I received my usual Velocity Frequent Flyer newsletter tonight but was pleasantly surprised to see the following in relation to LAX Lounge access when travelling on VA flights:
"As a valued Platinum member, we are delighted to offer you and one guest access to the new Star Alliance First Class lounge, operated by Air New Zealand^."
I haven't seen this pop up in the site's news, but thought it was a pretty nice little perk. I'm flying in and out of LAX next month so look forward to checking it out! Has anyone travelled through LAX since the shift to TBIT to know if this 1st class area is any better (or worse) than the Loft at T3?
The first class area of the new LAX Star Alliance lounge is really more of a first class annexe than a lounge per se - a smaller separate area for first class & top-tier frequent flyers, away from everybody else. A slightly better selection of food & drink served. But to use most facilities including showers you still need to go into the main lounge.
Looking at the menu compared to some of the photos around the net on the buffet it looks like it could just be a plated version of that. Guess i will find out in 2 weeks and report back with some more photos.
I was in the new LAX Star Alliance lounge in early December and used the First lounge as a VA Platinum. It has to said the lounge as a whole is fantastic.
To be honest the First section is a bit of a let down in terms of location and space - the service on the other hand was great. The main lounge has a internal balcony area overlooking the terminal, 'cinema' room, library and very special outsite terrace complete with feature waterfall and fires. There is an interconnecting door between the first and business lounge which the staff give you the code for to gain access back in first from business. In terms of food a menu is presented and orders taken with items delivered - but from what I could tell it is the same as what is on offer in the business self service section. Overall a nice perk for VA Plats if you are looking for seclusion - but if it was busy the first lounge could seem small.
The new TBIT is by the far the nicest international US airport I have seen and this is evident as we ended up departing from an 'old' gate and the change from the new to the old is very dramatic.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
1st Class Lounge access to VA Plat at LAX?
Aarondavis1986
Aarondavis1986
VA
Member since 01 Mar 2013
Total posts 29
1st Class Lounge access to VA Plat at LAX?
I received my usual Velocity Frequent Flyer newsletter tonight but was pleasantly surprised to see the following in relation to LAX Lounge access when travelling on VA flights:
"As a valued Platinum member, we are delighted to offer you and one guest access to the new Star Alliance First Class lounge, operated by Air New Zealand^."
I haven't seen this pop up in the site's news, but thought it was a pretty nice little perk. I'm flying in and out of LAX next month so look forward to checking it out! Has anyone travelled through LAX since the shift to TBIT to know if this 1st class area is any better (or worse) than the Loft at T3?
David
David
Member since 24 Oct 2010
Total posts 1,016
Hi Aaron - yes, it's quite a surprising little perk, isn't it? :)
See http://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-australia-moves-to-tom-bradley-international-at-lax-next-month and also http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos-new-star-alliance-first-class-lounge-at-lax for more on this.
The first class area of the new LAX Star Alliance lounge is really more of a first class annexe than a lounge per se - a smaller separate area for first class & top-tier frequent flyers, away from everybody else. A slightly better selection of food & drink served. But to use most facilities including showers you still need to go into the main lounge.
Aarondavis1986
Aarondavis1986
VA
Member since 01 Mar 2013
Total posts 29
I must have missed that one on the site when it was published :) Thanks David
jaredw
jaredw
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 13 Jan 2014
Total posts 58
The web site seems to mention a la carte dinning. Does anyone know what the menu is like there?
macker
macker
Member since 15 Jan 2014
Total posts 4
Hi Jared, someone posted this pic of the F menu at LAX star alliance lounge on twitter this morning:
http://t.co/rvS9Nvbv32
jaredw
jaredw
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 13 Jan 2014
Total posts 58
Thanks!
Looking at the menu compared to some of the photos around the net on the buffet it looks like it could just be a plated version of that. Guess i will find out in 2 weeks and report back with some more photos.
RobL
RobL
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 19 Jul 2012
Total posts 13
I was in the new LAX Star Alliance lounge in early December and used the First lounge as a VA Platinum. It has to said the lounge as a whole is fantastic.
To be honest the First section is a bit of a let down in terms of location and space - the service on the other hand was great. The main lounge has a internal balcony area overlooking the terminal, 'cinema' room, library and very special outsite terrace complete with feature waterfall and fires. There is an interconnecting door between the first and business lounge which the staff give you the code for to gain access back in first from business. In terms of food a menu is presented and orders taken with items delivered - but from what I could tell it is the same as what is on offer in the business self service section. Overall a nice perk for VA Plats if you are looking for seclusion - but if it was busy the first lounge could seem small.
The new TBIT is by the far the nicest international US airport I have seen and this is evident as we ended up departing from an 'old' gate and the change from the new to the old is very dramatic.