Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the second busiest U.S. airport by passenger traffic, serving about 84.5 million passengers every year. With that many people passing through, you might be looking to escape the terminal’s hustle and bustle and find a bit of peace (not to mention a snack and beverage) at an airport lounge.
At LAX, members of the Priority Pass network — including credit card holders whose cards come with a Priority Pass Select membership — have access to some unique relaxation options where Priority Pass membership pays part of the bill.
Here’s a look at your options to help you figure out which is the best Priority Pass lounge at LAX for you the next time you're there.
Location: Terminal 1, after security checks, next door to Rock n Brew restaurant
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Conditions: To be eligible, cardholders must present a valid card and boarding pass with a confirmed same-day travel before selecting a treatment.
More info: Be Relax Spa on the Priority Pass website
Cardholders can use their lounge visit to take advantage of a single refresh treatment at this airside spa. Options include:
Be Back 30-minute Lounger Massage (a $35 value).
Be Back 15-minute Lounger Massage plus Aromatherapy & 02 (a $35 value).
Head Up on lounger 10-minute plus Aromatherapy & 02 (a $38 value).
Be Feet on Lounger 10-minute plus Aromatherapy & 02 (a $38 value).
Cardholders are also entitled to a 20% discount off additional services. Unfortunately, members can not share this access with guests.
Location: Terminal 3, near Gate 30B and Terminal 6, opposite Gate 65A
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in Terminal 3; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in Terminal 6
Conditions: Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to use a game station for a 1 hour stay. Additional hours are charged a 10% discounted rate.
More info: Gameway on the Priority Pass website
Priority Pass members can enjoy a video gaming experience before taking flight. Members have access to individual gaming stations that are equipped with several modern gaming systems, high speed internet and luggage storage.
Complimentary food and drink include one bottle of soda or water and one free snack.
Priority Pass sells memberships starting at $99 per year, but the best option is to get Priority Pass lounge access for free as a card perk. Premium cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership include:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Citi Prestige® Card.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (10 visits per cardmember year). Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (10 visits* per cardmember year). Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Platinum Card® from American Express.
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
*Existing cardholders who enrolled in Priority Pass on or before Jan. 31, 2023, will no longer have a membership as of Feb. 1, 2024. Cardholders who enroll between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, will continue to have membership through Oct. 31, 2024. Terms apply.
Most of these cards offer Priority Pass Select membership, which includes unlimited visits to any of the more than 1,300 lounges within the network. Up to two guests can enter free of charge, but terms vary and you should pay attention to entry conditions. Additional guests are $27 to $35 per person and as of Oct. 1, 2023, the cost of lounge visits beyond the free allowances that come with Priority Pass Select membership have increased to $35 per person, per visit.
Restaurants are excluded for travelers with access provided by an American Express card — such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (as of Jan. 1, 2023). This means that certain cardholders with Priority Pass Select membership don’t receive any allowance toward their bill at participating restaurants. Enrollment in Priority Pass is also required. Terms apply.
Priority Pass members traveling through the busy Los Angeles International Airport have three lounges available to them, along with two restaurants where their membership will cover part of the check.
The lounge nearest your departure gate may have limited hours or limited access for Priority Pass members, so check the Priority Pass website before you head to the airport.
With any luck, you’ll be able to spend some time relaxing with a drink or snack before your flight.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.