LAX has more than 20 airport lounges spread across 8 terminals, and access rules vary by lounge, card, and ticket class. I have been flying out of LAX for over 30 years and have visited most of these lounges firsthand. The single most useful thing to know: the airside connector walkway now links Terminal 1 through Terminal 8, so nearly every lounge at LAX is reachable from any domestic gate without clearing security again.
Here is every lounge at LAX, organized by access type, with the credit cards that get you in and practical notes on what to expect.
LAX Terminal Map and Renovation Status
LAX is in the middle of a $30 billion capital improvement program ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Terminal 5 is demolished and being rebuilt. Airlines have shuffled: JetBlue moved to Terminal 1, American consolidated to Terminal 4, and a new Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC South) extends TBIT's west gates.
The automated people mover (airport train) is expected to open by mid-2026. Until then, the airside walkway is the fastest way to move between terminals post-security.
TBIT has the highest concentration of lounges at LAX. If your credit card lounge access is through Amex, Chase, or any international carrier, TBIT is where you are headed.
Centurion Lounge (TBIT, Level 2)
The Centurion Lounge is the best credit-card-accessible lounge at LAX and it is not close. Located on Level 2 of TBIT, it features a chef-curated menu, a full cocktail bar, shower suites, and dedicated work areas. The food rotates seasonally and leans California-influenced. The cocktail program is genuinely good.
Access requires an Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion card with a same-day boarding pass. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve also grants access when flying Delta. No paid entry, no Priority Pass.
Guest policy changed in recent years. Guests now cost $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2 to 17). Free guest access for up to 2 guests requires $75,000 in eligible spend in the current or prior calendar year. A 5-hour time limit for transit passengers takes effect in July 2026.
The lounge gets crowded during peak afternoon departures. Morning visits before 10 AM and late evening visits after 7 PM are noticeably quieter. Take the Amex-branded elevator from TBIT Level 4 to Level 2.
Delta Sky Club (Terminals 2 and 3)
Delta operates two Sky Clubs at LAX. The Terminal 3 Sky Way location is the newer and better of the two, with an indoor/outdoor bar, a Sky Deck overlooking the Hollywood Hills, premium showers, and a hot food buffet. The Terminal 2 location is smaller and more functional.
Access is through Delta Sky Club membership, Delta One or First Class tickets, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve (15 visits per program year, unlimited with $75,000 spend), or the Amex Platinum (10 visits per year when flying Delta, unlimited with $75,000 spend). A same-day Delta boarding pass is required in all cases. Basic Economy tickets are excluded.
The 3-hour pre-departure rule applies. Connecting passengers are exempt.
United Club (Terminal 7)
The LAX United Club near Gate 71A is one of the larger United Clubs in the system at approximately 30,000 square feet. It includes an outdoor terrace, which is unusual for United Clubs and particularly pleasant in the LA weather. Complimentary food and beverages, a full bar, and Wi-Fi are standard. No showers.
Access is through United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold status, United Polaris passengers, or a day pass (~$59). The Chase United Club Infinite Card includes United Club membership.
United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 7)
Located between Gates 73 and 75A, the Polaris Lounge is the premium option for long-haul United passengers. It features a complimentary three-course sit-down restaurant, private shower suites, and a quiet room. At 12,000 square feet, it is the smallest Polaris Lounge in the network but the food quality is consistent with the other locations.
Access is strictly ticket-based: United Polaris Business or First Class on long-haul international itineraries, or Star Alliance Business/First on international flights. No credit card grants access. No paid entry.
American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 4 + Temporary Location)
The primary Admirals Club is in Terminal 4 across from Gate 40, open daily from 4:30 AM to midnight. A temporary second location near Gate 151 (TBIT area) exists because Terminal 5 was demolished. Both offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers.
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the primary credit card for Admirals Club access. AAdvantage elites qualify on international itineraries. Day passes cost $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.
Flagship Lounge (Terminal 4)
Located upstairs within the Admirals Club near Gate 41, the Flagship Lounge is American Airlines' premium product. Pre-flight sit-down dining, a premium bar, and shower suites. Access requires Flagship First or Business Plus on qualifying long-haul routes, oneworld First Class on international itineraries, or ConciergeKey status. No credit card grants access on its own.
Alaska Lounge (Terminal 6)
The Alaska Lounge sits on the mezzanine level near Gate 64. It features barista-made espresso, a full bar with local craft beer and West Coast wines, hot food, and showers. The Alaska Lounge has a distinct Pacific Northwest character that sets it apart from the more corporate airline lounges.
Access is through Alaska Lounge membership ($595/year), Alaska First Class, Mileage Plan MVP Gold and above, or a $65 day pass. No credit card provides direct access, though Alaska Visa Signature and Bilt Atmos Rewards cards offer $100 off the annual membership.
Star Alliance Lounge (TBIT, Level 6)
The Star Alliance Lounge on Level 6 of TBIT has one of the best views at LAX. The outdoor terrace with fire pits overlooks the runway, and the space is large enough that it rarely feels crowded. The food is international and above average for a shared alliance lounge. Shower suites are available.
Access is for Star Alliance Gold members on eligible itineraries, First and Business Class passengers on Star Alliance airlines, and United Club members.
International Carrier Lounges (TBIT)
TBIT houses several carrier-specific lounges. These generally require premium cabin tickets or elite status rather than credit card access.
| Lounge | Location | Access | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas First Class | TBIT, Level 5 | Qantas First, oneworld Emerald | Neil Perry a-la-carte restaurant |
| Qantas Business | TBIT | Qantas Business, oneworld Sapphire+ | Solid buffet, showers |
| oneworld Lounge | TBIT, Level 6 | oneworld Business/First, Sapphire+ | Operated by BA/Cathay/Qantas |
| Korean Air / SkyTeam | TBIT, Level 5 | Korean Air premium, SkyTeam Elite Plus | 305 seats, split hours (9 AM-4 PM, 8 PM-11:50 PM) |
| Air France | TBIT, MSC West Gates | SkyTeam Business/First, Elite Plus | Complimentary spa treatments |
| Emirates | TBIT, Level 6 | Emirates premium, Skywards Gold+ | Limited hours tied to flight schedule |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse | TBIT, Level 6 | Upper Class, Priority Pass (with $35 fee, limited hours) | A-la-carte dining, cinema room |
The Qantas First Class Lounge is consistently rated among the top 5 airport lounges in North America. If you hold oneworld Emerald status through any partner airline, this is the single best lounge at LAX. The a-la-carte restaurant is worth arriving early for.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse reopened in March 2025 in a new TBIT location. Priority Pass holders can access it between 8 AM and 5 PM with a $35 surcharge, but availability is capacity-limited during peak afternoon hours.
Priority Pass at LAX
Priority Pass coverage at LAX is weak compared to other major US airports. There are no traditional full-service Priority Pass lounges. Your options are:
| Experience | Terminal | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Gameway Gaming Lounge | T3 (Gate 30B) and T6 (Gate 65A) | 1-hour gaming session (PS5, Xbox, gaming PCs) |
| Be Relax Spa | T1 (Gate 12) and TBIT (Gate 154) | 15-minute massage treatment |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse | TBIT | Full lounge, but $35 surcharge and limited hours |
Cards that include Priority Pass: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Hilton Aspire, Bilt Palladium.
If Priority Pass is your only lounge access at LAX, temper expectations. Gameway is fun if you have an hour to kill, but it is not a lounge in the traditional sense.
Coming Soon: Chase Sapphire Lounge (TBIT, ~September 2026)
Chase is opening a Sapphire Lounge near Gate 148 in TBIT, expected around September 2026. The space is approximately 9,000 square feet. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will receive access with 2 guests. Priority Pass members get 1 visit per calendar year. This will be a meaningful addition for Chase cardholders, who currently rely on Priority Pass experiences at LAX.
For a comparison of how the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve stack up on lounge access, earning rates, and overall value, see our Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve comparison.
Credit Card Lounge Access Summary
| Card | Lounges at LAX |
|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Centurion, Delta Sky Club (Delta flights), Priority Pass |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Priority Pass, Chase Sapphire Lounge (~Sep 2026) |
| Capital One Venture X | Priority Pass only (no Capital One Lounge at LAX) |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve | Delta Sky Club, Centurion (Delta flights) |
| Citi AAdvantage Executive | Admirals Club (T4 + temporary) |
| United Club Infinite | United Club (T7), Star Alliance Lounge (international) |
| Bilt Palladium | Priority Pass |
Bottom Line
The Amex Platinum is the strongest single card for lounge access at LAX, covering the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass experiences. When the Chase Sapphire Lounge opens later in 2026, the Chase Sapphire Reserve gains a dedicated LAX option for the first time. Priority Pass alone is not enough here. If lounge access at LAX matters to your travel routine, the Card Advisor can show which premium card delivers the most total value based on your spending.