Review: Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX

I reviewed the old Star Alliance Lounge at LAX and the new Star Alliance Business Class Lounge at LAX, so it’s only fitting that I also finally review the Star Alliance First Class Lounge at LAX as well. My entry to this lounge is actually a bit unusual since I wasn’t flying on a Star Alliance airline. Etihad isn’t really part of an alliance, so they’ve signed an agreement to have their First Class passengers access the Star Alliance First Class lounge when departing here at LAX.

The new Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is pretty awesome, with plenty of food and shopping options to keep you busy if you don’t have lounge access. The regular seats near the gates even have plenty of power outlets and there’s free wifi, so the lounge really only provides a few extra amenities that many might not even care for.

Still, a First Class Lounge is usually fun to visit.

The Lounge

The First Class Lounge entrance is just a few steps beyond the entrance to the Business Class Lounge. Once you enter there should be someone there to check you in and scan your boarding pass. Once I was in I realized how small this lounge actually was.

I was standing at one end of the lounge when taking these pictures, so it’s clear that there’s really not much going on here. Still, the lounge was pretty empty so I had nothing to complain about.

There were some snacks along one wall if you wanted some small bites.

There were plenty of drinks as well, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Dining

There were three dining tables set up at the far end of the lounge. If you sat down, one of the lounge attendants brought you a menu that you could order off of. They make the food fresh and bring it to you directly from the kitchen, but note that the portion sizes are all pretty small.

Here’s a full size image of the menu (click to enlarge):

I was traveling with my friend Jamison as I mentioned in the introduction to this trip report, and thankfully that guy eats a lot. We were able to order quite a bit of food between us (actually, everything on the menu minus one item they were sold out on). From the menu we ordered the Bradley burger, The Nuremberg, the Avocado Caesar Salad, the Ginger Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps, the Smoked Gouda and Turkey Panini, and the Brittany Crepe.

I actually thought all of the food was very good. It took a while to make since it was fresh, but I’ll gladly wait for fresh food rather than have buffet-style food that’s been sitting out for who-knows-how-long. Again, the portion sizes are small so make sure you order enough if you’re really hungry. I was trying to pace myself knowing I’d be eating again on the flight soon enough.

Bathrooms

There are two bathrooms in the First Class Lounge, but if you want to shower or take a look at the outdoor terrace then you’ll have to go through the back door to the Business Class lounge.

Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX – Summary

While the lounge seems very small, it never really gets that full. I’ve been in here twice the last few months and there were never more than ten people in here, and there were always two spots at the dining tables. I thought the food selection was very good (though it isn’t always the same) and all the options I’ve tried are very good. I think the new Business Class lounge is fantastic and I’m also very happy with the new First Class Lounge as well. LAX might just have become a nice airport!

← Previous: Introduction · Next: Etihad First Class, LAX to Abu Dhabi →