Lounge Review: United Club – Los Angeles (LAX)

…Large lounge with great buffet, outdoor deck, offices and great views.

When: January 2, 2025

Rating: 7/10 – Very fine

Access: United Club Member

The United Club at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is reputed to be one of the best domestic clubs in the network. I have to agree even though it sports the mid-2010s aesthetic of clean lines, white faux marble etc. However, the décor is enhanced by the use of translucent blue dividers (like the Heathrow lounge) and vintage United photographs. This lounge features an extensive buffet, plenty of enclosed offices, and the only outdoor deck in the United Club system (which was closed at the late hour).

The lounge is in LAX’s Terminal 7 and can be found immediately after clearing security. The large entry has several reception desks, and after presenting your credentials, guests take an escalator up to enter the lounge.

The lounge is basically one very large room – broken up by the blue dividers. All the outer walls of the lounge are glass – so there is no shortage of views. Otherwise, seasoned United flyers will find nothing remarkable about the look of the lounge. Unlike Denver or Newark, this lounge is a bit older and, aside from the outdoor deck, does not have any feature that indicates you are in Los Angeles.

A coffee station can be found near the top of the entry escalators, which is great for travelers on the go. On the opposite side of this first part of the lounge are several customer service agents and the aforementioned private offices.

The main part of the lounge is very, very large! I have visited this lounge many times and given the lounge’s size – finding a seat is easy. This is due to the fact that LAX serves as United’s smaller west coast hub – San Francisco is a larger United hub and has more connecting traffic. This section of the lounge is divided into smaller spaces by the blue dividers, which work really well in this space. Seating is typical and varied: tables, blue chairs, high-top tables, etc.

At the far end of the main part of the lounge is the buffet – and this is where the lounge shines. For drinks there are two soda machines and two espresso machines. For food, there were: cheeses, chips and dip, chicken curry pita sandwiches, veggie wraps, fruit, a salad bar, a make-your-own taco station, a make-your-own rice bowl station, and for dessert, cookies and donut holes. Guests will not leave hungry. The circular bar is across from the buffet. There is a charge for premium cocktails. Bonus points for the terrific infused water station!

Right beyond the bar is the outdoor deck…but it was sadly closed. The glare at night prevented decent pictures. This is one feature of the lounge that is very LA!

I rate this lounge 7/10. Best features: The buffet, offices, outdoor deck (closed), size of space. Flaws: A little splash of color could elevate the look of the lounge.