Lounge Access in LAX as a WP and connecting to domestic flight

[robert.smith]

I'm heading to Redmond in a few weeks and it looks like I'll be traveling QF in Y SYD-LAX and then onwards on an American Eagle Codeshare with QF. As a WP, what lounge access do I have as there is a 10 hour Layover? I'll have a similar problem on the way back. I was hoping Anytime access to the Business Lounge but thought I may be pushing it?

I am not sure if I'll need to swap terminals as well so any advice (Or suggestion of alternate connection) would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[drewbles]

You'll have access to the Flagship Lounge within the Admirals Club in T4.

If you're on an Eagle connection, you'll be shuttled on a bus over to the AE terminal, in the middle of the air field. You don't need to wait there though, you can simply wait in T4.

If you're there 10 hours, i'd suggest a hotel or jumping on a bus or taxi to Santa Monica or somewhere else. 10 hours in the lounge would drive me mad I think.

 

[Hvr]

Well once you arrive in LAX you'll pass through immigration and customs and wont have access to a lounge. You'll need to change terminals to get your next flight and the TSA probably wont let you in your new terminal until about three hours before your flight.

If you get your BPs in Australia then you may be lucky and be allowed to enter the terminal but don't count on it. If you do get entry then try for the lounge.

Good luck but for 10 hours it may be worth doing something in LA.

 

[timster]

Hopefully you can interline your bags to AA as soon as you arrive.
Then best bet - in preference to any AA lounge for 10 hours - would be free bus from the terminal to the 96th street parking lot C (a few blocks away), next to which is the local bus station. Then the Big Blue Bus down to Santa Monica (about 40 minutes), or the Culver City bus to closer, large Westfield Mall. Exact fare required for both ($1 bill when I was there in 2013). Google for details.

 

[drewbles]

Well once you arrive in LAX you'll pass through immigration and customs and wont have access to a lounge. You'll need to change terminals to get your next flight and the TSA probably wont let you in your new terminal until about three hours before your flight.

If you get your BPs in Australia then you may be lucky and be allowed to enter the terminal but don't count on it. If you do get entry then try for the lounge.

Good luck but for 10 hours it may be worth doing something in LA.

TSA will let you in providing it's same day as your onward flight I believe (no 3 hour rule or anything).

Still, not a place i'd want to wait for that long

 

[JohnK]

If you're there 10 hours, i'd suggest a hotel or jumping on a bus or taxi to Santa Monica or somewhere else. 10 hours in the lounge would drive me mad I think.

I had an 11+ hour connection many years ago.

Too tired to go anywhere. Was awake until ~11:00am-12:00noon and then slept until ~6:00pm in the Flagship lounge. Had a shower, food and waited until ~9:30pm for boarding.

 

[amaroo]

If you have to spend 10hrs in a lounge (recommend heading out for a few hours) the AA flagship is not a bad choice as it will most likely be empty for most of it.

We spent 2 hrs there last month - Friday around midday......most of that time we were the only people in the thing. The airport was very busy and our flight was full

You could head out and try the famous In and Out burger......we had our first on this trip. Must say the burger was pretty good but the fries were a major disappointment!

 

[robert.smith]

Thanks Guys for the feedback. I agree that getting out would be the best option if I had the legs after an economy flight over

Is there any gotchas in terms of booking with carriers? eg, do I need to make sure I am an a QF flight number, or would AA be OK due to Oneworld Status?

 

[drewbles]

Booking with AA is fine as it's all Oneworld.

If you don't feel like stretching the legs, i'd suggest a nearby airport hotel for sub-$100 for a day rate, and just rest up there. Better option than the lounge (although the recliners down near the showers are quite comfortable for a nap).

 

[Quickstatus]

For 10 hour layover, i would visit Santa Monica and get some sunlight to overcome jetlag.

I would also first book a day rate (cheaper than 1night rate as its from 8am to 5 pm) at a nearby LAX hotel for under $100, have a shower and leave your carryon there. There are free shuttles from/to LAX to these hotels.

Lunch at santa monica bike ride etc etc. Then back to hotel shower, check out then go to AAeagle flight via flagship lounge for some lubricant.

You will fly into TBIT
AAeagle is in Terminal 4 (adjacent to TBIT) and after security you will go to gates 44 take the escalator down to AAEagle buses which will take you to the AAEagle gates (which is remote to T4).

It will take you all of 10 minutes from escalator to actual AAEagle gatr.

On the way back you will do the reverse.

There is nothing much in AAEagle gates - just seating area.

OH, and you will likely have to gatecheck your carryon as the planes overhead storage is limited. I always make sure im the last to geton - so my bags will be the last to be gatecheck and therefore first to be brought to the gangway at the destination.