Air New Zealand Air Points - Lounge access at LAX - NZ1/2

My husband and I have never been bothered going through to the lounge at LAX in transit before, but have decided to give it a go this time (if available).
We've started wondering how the process works.

How does the transfer from holding pen to Lounge work? I understand that only J pax are permitted to go through to the lounge when in transit on NZ1/2. How does AirNZ/LAX police this? Do they escort J pax to the lounge, or is security set up so that only J pax can clear it?

I've done a quick search on this, but cannot find any thread that answer this question. Air NZ website is also short on info, other than stating that only AirNZ Business Premier pax may go through to the lounge.

When I did this (a few years ago now) invitations were handed out on the plane and the sheep were divided from the goats by LAX ground crew as we came off the air bridge. Do remember that you have to clear US immigration and go through customs to the street as if you were planning to stay in LA and then back through security on the departures level so walk quickly (and all will very tedious if you arrive 10 minutes after another packed plane).
But - still better than the holding pen especially if there is any delay.

When I did this (a few years ago now) invitations were handed out on the plane and the sheep were divided from the goats by LAX ground crew as we came off the air bridge. Do remember that you have to clear US immigration and go through customs to the street as if you were planning to stay in LA and then back through security on the departures level so walk quickly (and all will very tedious if you arrive 10 minutes after another packed plane).
But - still better than the holding pen especially if there is any delay.


I see, that makes sense. I guess that's why they ask you whether you are going through to the lounge.
The long walk will be a nice change after 12hrs sat down.
Thanks for the info pomkiwi.