Los Angeles' airport gives Kate Roff a reason to smile
The Los Angeles International Airport is notorious. I have heard many a tale from my fellow travellers, but never a good word about the world's sixth busiest airport, and I am usually inclined to agree.
Weaving through a maze of constant construction to join long queues and receive incorrect directions from staff has never been high on anyone's travel agenda, let alone transiting through a haze of smokers lurking just outside.
Thankfully, though, my recent visit has given me hope for the airport's future.
This was largely thanks to the new Los Angeles Business Lounge (jointly owned by Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways), which opened earlier in the year, but also because I noticed a change in the airport staff. After three correct and helpful recommendations from personnel, I found myself at the entrance of the new lounge already pleasantly surprised with my LA experience.
This is my verdict on a few key elements of the lounge's makeover:
Aesthetics
It sounds a tad superficial but the last thing you need on a long journey is to be stuck staring at an ugly wall in transit. The lounge itself is a very stylish, as you'd expect, without too much clutter. A funky central glass atrium gives the area light and space, and at the time we were there a giant, colourful weaving brightened the area.
Food
Never underestimate what good food can add to a tiring trip. Qantas International chief executive officer Simon Hickey says the dining aspect is something the team focused on in plans for the lounge -- and it shows.
"The majority of our inbound flights to Australia are overnight, so our customers want to dine in the lounge before they fly so they can maximise their sleep on board," he explains.
The menu here is a mix of local West Coast US and Asian flavours, and we feasted on melt-in-your mouth braised beef, vege compote, a creamy mushroom soup and a solid array of salads and desserts. A chorizo hot dog stand popped up in the evening, with fresh tacos to please the punters.
Drinks
A sunken bar offering signature cocktails and bar snacks is a good feature here, and a barista service makes a crucial difference in a country where I can never seem to find a decent cuppa. The circular internal fireplace makes the whole scene feel more like a cosy wine bar than an airport.
Kids
Not many travellers tackle business class with children, but if you do this lounge is reasonably well placed. The new kids' zone is well-stocked and nearby, although you will have to exit the lounge to get to it.
General cons
The high turnover of visitors could be a problem here but seems well managed, with ample chairs and dining staff; my only issue was the wait time for the showers.
General pros
Brand new, spacious showers with enough room to wheel a suitcase show that someone was thinking when they designed it.
The other big plus to the lounge is the power; something as simple as power outlets make or break an airport lounge -- this one has lots, with plug adapters available for the mainly US plugs.