Review: American Airlines Flagship Lounge LAX (Updated)
- Konrad Tillman
- Aug 20
- 5 min read
Intro
Prior to my flight from Los Angeles over to Tokyo, I had the opportunity to check out the Flagship American Airlines Lounge at Los Angeles. It had been a while since I had reviewed this space, so I was excited to see how the banging apron views were holding up.
While it certainly doesn’t compete with the Polaris or Delta One Lounge, I still think the Flagship Lounge is a decent way to kill some time before a flight. Nice champagne, good showers, and a wide selection of elevated booze. However, if you are OneWorld Emerald, I highly recommend heading off to the Qantas First Lounge in Bradley…
Location+Access
The AA Flagship Lounge is very straightforward to locate, even with the renovations underway at T4. Upon clearing security at Terminal 4, continue straight for about 100 meters, and it will be on your right-hand side.
Alternatively, if you are connecting, the Flagship Lounge is located a little past Gate 41, which also happens to be the departure gate for most London flights these days (widebody gate).
Once inside, there will be a downstairs counter where agents will inform you whether you can access the Flagship Lounge or the Admirals Club.
Ways to access the Flagship Business Lounge:
Hold a same-day** long-haul business class ticket on a OneWorld Carrier
Hold a same-day** long-haul First class ticket on a OneWorld Carrier
Pay 150$
Regardless of cabin, OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire can access this lounge on select long-haul flights (deep South America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, Africa)
Those who are OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire, but not through AA or Alaska, can access this lounge with any same-day OneWorld flight, regardless of cabin
Concierge Key members can access this lounge with any same-day OneWorld flight, regardless of cabin
Seating
The layout of the Flagship Lounge is quite unique, with a couple of different options for seating.
As soon as you enter, there will be a large atrium with space for about 20 people to sit. Obviously, due to how open the space here is, there usually isn’t any issue finding a place to sit. If you are anything like me and love to people watch, the views look out on the main walkway of Terminal 4.
Continuing on to the left of the lounge, there is a small space with seating in front of a large TV, usually playing some sort of news. Additionally, there are a couple of tables off to the side, as well as some semi-private workspaces with a printer.
Flowing through the river (the lounge), the rest of the space just consists of one large private room. Towards the front are chairs designed for relaxing, while further back, towards the buffet, is where you will find the tables designed for dining.
Additionally, this isn’t open to the general public, but towards the back, by the old Flagship First Dining, are “private rooms” reserved for select VIPs. Since many celebrities frequently fly out of LAX, this makes sense. However, American is the only airline to offer this at LAX.
Food+Drink
Located in the back of the lounge is where you will find the buffet. While DL and UA do offer sit-down dining, American does not. However, I consistently find their buffer selection to be a tad bit better, and today was no different. For breakfast, options consisted of eggs, sausages (amazing), sushi, and the normal spread you would expect.
However, come lunch time, I was pleased to find some delicious pasta with red sauce, which was perfectly accompanied by the marinated pork chops.
In terms of drinks, American does not offer a serviced bar; everything is self-service (meaning unaccompanied people under 21 are not allowed in). The options were plentiful and included the likes of Casamigos and Patron, two decent Tequilas. Although not quite the Clase Azul at the Chelsea Lounge.
Finally, you have the wines. Nothing short of exceptional. With options consisting of the classic Piper for champagne, multiple reds, and multiple whites, be prepared to feel more than a little boozy on the plane…
Amenities
While the Flagship Lounge doesn’t offer nap rooms like the Polaris Lounge next door or steaming services, there are a couple of amenities on offer.
Located towards the back is where you will find the bathrooms and modern showers. For access to the showers, inquire at the front desk, which will give you a key. Overall, these are some of the nicest showers you will come across in an airport. Great water pressure, very spacious, and a lovely design.
Lastly, free wifi is available for all passengers.
Final Thoughts
Look, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge isn't the Polaris Lounge or the Delta One Lounge by any means. However, that is also not their intended audience. While no one with status can get into the Polaris Lounge on an economy ticket, and only 360 members can enter when flying Domestic First on Delta, this lounge is much more easily accessible. With good champagne, nice showers, amazing views, and decent buffet food, I'd happily come back here before a flight.
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