LAX Terminal Transfer, Virgin Australia Check-in and Virgin America Loft Lounge at LAX

Upon arriving in Terminal 1 at LAX, we deplaned and went downstairs to baggage claim to wait for our bags. Our bags emerged after about 15 minutes of waiting. We collected our bags and took the elevator up to the departures level to make our way from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in order to check-in for our Virgin Australia flight. Although the exercise of carrying a 15-pound backpack and 35-pound (camera & electronics) duffel bag from LAX Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 was probably good for me, I made a mental note to bring a rolling duffel next time for my 2nd carry-on instead of my over-the-shoulder duffel (I’m too cheap to drop the $5.00 on a cart). With 2 carry-on bags each and one large checked bags each, it took us about 15 minutes to walk to the far end of Terminal 3.

Photo Below: WN Baggage Claim at Terminal 1, LAX


Photo Below: Views Walking from LAX Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 on the Departure Level


Photo Below: Virgin Australia Check-In at the Very Far End of Terminal 3


We found no line at the Virgin Australia check-in counter – it was still well about 5 hours before our scheduled departure (I was pleasantly surprised check-in for our flight was open!). Check-in was smooth and efficient and we were provided directions to the Virgin America Loft Lounge. There was not much of a security line; so, we proceeded were to the lounge in less than 15 minutes.

Photo Below: Virgin Australia Check-In Counter


The Virgin America Loft Lounge was a bit tough to find – it is essentially above the food court; but, the stairs up are a bit hidden and the elevator isn’t obvious either. Arriving with nearly 5 hours to wait before our scheduled departure, we chose our spot in the lounge carefully…there were a couple of big chairs by the window with a table open that we sunk into. The lounge is well appointed but a bit small. By the time we left for our flight, it was nearly standing room only. The drink and food selections were better than the average lounge in the US. The timing was fantastic as we enjoyed the sunset, were able to watch countless take-offs and landings, and got some of the best seats in the lounge.

Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Sign Near Stairs


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Entrance


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Check-In


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Bar and Window Seats


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - View of Downtown out the Window


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Meat, Cheese, Salad, Juice, Etc. Refrigerator


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Dessert Options