Which lounge at LAX would you use?
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 860
I've always struggled to tell whether it's light coming from the skylight or from the giant video screens opposite those windows!
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
Food, big space, quiet (several times when I was there), wifi fast, you get service (tea, coffee or drink) from a staff no matter where I sat. For those who have kids, there is a space for them to play.
#19
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Platinum
Posts: 232
I spent time at both the QF F lounge and Flagship lounge a few weeks back before a flight to Melbourne. Personally, you could easily make a case for one being better than the other. Personally, I prefer the Flagship Lounge. The food is certainly better at the QF F lounge but I think the buffet is pretty serviceable and there are a lot of options. What does it for me though is the self serve drinks, the ability to load up on bottles of water for my flight, and the natural light. I just feel it is much more welcoming (oh and the showers are better). The QF lounge to me is a much more intimate experience. You have servers for everything, it's darker, and less people.
I started out in the Flagship lounge, had a couple of cocktails, sampled some of the food, and enjoyed the views. As I got closer to departure I headed over to the QF F lounge, had a light meal and then relaxed in the quieter and darker lounge. I found this to be a pretty good plan. I left the Flagship lounge right as it started getting busy. While the QF F lounge also got busy with the night flights departing there was still plenty of seating and it never sounded crowded.
I started out in the Flagship lounge, had a couple of cocktails, sampled some of the food, and enjoyed the views. As I got closer to departure I headed over to the QF F lounge, had a light meal and then relaxed in the quieter and darker lounge. I found this to be a pretty good plan. I left the Flagship lounge right as it started getting busy. While the QF F lounge also got busy with the night flights departing there was still plenty of seating and it never sounded crowded.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
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Taking AA 108 to LHR on Wednesday and trying to recall if they've moved that flight from T4 to TBIT a couple years ago. Assuming in TBIT, can someone confirm I'd have access. While we are flying Y/MCE (J upgrade looks unlikely w/ SWU), I am EXP/Emerald. Am I correct to assume my wife and I have access to QF F lounge given my Emerald status? I'd seen a couple reviews on the lounge and comment section included folks who had been denied access. Appreciate the insight.
Yes you will. I think there may have been issues where AA EXPs have been trying to get into the QF lounge on a pure internal US flight.
Even if AA 108 ls boarding from T4 you can visit the QF lounge then walk via the airside covered walkway to T4 ( less than 5mins)
Regards
TBS
#21
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California
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Posts: 1,008
Agree with the rankings presented upthread: QF F, Flagship, OW J Lounge.
Did a quick QF F tour on a short connection, had a drink and a snack and was on my way but would have loved to spend an afternoon there.
AA Flagship would be preferred for a morning lounge stint (especially after a red-eye or long Int'l flight). Showers are new and relatively spacious (compared to LHR T5 or some of the DFW AC options) and breakfast buffet there had good options.
OW J lounge had better atmosphere than flagship for lounging in the sense of "I have 4 hours to kill, might as well read and take a nap in the dark corner", and their bar with bartender was a nice touch as well. Food was average.
And for those who prefer to people watch, the KAL lounge (Accessed via priority pass) has a nice deck/veranda overlooking the bulk of TBIT's main level concourse and shopping area.
Did a quick QF F tour on a short connection, had a drink and a snack and was on my way but would have loved to spend an afternoon there.
AA Flagship would be preferred for a morning lounge stint (especially after a red-eye or long Int'l flight). Showers are new and relatively spacious (compared to LHR T5 or some of the DFW AC options) and breakfast buffet there had good options.
OW J lounge had better atmosphere than flagship for lounging in the sense of "I have 4 hours to kill, might as well read and take a nap in the dark corner", and their bar with bartender was a nice touch as well. Food was average.
And for those who prefer to people watch, the KAL lounge (Accessed via priority pass) has a nice deck/veranda overlooking the bulk of TBIT's main level concourse and shopping area.
#22
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Agree with the rankings presented upthread: QF F, Flagship, OW J Lounge.
Did a quick QF F tour on a short connection, had a drink and a snack and was on my way but would have loved to spend an afternoon there.
AA Flagship would be preferred for a morning lounge stint (especially after a red-eye or long Int'l flight). Showers are new and relatively spacious (compared to LHR T5 or some of the DFW AC options) and breakfast buffet there had good options.
OW J lounge had better atmosphere than flagship for lounging in the sense of "I have 4 hours to kill, might as well read and take a nap in the dark corner", and their bar with bartender was a nice touch as well. Food was average.
And for those who prefer to people watch, the KAL lounge (Accessed via priority pass) has a nice deck/veranda overlooking the bulk of TBIT's main level concourse and shopping area.
Did a quick QF F tour on a short connection, had a drink and a snack and was on my way but would have loved to spend an afternoon there.
AA Flagship would be preferred for a morning lounge stint (especially after a red-eye or long Int'l flight). Showers are new and relatively spacious (compared to LHR T5 or some of the DFW AC options) and breakfast buffet there had good options.
OW J lounge had better atmosphere than flagship for lounging in the sense of "I have 4 hours to kill, might as well read and take a nap in the dark corner", and their bar with bartender was a nice touch as well. Food was average.
And for those who prefer to people watch, the KAL lounge (Accessed via priority pass) has a nice deck/veranda overlooking the bulk of TBIT's main level concourse and shopping area.
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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For the OP, Flagship is the better option.
In my case, being Emerald, I use the the Qantas First class "cafeteria" for a shower (bring my sunglasses), then food. After that I head to the Flagship lounge and await my flight.
In my case, being Emerald, I use the the Qantas First class "cafeteria" for a shower (bring my sunglasses), then food. After that I head to the Flagship lounge and await my flight.
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA - Silver, Hertz-5 star
Posts: 217
Thanks Everyone, I think will be using the Flagship Lounge in T4. We will be there during lunch hours and the views from the lounge look enticing to an AVgeek.
OP - Paul
OP - Paul
#25
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
Hopefully lunch time isn't so bad. Was there two nights ago around 6pm and it was a zoo. Had to go to the AC next door to get some peace.
#26
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
That is my major gripe when comparing the Flagship lounge to the QF F lounge. I typically enjoy the Flagship lounge until it gets too busy then head to QF F lounge where it seems to be more peaceful. I don't put too much stock into where my gate is as they are only about a 5 minute walk and before a flight I don't mind a few extra steps.
#27
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Platinum, Admirals Club Member, HHonors
Posts: 77
Can you access the QF F lounge as flagship first transcon customers? If so, with enough time, would you recommend FF Dining followed by the QF F? Or just stick with the Flagship lounge?
#28
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: AZ
Programs: AA Exec Plat; Marriott Plat; HHonors Diamond; Hertz PC
Posts: 213
Advice: LAX Lounge
I am flying in F from LAX to JFK soon. Normally I would go to the Qantas F lounge at LAX which is one of my favorite in the world but am also thinking I should try Flagship First dining. Anyone done both lately and have a recommendation?
#29
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: DFW, NYC, SIN, KUL, CGK, LON
Programs: AA EXP, AA5MM
Posts: 391
I've never been impressed with QF's F LAX lounge. The food pales in comparison to SYD/MEL F. After my last visit where I didn't finish the food, I thought to myself that I wouldn't make the trek over to TBIT and just stay at the Flagship next time!
#30
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Platinum
Posts: 232
LAX is home so have a chance to try them somewhat frequently. I think the Qantas F lounge is great for food diversity and space but Flagship First Dining is better. I really love the breakfast and the food (and service) just seems like a step up. If you haven't tried the AA product, I think it's definitely worth trying the Flagship F Dining this time through. I don't think you'll regret it and you'll now have the context you need for your next trip!