Upon zooming through the ‘Clear’ TSA queue, it was time to check out the recently upgraded American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX Terminal 4.
Located at gates 40/41, you take a lift or the stairs to access the lounge. The Admirals Club is on one side, access to the nicer Flagship lounge is offered to American Airlines and oneworld business class passengers connecting on to international flights that day, as well as high tier Qantas frequent flyers.
Entrance to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge.
What awaits was a welcome upgrade from our last visit, similar in layout but with new décor throughout, a premium feeling has been achieved through the renovations.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge, LAX
Seating availability is a major issue, at 8am on a Monday it was almost impossible to find an available seat. Travelling solo, I managed to secure one but noted several couples and families that were not able to secure seating.
Inside the AA Flagship lounge at LAX.
Inside the AA Flagship lounge at LAX.
Inside the AA Flagship lounge at LAX.
Inside the AA Flagship lounge at LAX.
A large buffet area is available with attractive hot and cold items available, for a US carrier it was refreshing to see such good presentation of the food and beverage offering. There was surprisingly even a fresh chicken and waffles station.
The buffet includes hot and cold food options.
The buffet includes hot and cold food options.
American Airlines Chicken & Waffles Station.
A good selection of self-serve drinks is offered. Unfortunately, no barista service is present and we opted not to take a chance on the automatic coffee machine.
AA Flagship lounge Beverage Station
Self Serve drinks available.
Despite a couple of trips up and back Terminal 4 to double check, in this area of LAX there is no Starbucks. A Dunkin Donuts is about the best option for a coffee but it had a line some 50 people deep.
Wi-Fi is offered with password cards handed out upon arrival and there is a good range of magazines to choose from to kill time before your flight.
Magazines and flight information.
Overall, the LAX Flagship lounge was a pleasant experience considering we were flying in the US, but it continues to suffer from a crippling lack of seating and space relative to the number of travellers looking to access the lounge.
Lounge Access:
First Class passengers departing on a qualifying* international or Transcontinental American Airlines or oneworld flight + 1 Guest
Business Class passengers on a qualifying international or Transcontinental American Airlines or oneworld flight.
*Qualify flights include international flights from the US to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand, and South America. And transcontinental flights from Los Angeles to New York (JFK)
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members departing on qualifying** international American Airlines or oneworld flights + 1 Guest
**Qualify flights include international flights from the US to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand, and South America
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members departing on any American Airlines or oneworld flight