Lounge access possible on arrival in LAX for QF11 first class?

[Springthing]

Not a frequent flyer and certainly not a frequenter of any F cabins, but I have treated myself and the missus to the comfy seats on QF11 later this year. I realise we'll have access to the first lounge on departure, but is there any option for lounge access airside on arrival in LAX for F passengers, or any class/tier? I believe QF use a 3rd party to operate the LAX lounge, and it will likely only be open around the traditional evening departures back to Oz, although QF seems to now have an increasing number of AM and PM departures.

Just curious about others' experiences.

 

[defurax]

The only two countries that have ever made this a major problem is Singapore and South Korea.

Canada also when travelling "transborder" and once passed US Preclearance. Exiting the terminal at that point involves some very grumpy people and being escorted through some secret corridors and being asked questions by CBSA.

 

[henrus]

Canada also when travelling "transborder" and once passed US Preclearance. Exiting the terminal at that point involves some very grumpy people and being escorted through some secret corridors and being asked questions by CBSA.

Sorry probably should have clarified, in many countries they'll get annoyed (like Australia) but it's not illegal.

In Singapore and South Korea you can be charged for going airside with going airside but no intention to travel.

 

[jpp42]

In India they even make a big deal of it and grumble for domestic flights. I decided to cancel my flight while at the gate, even after my bag was loaded, and surprisingly the agent from Indigo was extremely helpful and accommodating and they had no problem finding it and offloading it. I had actually no idea this would work and figured I'd be forced to fly just because of the bag.

But being allowed to access the reclaim area from the departures area was another thing ... I needed a form to be filled out and an escort from the airline agent after she finished dispatching the flight.

 

[Springthing]

Go to the AA Flagship Lounge in T4. EDIT: with 4 hours in November you can probably go to both that and QF F. There is an airside walkway between the two terminals that starts just inside security at T4 and ends near the entrance to the QF F Lounge.
OneWorld
View attachment 281332

Great info thanks.

Logistically, on arrival in LAX, I'd collect luggage, clear customs, then proceed to AA bag drop for domestic connection (on the same ticket). So how do you access the QF F lounge, isn't it located airside after international customs? Wouldn't you need an international boarding pass showing departure from the US? Seems like the AA domestic lounge might be an easier option?

 

[sqrt()]

Great info thanks.

Logistically, on arrival in LAX, I'd collect luggage, clear customs, then proceed to AA bag drop for domestic connection (on the same ticket). So how do you access the QF F lounge, isn't it located airside after international customs? Wouldn't you need an international boarding pass showing departure from the US? Seems like the AA domestic lounge might be an easier option?

LAX (and others?) have no barrier between domestic and international terminals for departing flights. Passport gets scanned at TSA always, then international gates have an additional passport scan right before you board. You can move freely between UA, DL, AA, int terminals once through TSA at any of them. Unlike Australia where there are seperate international areas post-immigration control.

AA Flagship lounge, 3 admiral's clubs, contracted OW lounge, are all accessible from T4 (just a but of a walk). I sampled all ACs in January when I had a 10 hour layover and the FL was closed.

 

[Springthing]

Hi all, OP here....
After almost a year of looking forward to this first-ever first-class experience, and doing extensive research on making the most of this 'bucket list' flight, I got a call from QF this week to say sorry but you've been downgraded due to an aircraft change, and there is no first class available!!.. What sort of premium airline sells seats almost a year in advance and a WEEK before the flight, changes the aircraft at the last minute?

This is such a massive failure! Sure they've offered me a discount on the original cost (which you'd expect), but nothing by way of compensation and zero in the way of care factor that they've ruined a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm sure those that have done first-class before may say it's a first-world problem, but it's the (lack of) care factor from the airline that doesn't sit well with me. In this new Covid world of travel we live in, are we all just expected to accept whatever airlines say and live with it?

 

[Kiwi_Flyer]

Do you have flexibility on date of travel? A380 operates to LAX only some days if the week. Given loss of paid for class you should be able to change days free of charge (subject to seats being available).

 

[Springthing]

Do you have flexibility on date of travel? A380 operates to LAX only some days if the week. Given loss of paid for class you should be able to change days free of charge (subject to seats being available).

I did ask for the next date an A380 was operating QF11 and was advised possibly 4 days later, but even that flight could end up as a 787 as well. Didn't really have any flexibility due to travel commitments.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hi all, OP here....
. What sort of premium airline sells seats almost a year in advance and a WEEK before the flight, changes the aircraft at the last minute?

Qantas

This is such a massive failure! Sure they've offered me a discount on the original cost (which you'd expect), but nothing by way of compensation and zero in the way of care factor that they've ruined a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm sure those that have done first-class before may say it's a first-world problem, but it's the (lack of) care factor from the airline that doesn't sit well with me. In this new Covid world of travel we live in, are we all just expected to accept whatever airlines say and live with it?

this won’t make you feel any better, but there are many stories like this on AFF at the moment, almost all of them involving Qantas. I can really feel for you missing out on your once in a lifetime trip in first it is something worth aspiring to. i’ve done first a number of times and being bumped from 1st to business is not a first world problem I can assure you.

 

[DC3]

… I got a call from QF this week to say sorry but you've been downgraded due to an aircraft change, and there is no first class available!!..

Most unfortunate. However, there are never any guarantees on aircraft type. Not that this helps your disappointment of course. I’d be pretty miserable if this happened.

Aircraft availability, crewing, loading, who knows.

Edited

 

[sydneyboi]

Hi all, OP here....
After almost a year of looking forward to this first-ever first-class experience, and doing extensive research on making the most of this 'bucket list' flight, I got a call from QF this week to say sorry but you've been downgraded due to an aircraft change, and there is no first class available!!.. What sort of premium airline sells seats almost a year in advance and a WEEK before the flight, changes the aircraft at the last minute?

This is such a massive failure! Sure they've offered me a discount on the original cost (which you'd expect), but nothing by way of compensation and zero in the way of care factor that they've ruined a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm sure those that have done first-class before may say it's a first-world problem, but it's the (lack of) care factor from the airline that doesn't sit well with me. In this new Covid world of travel we live in, are we all just expected to accept whatever airlines say and live with it?

We must be on the same flight - it's happened to me too, I'm so disappointed.
I pushed to have access to the Sydney First lounge, and they called me back to say that my name is on a list at the door but we will see...... not impressed...

 

[defurax]

The A380 has just restarted operating QF11/12 on 29/7. Until late August the 380 is scheduled every 2-3 days, so if people are flexible and seats are available there should be possibility to move 1 or 2 days each side of original booking.

Looking at EF there is currently F seats on QF11 7/8 (1), 14/8 (2), 17/8 (2), 21/8 (1), 24/8 (2), 26/8 (3), 28/8 (4)

 

[Springthing]

I'm sure it'll still be a pleasant enough flight on the 787. But I too was looking forward to experiencing the First Lounge. Interesting that the seat map for QF11 is still reflecting the A380 configuration, so who knows where we'll end up being seated.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I'm sure it'll still be a pleasant enough flight on the 787. But I too was looking forward to experiencing the First Lounge. Interesting that the seat map for QF11 is still reflecting the A380 configuration, so who knows where we'll end up being seated.

F is worth it to experience it once. Can you fly on any of the days the a380 is operating? Get QF to transfer you, it will be free of charge.

 

[DC3]

F is worth it to experience it once. Can you fly on any of the days the a380 is operating? Get QF to transfer you, it will be free of charge.

Cape Town is waiting for your call(s)

 

[sydneyboi]

F is worth it to experience it once. Can you fly on any of the days the a380 is operating? Get QF to transfer you, it will be free of charge.

would love to do this but unfortunately my dates and plans are fixed - it would be a monumental task to change anything now sadly...