Oneworld members Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific have opened a jointly-owned lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.
The Los Angeles Business Lounge, which is managed by Qantas, can currently accommodate 400 people, but will be able to seat 600 "upon completion of all phases in early 2015".
When combined with the new Qantas First Lounge, due to open next year, there will be more than double the size that was in the former space at LAX.
The lounge is open from 0600 to 0030 daily. Entry is permitted to first and business class passengers flying with Qantas, BA and Cathay; Qantas Club members; Cathay's Marco Polo Club Gold and Diamond cardholders; BA Executive Club Gold members; and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald travellers.
Features include complimentary wifi, workstations and nine shower suites with amenities by Aurora Spa Retreat. A further seven shower suites, a Family Zone and a dedicated dining area will also be available when the lounge is fully completed next year.
The menus have been designed by chef Neil Perry and are influenced by multicultural Los Angeles, including Korean, Mexican, Italian, Chinese and US West Coast street food. Californian food carts similar to the pop-up dining concept offer freshly prepared dishes.
Qantas has partnered with Sofitel to offer first class passengers, as well as platinum cardholders of Qantas' Frequent Flyer programme and Oneworld Emerald members, services including shirt pressing, shoe shining and priority access to showers.
Simon Hickey, Qantas International CEO, said: "As well as an overall upgrade, we've significantly increased the amount of space in the lounge for our premium customers. It's designed to reflect the culture of California, while providing a place to relax, socialise and work before their flight.
"Los Angeles is our major gateway to the US and with our partners we connect our customers to more than 270 destinations across the United States, Canada and Mexico."
BA customer service head Steve Clark said: "This new lounge facility reflects British Airways' commitment to delivering customer service excellence both in the air and on the ground. We now operate a double daily A380 between Los Angeles and London Heathrow and our customers will surely benefit from the investment in the lounge."
The new Qantas First Lounge accommodating over 200 people will open early next year at the same time as the Los Angeles Business Lounge is fully complete.
Read a review of the LAX Oneworld Lounge here and a review of the LAX Star Alliance lounge here.
oneworld.com, qantas.com.au, ba.com, cathaypacific.com
Graham Smith
