Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the midst of a renaissance. Part of that is reflected in several stunning lounges throughout the airport. Two lounges currently have beautiful outdoor terraces. But which one is best?
Terrace One: Star Alliance Lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal
This is a beautiful terrace with fire pits, trees, running water, and great views.
Best of all, most people do not seem to be aware it exists. I routinely have the terrace to myself.
Here are four pictures I took prior to my flight to Frankfurt earlier this week:
The only downside I have experienced is poor (T-Mobile) cell phone coverage on the terrace. With Wi-Fi, however, I can just make internet-based calls. Problem averted!
Terrace Two: United Club in Terminal 7
The brand new United Club in T7 is probably better classified as a balcony than a terrace, but it spacious and offers great tarmac views:
It is certainly more spartan than the Star Alliance lounge, but still quite pleasant especially on a summer evening. The lack of heaters or fire pits make it a bit chilly during autumn and winter months, but this terrace has far better views of the LA Basin than the Star Alliance lounge. Note that the United terrace does not offer electrical plugs, so bring your devices fully charged.
Winner: Star Alliance Lounge
The Star Alliance lounge offers a better terrace thanks to its comfortable couches and fire pits, but both are great options.
Other Terraces
Other lounges like Korean Air and Emirates have balconies that overlook the indoor Villaraigosa Pavilion, but I don’t classify those in the same way.
CONCLUSION
The Star Alliance Lounge is the clear winner, but Delta will soon be introducing its own outdoor deck. We will see if Delta gives United and Star Alliance a run of the money.
The star alliance lounge has power plugs on the fireplaces. They even show up in one of your pictures. 🙂
David, great catch! I’m embarrassed.
Plus one for the Star Alliance lounge. I like that it is facing the drop-off area and not the tarmac — although the views are not stunning, I believe the noise level is subdued.