While I was flying in first class and therefore had access to the first class lounge, the business class lounge is actually much more impressive. For that matter, whenever I’ve heard people raving about this lounge, they’ve been referring to the business class section and not the first class section.
The entrance to the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge is right across from the Star Alliance First Class Lounge entrance, though there’s also a door between the back of the first and business class lounge, which is how I got between them.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX entrance
The Star Alliance Lounge is massive, and thanks to the variety of seating areas, I don’t think it ever feels overcrowded.
Near the entrance is more traditional lounge style seating, with plenty of outlets at each seat. They have nice “curtains” between seating areas to make the lounge feel more private and intimate.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
While I’d usually consider it to be cheesy, the lounge does have a really cool LA “theme” to it. It has lots of relevant quotes, local art, etc. It really captures what makes LA “electric,” whether you’re into the Hollywood scene or not (I’m not). There’s no denying that it’s a place people dream of, whether it’s a “dream” of being discovered, or whatnot. Of course unfortunately for them it usually ends with a lifelong career as a server at the Cheesecake Factory, but I digress…
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX quotes
Perhaps the most accurate quote is the one by the departures board — “tip the world over and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.” True even without the double entendre! 😉
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX departures board
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Past the entrance and to the left is the main bar area, which is presumably usually staffed, though I’m guessing it was too early.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX bar
Then on each side of the the bar are self serve drink stations with soda fountains, wine, snack mix, etc.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
The lounge has a massive dining area, with several seating options. There’s table-top seating, booths, tables, etc.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX seating
The buffet area has a huge wine display as a backdrop, which is pretty cool.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX wine display
The food spread was surprisingly good, with both Western and Asian options.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
The buffet had salad, noodles, rice, dim sum, etc.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX coffee machine
Then they had cereal, juice, granola, croissants, pastries, fruit (both whole and cut), breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, etc.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX buffet
As I said above, there are so many different seating areas which really make the lounge feel private.
There’s a media room.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX theater
Then there’s a library-like room (the bookshelves are actually just wallpaper).
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX library
Then there are about a dozen shower rooms, which are among the nicer ones I’ve seen in a US airport lounge.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX shower room
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX shower room
But the highlights of the lounge are the two terraces.
The first terrace overlooks the interior of the terminal, and is behind the main bar. It has lots of seating and even a bar. It’s worth noting that the seating on the terrace has power outlets by the seats. You’d think that would be an obvious feature for an airport lounge, but the Korean Air First Class Lounge LAX doesn’t have power outlets on their terrace.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX terrace
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX terrace
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX terrace
I know I’m weird, but I love watching terminals, so to me there’s something really cool about sitting “outside” and looking out over the terminal.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX terrace view
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX walkway to outside seating
But the real highlight of the lounge is the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the tarmac and runways. You can’t beat SoCal weather, so being able to sit outside while waiting for your flight is pretty tough to beat.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX outside seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX outside seating
My only wish is that the outdoor terrace overlooked the other side of the terminal, where all the A380s park. Instead you have a view of Terminal 3, where you’ll see such exotic airlines as US Airways, Spirit, and Allegiant.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX outside seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX outside seating
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge Los Angeles Bottom Line
All-in-all this is a fantastic business class lounge, one of the best airport lounges, in my opinion. It’s definitely the nicest business class lounge at LAX (though once the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse opens it may have some competition), and I’d say among the five nicest business class lounges in the US.
While the first class lounge has better food and drink options, the business class lounge is a more fun place to hang out. So if flying first class with a long layover I’d definitely eat and drink in the first class lounge and then head over to the business class lounge to hang out.
If you’ve visited the Star Alliance Lounge LAX, what was your experience?
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