Got the same treatment at LAX for flight to Vietnam -- Sunday, nothing to do, got to airport 4.5 hours early. I had not even heard of this new rule, so shocked.

Spent 1 hour sitting on the bench outside the new big club, then they let me in at 3.5 hours instead of 3 hours. it was king of busy but certainly not people lined up to get in busy.

I agree, this really is frustrating, especially for once a day flights that sometimes it's easier to go to the airport early. Like, I have to check out by noon or 1 pm, flights at 5:30pm. But I guess I'll be seeing more benches unless they change this rule. An easy chance is if the club is busy? if not, let us in? I do spend on premium drinks so earlier entrance means more Duckhorn sold.