2. United Polaris Lounge – Elevated Chic for Star Alliance Flyers

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• Location: Terminal 7, near Gate 73.

• Who can access: United Polaris business class passengers (long-haul international), Star Alliance partner long-haul business or first class, and no paid entry or credit card access (this is strictly for premium cabin flyers).

• What makes it special: Polaris Lounges are United’s answer to true international first/business class lounges, and the LAX Polaris Lounge is a stunner. Opened in 2019, it’s elegant and tranquil.

• Key features: The Dining Room, where you can order off a menu – United’s Polaris lounges are known for dishes like short rib sliders or made-to-order smoothies for breakfast. There’s also a buffet if you just want to grab something quick.

• Private nap rooms: Yes, you can actually lie down on a daybed in a quiet room if you have a long connection. And if you want to freshen up, there are shower suites stocked with luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels and Sunday Riley amenities – talk about flying in style.

• Service and ambiance: It’s exclusive, so it’s rarely overcrowded, meaning service is attentive. Many guests are immediately offered a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail upon entering. United really aimed to compete with the world’s best here, and it shows.

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While access is limited to those flying in premium cabins, the Polaris Lounge greatly enhances the experience for United and Star Alliance flyers at LAX. If you ever fly, say, Lufthansa first or business class out of LAX, they send you here – and you’ll see why it’s a solid #2 on our list.

3. Delta Sky Club (Terminal 3) – The New Star with an Outdoor Deck

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• Location: Terminal 3, post-security (connected from Terminal 2 as well via walkway).

• Who can access: Delta Sky Club members, Delta One/First Class on certain routes, Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve cardholders flying Delta, and other SkyTeam premium flyers.

• Why we love it: Opened in April 2022, the new Delta Sky Club at T3 is massive – 30,000 square feet – and it’s packed with features. Perhaps the coolest is the Sky Deck, an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy an open-air bar and take in views of the Hollywood Hills and the LAX runways.

• Food & drink: Delta upped its game here with two buffets offering fresh, locally inspired fare. Morning might bring smoothie bowls and breakfast burritos; afternoon/evening spreads include things like grain salads, pasta, and build-your-own taco stations. The quality is high for a U.S. airline lounge, and items rotate. Don’t miss the dessert jars (if they have the chocolate mousse, grab one).

• Overall vibe: Despite being large, it can get busy (Delta has a big presence at LAX). But thanks to the size and smart layout, it rarely feels cramped. The staff are friendly and quick to clear plates or help you find a seat during rush hour. The mix of indoor luxury and outdoor chill is what lands this lounge high on our list – it brings a bit of California style to the airport lounge scene.

4. American Airlines Flagship Lounge – High-End Buffet and Business Perks

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• Location: Terminal 4, upstairs past security (shares entrance with Admirals Club, but Flagship is the premium section).

• Who can access: AA Flagship First/Business passengers (international or transcon), Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire elites, Admirals Club members flying flagship routes, and ConciergeKey elites. No pay-in access, but AA Executive cardholders can only use the regular Admirals Club, not Flagship, unless flying in a premium cabin.

• Highlights: This is American’s answer to the Polaris and other premium lounges. The Flagship Lounge at LAX offers a step-up in food and drink from the standard Admirals Club. You’re greeted at check-in with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, which sets a nice tone.

• Why it’s great: The Flagship Lounge provides an excellent balance of luxury and practicality. You can eat well, drink well, get work done (the Wi-Fi is fast and there are quieter zones for concentration), or just relax. It doesn’t feel quite as exclusive as Polaris or Qantas, but it’s a big step above what most domestic lounges offer.

5. Star Alliance Business Class Lounge – Outdoor Terrace & Barista Coffee

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• Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), Level 6 (one level above the main concourse).

• Who can access: Star Alliance business class passengers (international flights), Star Alliance Gold elites departing on any Star Alliance flight, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members. No paid access for general public.

• What’s cool here: Co-operated by multiple Star Alliance airlines, this lounge is huge and packed with amenities, making it a favorite for many international travelers. One signature feature is the outdoor terrace – much like Delta’s Sky Deck, the Star Alliance lounge has an open-air section with fire pits and a view of the Hollywood Hills in the distance. It’s a lovely spot in the evening to watch planes and sunsets with a drink in hand.

• Overall: The Star Alliance Lounge makes the list for its open-air terrace and solid all-around offerings. It’s the best choice if you’re flying airlines like EVA Air, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, etc., out of LAX. Even United’s business class passengers can use it. If you have Star Alliance Gold via a frequent flyer program, this lounge is a huge perk when flying economy – you’ll get to enjoy all these features just by showing your card.

Honorable Mentions

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LAX has more lounges, and while they didn’t crack our top five, they’re worth noting:

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• Emirates Lounge (TBIT): A gorgeous lounge for Emirates first and business class passengers, with an extensive buffet and an upstairs view of the terminal. It’s smaller and only open for Emirates flight windows, which is why it’s not in the top five (limited access).

• LAX Centurion Lounge (TBIT): The American Express lounge everyone talks about. It’s not airline-specific (it’s for Amex Platinum/Centurion cardholders), which is why we didn’t rank it among airline lounges. It has excellent food and a nice bar program, plus even a spa, but honestly, it’s gotten some poor reviews due to crowding and cutbacks (spa and bar hours can be limited).

• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (TBIT): A newer lounge opened by Virgin Atlantic with a sleek design, craft cocktails, and a funky LA vibe. It’s for Virgin’s business class and elite flyers, plus Priority Pass at specific off-peak hours. If you find a way in, it’s a fun lounge, though small.

• Alaska Lounge (Terminal 6): Alaska Airlines has a boutique lounge in T6. It’s relatively small, but has a nice bar and pancake machine for breakfast. It didn’t make the top list due to size and limited offerings, but Alaska flyers appreciate it as a calm spot.

• Admirals Clubs & United Club: The more “everyday” lounges at LAX. Admirals Clubs (T4, T5) and the United Club (T7) are comfortable but not extravagant – great if you have membership or a day pass, but they lack the wow factor (no hot meals, etc., just snacks). However, they’re lifesavers on a long layover if you just need a quiet(er) space and a drink.

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Each lounge has its own vibe and value depending on your needs. For pure luxury and amenities, stick to our top five list – they’re the ones that can truly transform your pre-flight or connection time.

FAQ: Best Lounges at LAX

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What is the best lounge at LAX?

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The consensus among many travelers is that the Qantas First Lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal is the best overall lounge at LAX. It offers a true first-class experience – from a la carte dining that rivals fine restaurants to luxurious shower suites and outstanding service.

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Can I access any of these top lounges if I’m flying economy?

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In many cases, yes, but you’ll need the right membership or card. For example, you can’t buy your way into Qantas or Polaris if you’re not eligible – they’re for premium passengers. But the Delta Sky Club can be accessed if you have an Amex Platinum card and are flying Delta (even in economy). The Star Alliance Business Lounge can be accessed in economy if you hold Star Alliance Gold status with any member airline – many experienced frequent flyers leverage that. The Centurion Lounge (honorable mention) is accessible with an Amex Platinum card regardless of your ticket class. So while a regular economy ticket alone won’t open lounge doors, your elite status or credit card perks might!

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Do any LAX lounges have sleeping areas or nap rooms?

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Yes, the United Polaris Lounge has dedicated nap rooms with daybeds. These are quiet, dimly lit mini-rooms where you can catch a quick snooze. They’re first-come, first-serve and only for travelers with access to Polaris (international business class flyers). Other lounges don’t have full nap rooms, but many have comfortable recliners or quiet zones.

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Which lounge at LAX has the best food?

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The Qantas First Lounge wins for best food – its full-service restaurant offers freshly prepared gourmet meals (for free) that are a cut above the rest‍. Second place might go to the United Polaris Lounge, where there’s an on-demand dining room with high-quality offerings. Among business class lounges, the Star Alliance Lounge has a strong buffet with wide variety, and Delta Sky Club is known for solid buffets as well (and occasionally special chef events).

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Are there any lounges at LAX with outdoor spaces or views?

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Yes! The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 3 has an outdoor Sky Deck terrace, and the Star Alliance Business Lounge in TBIT also has an outdoor terrace with fire pits. Both offer fresh air and plane-spotting opportunities – a real treat if you’re tired of being indoors.