very good, and nearly makes up for the closure of some specific star alliance lounges at LAX.

To find the Star Alliance Los Angeles Lounge once through security (of if you have walked through the underground linking tunnels at LAX from the domestic terminals) head up the escalators near the P.F. Chang's or lift one floor, and there is a small welcoming black square - that's the entrance to the lounge and the receptionists black podium.

Once in, the lounge sweeps around in a curve, inviting you to talk about. There are 375 seats scattered throughout, but there are several different zones. You'll spot the quiet library area (with book 'wallpaper' rather than actual books) straight away, but it's worthwhile walking down the main lounge corridor, as there are plenty of other areas too. The lovely oak flooring and the hanging curtains add to the swish feel.

Indeed, everywhere in the lounge are small pieces of art, nice paintings, or indeed photographs by Peter Lik. It all adds to the classy vibe.

There are also quotes from famous Los Angeles residents dotting the lounge.

An outdoor terrace invites guests to enjoy views over the airfield and distant Hollywood hills. By day you can enjoy Southern California's famous sunshine and by night a sophisticated and cosy fire lit ambience. As you would expect in LA, there are seats around a fire pits and a fountain no less. Along with a third bar, which is only open in winter months, and a barbecue!

Food

There are a couple of buffet counters in the lounge, but not any real pre-flight dining.

Upon entering, there is a basic area with nibbles, juice and beer on the left, while on the right is the salad bar. There are four long dishes here, each with a different kind of salad.

Further along is hit food with the usual chicken or beef dishes, plus pasta and rice. Coconut chicken curry is often a favourite here in the winter months, plus a dull mac and cheese.

Next up is the huge cheese board, and lots of different types of deserts.

But a massive draw is hidden away - there is a self-serve noodle bar. You can pick a broth, four different types of noodles, veggies and chicken or beef. It is amazingly popular.

First Class Los Angeles Star Alliance lounge

A separate First Class Lounge is available exclusively for First Class customers and offers a la carte dining options as well as a highly personalised level of service in a private setting.

First Class customers are able to also enjoy the other facilities and services offered by the lounge.

Bar

The lounge has a serviced bar with complimentary cocktails and refreshments available.

Indeed, there are two bars - one on the balcony that only opens in the evening, and one inside which is open all day.

If the bar is busy, there is some wine kept near the refectory table too, plus Californian sparkling wine,

The inside bar has two draft beers and some mid-range spirits including Absolut Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua and Midori.

Bottled beer includes Asahi, Corona, Kirin and Sam Adams Boston lager which are available in a fridge below the self-serve bar.

Business Facilities

Free wifi.

Small business centre.

There is also a small TV room, which doubles up as the main snoozing space, so long as noone wants to watch sports on the TV.

Bathrooms

In Lounge.

There are 20 shower suites. If they are busy, you'll have to take a pager.

Each of the suites is stocked with a dental kit, shaving kit, hair dryer, towels and Soaptopia toiletries, which is a Southern California brand.

Access

You can access the Los Angeles Star Alliance lounge with a Business or first class ticket of Star Alliance airlines departing from TBIT.

That means Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines.

Also welcome are Star Alliance Gold members in any class of service.

Paid-up United Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf and Air New Zealand Koru Club members travelling onwards in any cabin.