Background:
Last Christmas, I was lucky enough to access the Qantas First Lounge at LAX, which is often regarded as one of the best lounges in the United States. You’re allowed access to the Qantas First Lounge and can bring one guest if you are flying on an International First flight operated by a Oneworld. I gained access before my Cathay Pacific flight, in which my mom was flying in the First Class cabin.
Location and Access:
The Qantas First Lounge at LAX is located on Level 5 of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). There’s a PF Changs on the same level as well as a Oneworld Business Class Lounge and Korean Airlines Lounge. The lounge is open from 6:30am to 11:30pm daily.
Access to the lounge is granted for:
- Qantas First customers and their guest.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer members – Platinum One, Platinum members and their guests.
- Oneworld International First customers, Emerald members and their guests.
The Lounge:
Upon entering the lounge, there is a long hallway leading to the two desks to check in. Then, the lounge experience begins on the lefthand side with plenty of seating with a large bar and dining area at the back of the lounge. There are also some enclosed conference rooms that can be reserved.
One thing I have to note is the lack of views from the lounge. The best view was looking at the atrium inside the airport which is unfortunate for plane spotting.
Showers:
As this flight was the first leg on my journey to Hong Kong, I didn’t need to take a shower. But nontheless, I had to see how a shower suite was here!
One of the shower rooms was very clean and bright. It looked quite futuristic and provided ample selfie lighting as well for those who love to post on their social media accounts. ASPAR Spa amenities from Australia were provided.
Unlike the shower rooms, the bathrooms weren’t that clean or comfortable. They were unisex bathroom stalls that were quite tight and not maintained well unfotunately.
Dining:
The Qantas First Lounge provides a nice restaurant experience allowing you to order a la carte from a seasonal menu.
We started off with salt and pepper squid for an appetizer, which was a bit heavy for my liking but not bad at all. I got the black angus minute steak and my mom got the grilled market fish with fregola as our main plates. Both were pretty tasty.
Of course we had to try dessert! Mom got the fruit plate and I got the ice cream sundae, which were both great. I was sooo stuffed after this meal.
Overall, I really enjoyed having a full restaurant style meal in an airport lounge and I think the food is definitely where the Qantas Lounge shines.
Around the lounge, there are also some self-service alcohol + coffee areas with snacks.
The Verdict:
The Qantas First Lounge at LAX provides a great full service dining experience. Areas for improvment inclde cleanliness in the restrooms and perhaps a refresh on some of the furnishings which seemed a bit aged.
Have you visited the Qantas First Lounge at LAX before? What were your thoughts? Comment below!
Happy travels,
Ty
MY 2019 CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS TRIP REPORT:
Check out the rest of my Asia + South Pacific 2019 Winter Trip here!
Hotel Reviews:
Renaissance Hong Kong Harbor View
AVANI Metropolis Residences Auckland
Hilton Sydney Executive Level
New Years’ at the Grand Hyatt Taipei
Lounge Reviews:
Qantas First Lounge at LAX
Oneworld Los Angeles Business Class Lounge
Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Terminal 2
Strata Lounge Auckland Airport
Cathay Pacific Business Lounge: The Pier
Cathay Pacific Business Lounge: The Wing
Airline Reviews:
How I Scored Cathay Pacific Business and First Using Alaska Miles
Cathay Pacific 777 Business Class: Los Angeles to Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class: Hong Kong to Auckland
Virgin Australia Economy: Auckland to Sydney
China Airlines A350 Premium Economy: Sydney to Taipei
China Airlines 777 Premium Economy: Taipei to Los Angeles
