LAX layover lounge access

[Colrad]

Hi folks,

Have a six hour layover at LAX on the way back from JFK to MEL. I am VA Platinum and will be flying in J. I understand this gives me access to the EK Lounge, but I can't find a consistent view of its opening hours. I arrive at 1500 LA time and fly out at 2100. Does anyone know what lounges will be open that I can access?

Thanks in advance.

 

[henrus]

The Emirates lounge opens at 5pm.

It's actually open three hours prior Emirates flight at 4:40pm but they won't let VA passengers in until 5pm.

If you're checked through by Delta or visit the Virgin Australia checkin desks in T2 (which should open around 3pm ish) then you're free to visit the other terminal and clear security with a same day LAX departure boarding pass.

The other terminals have lounges which you can pay to use:
AA - US$59 entry
United - Terminal 7 - US$59 entry - New with outdoor terrace and lots of seats
Korean Airlines - TBIT - Priority Pass
Alaska Lounge - Terminal 6 - Priority Pass
Delta - Terminal 2 or 3 - US$59 entry - T2 is also newer

 

[Colrad]

Thanks Henrus

Really appreciste the detailed response.

I’ll be coming in to T2 via Delta from JFK, and Lounge Buddy is indicating I will have access to the Delta Sky Club Lounge.

Assuming my luggage is checked through and I get both BPs when I check in at JFK, I’m hoping I may be able to prop there for an hour so and then get the airside shuttle bus over to Tom Bradley and the EK Lounge.

 

[serfty]

At T2, VA check in indeed opens 3pm.

 

[CPMaverick]

Delta - Terminal 2 or 3 - US$59 entry - T2 is also newer

DL SkyClub is free to use for VA Gold or above flying on DL or VA same-day. No need to pay for it.

If arriving on DL I would recommend that you stay in T2/3 and visit one of the Skyclubs on arrival. Neither is really anything special and they both have their pros and cons, so I would just go to the closest one (or visit both if you are bored). T2 is bigger and nicer, but T3 has more snack selection and a proper bar (at least last time I was through LAX).

As soon as the EK lounge is open, take the bus over to TBIT. It is much nicer over there.

 

[Colrad]

At T2, VA check in indeed opens 3pm.

View attachment 123099

Thanks Serfty, I'll be coming from JFK and assume I will be checked through from there - I was 3 weeks ago when I last did this trip - so (hopefully) no need to check in at T2. Last time, I was on the 3.30pm out of JFK - which was delayed by 100 mins - meaning I had to sprint from the airbridge to the bus and the boarding gate at TBIT. And I have to say VA was better than brilliant in helping me (just) make the connection.

This time I'm getting the 11.55am from JFK, which even if it's delayed should mean I have plenty of time to make my connection. Downside is, it's six hours of plenty of time! Hence, my need for a decent lounge.

Thanks again.

 

[Colrad]

DL SkyClub is free to use for VA Gold or above flying on DL or VA same-day. No need to pay for it.

If arriving on DL I would recommend that you stay in T2/3 and visit one of the Skyclubs on arrival. Neither is really anything special and they both have their pros and cons, so I would just go to the closest one (or visit both if you are bored). T2 is bigger and nicer, but T3 has more snack selection and a proper bar (at least last time I was through LAX).

As soon as the EK lounge is open, take the bus over to TBIT. It is much nicer over there.

Thank you CP - that is exactly the advice I was after. I thought I could do what you suggest, but wasn't sure if DL would deny me access in T2/3, because my departing flight was leaving from TBIT on VA.

I was in the T2 SkyClub four weeks ago, going in the other direction (LAX-DCA) and I would agree with your description. So, I might check out T3 this time, or as you say, give both a go to while away some time.

Greatly appreciate your advice.

Cheers and thanks again.

 

[CPMaverick]

As long as you have an onwards VA BP you shouldn't have a problem at the DL Sky club. Without it, you should still be OK but they might hassle you a bit, or need to check your itinerary.

The only problem with visiting both is I believe the only connection inside security is the bus. But with T3 between T2 and TBIT it might be sort of on the way... Not sure what the bus routes are like these days.

 

[Colrad]

As long as you have an onwards VA BP you shouldn't have a problem at the DL Sky club. Without it, you should still be OK but they might hassle you a bit, or need to check your itinerary.

The only problem with visiting both is I believe the only connection inside security is the bus. But with T3 between T2 and TBIT it might be sort of on the way... Not sure what the bus routes are like these days.

Thanks again, at least I should have plenty of time to find out! Will report back.

 

[serfty]

I took T2 security last month and then the bus to T3 and the Sky club (The T2 sky club brings to the fore memories of my Airpoints Elite days and the much better catering of the previous decade).

There were two queues, one for TBIT and another for T3, similar at T3 (T2 & TBIT).

I waited about 5 minutes at both.

 

[Colrad]

I took T2 security last month and then the bus to T3 and the Sky club (The T2 sky club brings to the fore memories of my Airpoints Elite days and the much better catering of the previous decade).

There were two queues, one for TBIT and another for T3, similar at T3 (T2 & TBIT).

I waited about 5 minutes at both.

Thanks Serfty, am I right that if I land at T2 and stay airside, I won't have to go through security? I can just hop on the bus from one terminal to another? I'm sure I did this a few weeks back when transferring from DL to VA (T2 to TBIT), or does each terminal have it's own security check, even if you stay inside?

I don'y have anything to hide, I should add. Just the whole, shoes, belt, coat, phone, lap top, iPad (in a separate tub) thing, and the queues get a bit wearying...

 

[CPMaverick]

The buses are all airside, no security. Or wait until 2024 when the walkway is opening.

You don't need to have anything to hide, the queues at LAX can be horrendous (and no priority line at TBIT).

It would never be worth it to lounge hop if you had to wait in the LAX security to do so.

 

[Colrad]

Thanks CP

 

[serfty]

Or wait until 2024 when the walkway is opening.

2024? I'd be surprised by 2026 going by how long it took to build the T4/TBIT airside connector.

There are options - if at TBIT I always check how the arrivals level transit security is going; generally quite empty. When it's not, T3 can be an option.