We left the house at 5:20 PM and arrived at the QuickPark structure around 6:30 PM, which is located just about a block away from LAX, adjacent to the Hyatt. After finding parking, we took the shuttle over to Tom Bradley International Terminal and were dropped off at the arrivals level. By the time we wheeled our luggage up to the departure level, it was a few minutes before 7PM, with check-in opening at 7:15PM. I took the time to snap a few pictures inside and outside the terminal until we got our bags checked and boarding passes in hand.





















Luckily, the security line was short, and we breezed through for the most part. A quick left turn and elevator ride up led us to the Qantas F Lounge, which has eluded me for a while. Seeing all the great feedback and seemingly phenomenal offerings made me envious. I was more antsy than usual since we had to fly out of SFO last year for our JL F flight, so I've been wanting to get my foot in the door ever since. It's a classy space with many seating options, but we made a beeline for the food.













Bar offerings





Flowers



And chow time! Obviously I had the salt and pepper squid as the starter





We both went non-alcoholic with the passion club. It was rather forgettable



The squid was a bit overhyped and more chewy than I expected, but still pretty decent



Angus steak



Now the sides were delicious. The mac and cheese wasn't as heavy as your traditional version, and the spinach and mushrooms were flavorful with just the right texture





Dessert time...vanilla ice cream sundae and chocolate praline tart





Afterwards, we sat down in the middle section of the lounge, closer to the hubbub of the sit-down dining area so that any noise our son made would be drowned out, or at least comparatively muffled. A lovely couple next to us chatted us up and were great company, even holding and playing with our son for a bit. They left shortly before we did to catch their QF flight to SYD.



We weren't too far behind them as we left the lounge 10 minutes before boarding.



Thankfully no food court required



By the time we got to Gate 134, we were expecting boarding to be called, but nope...boarding was delayed as was the flight. Approaching the new boarding time, another delay was announced...in all, we departed roughly 1.5 hours behind schedule thanks to some holdups during taxi. i'm writing this in my lie flat seat, so we'll see how much time we make up in the air, if any. And it looks like the answer is none





A Virgin Australia bird hanging out opposite our gate



Next up, the lovely CX F flight to HKG...