The Guide to Priority Pass Lounges at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the second busiest airport in the United States, serving over 88 million passengers annually. With its constant hustle, having access to a serene lounge can transform your travel experience. LAX only offers one traditional lounges for Priority Pass members: The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in the international terminal. However, it does require an extra fee for access.

Throughout the other terminals, there are only two other options. One is a mini spa with light spa services (including up to 30 minutes in a massage chair). The other is a gamer's paradise.

This guide highlights your Priority Pass options at LAX, ensuring you make the most of your membership. Whether you're looking for relaxation or entertainment, here’s everything you need to know about Priority Pass amenities at LAX.

The only lounge available to Priority Pass members is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse on the third floor on the Tom Bradley International Terminal, but there's a catch. Priority Pass members have to use one of their lounge visits, plus pay a $35 per person top-up fee to enter.

That fee could be well worth it, though. The lounge has a gorgeous bar with an ombre design overhead. Travelers can order from the excellent menu of California and British-inspired food, as well as visit the Brasserie, a buffet section of snacks and small bites.

There is also a unique zen room and showers. Learn more about this lounge's amenities in our review of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX.

Location: Terminal 3, near Gate 30B and Terminal 6, opposite Gate 65A

Conditions: Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to use a game station for a one hour stay. Additional hours are charged a 10% discounted rate.

Sans Priority Pass, Gameway otherwise typically charges about $28 per hour for gameplay.

More info:

• Terminal 3 Gameway on the Priority Pass website

• Terminal 6 Gameway on the Priority Pass website

How Gameway works:

Upon signing in at the front desk. Priority Pass members can enjoy a video gaming experience before taking flight. Members have access to individual gaming stations that are equipped with several modern gaming systems, high speed internet and luggage storage.

Cardholders can also pick from a selection of snacks. Snacks are prepackaged, such as candy bars, bags of Nerds Gummy Clusters or chips. Drinks are mostly bottled sodas or waters.

In Terminal 6, complimentary food and drink include one bottle of soda or water and one free snack. In Terminal 3, complimentary food and drinks include one snack item and one non-alcoholic drink or no snacks and one alcoholic drink.

Locations: Terminal 1 near gate 12, next door to Rock n Brew restaurant and Tom Bradley International Terminal near Gate 154 (for International and in transit flights only).

Conditions: To be eligible, cardholders must present a valid card and boarding pass with a confirmed same-day travel before selecting a treatment.

More info: Be Relax Spa on the Priority Pass website

How it works: Cardholders can use their lounge visit to take advantage of a single refresh treatment at this airside spa. Options include:

• Be Back 15-minute Lounger Massage plus 02 (a $38 value).

• Be Back 30-minute Lounger Massage (a $38 value).

• Polish Change plus Hand Massage (a US$38 value).

• Be Feet on lounger 10-minute plus O2 (a US$44 value).

Cardholders are also entitled to a 20% discount off additional services. Unfortunately, members can not share this access with guests.

» Learn more: How to maximize your Priority Pass Select membership

Priority Pass sells memberships starting at $99 per year, but many premium travel credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass memberships. Here are the top cards providing this perk:

Most of these cards offer Priority Pass Select membership, which includes unlimited visits to any of the more than 1,300 lounges within the network. The cost for guests beyond the free allowances that come with Priority Pass Select membership are $35 per person, per visit.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

While LAX doesn’t have traditional Priority Pass lounges, it offers unique options like spa services and gaming lounges to elevate your pre-flight experience. For some, the experience might be better than chowing down on cheese cubes in a stereotypically crowded Priority Pass lounge anyway.

But for those who do seek an airport lounge experience, LAX has no shortage of them. Many even sell day passes, which can fill the void for Priority Pass members who are used to lounges but don't hate the elite status or first class seat that many lounges necessitate. Check out NerdWallet's guide to the best LAX lounges.