Is the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX worth visiting?
I’ll admit it.
Sometimes I get to the airport early.
Like several hours early.
But only when I’m going to spend a lot of time in the airport lounge.
Let me rephrase that…
When I’m going to spend hours in a lounge that’s worth hanging out in.
For example the Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong or the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Frankfort.
But I wasn’t visiting any of those lounges on this trip. This time it was the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX Review
My second visit to this lounge was in January during this year’s first of three trips to Southeast Asia.
The first time I spent time at the Star Alliance Business Class lounge was during my quasi-round the world trip when I flew Lufthansa First Class from Los Angeles to Frankfurt for $40.
I hadn’t planned to visit this lounge because my original flight was on Japan Airlines. I was all set to spend hours at the Qantas First Class Lounge.
Due to a flight delay, Japan Airlines put me on ANA. My favorite lounge at LAX would have to wait until my next trip.
So long oneworld, hello Star Alliance.
Having already posted the Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX, it’s about time to share my Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX review.
Location
The Star Alliance Business Class lounge LAX and the First Class lounge are after security on the sixth floor.
The lounge overlooks the atrium.
From the central atrium area, take the Time tower (clock) elevator. The Business Class lounge is in front of you when you exit and the First Class lounge is to the right.

checkin desk
A sliding door near the noodle/pho station in the Business Class lounge connects both lounges.
First Class guests can use either lounge but Business Class and Star Gold passengers can only use the Business Class lounge.
Pro-tip: Lounge hours are daily from 7 am to 1 am but can vary depending on airline schedules.
Seating in the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX
Indoor Seating

seating across from the bar and buffet
The Star Alliance Business Class lounge LAX is huge. There’s a buffet, two bars, TV room, library room, work room, showers, a terrace overlooking the airport, and an outdoor patio with fire pits.

Seating in the main area
There are plenty of seats both inside and outside. You would be hard pressed to have to stand.

Quiet room where you could try and nap

Chill out and watch TV in the TV/Media room

library room – yep, those are fake books but it’s an okay spot to nap
Two Bars

Bar and cheese and wine station

Dry snack mix at the bar

bar seating at the outdoor bar overlooking atrium

bar overlooking atrium

atrium terrace seating

view of the atrium terrace

Bill Gates quote
Outdoor Seating

outdoor seating with a fire pit

Bette Davis quote

Frank Lloyd Wright Quote

plants on the outdoor terrace

runway view outdoor seating
Pro-tip: The outside patio offers runway views. If it’s chilly, grab a seat by one of the fire pits.
Who Has Access to the Business Class Lounge?
Unlike some airport lounges where you can get free access with your credit card entry is restricted to certain flyers.
Business Class, First Class, and Star Alliance Gold passengers flying on a Star Alliance flight have access to the Business Class lounge.
You could get lucky and get in by using one or two tricks from how to get into every airport lounge.
Pro-tip: United Gold members can’t use the Star Alliance Business Class lounge.
You can also get into the lounge if you have one of these paid lounge memberships:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club – Worldwide
- Air New Zealand Koru Club
- United Club
Each of these passengers except Business Class passengers can bring one guest on any Star Alliance flight into the lounge.
Pro-tip: A guest is anyone age two or older. There’s no limit to the number of children under two whom you can bring into the lounge.
Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX Buffet
Breakfast

Eggs, quiche, sausage, potatoes, gravy

Fruit, eggs, yogurt, granola, and smoothies

Various juices and types of milk
Lunch

Assortment of cheeses

Chowder, Coconut Curry Chicken, vegetables, and rice

Chicken, rice, and vegetables

various salads, wraps, and chips

more salads

instant noodles, tea, and coffee
Pro-tip: Check out the make your own noodle/pho station. It’s tucked away in the hallway near the sliding door entrance to the First Class lounge.

Selections of noodles at the noodle bar

Pho station

rice krispy treats, chocolate mousse, pumpkin spice pudding, smoothies, watermelon

Cookies, pound cakes, smoothies, pudding, and other desserts
Drinks

Champagne

self-serve alcohol

Help yourself to beer, wine, and juices

self-serve drink station
Seating

view of buffet and seating

Counter style seating overlooking buffet
Shower Suites

Shower suites indoor garden

entrance to Shower Suites

waiting area for the shower suites

You get a page when a shower is available

Which shower suite will you pick?

shower

Shower Suites toiletries are made locally
Conclusion
The Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX in the Tom Bradley International Terminal is after security on the sixth floor.
You can use the lounge if you’re flying in Business Class, First Class, or are a Star Alliance Gold passenger flying on a Star Alliance flight.
Paid members of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Club, Air New Zealand Koru Club, and the United Club flying any Star Alliance flight can also access the Business Class lounge.
You can bring one person age two or older who is flying on a Star Alliance flight into the lounge. Unless you are a Business Class passenger. Business Class passengers are not allowed to bring in guests.
There are lots of buffet options and the make your own noodle/pho station is a nice touch.
Sit outside for the best views of the runway and planespotting.
Overall it’s a decent lounge. I wish there were reclining chairs and/or spots where you could truly relax vs sitting upright.
Have you been to the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX? What did or didn’t you like about it?
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MK
Sunday 2nd of February 2020
I’m flying out In Singapore airline business class but I don’t belong to any of those clubs... am I still allowed to wait for my flight in there?
Debra Schroeder
Wednesday 5th of February 2020
Hi MK,
Yes. Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. Because you are flying Business Class on Singapore Airlines you would have access to the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge.
Enjoy :)
joshua han
Saturday 16th of November 2019
Can I visit this lounge with air canada maple leaf club North America or does it have to be the world wide membership
Debra Schroeder
Tuesday 26th of November 2019
Hi Joshua,
To visit the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX, you need an Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide membership and have a same-day boarding pass for a Star Alliance airline flight.
Manouk Bob
Saturday 27th of October 2018
Wow, extensive report :) I'm also a star alliance member, but just a regular member. Looks like it's worth visiting the lounge especially with the food included.
Debra Schroeder
Saturday 27th of October 2018
Hi Manouk Bob,
Thanks. The lounge is totally worth it. :)
Demi
Saturday 27th of October 2018
Great post! The older I get the more I am tempted to use lounges in the airport, this has just furthered my desires! The food looks so good!
Debra Schroeder
Saturday 27th of October 2018
Hi Demi,
Glad you liked the post. I love using the airport lounges. Makes waiting for a flight more enjoyable. :)