Interesting comment re LAX lounges

[neil_gardner]

On a recent trip out to JFK, had to spend a few hours in the T4 lounge. The only problem is they gave you two "beverage" vouchers which they asked you to recycle (i.e. give back) if you didn't use them. Not like the staffed bar in QC or the open Bar in BA terraces....

Then when I flew back to get (QF94)we were hearded out of T4, onto a bus and straight to gate 122 in TBI, which meant no access to the lounge unless we wanted to go back through security.

I agree, flatten the place and start again.

 

[Alan in CBR]

On a recent trip out to JFK, had to spend a few hours in the T4 lounge. The only problem is they gave you two "beverage" vouchers which they asked you to recycle (i.e. give back) if you didn't use them. Not like the staffed bar in QC or the open Bar in BA terraces....

Others have reported that you can ask for more beverage vouchers after you have used the initial two. Don't know if that's a rule or if there is some discretion involved. I'll be passing through LAX T4 on the way back from IAD to SYD in a couple of weeks - if I'm there long enough I'll give it a go and report back.

I agree though, I'd much rather pour my own, especially when a US$1 tip is expected for each "free" drink.

 

[icarus]

What a bummer. My flight to LA next April is via Brisbane so I guess I'll end up in TBIT. I suppose it solves a couple of problems, though. The first was whether to book an AA connecting flight to Washington so as to be able to use the lounge. The AA flights are quite a bit more expensive than most others and in my view less well serviced than airlines such as Delta (assuming Delta is still around then, which I sincerely hope it is). If the lounge is cr@p anyway, or not available, then I'll just take Delta. It will be a pain not being able to shower/change etc before another 5 - 6 hours in the air, though.

The second was whether I keep flying to LA at all or start booking my US flights to San Francisco now that Qantas has reopened direct flights there from Sydney. The flight's a bit longer, but San Francisco is a city I enjoy spending time in, whereas after the first couple of trips the only reason I travel to LA now is to transit somewhere else.

 

[NM]

The AA T4 Flagship lounge is fantastic, and even has JW Gold at te self-serve bar. The AA T4 business class lounge (Admirals Club lounge) is one of their best lounge and the showers are good. So no problem getting a good shower if that is the lounge you get access to.

Personally, after arriving on a flight from Australia at 7-10am local time, I am not really looking for free booze. Just keep the mineral water coming and I will be happy.

 

[QF WP]

So that's what you mix with your JW Gold, NM....mineral water - that's an interesting mixer. I would have thought you'd have only allowed ice or water :wink:

 

[NM]

So that's what you mix with your JW Gold, NM....mineral water - that's an interesting mixer. I would have thought you'd have only allowed ice or water :wink:

A splash of Perier never goes a miss ... but yes, I am normally an ice kind of man when it comes to my whisky . At least that is what my glass of JW Gold had included last night :wink: .

If its JW Black or Red then it gets a healthy dose of ginger ale :roll: .

 

[Sequel]

So what are my options in LAX (next week)?

Outbuond I beieve I arrive into TBIT (from BNE) and then leave from T4 later in the day on an internal AA flight.

Homebound I have a 4 hour transit at LAX, arriving at T4 and departing from TBIT.

From what I have read above the Admirals club in T4 is the pick of the bunch. Are there any other OW lounges to use (as a OW Saph)?

Are the QP and AC the same lounge in either T4 or TBIT or seperate lounges?

I will let you know my thoughts when I return and give an update on any work being done (if any) for those doing the trip later in the year

 

[NM]

So what are my options in LAX (next week)?

Outbuond I beieve I arrive into TBIT (from BNE) and then leave from T4 later in the day on an internal AA flight.

Last time I arrived from BNE into TBI, all the QF passengers was ushered through the tunnel over to Terminal 4 for arrivals immigration and customs processing. Not sure if that is still the case. but either way, you don't get to use the lounge at TBI since you have to go straight to immigration and customs processing upon arrival.

So head over to Terminal 4, either from TBI arrivals (turn right when you exit and its the next terminal, about a 150m walk) or just go up the escalator from the T4 arrivals on the lower level. Either way there is a place to drop you bag if it is already checked through to your final USA destination. You may need to get a boarding pass from the AA counter on the departures level.

Then proceed through security and to the Admiral's club in T4. If you are with a OneWorld Emerald status person, you get to use the Flagship Lounge (Excellent), otherwise its the Admiral's Club lounge for OneWorld Sapphire status. If the AC lounge, make sure they give you the drink vouchers, even if you only use them for mineral water etc at the bar.

Homebound I have a 4 hour transit at LAX, arriving at T4 and departing from TBIT.

If your flight is on time, I would be going to the T4 lounge upon arrival and having a shower there. Again if you are with a OneWorld Emerald status person, you could get to use the Flagship Lounge where they have some food on offer.

The lounge agent will tell you that your flight departs from TBI. Just say that you are aware of that, but would prefer to spend a little time in this lounge since it is so much nicer and actually has showers. And ask their advice on what time you should leave to head over to TBI (makes them feel important to be able to give you advice, even if you don't need it from them ) .[/quote]

From what I have read above the Admirals club in T4 is the pick of the bunch. Are there any other OW lounges to use (as a OW Saph)?

Are the QP and AC the same lounge in either T4 or TBIT or seperate lounges?[/quote]
There are two lounges at T4, both being joint AA/QF lounges. The entrance is the same (on the right about half way down the concourse) and the agent at the desk will let you know which you can use. The Flagship lounge (First Class lounge) is to the right when you get upstairs, the Admirals Club (business class) lounge is to the left. The FL is "protected" by a sliding door and the agent at the desk downstairs will give you an access key to open the sliding door if you are able to use that lounge.

At TBI there are several lounges that Qantas uses. The F lounge is on level 6 and the business class lounges are on level 5. There is no AA lounge at TBI.

 

[Sequel]

Thanks NM.

Unfortunately just a lowly OW Sapphire, so no flagship lounge for me! On the way over will be spending the day in town (14 hr transit), so will just head straight to the T4 AC lounge when we get back to the airport for a shower and our onward flight. Would also like a shower before the long flight back to BNE, so looks like T4 again.

Have read that some people have had success in the AC asking for extra drink vouchers, by showing the QFF SG card and explaining that that is what you are used to, anyone else tried this? Have also read that on several occasions peoples guests have been refused entry!

 

[NM]

Have read that some people have had success in the AC asking for extra drink vouchers, by showing the QFF SG card and explaining that that is what you are used to, anyone else tried this? Have also read that on several occasions peoples guests have been refused entry!

never had a guest refused entry to an AA lounge, and they are very liberal with access for family groups travelling together.

And just ask for more vouchers. They may be a little concerned if you keep coming back every 5 mins for more, but I do not believe there is a fixed limit to how many they will provide. Sometimes they give out two to start with, other times just one.

 

[danielh]

Right now in the TBIT Qantas lounge and using the free JAL Wi-Fi internet from next door.

All I can say is that this lounge rates near the bottom of the list for me.

There are no telephones to use (public telephone down the corridor), no business center, the two 'booths' that could be used for such only have power ports, food is chips, biscuits and round rolls.

Liquour is reasonable but I don't drink much and rarely before I fly out.
Beer is a combination of Bud Light, some Japanese beer (coz JAL shares one side of the fridge and lots of juices and a selection of about 5 different softdrinks of which only Coke and Diet Coke are the only primary standouts amongst the canada dry brands.

The seating is cramped and can probably hold about 80 people in a room the about 10m by 20m.

All I can say is that if it wasn't for the free Wi-Fi I would not bother to stay there.

Regards
Daniel

 

[QF WP]

danielh, only missed you by a couple of days...I was there on 12 Jan (US time) for QF26 departure...you wrote your comment on 15 Jan Aust time (which woud have meant possibly 13 Jan departure from LAX??).

I got denied access to the TBIT F lounge and had to go back to the J lounge (as I only had been given the Blue backed Invitation to the Jounge by the check-in CSA, rather than the all white Invitation). My Plat card meant nothing to the Lounge dragon.

 

[danielh]

Ha ha, yes, I was at the TBIT lounge US time Saturday 14th Jan 2006.

My original booking for the QF104 flight said it was leaving from Terminal 2 and so I was disappointed to find that it was from the TBIT.

I actually glad I did not bend over backwards to get Plat before my trip.

Regards
Daniel