United Club, Los Angeles

The United Club offering has come a long way in Los Angeles over the years. What was once just a cramped room with some furniture and snacks is now an expansive space. Positioned directly above the terminal concourse as something of a glass box, guests can also enjoy 360-degree views over the airfield and the landside roadways.

But there’s more. These days, you’ll also find a coveted outdoor terrace on the eastern side of the lounge. Once the early morning sun has passed, the deck becomes an attractive place to while away some time before you fly.

There are also plenty of ways to gain entry, spanning travel class through to frequent flyer status, paid lounge membership and even one-off entry passes that you can buy. A shiny Virgin Australia Velocity Gold or Platinum card can also get you inside prior to eligible United flights. That includes United’s flights from LAX to Sydney and Melbourne. Come take a look at what’s become one of United’s best United Club lounges.

Location, layout and amenities of the United Club lounge in Los Angeles

Conveniently, the United Club in Los Angeles sits right after security in Terminal 7, near gate 71A. Reception sits along the main concourse, and if it’s ‘computer says yes’, you’ll proceed upstairs. Stepping off the escalator reveals a large, light-filled space in something of a criss-cross layout.

At one end, there’s a large seating area. This comprises everything from a waiting bench to business-like seating with laptop power and plenty of comfortable armchairs. The area flows through into the back half of the lounge, accessed diagonally from this zone to accommodate the kitchen and back-of-house areas in the corner.

This back section is where you’ll find the bar and buffet counters. It’s also home to many dining tables and booths, and more working benches. Speaking of work, Wi-Fi speeds here are fantastic: over 360Mbps up and down, which is more than most household NBN connections can achieve in Australia. There’s also one extra little feature tucked away: an open-air terrace.

Outdoor space is becoming a ‘thing’ at LAX. It was initially championed by the airport’s branded Star Alliance Lounge, with the rival Delta Sky Club in Terminal 3 also now sporting such a space. As for United’s, it’s on the smaller side but still relatively cosy. Today, I’m travelling to the snow in Canada, so I take a moment to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Be mindful that this United Club location doesn’t offer showers. United has a second lounge in this terminal, the Polaris Lounge, but this is only available when flying long-haul Business Class (or First Class). It’s not available via status. So if you’re about to take the long hop to Australia in Premium Economy or Economy and are hoping for a shower, consider any alternative lounges that you might be eligible for. Say, the Star Alliance Lounge in the Tom Bradley terminal, or the American Express Centurion Lounge using an eligible Amex Card.

Food and beverage in the Los Angeles United Club

Even though the Los Angeles United Club is specifically for people not flying long-haul Business Class, the food and beverage options are surprisingly decent. I’ve seen so many airport lounges in the US where nibbles are the main offering. Fortunately, this isn’t one of those times.

I visit mid-morning, right at breakfast time. As soon as you enter, there’s coffee and fruit, and espresso machines to whip up your own latte. From the main buffet, I find sausages, meat patties, roasted potatoes, and cooked eggs to start. There’s also a variety of bread adjacent to a bagel-making station.

Food options continue with fruits, yoghurts, muesli and cereals. There’s also a range of juices to enjoy, along with a full bar. If you’re so inclined, it’s open and available even in the mornings. Most selections are complimentary but expect premium picks to come at a charge. As for this morning, I’m quite content with my juice and coffee.

Accessing the United Club in Los Angeles

The United Club in Los Angeles serves both domestic and international passengers. The rules can get a little bit complicated and vary by destination. But here are the main ways you can gain access.

• From airline frequent flyer status:
  • Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and Beyond, when departing on an international United flight. This includes routes to Sydney and Melbourne, among other destinations. Access is also available when transiting between an arriving United international flight and an onward United domestic flight on the same day and same itinerary (+1 guest with every visit).
  • United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K and Global Services members travelling on a same-day international United or Star Alliance flight (+1 guest).
  • Other Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers departing from LAX on any Star Alliance flight, including United domestic services (+1 guest).
• By paid lounge membership:
  • United Club members before or after United, Star Alliance and other eligible partner flights (+2 guests).
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members before United, Air Canada and other Star Alliance flights (+1 guest for ‘Worldwide’ members only).
• By cabin:
  • United Business customers with a same-day New York/Newark flight or an international flight (no guests).
  • Passengers in United First to or from Canada (no guests).
  • First Class and Business Class travellers of other Star Alliance airlines, where that international flight departs from LAX (+1 guest for First Class only).
• Active US military personnel: Must be travelling in uniform, with leave orders or other eligible paperwork on a departing United flight (+ family members).
• Using a United Club one-time pass: Access can be purchased for US$59 at the door or online. Passes can be used when flying United or one of its partners. I use a pass for access today and flash my Air Canada boarding pass. I’m admitted without a fuss.

The verdict

United is slowly upgrading its network of United Club lounges. Some are still pretty dated, like the one along San Francisco’s international concourse. (Hot tip: if you’re at SFO, go to the United Club near the E gates instead – it’s a much better experience and still sits within the same security area). But in Los Angeles, the United Club is one of the airline’s best.

This space has been completely refurbished in recent years, a process that’s also seen the introduction of that outdoor terrace. I remember flying United through LA pre-2020 and the United Club that existed back then. What was then a room with some furniture has become a modern and thoroughly pleasant space to spend some time.

Even though I pop by at 9 am on a busy weekday, I can still easily find a seat. In fact, not just ‘a seat’, but the type of seat I’m looking for: a dining table for breakfast. There’s space on the terrace when I want to wander out, and a comfy armchair inside when I want to cool down.

Given my history of flying United, I was expecting perhaps an okay lounge that would be quite busy. In reality, I’ve found quite a comfortable and good lounge. The absence of showers might be an issue for some journeys, but on the whole, this is a lounge worth spending some time in before it’s time to soar to your next destination especially so if you can land a seat on the outdoor terrace. Just don’t get too comfortable – boarding calls aren’t made here.

Also reviewed: United Polaris, Boeing 787 (Sydney – Los Angeles)

Photography by Chris Chamberlin, who redeemed a United Club one-time pass for entry while travelling at his own expense with United’s Star Alliance partner, Air Canada.

---

Stay up to date with the latest news, reviews and guides by subscribing to Point Hacks’ email newsletter.