Korean Air is currently investing quite a bit in its passenger experience, seemingly finally realizing that the carrier has been sort of second rate among its Asian peers. Along those lines, the airline is refreshing in its lounge network. While this includes a full overhaul of lounges at Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN), we’re also seeing the carrier’s largest outstation lounge get a much needed makeover.
Korean Air unveils refreshed lounge for LAX
For quite some time now, the Korean Air Lounge Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been closed, so that it can undergo a full redevelopment. There’s now an exciting update, as the lounge will reopen as of March 6, 2026, following a $45 million and 22-month redevelopment.
The Korean Air Lounge LAX now spans two levels, and consists of three spaces — the First Class Lounge is on the sixth floor, while the Miler Club and Prestige Class Lounge is located on the fifth floor. The lounge spans a total of 1,675 square meters (18,000 square feet), making it around 25% larger than the previous facility.
As it’s described, the lounge’s design features floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony terrace with views of the airport interior, creating an open and comfortable environment for passengers. The interior design maximizes natural light, with warm wood textures and premium stone materials intended to embody a refined interpretation of “modern Korean luxury.”
The new Korean Air First Lounge has been designed to deliver a personalized, elevated experience, with two private suites for relaxation, a la carte dining with made-to-order dishes, and a full-service bar with bartender made cocktails.
The new Korean Air Miler Club and Prestige Class Lounge also offer an open-kitchen live station concept, where chefs prepare fresh dishes on site. Guests can also enjoy locally inspired offerings, like Southern California craft beers and a signature Los Angeles coffee blend. Miler Club passengers can also order from a dedicated menu from their seats, using a QR-code digital ordering system.
The lounge is also zoned to accommodate diverse passenger needs, with dedicated business areas, family seating spaces, and showers for pre-flight refreshment. This lounge follows standard SkyTeam lounge access rules — the first class section is open to first class passengers, the business class section is open to business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members, and the Miler Club is open to select elite members of Korean Air’s loyalty program.
This will be one of two Korean Air lounge locations in the United States to get a refresh this year, as an updated lounge is also expected for the new Terminal One at New York (JFK), which is long overdue.
Here’s how David Pacey, Korean Air’s EVP and Chief of Inflight Service and Lounges, describes this:
“With the opening of this flagship lounge, Korean Air will further elevate its presence at LAX while delivering a more refined and differentiated premium travel experience. We will continue to invest in our services and infrastructure to exceed the expectations of our global customers.”
Huge credit to Korean Air for this new lounge!
I’m delighted to see Korean Air open a new lounge at LAX. I’ve gotta say, Korean Air’s lounges at JFK and LAX might have been the two weakest overseas outstation lounges of any airline that I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot (especially the JFK facility — it’s just grim).
So to see the LAX location get a full overhaul is exciting, as this looks like a massive improvement over the old lounge, in terms of design, food, service, and more.
Bigger picture, it’s worth noting how Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX has seen such an improvement when it comes to SkyTeam lounges. The terminal used to just have the Korean Air Lounge, which has now undergone a full overhaul. However, on top of that, we’ve also seen the opening of the Air France Lounge and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, both of which are great additions.
So SkyTeam flyers really have a lot of choices, and on top of that, select SkyTeam premium passengers can also visit the Delta One Lounge, which is exceptional. I suspect the Korean Air Lounge will continue to be the primary contract lounge for most SkyTeam airlines and for some independent carriers.
Bottom line
Korean Air has finally unveiled its new lounge at LAX. Not only is it roughly 25% bigger than before, but it also has an all-new design, plus an elevated selection of food and drinks. This lounge was previously really underwhelming, so this looks to me like a huge improvement… I look forward to checking it out!
What do you make of the new Korean Air Lounge LAX?
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