I am flying to LAX via United Airlines but am a Qantas Platinum member, is there any way whatsoever I can access lounges at either end?

I am flying to LAX via United Airlines but am a Qantas Platinum member, is there any way whatsoever I can access lounges at either end?

nope

From where are you flying? 

United no longer have any Clubs in Aus, they us the NZ lounges I think and you may be able to buy your way in to them but won't get any access complimentary. 

Being QF platinum and flying United is like buying a Merc wearing a BMW hat. Won't get you anywhere...

You should take a look at other options for lounge access such as the AMEX lounge in SYD if you have an AMEX card for example.

Regards,

Boof

NZ stopped doing paid access to their lounges last year, so that option is no longer there. :)

Certain American Express cards will get you access into the American Express lounge at Sydney Airport (assuming you're flying from Sydney and not Melbourne) regardless of the airline you're flying.

(Full list here in our review.)

United departs from Terminals 7/8 at LAX where the only lounges are United-operated. You can buy your way in for US$50 but to be honest, it's not worth it when there are no showers, limited free alcohol and relatively domestic-style food. US$50 would stretch much further in the terminal.

Another option in LAX if you arrive at the airport really early could be the Korean Air/SkyTeam lounge in TBIT. You can get in free if you have an Aussie Diners Club card. The lounge also accepts Priority Pass cardholders flying with any airline if you have a Priority Pass membership or can get one free with your credit card (such as with Westpac Altitude Black, Citi Signature etc.) :)

If you're flying in Business First, you should be able to access the primary lounge that United use at SYD or MEL, which I believe is the NZ lounge. On the LAX to Australia segment, again, if in Business First, then skip the Terminal 7/8 United Clubs (they are truly awful) and use the Star Alliance Lounge in the TBIT. It's amazing.

Couldn't you buy an annual United Club membership, which would get you access to United and all Star Alliance Business lounges across the network?

with the week Aussie dollar it works out cheaper to buy an Air Canada membership, same deal but cheaper price.

It does not give you anytime access the UA Lounges which can be useful if say departing CX from Hong Kong.

am flying from Sydney (sorry forgot to mention this), but the flights to LAX were 2,5k cheaper than the Qantas equivalent.....  

If your UA ticket was $2.5k cheaper than a QF ticket - you must surely be flying Business - and will automatically have lounge access in the NZ lounge for both departures? 

It won't help for lounges, but if you wanted some useful points out of your trip, join SQ Krisflyer, earn points for your trip, which if needed can then be converted across to Velocity.

Status Match Potentially?

Paid entry into Skyteam lounge in SYD 55AUD

And be accosted by futuristic looking furniture? Eeek!