Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Tom Bradley International Terminal

by Adam Stuart | May 26, 2025 | 0 Comments

…Trendy space with nice amenities – at a cost for Priority Pass members, with access restricted during peak hours

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse LAX is a great space with a cool LA vibe, great food, inventive décor and amenities. Priority pass members cannot access between 5 and 8 PM and must pay $35 to enjoy the all the lounge has to offer. Entry restricted to 3 hours before departure.

The summary

The lounge is on Floor 6 of the TBIT, right next to the Star Alliance lounge. From 5 to 8:00 PM, Priority Pass members are not admitted due to the timing of Virgin’s flights to London and the overall small space of the lounge.

The lounge is on Floor 6 of the TBIT, right next to the Star Alliance terminal. From 5 to 8:00 PM, Priority You cannot miss the red/purple of the Virgin Atlantic branding at entry. The staff politely explains access policy for Priority Pass members.

After reception, you will immediately notice the Virgin Atlantic (VA) vibe. The VA clubhouses look like no other lounges and resemble a cross between a sleek hotel bar, nightclub, and traditional airline/airport lounge. This lounge is nicer than its counterpart in San Francisco, which is notable considering the LAX clubhouse has no tarmac views. This lounge exemplifies how a designer can take a smaller enclosed space and make it special.

The small lounge is broken up into several areas, all characterized by a certain color -infused plush vibe. To the immediate right, there was a red room with BBC on the television, some comfortable seating, a reserved alcove, and a display called “retail therapy” – presumably offering items for sale.

Straight ahead was the bar and buffet. The bar is what you would expect from Virgin: it looks like a New York or London hotel bar. Not only are there charging stations throughout, but there are wireless charges on the bar! Kudos for the mocktail made by the bartender (pineapple included).

The buffet is modest in size but is the healthiest buffet I have ever come across: farro salad, popcorn, wild rice and veggie salad, nuts, mediterranean quinoa salad, chips (ok not the healthiest), and fresh fruit.

The main attraction is the made to order food that will be brought to wherever you are sitting (order via QR code). This type of made to order cooking is becoming more common. Since I ate at the Star Alliance Lounge, I did not order any food. I will include snapshots of the extensive menu. I appreciate the fact that there is a special menu for young travelers. I have not seen that anywhere else. Nor have I seen a made to order dessert menu,

Across from the bar – and to the left after reception – was another attractive seating area with tables and cool looking chairs. In addition, there were a few private phone rooms and offices in this area. I like when lounges have this feature – nothing is worse than hearing some yappy caller who never heard of a “library” voice.

Go past this seating area and your walk ends in a small hallway. Here you will find the washrooms, showers, and the “Zen” room. The Zen room is, as was explained, a quiet meditation and yoga room. Interestingly, to access the men’s shower, you must enter through the men’s washroom.

Whether it’s worth $35 (for up to 3 hours) to enjoy this lounge is up to the individual traveler, and the charge may set a bad precedent for Priority Pass. However, I prefer one up front charge as opposed to separate charges for elevated food, drinks, and a shower. It should be noted that with an Air France Lounge, a Delta Sky Club, a Delta One Lounge, and a Korean Air Lounge, Skyteam members now have many options at LAX.

The wrap

…The details. Date – May 10, 2025, Rating: Very fine. Access: Priority pass

..What I like: The décor, healthy buffet, outlet availability, made to order food.

..What I don’t like: The limited hours make it a challenge if you are departing from other terminals or ones not immediately adjacent to the TBIT

Also on BoardingArea
Points With a Crew
How to Buy Statue of Liberty Tickets (without getting SCAMMED)
I’ve been to New York City a couple of times with a few of my kids, and one of the things that they all want to do is visit the Statue of Liberty. Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also an iconic part of New York...
Live and Let’s Fly
My Chicken Parmesan Sandwich On United Airlines Was A Pleasant Surprise
I tried the chicken parmesan sandwich on a recent United Airlines flight and found it to be surprisingly delicious… another win for United’s Bistro On Board menu in economy class. Taste Test: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich On United Airlines I was traveling from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) and upgrades...
Point Me to the Plane
Tips For Getting The Best Currency Exchange Rate
Not getting the best currency exchange rate wastes money. What are your best practices?
Your Mileage May Vary
How to Get Free Perks in Vegas Just by Signing Up for Loyalty Programs
If you travel even a little bit, chances are you’ve signed up for at least a few loyalty programs. Hotels often offer free Wi-Fi to even their base-level members. Rental…
One Mile at a Time
Vueling Modernizing Fleet With Boeing 737 MAXs, Replacing Airbus A320s
I’m not sure whether to be surprised by this move or not…
a boat on a river with a crowd of people
BoardingArea
Amsterdam Pride 2025: Last-Minute Award Flights for the Canal Parade
Amsterdam is already buzzing with anticipation for its 28th Canal Parade on August 2, 2025, capping off nine days of vibrant Pride festivities that celebrate every facet of the LGBTQIA+ community. I've always found Amsterdam to be one of Europe's most welcoming cities, and the energy during Pride is truly...
View from the Wing
We Flew American’s Business Class To Europe With Kids—Got Broken Seats, A Wrong Meal, And Scolded For Walking Our Baby
Overall value across the Atlantic was fantastic. The seats are mostly fine, though the new suites are better. Food was below average for American, and service was pretty ordinary, but a good way to cross the Pond. Getting any of American's other seats would have been better,...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Sheraton Lake Como Hotel
After spending two nights at the Casa Olea Hotel (review here), we drove over… The post Hotel Review: Sheraton Lake Como Hotel appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live and Let’s Fly
Drunk Passenger Nearly Forced Entire United Flight To Deplane—One Traveler Saved The Day
A belligerent, intoxicated passenger nearly caused a full deplaning on a severely delayed United Airlines flight. But in the end, a fed-up traveler finally coaxed the man, who refused to commit to behaving onboard, to leave the aircraft voluntarily. “Vladimir” Finally Leaves Delayed United Flight After Fellow Passenger Steps In...
Live and Let’s Fly
Delta Denies Using AI For Personalized Ticket Pricing, Despite Executive’s Remarks
Delta Air Lines has denied using or plotting to use AI pricing to set individual ticket prices based on what the algorithm presupposes people will pay. Delta Pushes Back On AI Pricing Claims Amid Backlash Over Executive Comments Delta responded to a letter from a trio of US Senators skeptical...
Frequent Miler
Current Hotel Promotions for August 2025
All major hotel brands dangle various carrots in front of customers to incentivize their patronage. Bonuses for for elite status, loyalty program membership and credit card spending all serve as sweeteners that make rewards-earning a little faster and more fruitful. Promotions are another significant way that hotel loyalty programs try...
One Mile at a Time
Air Traffic Controller In Trouble After Allowing Teen Son To “Work” In Tower
There’s a major aviation controversy in Colombia, after it was discovered that a teenager was given ”hands on” training in an air traffic control tower, down to giving planes takeoff clearance. Thanks to The Aviation Herald for flagging this.
View from the Wing
Drunk Passenger Refuses To Leave Delayed United Flight—Until Another Traveler Forces Him Off (Video)
All passengers on the Airbus A321neo nearly had to be removed from the aircraft when a "clearly..intoxicated" man refused to leave. All the airline wanted was assurance that he would "behave and not cause any issues on the flight" but he was unable to offer that assurance. That's...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Are the Free Continental Breakfast Buffets at Hotels Disgusting? 7 Tips For You.
Do you at least sometimes believe that the free continental breakfast buffets at hotel properties are disgusting? If so, this article includes 7 tips for you on how to mitigate your exposure — but first, please allow me to relate an experience at one of those free continental breakfast buffets...
One Mile at a Time
How To Apply For A Baby’s First Passport: Surprisingly Painless
Our second son, Jet, was born several weeks ago. Of course as a travel geek, one of my first (non-urgent) orders of business was getting him his passport, even if we don’t have any immediate plans to travel internationally with him.
The Points of Life
The Other Subway Lisbon
I took the metro in Lisbon (see Metro Lisbon? TPOL Leaves the Neighborhood for Cafe). Now, it was time to try Subway. And I’m not talking about the underground. I am talking about the sandwich shop. In Puerto Rico, Subway is disgusting. In the US, it was a source of...
a woman standing at a counter in a room with a large poster of an airplane
BoardingArea
Review: United Club at San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 3, E Gates
United's smaller overflow club at SFO sports the mid-2010s design A satisfactory lounge that is highlighted by large windows that face the tarmac, a decent buffet, and plenty of places to plug in to get work done. The summary This rather small (for a hub lounge) is located by the entry to the...
View from the Wing
‘We Needed A Boat!’ American Airlines Passengers Evacuated Twice After Lavatory Pipe Explodes, Flooding Dallas Flight
American Airlines flight 2350 from Dallas - Fort Worth to Mexico City was delayed more than 5 hours on Friday. First, passengers had to wait on a replacement aircraft reportedly due to a "leak" and then passengers boarded another Boeing 737-800 only to have water flow out into the...
a woman wearing a headdress and a crown
BoardingArea
Maximize Miles at Toronto’s 2025 Caribbean Carnival
Toronto's Caribbean Carnival, often called Caribana, is back in 2025 for a month-long cultural extravaganza that draws over 1.3 million revelers each year. I've witnessed how this celebration transforms the city from July 31 through August 4, with boat cruises, after-parties, and the iconic Grand Parade, turning the downtown core...
Frequent Miler
Citi brings back American muscle, Altitude Reserve in descent [Week in Review]
Several years ago, we wrote about a short-lived promotion that essentially made it possible to buy American Airlines miles at a price of about 0.41c per mile (long dead, but here it was). I bought thousands of dollars worth — and it wasn’t enough. I ran through more than a...
Eye of the Flyer
Chase Lounge Access Rules, Disappointing Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver, Do You Have Travel Insurance, Order Delta Metal Tags and Delta AI Ticket Updates
Ouch! I am feeling so old this week. Let me explain. We have a fireplace insert in our living room and burn wood during the winter. It is so nice. But our massive shed was almost empty and I was worried. But then this week, with temps in the 250*...
One Mile at a Time
Delta Pilot Calls Air Traffic Controller Idiot, Wants To Speak To Manager
An air traffic controller at LaGuardia was being a jerk, and a Delta pilot called him out for it… kudos to him, I think!
Monkey Miles
August 2025 Air France/KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards – North America to Europe in Biz for 45k
We give you the good good on Flying Blue Promo rewards The post August 2025 Air France/KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards – North America to Europe in Biz for 45k appeared first on Monkey Miles.
One Mile at a Time
Etihad Improves First Class With Chauffeur, Meet & Greet, And More
As of August 1, 2025, Etihad Airways has started flying its new Airbus A321LRs, which are in a three-cabin layout, with first class, business class, and economy. To coincide with this, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier has also rolled out improvements to its first class product, especially on the ground.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers