QANTAS: Flooding closes LAX First Lounge, premium dining moves next door

Qantas’ Los Angeles First Lounge has been temporarily closed by flooding, according to the Qantas Lounge page. That means the closure of one of the best overseas lounge experiences for premium passengers on the long trek to Australia.

The airline has not set a reopening date on its lounge website. However, ET reports the closure could last for as long as two months. The Level 5 space was closed last week.

Eligible passengers are being accommodated in the adjacent Qantas Business Lounge. It’s also on Level 5 of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Qantas has established a cordoned-off dining area behind the Business Lounge bar. There, First Lounge guests can still order from the full Neil Perry à la carte Summer menu. That menu includes minestrone, tuna carpaccio and honey-glazed lamb rib.

Qantas Business Lounge

The Qantas Business Lounge has recently completed a refurbishment, with new furniture and flooring, an enhanced dining zone and additional power outlets. It does not have the same sense of occasion as the First Lounge.

Normally, the LAX First Lounge offers a 74-seat restaurant, open kitchen, marble bar, private suites, showers with Aurora Spa amenities and a much quieter, more personalised atmosphere. Qantas describes it as a Californian retreat.

For First passengers and top-tier frequent flyers, the separate dining area preserves the important bits: a proper meal, table service and somewhere a little removed from the bustle of the main Business Lounge. However, beware the evening peak before Qantas flights depart for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Frequent Flyer priority

Qantas says it has accommodated all eligible passengers so far and has a capacity-management plan ready if demand becomes too great. Its priorities for entrance are standard. First up is Chairman’s Lounge members, Platinum One passengers and First Class customers.

That may leave ordinary Qantas Platinum members and oneworld Emerald travellers in the main body of the Business Lounge. Qantas’ normal First Lounge access rules include Qantas First passengers, Platinum One and Platinum frequent flyers, plus eligible oneworld First and Emerald customers, each with a guest.

If you’re flying an airline other than Qantas, say, British Airways or Cathay Pacific, you may not be admitted to the temporary First dining area. You may want to try the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 4 as a more reliable option. The lounge is accessible from TBIT via an airside walkway. But check eligibility and opening arrangements before making the trek.

2PAXfly Takeout

Stuff happens, and I am sure Qantas is rectifying the situation as fast as it can. This is not a disaster for Qantas’ premium customers. The Business Lounge is close by, refurbished and now has a temporary dedicated premium dining section.

Passengers departing LAX over the next several weeks should check Qantas’ lounge page before heading to the airport, arrive with modestly adjusted expectations and be prepared for a busier-than-usual pre-flight experience.