Are there Priority Pass participating lounges in LAX airport?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the most identifiable and widely used airports in the U.S. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and vibes that inspire California dreaming, LAX has long been an anchor for both cross-country and international travel. That means lots of passengers arrive early for flights or linger in the airport for layovers. Given that LAX is so highly trafficked, it's easy to understand why many people turn to airport lounges to find a reprieve from the chaos.
What should I know about LAX?
LAX is approximately 9 miles from Santa Monica, 14 miles from Hollywood and 17 miles from downtown Los Angeles. If you're planning to hail a taxi or use a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft, you'll need to use the “LAX-it" lot, a space dedicated to ride-hailing located next to Terminal 1. It's such an active area that they have food trucks and restrooms for travelers to use while they wait for rides.
As the city's reputation precedes itself, the shopping inside LAX is just as grand as you'd find on Rodeo Drive. From cosmetics and apparel to high end hand bags, you'll have no trouble passing the time during a layover here. This 150,000-square foot shopping and dining area is called “The Great Hall" and is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. This terminal was named after Tom Bradley, the first African American mayor of Los Angeles, serving two decades in office (1973-1993).
Are there lounges in the Priority Pass™ network at LAX?
Yes, there is one lounge in the Priority Pass network at LAX: the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Travelers will find this lounge airside after the TSA Checkpoint in the main atrium. Take the elevator near the clock tower to the 6th floor where the lounge is located.
Note that there is a fee of $35 per person (guests are subject to the same fee). This lounge offers TV, refreshments, Wi-Fi and showers.
How to access Priority Pass benefits at LAX
You have several options for gaining access to participating Priority Pass lounges across the globe:
Purchase a Priority Pass membership
You can join a membership plan, with three options you can choose based on the annual fee you are willing to pay. The annual plans have a flat fee and then potential additional fees every time you visit, which vary by plan. The Prestige membership, for example, has the highest annual fee but provides unlimited visits to lounges at no extra fee.
Priority Pass Select with Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, you receive a complimentary membership to Priority Pass Select. With this membership, you can access 1,300+ participating airport lounges worldwide. Priority Pass Select membership from Chase Sapphire Reserve allows two guests to join you in lounges for no additional charge. Note that this card has an annual fee.
Are there other kinds of lounges at LAX?
At LAX, many of the airlines offer lounges exclusive to their frequent fliers, loyalty members and guests. These lounges offer many of the traditional amenities you would expect such as complimentary food and drinks, work stations, spacious seating and spaces to relax. Here are a few you'll find at LAX:
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: Terminal 6 - Welcomes club members, Star Alliance Gold passengers, and Air Canada Business Class passengers.
LAX American Express Centurion Lounge: (Tom Bradley International Terminal) Must be an American Express cardholder to enter.
Qantas Club Lounge: (Tom Bradley International Terminal) Must be a frequent flier on Qantas Airlines, or have an annual membership to the Qantas Club.
American Airlines Admirals Club: (Terminals 4, 5 and American Eagle Regional) Must be a frequent flier on American Airlines, or have an annual membership to the AA Admirals Club.
Delta Sky Club: (Terminals 2 and 3, with a shuttle in between the two) Must be a frequent flier on Delta Airlines, or have an annual membership to the Delta Sky Club.
Many of these lounges allow you to purchase day passes at the door, as long as there is capacity. You'll want to inquire ahead of time if the lounge you're interested in offers this option.
In summary
LAX may feel intimidating to navigate, but it may feel a little more comfortable knowing you have lounge access through Priority Pass. There is one participating airport lounge, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, available to Priority Pass members.
This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.
