Play the waiting game at these LAX lounges


We’ve found the best LAX lounges to check out while waiting for your next flight. Read on to discover our tips for lounging around at the second busiest airport in the U.S.

Explore these LAX lounges next time you stopover at Los Angeles International Airport. Image credit: narvikk/iStock
Explore these LAX lounges next time you stopover at Los Angeles International Airport. Image credit: narvikk/iStock

Whether you’re waiting at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a long stopover or just prefer to show up early for a flight, you’ll need to keep yourself occupied while you’re waiting to board. The hustle and bustle of the open airport doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Why not make use of one of these top LAX lounges while waiting for your flight?

Freshen up between flights

If you still haven’t decided which airline to fly with, what’s offered at these lounges could play a role in your decision. Being a first-class guest or an annual member of a flight club often gets you in the door for free, but even economy passengers can enjoy some of these lounges for a one-time fee.

If you have a long stopover and don’t want to bother going landside, heading for a lounge is likely your best solution.

American Airlines Admiral Club – avoid the chaos

If you enjoy taking in a nice view of the runway without being surrounded by chaos, the Admirals Club LAX was designed for you. There are two lounges, both of which can be found airside in Terminal 4. The entrance to the main area is located across from Gate 40 on the concourse level. There is also an additional lounge near gates 44C and 44D.

Inside both lounges, you’ll find plenty of comfortable seating in a relaxed, professional atmosphere. Whether you want to take a quick nap, enjoy a book or even get some work done, you’ll have everything you need. There’s Wi-Fi, hotspot printing, workstations, and showers at the main lounge. The first-class dining area offers chef-prepared meals made to order, and you’ll even receive free drinks and snacks with your entry price, although alcoholic beverages will cost you extra.

You can gain entry to the Admirals Club lounge if you classify under one of these categories:

  • You’re a member of the airline’s Admirals Club, which costs between 450 USD and 550 USD per year.
  • You’re flying first or business class with the airline.
  • You hold certain credit cards, such as the Citi Advantage Executive World Elite MasterCard.
  • You’re a member of certain travel programs, like AAdvantage Executive Platinum.
  • You pay a one-time fee of 59 USD, although space is reserved for members or people with the above qualifiers, so if you’re an economy passenger arriving on a busy day, you may have to wait for a spot.

The main lounge is open daily between 4:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., and the second lounge opens at 5:45 a.m. and closes at 9:45 p.m.

Take the stress out of traveling at one of these LAX lounges. Image credit: Light Field Studios/iStock
Take the stress out of traveling at one of these LAX lounges. Image credit: Light Field Studios/iStock

Delta Sky Club – sit back and relax

Offering both cozy comfort and sleek modern design, the Delta lounge at LAX is another excellent place to relax and unwind before your flight. The airline shuttle runs between its two lounges, located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, allowing you to see what both spaces have to offer. The lounges are located airside at the mezzanine level.

The lounges offer everything you need to freshen up and prepare for the rest of your journey. This includes showers, phones, Wi-Fi, hot-spot printing, the daily newspaper, television, printers and fax machines, and travel assistance. The customer service across the lounges is excellent, and you’ll find their food and drink selection quite impressive.

You can gain entry to the Delta Sky Club lounge if you classify under one of these categories:

  • You’re a member of the Delta Sky Club, which will cost between 495 USD to 795 USD annually depending on whether you choose the individual or executive level.
  • You’re a carrier of a Delta boarding pass and pay a one-time fee of 59 USD.

This LAX lounge is open daily between 4:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Centurion Lounge – high-end services

Those who frequently fly through Los Angeles will be glad to learn that a Centurion Lounge at LAX will be opening this year. The lounge, which has other locations at major airports around the world, was designed to provide high-end services, from massages to fine dining, to American Express cardholders. The lounge will be located airside in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, and it will be accessible via most of the other terminals as well.

These high-end lounges are designed for a crowd with refined tastes. You can expect to be treated like the important client you are when you visit this American Express lounge LAX.

You can gain entry to the lounge if you classify under one of these categories:

  • You carry a Centurion Card.
  • You carry certain credit cards, such as The Business Platinum® Card from American Express.
  • You are traveling with a friend who carries one of these cards, which allows you to come along as a guest for a one-time fee of 50 USD.

Since the Centurion at LAX has not opened yet, there isn’t official word on the hours of operation. However, the other Centurion lounges tend to open in the early morning and close late in the evening.

LAX lounges offer a range of spaces to work from during your stopover. Image credit: SeventyFour/iStock
LAX lounges offer a range of spaces to work from during your stopover. Image credit: SeventyFour/iStock

Qantas Club – classic contemporary

The contemporary lounge, which is owned by Qantas but shared with Cathay Pacific and British Airways, offers a classic lounge environment with all the expected amenities. You can find the lounge airside on level 5 of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

At the Qantas Club, you can enjoy a nice rest on a comfortable couch, have a drink with a team of colleagues, handle a business meeting via phone using the free Wi-Fi service, or enjoy a nice shower to freshen up before another long flight. There’s a full restaurant as well as tea, coffee, and a bar.

You can gain entry to the lounge if you classify under one of these categories:

  • You are traveling first or international business class with Qantas or one of the other airlines.
  • You are a Qantas Club member, which will cost you around 410 USD a year.
  • You hold certain cards, such as the Platinum, Platinum One or Gold Frequent Flyer cards.

This LAX lounge is open between 6:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. daily.

From the lounges of LAX to your final destination

When you make it to the plane, you’ll be feeling relaxed, pampered and ready to go. Did you remember to book ground transportation to get from the airport to your hotel when you land? Reserve your quality Blacklane airport transfer for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or any of the other 300 cities we serve around the globe.