Star Power at LAX
The Star Alliance lounge at Los Angeles International Airport is the perfect way to start or end a journey to La La Land
Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX, the Star Alliance lounge is a relaxing and timeless haven for weary travellers and those who like to indulge before and after a long (or short) flight.
Run by Air New Zealand, who volunteered for the position and were approved by the other members of the alliance which is almost certainly related to the airline’s stellar reputation in the industry, the lounge was conceived and designed to not show bias to any one of the alliance’s members (although there are a few design elements that may or may not be subtle nods to Air New Zealand - the “library” room mirrors a design aspect of the company’s aircraft and the black lamps on tables out on the indoor terrace are in fact All Black) and is decked out with wood floors and beams, leather and stone clad walls and comfortable furniture.
The lounge is open plan but at the same time very subtlety separated into several distinct areas, some of which are better for working and while other a better for socializing, with the aforementioned “outdoor” terrace overlooking the working airport departure lounge. There are also shower suites along with a media room, a small room with a large screen and a dozen front facing loungers, and an outdoor patio with views of the airfield and the Hollywood hills that can be nice depending on the weather.
Food is not exactly an afterthought, but the selection on offer would seem to have been designed to sate appetites rather than replace a meal. The small plates on offer are of a good quality and are delicious. Next to the bar there is also a selection of various cheeses and crackers.
The First-Class lounge, a significantly smaller space across the hall from the main lounge, is much quieter and has top shelf liquor, wine and beer. Apart from the elevated food and alcohol, I suspect many First-Class passengers visit the main lounge as the gentle hum of activity (at least during our visit) is somewhat appealing compared to the almost silent First-Class lounge, although the main lounge probably gets a little raucous from time to time.
All in all, the Star Alliance lounge is a very comfortable place to spend a few hours, fill up on decent food, and enjoy a few very nice drinks.
Visit www.staralliance.com to read about how you can access the lounge.
