There was a time I would have argued that the Qantas first class lounge at LAX was the best lounge in the United States. That was before United opened its Polaris lounges, and American opened its Flagship First Class dining rooms.

The Qantas first class lounge at LAX has a great food and beverage program, it is still a gorgeously-designed space (in my opinion), but the biggest drawback has always been lack of views of any kind. As a result it’s been possible to surpass.

While I prefer the ambiance of the Star Alliance business class lounge’s outdoor deck with fire pits at LAX, the sit down dining of the Qantas lounge makes it the most desirable place to spend time in the Tom Bradley international terminal prior to a flight.

Qantas Salt and Pepper Squid

Normally access is via first class ticket on Qantas, British Airways, or Cathay Pacific or via oneworld emerald status. As reported by Executive Traveller, Qantas though will now sell access to the first class lounge at LAX. The airline suggests they make this available only “outside of peak hours” and only “based on capacity.” I’d expect that to mean that paid entrance may not be available to the LAX lounge in the late evening.

In addition to the LAX first class lounge – at $150 per person – Executive Traveller reports they are selling access to:

• LAX business class lounge for $75
  
• London Heathrow lounge for $71 (£55)
  
• Hong Kong lounge for $57 (HKD$450)
  
• Auckland business class lounge for $38 (NZ$60)
  
• Wellington business class lounge for $35 (NZ$55)
  
• Perth business lounge for $48 (AU$70)