Review: United Polaris Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
- tillman08
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Intro
Perhaps one of the gratest parts of flying United Polaris Lounge is visiting the lounge either before your flight or after. Much like the other US3 carriers, United invested a lot of money into their “Polaris Lounges” back in 2016, and the one at Los Angeles is definitely on the better side.
While one of the smallest lounges in the network, it offers great tarmac views, good food, a full range of drinks, and amazing service.
Location+Access
Once you arrive at Los Angeles Airport, and more specifically Terminal 7, the airport has done a nice job diplaying signs for the Polaris Lounge. Located to the in front of gate 72 (a widbeody gate) and behind gate 77 (another widebody gate), it’s hard to miss the big sign.
Once you see the sign, it’s a short elevator or walk up the stairs.
In terms of access, there are a couple of ways you can gain entry:
Passengers with a same day ticket flying United “Polaris” to South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru), Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. This includes access access up to 24 hours before your flight, and 24 hours after arrival. This includes connecting airport.
Passengers flying Long Haul Business Class on a Star Alliance Carrier. However, you are only eligible to access the Polaris Lounge at your departure airport for the long-haul.
Passengers flying Long Haul First Class on a Star Alliance Carrier. However, you are only eligible to access the Polaris Lounge at your departure airport for the long-haul. +1 Guest
As an example, you fly from:
Los Angeles- Washington- Frankfurt
If your flight from Washington to Frankfurt is on United metal in Business, you will have access at both Los Angeles and Washington Lounges. However, if your flight is on Lufthansa, you will only have access in Washington.
Seating
The Polaris lounge is a decadently appointed place. Once entering there is a magnficent area to the left featuing the iconic Polaris Seats (at all lounges), some tables to have a drink while watching the planes, and a couple of phone booths if you need to take a conference call.
Additionally, there is a bar in the area where you can grab a couple of drinks and such.
Moving along, if you head to the right hand side of the lounge is where you will the roundabout (what I like to call it). Tables are located all around the beautiful wall of wines, and the buffet on the other side.
The lounge remains empty for about half of the day. From 6 am- 8 am, 12:30 pm- 4pm, and 10:00-10:30 pm it’s pretty much empty. However, from around 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm this place can get absoultely slammed due to departures to Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, and London.
Dining
To me, the highlight of any Polaris experience is the dining. Located in the back of the Polaris Lounge is the beautifully appointed sit down dining. Naturally, United tends to update the menus once every 3 or so months, but there a couple of dished that stay the same, such as the Polaris Burger and Skillet Cookie.
The dining is especially good at LAX, as I have never had to wait for a table (unlike the other lounges), and the man named Elmer working there is one of the kindest men in the world. I don’t even have to order anymore when I go 😅.
While the food is exceptionally good at the Polaris Dining, if you are in a bit of a time crunch there is a buffet which rotates throughout the day. Think of it as a slightly more upscale United Club buffet.
Bathrooms
Similar to most of the Polaris Lounges, towards the back of the lounge lies a corridor to bathrooms. There can be a wait to get into the individual restrooms during the Asia Bank, but once inside, they are nicely decorated.
Showers+Nap Rooms
If you are connecting through Los Angeles and need a shower to freshen up, there are 4 shower suites located in the back of the lounge. Simply see an attendant, and they will escort you to a shower suite. While not quite as nice as the showers at the Delta One Lounge, feel free to feel like you just had a whole makeover with the amount of Therabody amenities on offer.
However, be aware that these close at 8:30 pm.
Additionally, if you feel the need to lie down for a little bit, there are some nap rooms located in the back. United stocks them up with a blanket, an eye shade and pillow, but it can get a bit chilly in the nap rooms so be aware.
Views
Through the many periods of time I have spent in this lounge, there is one thing that will never get old: the views. Looking out while enjoying a drink, at some of the widebodies just arriving from Hawaii, or perhaps a 757 pushing back to Newark.
Combine that with the natural light, and it is truly my favorite lounge in the Polaris network.
Final Thoughts
The United Polaris Lounge in Los Angeles is my personal favorite lounge in the whole network. Unlike the likes of Newark and San Francisco, the lounge is an intimate space with exceptional LA SoCal service. Combine that with good sit down dining, amazing views, and great cocktails, there is a reason why I visit this place 20-30x a year.
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