Thanks to the new American Express Platinum card benefit, I’m now a Priority Pass member. I had noticed that this would get me access to the reLAX lounge at LAX, which I wanted to visit. It’s a unique lounge in that it’s independently operated, so I was pretty curious about how it compares to lounges…
Continue reading: Four Continents and 37,000 Miles in Two Weeks: reLAX Lounge LAX
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I still am not used to the fact that one has to pay extra in a lounge for a decent snack or drink. But that common practice in the US I understand.
A huge negative about the lounge is no restrooms. To me, one of the most important features about a lounge is clean bathrooms, so I was quite unhappy when I was told to use the food court bathrooms outside the lounge. Ick.
A related negative is no showers. Given the lack of an arrivals lounge at LAX I would gladly pay to use ReLAX from an international to domestic connection if they has some nice shower rooms.
It's a shame this wasn't a good experience. These independent lounges, many available through Priority Pass, have started spreading rapidly in Europe since easyJet and Air Berlin started becoming the norm for short-haul business travel. I have to say, the No. 1 Traveller lounges, which are at STN, LGW and others I think, could really teach some major airlines a trick or two.
Is this the same company that recently opened (or is planning to open, can't remember which) the independent lounge behind security at BWI?
From the sounds of it this lounge has its business model all wrong. The spread of independent lounges in Europe shows there is a market, particularly for business travellers on LLCs. However, the lounges have to be past security, conveniently located and have attractive offerings (free hors d'oeuvres, drinks etc.) The concept of club membership in the US (access to airline lounges elsewhere is limited to Business and First Class pax and frequent flyers, flying on that airline) makes it a harder sell, but a decent chain would be a more attractive concept than joining, for example, United's Red Carpet Club.
Bradley doesn't have mostly international service, it ONLY has international service, hence it's name: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TIBT)