To conclude my HKG over MLK weekend I specifically booked a flight through Los Angeles to review one or two lounges in the airport. I scheduled a 3 hour layover to give myself plenty of time to fully enjoy each lounge.
My Cathay Pacific flight landed in Los Angeles at about 10:30AM. The flight took just over 13 hours and I wanted nothing more than a coffee and a shower. As we departed the aircraft I rushed to the immigrations hall so that I wouldn’t have to wait in line too long to clear customs.
As I entered the hall I sought out the Mobile Passport Control expedited security lanes. As per usual with Mobile Passport, when I arrived in the expedited lanes I was the only customer in line. This meant that I could get through customs in a less than a minute. From there I passed through the airline transfer security checkpoint and made my way back into the heart of Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).
Arriving At The LAX Qantas First Class Lounge
The Qantas First Class Lounge is located at the beginning (or end) of the tunnel which connects Tom Bradley to Terminal 5. Most LAX based American fliers should be very familiar with this tunnel.
As you reach the end of the tunnel the first lounge you’ll pass is the Qantas First Class Lounge. Unlike other lounges in TBIT this one is very understated from the outside. The only indications that you’re in the right place are the word “First” and the OneWorld Emerald logos.
As you enter the lounge there is a small reception area which features the Qantas Roo.
As I entered the lounge I wasn’t quite sure that I’d get in. I’ve read mixed reports about successful access to this lounge upon arrival. Passengers with OneWorld Emerald status of course have access when departing from LAX, but I’ve heard stories of Emeralds getting turned down when using the lounge as an arrivals lounge, as I was doing.
Luckily I when handed the lounge agent my Cathay Pacific boarding pass I had no issues getting into the lounge. I shouldn’t have had any issues because Qantas officially states arriving passengers can use this lounge.
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX Seating Areas
As you enter the lounge you’ll quickly find a ton of seating options. I can’t think of another lounge I’ve been to that’s quite as open as this one.
If you’re looking for a little more comfort and privacy there are several lounge chairs near the windows which overlook TBIT.
There are also a few couches in this area.
A little farther into the lounge is a second seating area with slightly less comfortable chairs.
Past this section of the lounge is the sit-down restaurant, but more on that in a second.
As you an see, the lounge is quite large and there are plenty of seats to go around. I’ve heard this lounge gets quite crowded in the evening as there are several OneWorld international departures.
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX Beverage Options
A good bar is a staple to any airport lounge and on that front the Qantas First Class Lounge LAX does not disappoint.
The bar takes up a significant amount of space as it is quite long.
Behind the bar are several beer, wine, and spirit options. Alcohol served in this lounge isn’t quite as “top-tier” as options found in other First Class lounges, but it’s hard to complain when it’s free.
As it was still quite early in the morning when I visited this lounge I opted for a coffee instead of an alcoholic beverage. I ordered a cappuccino which took a few moments to prepare.
If all you need is water, there are two water stations located throughout the lounge.
As expected, these water stations offered both sparking and still water.
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX Shower Facilities
After finishing my cappuccino I wanted nothing more than to take a shower. After all, the reason I most value airport lounges is the ability to shower after a 13 hour flight.
The shower facilities of the Qantas First Class lounge are located at the far end of the lounge just beyond the sit-down restaurant. As the lounge was empty during my visit I did not have to wait for an open shower suite. When I arrived at the shower area a lounge attendant directed me to an open shower room.
I was quite surprised by the shower facilities when I entered the washroom; and not in a good way. The room was clean, but it just felt like a hospital rather than a relaxing shower suite.
The entire room was finished in white tile. That coupled with the harsh hospital white lighting did not make this room very inviting.
The industrial looking toilet didn’t help matters. Nor did the shower itself.
While I didn’t love the design of the shower suite, the shower itself was just fine. Water temperature and pressure were more than adequate for a nice refreshing shower.
After my shower I quickly gathered my belongings and left. I didn’t want to spend an extra minute in there.
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX Restaurant
As I exited the shower facilities I decided to sit down in the restaurant for a quick meal.
The dining area in the Qantas First Class lounge is a full service restaurant. You’re invited to sit anywhere you’d like. Once seated, a server will introduce themselves, hand you a menu, and take drink orders. As I arrived in the morning I was handed a breakfast menu.
I wasn’t exactly hungry after my flight, but I knew this would be among my last chances to eat before my 4 hour flight back to Chicago. For that reason I decided to order the croque monsieur.
The sandwich arrived in no time at all. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had in an airport lounge, but it was still better than what you can get in most domestic airline lounges.
After finishing my sandwich I decided to leave the lounge and head to terminal 5 so that I’d be closer to the terminal in case an earlier flight became available. By this point I didn’t see any reason to spend additional time in this lounge.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, I went into the lounge with very high expectations. I’ve read a few different review of this lounge which conclude that it’s “The Best” OneWorld lounge in the United States. Personally, I disagree. It’s a very nice lounge, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best. I’m not sure if I were grumpy after my 13 hour flight, but I just really didn’t love this lounge. The whole lounge just felt cold and uninviting.
Personally, I much prefer the OneWorld Business Class lounge in TBIT. That lounge is much more aesthetically pleasing. Sure the food isn’t quite as good as when you could get from the Qantas lounge’s restaurant, but if that’s what you’re after you could always eat at Qantas and then head to the OneWorld lounge to relax before the flight.
