The oneworld lounge at Los Angeles International has long been a favourite of frequent flyers, but by 2025 the furniture was genuinely threadbare. That has now been fixed: the space has been reupholstered and refitted, and it once again feels like one of the strongest business class lounges in the United States.
The lounge sits in the Tom Bradley International Terminal on level 5, above the main pavilion near P.F. Chang's. It's operated by Qantas and jointly backed by British Airways and Cathay Pacific, serving as the primary business class and oneworld Sapphire lounge for the alliance's many carriers at LAX. At 42,000 square feet with room for roughly 600 guests, it rarely feels cramped, even during the evening crunch before the British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific departures. Expect plenty of seating with plugs and USB ports, a dedicated work area with a printing station, recliners, a fire pit corner, and 14 shower suites with their own toilets.
Access rules are worth knowing. Entry is for oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members (though status earned via American or Alaska only counts on itineraries outside North America — Mexico City no longer qualifies) and for passengers flying same-day in business or first on any oneworld carrier from LAX. Qantas paid lounge members flying Qantas are also welcome. Doors open daily at 6:30 am and close after the last Qantas departure, currently around 10:30 pm.
The food is a real highlight. The buffet rotates through dishes like chicken and chorizo cassoulet, potato, cauliflower and chickpea curry, jasmine rice, roasted eggplant and a solid salad spread, plus a cheese board and desserts such as tiramisu, pecan pie and brownies. Vegetarians are well catered for. On select evenings a taco cart rolls in — a very LA touch. The full bar pours beer, wine and spirits, with bartenders happy to mix whatever you fancy.
But the star of the show is the barista-made coffee, provisioned by Australian roaster Vittoria. Flat whites and cappuccinos are reliably excellent, and the review is emphatic: skip the automatic machines and order from the barista. That coffee alone is one reason the reviewer ranks this lounge above the Star Alliance lounge one level up, though that rival does offer more natural light and a terrace if you dislike windowless spaces.
One hiccup for premium travellers: the Qantas First Lounge recently flooded and is closed, with part of this lounge — the bar area — temporarily serving first class and Emerald passengers. Worth factoring in if you were counting on the Qantas First experience.
For anyone departing LAX on a oneworld carrier in a premium cabin or with matching status, this lounge comfortably justifies arriving early. Between the fresh refit, generous food, proper coffee and abundant showers and workspace, it's an easy place to kill a couple of hours before a long-haul flight.
Review via Live and Let's Fly
