Any tips to save my sanity please!, Entry into LAX Lounges..

[Katie]

TBIT is vastly improved as an aiport terminal compared to the dismal hole it used to be. There's now an Expres Spa, multiple bars/restaurants, Starbucks, Pinkberry yoghurt, Cupcake shop, and multiple newsagents. 7hrs would be a long wait, and I found our 5-6 hours even with FLounge access on Monday night quite long.

 

[seanpodge]

Agree with the above. I was in TBIT a few days ago. It's not quite SIN, but still much better than the dive that it used to be. Some of the dining choices actually look pretty good. The shopping isn't too bad either, but skews a bit too much towards high end stuff for my tastes.

Doesn't look like the other terminals have been done up, sadly. Terminals 7 and 8 (United) are still rubbish from what I saw coming off of my incoming flight.

 

[jonno]

I assume the shuttle that exceladdict mentioned is the Ocean Express shuttle.
It runs in a loop from the hotels on Century Blvd to Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village Shopping Centre, Plaza El Segundo, then back to Century Blvd.

I used it recently while staying at one of the hotels near LAX and had several hours before I had to check in for my flight.
I had enough time for a nice meal at Manhattan Beach, followed by some last minute shopping before heading back to the hotel.

It cost $5 for one loop, and you can hop off and on at each stop if you like.
Just be aware that they don't sell tickets on board, I had to buy the ticket from the hotel concierge.

The shuttle buses themselves are fairly new, but just be prepared for a bumpy ride along Imperial Hwy towards the beach.
The road surface is quite uneven, and the buses could do with some improvements to their suspension...

 

[Milboo]

I'd get a day room at one of the hotels nearby and hang out by a pool, get a massage or just take a nap.