I've generally done LAX security early to mid-afternoon and had very light lines in the elite section. But there doesn't seem to be all that much to offer landside. Could your friend get a gate pass and meet you airside where the drinking options are better?

How would he go about getting a gate pass? I forgot to mention, but it'll be around 9pm (flying out again at 11pm)

I think you will have to meet your friend landside if they are not traveling on UA on that same day. Try Encounter Restaurant. Security is a little heavy around 9-10 pm, but it should still not take more than 10 minutes.

Great view. Do they still have those soda dispensers w/ the cheesy ray gun sounds?

Encounter closes either at 9pm or 9:30pm, depending on day of the week.

I'm not sure anymore after the place was renovated a few years ago! I do know that the elevator still plays that funky space age music.

So do people think it's realistic time wise? :P

2hrs is enough time if everything runs perfectly, but there isn't much room for error. Let's break it down time wise:

- Flight arrives on time from HNL = 2:00 remaining
- 5 minutes to deplane = 1:55 remaining
- 5 minutes to exit the terminal = 1:50 remaining
- 5 minutes to get to encounter (use east way lower [arrivals] level) = 1:45 remaining
- Assume it takes 45 minutes to eat = 1:00 remaining
- 5 minutes to get back to terminal = 0:55 remaining
- ??? to clear security (probably 10 minutes) = 0:45 remaining
- 5 minutes to walk to gate = 0:40 remaining

So, there is a little bit of margin, but not a lot.

Yes, there is a premier line at LAX (T7 checkpoint I think, not exactly sure - they kinda merge together). It's not all it's cracked up to be. It moves no faster than the other lines, there is just (hopefully) fewer people in the line.

With respect to your upgrade, it means that you're waitlisted and won't get confirmation till checkin (more than likely at the gate.) Your position on the list depends on your status, but unless you're Platinum or 1K, don't hold your breath.

-- Dan

Meh.... If your flight is at all delayed, your friend will have made the trip for nothing. How close is he to LAX? LA is a huge area.

No-go on Encounter, even if you had a later departure:
Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., 7 days a week
Dinner: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

I can't recall if there's anyplace at all to eat or drink, much less anyplace open that late, landside in the UA terminal(s). May be just a fairly quick meet and greet in the terminal area before you have to head back through security.

Your friend could always purchase a refundable ticket for as late in the day as possible to get through security, then refund the ticket prior to the plane taking off. Unfortunately UA prices are atrocious - it would make more sense on WN.

There is Daniel’s Bistro + Bar landside at TBIT.

Suggestions for 7-hour layover at LAX.
 

I'm going to be transiting from Asia in a few days at LAX, and I was hoping to spend some of my long layover in the admirals club. I'd buy a 1-day pass, but they restrict to 18+ and sadly I am just under that. I look older than I am. Do you think I can get in without ID? If not, what would you suggest I do with a 7 hr layover in LA? All help appreciated

Thanks,

MSIT

Don't buy the pass beforehand, and just try at the door to be allowed entry.

But 7 hours is a long time to be in a lounge (especially without drinking, which is one of the biggest benefits of the lounge anyways).

You could go do something in LA. Lots of people plane spot at the In and Out Burger if that interests you.

I actually planespotted in LA about two weeks ago. I just want lounge access for a decently quiet spot with comfortable chairs, free decent Wifi, and free (nonalcoholic) beverages. According to my recollection, LAX has a CPK somewhere, and a teriyaki place (might be another terminal), so I'll probably buy some food and bring it in.

Thanks