Flagship Lounge Los Angeles, if you travel American Airlines here you can rest and refresh in style
American Airlines has two lounges at this airport: an Admiral Club and a Flaship Lounge. The former is open to [...]
American Airlines
Oneworld
LAX
United States of America
American Airlines has two lounges at this airport: an Admiral Club and a Flaship Lounge.
In this article:
The first is open to business passengers on short- to medium-haul flights and status holders with American or other partner airlines. The second is available to business or first passengers on intercontinental flights and some transcontinental routes. As well as to holders of the highest level in the AAdvantage loyalty program.
Location
It is located in the middle of the terminal, near gates 40/43. There was a small queue when I arrived, mostly due to passengers trying to get into lounges with guests and--between credit cards, status, and tickets--aiming to avoid paying for admissions.
Unlocking this cap the procedures were very fast and scanning the ticket I was given a "black" invitation giving access to the Flaghsip Lounge instead of the Admirals Club.
The lounge was quite empty when I arrived, but as is often the case these halls go in waves, constantly filling and emptying. The lounge is definitely smaller than the one in the T8 at JFK, but that is to be expected since LA's is a significantly smaller hub than New York's.
From an aesthetic point of view, however, it is much more beautiful, starting with the arched window overlooking the terminal.
In fact, the two lounges occupy the entire second floor of the facility. Once up the stairs, Admiral has access on the right, Flaghsip on the left.
Overlooking the gates Gives a beautiful view of aircraft movements on the runway and by day, thanks to the glass and steel structure, it allows the room to be flooded with light.
Apart from the two small rooms immediately after the entrance, the lounge is developed in one room.
Food & Beverage
As soon as you walk through the door, no matter that it is 7 a.m., a glass of Piper champagne is offered to all guests.
On the side opposite the window is the buffet counter, and the food offering is absolutely upscale and sophisticated.
There are not the usual scrambled eggs, but a range of more refined dishes, both hot and cold, right down to sushi.
Perhaps only the sweet offering is not up to par, but that is understandable since for Americans the only thing sweet at breakfast is waffles and pancakes.
Alcohol side there is everything and more, no matter if it's 7 a.m. you will always find someone drinking a cappuccino next to a passenger sipping champagne or a bloody Mary. It's America.
From Piper, to a slew of bottles ranging from Tequila to Vodka, from gin to every conceivable bourbon as they call it on this side of the Pacific, to a rich selection of bottled beers.
Sure, there won't be a bartender making cocktails as is the case in Centurion Lounges or some Delta Sky Clubs, but the self-service premise allows people to create their own cocktails with their own proportions.
Also featured here is the Flagship dining room, a dining hall dedicated exclusively to American Airlines elite customers.
Services
It does not offer much, there are showers and a work area with a printer for quick needs, and of course Wi-fi.
In conclusion
The lounge is for "top" customers, but if you have status you can get in there even flying economy. I would have expected something better, even comparing it with New York's Flagship Which is definitely better than this one.
This is just one of many reviews you can read on our site. Every Wednesday we publish a review of a lounge airport, while every Friday you can read the review of one of our flights or a hotel where we stayed.
Pro
- The gastronomic offerings
- The decor and the view of the runway
Against
- A little bit small