18 year old with 7 hour wait at LAX - advice please

[MikeG]

Hi,

Our #1 son is headed over to the states to start college this year, and he has a 9+ hour wait at LAX for his connection to Kansas City.

I've done a little Googling and it looks like he can pay to get into Virgin America lounge with a $50 Alaska Airlines Daypass.

He is travelling economy on a Virgin Australia ticket from Sydney.

Does anyone have any other ideas and sneaky tricks he can try to get a rest and/or shower at LAX while he waits for his connecting flight?

This is his first overseas trip flying solo, so naturally I'm a little concerned about him, and want to ensure he is rested for his final leg...

Thanks in advance.

Mike.

 

[serfty]

There's the BUS service for $1.25 token per ride departing from the "City Bus Center" near the now closed Parking Lot 'C' (20 minute walk from TBIT, or take a free bus). #3 IIRC

 

[Quickstatus]

Hotels near LAX have a "day rate" which is generallly for an 0800-1700 hotel room use.

As he is 18, he might have problems at hotel checkin. Some require 18, others require 21
Some airline lounges are strict about age (minimum 21).

As others have recommended a visit outside is a good idea

BUT...

0615-1535 is not necessarily a lot of time.
Assuming everything is not delayed
After arrival likely 0730 by the time he is kerbside.
Going to Santa Monica by bus will take 1hr 20 min each way
So earliest arrival at SM = 0900
As its a 1535 departure = arrive back at airport 1335
Which means departing SM at 1200
\An Uber might take 30 min -1.5 hours.

 

[Timtammi]

Manhattan beach is really close and much easier/cheaper to get to than Santa Monica. There used to be a $5 trolley service that ran from all the airport hotels but I think its stopped now. Still an UBER or taxi wouldnt cost much and there are shops, restaurants and quite a nice beach.

 

[MikeG]

Lastly, last trip got a day room at the Crowne Plaza from 8.00am for $USD 80

They just quoted me US$99 + 15.7% tax (10am-6pm). So US$114.55

Thats about as cheap as you'll get within stones throw of LAX.

 

[Quickstatus]

AUD circa $175.
Good price.
Did they have a minimum age for the booking. It used to be 21.