The Guide to Priority Pass Lounges at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the second busiest U.S. airport by passenger traffic and the busiest on the West Coast, serving about 84.5 million passengers every year. With that many people passing through, you might be looking to escape the terminal’s hustle and bustle and find a bit of peace (not to mention a snack and beverage) at an airport lounge.

At LAX, members of the Priority Pass network — including credit card holders whose cards come with a Priority Pass Select membership — have access to three airport lounges and two restaurants where Priority Pass membership pays part of the bill.

Here’s a look at your options to help you figure out which is the best Priority Pass lounge at LAX for you the next time you're there.

Note: Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some lounge benefits and/or hours of operation may be temporarily altered or unavailable. Always check directly with the lounge or Priority Pass website for the most up-to-date details on availability.

Priority Pass network options at LAX

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Location: Terminal 2, Level 4, above the departure gates

Hours: 5 to 11:50 a.m.

Conditions: Maximum stay is limited to three hours. Children younger than five are admitted free. Complimentary alcohol is limited to beer and wine only.

More info: Priority Pass website

Priority Pass members are admitted to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse only in the morning, but if you have an early flight out of Terminals 2, 3 or Terminal B (they’re connected airside by a shuttle bus), it’s a nice place to relax with a cup of coffee or grab a muffin, oatmeal or yogurt before you board.

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

Alaska Lounge

Location: Terminal 6, near Gate 64 on the mezzanine level

Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Conditions: Access permitted up to three hours prior to departure. Limited to two guests or immediate family (spouse and children younger than 21) per cardholder. Children younger than two are admitted free.

More info: Priority Pass website

The Alaska Lounge works best for travelers departing from Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, or the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) — if you’re willing to walk. But before you make the trek, check that the lounge is open. The Alaska Lounge is notorious for restricting access to Priority Pass members. To avoid frustration, add your name to the waiting list. Keep in mind that access isn’t guaranteed.

KAL Lounge

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal, on the fifth floor after security and a duty-free store

Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Conditions: Access permitted up to three hours prior to departure. Limited to two guests per cardholder. Children younger than two are admitted free.

More info: Priority Pass website

Although the lounge itself is open longer, Priority Pass members aren’t allowed to visit outside of these hours. If your flight departs from Tom Bradley International Terminal later in the evening, you’re out of luck.

The KAL Lounge is the only Priority Pass lounge at Los Angeles International Airport that has showers. For many travelers, a quick shower can make a world of difference on a long connection before an international flight.

Rock & Brews

Location: Terminal 1, across from Gate 11B

Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More info: Priority Pass website

Rock & Brews is a restaurant that participates in the Priority Pass network. Members get $28 per person off their bill for food and drinks (limited to $56 per visit). To-go or grab-and-go orders aren’t eligible for the credit.

To use the perk, present your Priority Pass card (digital or physical) and a boarding pass when getting seated. If the bill exceeds the maximum allowance, you must pay the remainder. If you don’t use up the entire credit amount, it can’t be used toward gratuity, so make sure to have some cash on hand to tip your server.

Terminal 1 isn’t connected airside to any other terminals at LAX. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines, grabbing a bite at Rock & Brews is a solid option upon either departure or arrival in Terminal 1.

» Learn more: Credit cards that offer airport lounge access

Point the Way Cafe

Location: Terminal 6, between Gates 65A and 65B

Hours: 1 to 11 p.m.

More info: Priority Pass website

Point the Way Cafe is another Priority Pass restaurant where members can receive a credit toward meals and beverages. You’re limited to $28 off your bill per guest or $56 per two guests for dine-in only.

If your total exceeds the maximum credit, you’re responsible for covering the rest of your bill. Should you end up with remaining balance, it can’t be used toward a tip, so plan accordingly.

How can I access these lounges?

Priority Pass sells memberships starting at $99 per year, but the best option is to get Priority Pass lounge access for free as a card perk. Premium cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

• Citi Prestige® Card.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (10 visits per cardmember year).

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (10 visits per cardmember year).

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express.

• U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

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. Up to two guests can enter free of charge, but terms vary and you should pay attention to entry conditions. Additional guests are $27 to $32 per person.

For travelers with access provided by an American Express card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, restaurants are excluded. This means that American Express cardholders with Priority Pass Select membership don’t receive any allowance toward their bill at participating restaurants. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The bottom line

Priority Pass members traveling through the busy Los Angeles International Airport have three lounges available to them, along with two restaurants where their membership will cover part of the check. The lounge nearest your departure gate may have limited hours or limited access for Priority Pass members, so check the Priority Pass website before you head to the airport.

With any luck, you’ll be able to spend some time relaxing with a drink or snack before your flight.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

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