Before heading back to Chicago after my MLK weekend in Hong Kong I had to find a way to pass a few hours during my LAX layover. Luckily because I maintain OneWorld Emerald elite status and was connecting from an international flight that wouldn’t be that hard to do. During my layover I had a wide variety of OneWorld Frequent Flyer lounges to choose from.
Since I used to have an American Airlines Admirals Club membership I didn’t see any point in wasting time in an Admirals Club lounge however. Instead I opted to head upstairs in the Tom Bradley International Terminal to visit the Qantas First Class Lounge. For years I’ve read glowing reviews about the lounge but have never had the chance to go inside. This time however I had access and wanted to take full advantage.
I spent about an hour in the lounge and was honestly a bit disappointed. Sure, the lounge was plenty nice and much nicer than sitting in the crowded terminal. However, the Qantas First Class lounge wasn’t nearly as glamorous as others make it out to be.
So, after the lackluster Qantas First Class lounge visit I decided to just head to the Terminal 4 Admirals Club. I’ve been to that lounge about a dozen times so I knew exactly what to expect.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge LAX Entrance
As I left the Qantas lounge I began the long walk through the bridge which connects TBIT to Terminal 4. With each step closer to Terminal 4 I began noticing the typical American Airlines marketing posters which line the halls before you enter Terminal 4. Then, I saw a sign I wasn’t quite expecting. This particular sign was advertising the new American Airlines Flagship Lounge now open in LAX.
I couldn’t believe it. Somehow I completely forgot about the New Flagship Lounge in LAX!
The Flagship Lounge in LAX is located on the second level of Terminal 4 and shares an entrance with the Terminal 4 Admirals Club. That entrance is near Gate 40.
I personally love the black/white branding of American’s Admiral Clubs and Flagship Lounges. After passing through the frosted sliding glass doors I handed the lounge agent my Cathay Pacific boarding card and my American Airlines ticket for the Chicago flight. After a few seconds of scanning and typing the agent handed me a Flagship Lounge invitation.
From there I ascended the elevators to the second level where both lounges are located. As I exited the elevator I found a second reception area.
I approached then approached the podium, handed the lounge agent my Flagship invitation, and proceeded into the Flagship Lounge.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge LAX
Once inside the Flagship Lounge I was blown away by how nice the space looked. It was hard to believe this same space used to house the tired Admirals Club of years past.
As you enter the lounge there is a small sitting area which rests under the space age spiral chandelier. That chandelier very much reminded me of the new American Airlines safety video.
As you pass deeper into the lounge you’ll pass a small media area. By far the coolest feature of this area was the wireless charging pads located on several of the tables. A very nice touch in today’s wireless charging world.
Just beyond the media center was a hallway which awkwardly featured several two-top dining tables. I’m not exactly sure who would choose to sit here unless the lounge is exceptionally full.
I say that because just a little farther within the lounge you’ll find the incredible central seating area of the lounge. I love the massive floor to ceiling windows which provide exceptional views of the airport alleyways below.
The large windows coupled with the high curved ceilings make this lounge feel especially large even though it occupies a fairly small footprint.
Perhaps the best part of the lounge was the ample power supply options. At each seat there were at least two power outlets and/or USB outlets to choose from. Nothing bothers me more than a lounge with limited access to power.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Dining
Since I was not departing for an international destination in a First Class cabin I did not have access to Flagship First Dining, but I did have access to the Flagship Lounge buffet.
The buffet area consists of two massive buffet lines which were both completely stocked with food.
The buffet offered significantly more food than I’m used to seeing in an American Airlines lounge. On one buffet line was a selection of salads, cheeses, cured meats, and most importantly, desserts.
The second buffet line consisted of hot food items which included grilled veggies, baos, pastas, and soups. The baos were definitely a lounge favorite as they disappeared quickly.
A wine and Champagne station separates the buffet lines from the seating area of the dining room.
Surprisingly during my visit American offered Bollinger special Cuvee which retails for about $60 a bottle. Also, if you weren’t in the mood for wine or Champagne there are a ton of beer and spirits to choose from located against the wall near the buffet stations.
There was also a fairly robust coffee machine capable of producing several more complicated coffee beverages.
After grabbing a drink and some food I decided to sit in the dining area to relax for a bit before my flight.
The dining area featured several two-top tables arranged in a diagonal formation. After sitting and facing the lounge for a few moments I decided to switch seats to enjoy an even better view.
Final Thoughts
I am completely blown away by the new American Airlines Flagship Lounge in LAX. The prior Admirals Club (which occupied the same space) was old, worn out, and oddly enough, dark. This new space is very bright, airy, and inviting.
Food and beverage options within the lounge far exceeded my expectations of an American Airlines lounge. At most American lounges only house wine and domestic beer is complimentary. In the Flagship Lounge all wine, spirits, and beer choices are complimentary. Additionally, the food served in the buffet lines was actually quite good. If departing on a later international flight I may even opt to eat a full meal in the lounge as to skip the in-flight dinner altogether (especially from LAX).
Overall, I was quite satisfied by my first visit to an American Airlines Flagship Lounge. I can’t wait to visit more Flagship Lounges as this visit was extremely pleasant.
American currently has four open Flagship Lounge locations (ORD, MIA, LAX, & JFK). According to the airlines website, American has plans to open several more lounges (DFW, LHR, and PHL) “soon.” Hopefully soon doesn’t mean the same thing as it does at United with their Polaris Lounges…
