QF TBIT pax using AA First Lounge in T4 at LAX

[RooFlyer]

Longish evening layover here in LAX before QF departure from TBIT. I went through various threads re using the AA First Lounge after checking in at TBIT for a TBIT departure later and there seemed to be a bit of disagreement whether it was possible (albeit some of those posts were +1 years old).

Anyway, checked in at QF at TBIT. Asked the check-in Agent re using the AA T4 Lounge. No problem, did I know where to go? Yes, been there with a T4 departure previously, so off I went.

Anyway, I went through priority security escalator check, security boarding pass and passport check, and the lounge itself, no problems at all. Only comment re TBIT departure was the FLounge agent making sure I knew where the shuttle left from. About 20 mins from QF check-in to AA Flounge T4 (mostly security of course).

Nice subdued atmosphere; maybe 1/3 full for the time I was there. TVs low and unobtrusive. Shower is available. A number of different nooks and crannies to get away from others if you wish.

Bubbles are Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut. I'm happy to take her word for it.

Warm food: Corn chowder and a sort of sausage lasagne with brussle sprouts side. Cold selection of green leaf salad, pasta, tomato, egg sandwiches, mini burgers, cookie chunks (?). Cheese & crackers, chips, bikkies, fresh fruit, fruit salad.

Overall, I'd say the aged sirloin I've ordered for supper on QF is looking really good!

I don't know any of the wines, but anything from Russian River is OK by me! Usual spirits and softies.

Overall: If you have more than 3 hours wait at LAX, I'd say worth coming over for an hour or so. Definitely quieter, less busy than TBIT F usually is and OK to relax. Tucker about the same as a QF business lounge (absent Island Dining), or maybe bit worse.

 

[RooFlyer]

The bus I was told leaves every half hour on the half hour. I went down a bit early and my bus left at quarter to. The bus ride is definitely worth it. Playing dodgems with airliners along the taxi ways - I swear we went right under the wing of a Delta ?A330 (not used to looking at them from that angle!).

Anyway, a long way round in 20 mins and you pull up close to QF gates 134 & 136.

1W F lounge not too bad, but definitely noisier than the AA lounge. Pipers is the champagne, with much the same sort of tucker.

 

[serfty]

Maybe the bus was ¼ hour late?

I had given up on the bus for a couple of years but tried it earlier this month. It still took 30 minutes to get to the TBIT OW F/L - that was after walking up the stairs due to a packed lift.

I do generally prefer the food and beverages in the T4 FL, - it's also much much quieter and easier to snaffle a shower.

As for the TBIT bubbles, they were Tatt NV.

 

[legroom]

.......checked in at QF at TBIT. Asked the check-in Agent re using the AA T4 Lounge. No problem, did I know where to go?.....

This report is contrary to what I carried in my head.

I always thought you need to either depart from or arrive at T4 before you can access the AC or FL there.

I did not know that you could just walk across to T4 after TBIT checking in.

BTW, would using the bus help you avoid the security line at TBIT or not?

Or walking back to TBIT & going through security would be faster ??

 

[ajw373]

This report is contrary to what I carried in my head.

I always thought you need to either depart from or arrive at T4 before you can access the AC or FL there.

I did not know that you could just walk across to T4 after TBIT checking in.

BTW, would using the bus help you avoid the security line at TBIT or not?

Or walking back to TBIT & going through security would be faster ??

I would have though it was possible if coming off a domestic flight as you would be landside anyway. But I am a bit surprised though to hear T4 security will let you airside with a pass for a flight from another terminal. I do wonder if this would work every time or just a bit of luck on the day.

 

[Flying mermaid]

This report is contrary to what I carried in my head.

I always thought you need to either depart from or arrive at T4 before you can access the AC or FL there.

I did not know that you could just walk across to T4 after TBIT checking in.

BTW, would using the bus help you avoid the security line at TBIT or not?

Or walking back to TBIT & going through security would be faster ??

We used the FL at T4 after flying in on a domestic flight. we then walked to TBIT and went through security. From memory it only took about 10 to 15 minutes from when we left the FL in T4 until we were in the F lounge in TBIT. However we did breeze through security - no queues at all. It was around 8 in the evening.

 

[Kangol]

I had given up on the bus for a couple of years but tried it earlier this month. It still took 30 minutes to get to the TBIT OW F/L - that was after walking up the stairs due to a packed lift.

As for the TBIT bubbles, they were Tatt NV.

I was there earlier this month and the TBIT bubbles were Piper Heidsieck

Can't recall the bus taking 30 mins from boarding to walking into the TBIT F/L but I don't think it ever took that long. If you include waiting for the bus then maybe. I like to walk fast though.

 

[Katie]

I do generally prefer the food and beverages in the T4 FL, - it's also much much quieter and easier to snaffle a shower.

I must've been unlucky in Oct last year. I was top of the shower list for 40mins & ended up getting a shower key for the regular AA lounge brought over to me. All worked out OK, but it was a tad stressful.

 

[serfty]

Yes, you are not supposed to be able to access T4 airside with a BP for a flight departing TBIT if not already there.

I have refrained from posting this, as I like the bennies and would hate to see it toughened due to overuse, but in general most TSA BP checkers see Qantas, verify your Id and let you through.

Indeed, a couple of times I have checked in at TBIT before heading over to T4.

Why?

The lounge is generally much quieter, the food generally on a par with TBIT First and I like a few Guinness's 'ere heading west.

As for shower availability, once I indeed was asked to go next door, but other than that it has been key 11, 12 or 13! Still, I do always request a shower upon initial entry to the T4 F/L.

As for the Bus, I did take it on March 10th, at 9pm - I departed the T4 F/L at 8:55PM and arrived into the TBIT F/L at 9:35PM -this time there were none of the long stops for taxiing aircraft, but a few little ones. The bus driver will wait at a taxiway crossover if any aircraft is approaching just in case it may turn. After that, the bus still drops one 250 metres from the lifts for the lounges.

At that time of night walking out landside and resubmitting to security is not more than 20 minutes from me T4 F/L to TBIT F/L.

 

[Storyteller]

If time permits I like to spend some time in T4 too. It's a pleasant space. Rarely have to wait long for the showers. The food is fine as an appetizer.

Usually I try to catch the 2nd last bus over to TBIT. This gets me there in case of delays to hear the announcements. Another cheese platter / little nibble of savouries.

The last 3 times I went landside after an incoming flight & had to go through TBIT security, it wasn't a lot of fun.
One time the queue stretched forever.
The next there was a security scare, where they yelled at everyone immediately before the xrays to stand still. Unfortunately I couldn't understand the instructions, & probably nearly ended up shot / in jail. Got a whole lot of extra love from security that day!
and the 3 rd time just as I got to passport control there was someone of interest. The queue was short, but this guy in front of me changed everyone's day. It all simple stopped. For about 1/2 hour. Grr.

So, my preference is T4 for the above reasons, plus the Tarmac tour, plus missing out on the additional security roll of the dice.

 

[gogo419]

As for the Bus, I did take it on March 10th, at 9pm - I departed the T4 F/L at 8:55PM and arrived into the TBIT F/L at 9:35PM -this time there were for of the long stops for taxiing aircraft, but a few little ones. The bus driver will wait at a taxiway crossover if any aircraft is approaching just in case it may turn. After that, the bus still drops one 250 metres from the lifts for the lounges.

At that time of night walking out landside and resubmitting to security is not more than 20 minutes from me T4 F/L to TBIT F/L.

Quick question. If you do decide to exit T4 and walk back to TBIT and go through security a second time there.. Will TSA give you any problems? May sound like a silly question? But best to be safe with that bunch!

Gogo

 

[ajw373]

Quick question. If you do decide to exit T4 and walk back to TBIT and go through security a second time there.. Will TSA give you any problems? May sound like a silly question? But best to be safe with that bunch!

Gogo

No. They don't know and don't care that you have been in T4.

 

[RooFlyer]

Lets look at it this way. T4 and TBIT are connected airside via the bus. The bus people don't even look at your BP - they are just driving a bus.

So, even if I was rejected at T4 with a TBIT flight BP, all I would have to do was enter via TBIT security, then catch the bus to T4.

But to reiterate. No one, incl the T4 security guy who scanned my BP, checked passport etc, turned a hair about my entering T4.

 

[ajw373]

So, even if I was rejected at T4 with a TBIT flight BP, all I would have to do was enter via TBIT security, then catch the bus to T4.

I thought the bus was T4 to TBIT only.

 

[RooFlyer]

I thought the bus was T4 to TBIT only.

Ah, you may have me there. I don't have direct knowledge of TBIT to T4 service. In theory it shouldn't be needed, as everyone landing at TBIT has to clear immigration and go land-side.

I'll stick with the technique that worked

 

[madrooster]

No. They don't know and don't care that you have been in T4.

They somewhat would - your BP would've had graffiti from TSA in T4.

 

[CaviAck]

They somewhat would - your BP would've had graffiti from TSA in T4.

If you're that concerned, go back to the check-in desk and say you lost your BP or something and get a new one printed.

 

[reductionist]

OK, dumb question, the lounge you guys are talking about at T4, is it the one one they give you a swipe card for at the Admirals Club entrance?

 

[serfty]

OK, dumb question, the lounge you guys are talking about at T4, is it the one one they give you a swipe card for at the Admirals Club entrance?

Yes, it's called the "Flagship Lounge" ...

 

[reductionist]

Yes, it's called the "Flagship Lounge" ...

OK, so I'm thinking of the right one. It has to be one of my least favourite lounges. Having said that the F lounge at TBIT is always ridiculously busy prior to QF flights so I think I'll try for a quieter T4 experience next time. In fact the quality/availability of showers is probably the bigger deciding factor for me.