Which credit cards give you lounge access at LAX?

The Amex Platinum gives access to the Centurion Lounge in Terminal B. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X provide Priority Pass membership, though Priority Pass options at LAX are limited. Delta cards give access to Sky Clubs in Terminal 3.

Where are the lounges at LAX?

Most lounges are in Terminal B (Tom Bradley International) on levels 5 and 6, accessible via the central clock tower elevator. Delta lounges are in Terminal 3, American Airlines lounges are in Terminal 4, and Alaska's lounge is in Terminal 6.

Can you use Priority Pass at LAX?

Priority Pass options at LAX are limited. The main option is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Terminal B, but it requires a top-up fee and has restricted hours and frequent capacity limits.

Is Terminal 5 at LAX open in 2026?

No. Terminal 5 is closed for reconstruction and won't reopen until 2028. Airlines that previously operated from Terminal 5 have been relocated to other terminals.

Can you walk between terminals at LAX?

Some terminals are connected airside, but moving between distant terminals often requires exiting security and re-clearing TSA. Check LAX's terminal connection guide before planning a lounge visit in a different terminal.

LAX Airport Lounges Guide 2026: Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access

If you're flying through Los Angeles, LAX's lounge scene can be confusing. Lounges are scattered across multiple terminals, Priority Pass is surprisingly limited, and Terminal 5 is closed for construction. This guide breaks down every lounge option and which credit cards actually get you in.

The short version: LAX's best lounges are concentrated in Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal), where you'll find alliance lounges, the Centurion Lounge, and premium airline spaces on floors 5 and 6. If you're not flying international, your options depend heavily on your airline and credit cards.

See which travel cards fit your spending →

LAX Terminal Layout: What You Need to Know

Before planning your lounge strategy, understand LAX's current reality.

Terminal B (TBIT) is the lounge hub. The Tom Bradley International Terminal houses the best concentration of lounges on levels 5 and 6. Take the central elevator near the "clock tower" atrium after clearing security.

Terminal 5 is closed. The terminal is under reconstruction until 2028. Airlines have been relocated, so verify your terminal before planning any lounge visits.

Moving between terminals takes time. Walking one terminal over is usually manageable. Getting from a far domestic terminal to Terminal B can take 30+ minutes including walking, crowds, and potentially re-clearing security.

Best Credit Cards for LAX Lounge Access

Amex Platinum

The Amex Platinum gets you into the Centurion Lounge in Terminal B. This is one of the most reliable lounge options at LAX since it doesn't depend on your airline or destination.

Important 2026 change: Starting July 8, 2026, guests must be on the same flight as the cardmember, and during layovers, entry is limited to within 5 hours of your departing flight.

The Centurion Lounge is located in TBIT with hours from approximately 6:00am to 10:00pm. Expect peak-time waits and timed service (bar, buffet, spa operate on schedules).

Learn more about Amex Platinum →

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select membership, but Priority Pass options at LAX are limited compared to other major airports.

Your main Priority Pass lounge option is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Terminal B, but it comes with significant caveats:

Requires a top-up fee (not fully complimentary)
Limited hours (approximately 4 hours before Virgin Atlantic flights)
Frequently hits capacity and turns away Priority Pass members

Priority Pass also gets you into "Gameway" gaming lounges in Terminals 3 and 6, which offer snacks and gaming stations but aren't traditional lounges.

Learn more about Chase Sapphire Reserve →

Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X includes Priority Pass membership, but faces the same LAX limitations as other Priority Pass cards. There's no Capital One Lounge at LAX.

Note: Capital One lounge guest policies changed effective February 1, 2026. Check current terms before traveling.

Learn more about Capital One Venture X →

Delta Reserve

The Delta Reserve gives you access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. At LAX, Delta operates from Terminal 3 with multiple lounge options:

Delta One Lounge (premium tier) - Near the Food Court, open 4:15am-10:00pm
Delta Sky Club - Near Gate 34

If you're a Delta loyalist flying through LAX, this is your most reliable lounge access.

Learn more about Delta Reserve →

Complete LAX Lounge Directory by Terminal

Terminal B (Tom Bradley International) - Level 5

Lounge	Access	Hours
oneworld Business Lounge	oneworld premium cabin + eligible status	6:30am-10:30pm
Qantas First Lounge	oneworld first/Emerald	6:30am-last Qantas departure
Korean Air Lounge	Korean Air premium cabin	Varies

The oneworld lounge is undergoing phased enhancements through early 2026. Some areas may be temporarily unavailable.

Terminal B (Tom Bradley International) - Level 6

Lounge	Access	Hours
Star Alliance Lounge	Star Alliance premium/Gold + paid entry available	9:15am-12:30am
Centurion Lounge	Amex Platinum/Centurion	~6:00am-10:00pm
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse	Virgin/Delta premium cabin, Priority Pass (fee + restrictions)	~4 hours before VA flights
Emirates Lounge	Emirates premium cabin	Tied to EK departures
Air France Lounge	Air France eligible passengers	9:00am-12:00am
Los Angeles International Lounge	Contract airlines, some premium economy	6:00am-last departure

Terminal 3 (Delta)

Lounge	Access	Hours
Delta One Lounge	Delta One passengers	4:15am-10:00pm
Delta Sky Club	Delta membership/eligible tickets, Amex Platinum when flying Delta	Varies
Gameway	Priority Pass (experience)	6:00am-9:00pm

Terminal 4 (American Airlines)

Lounge	Access	Hours
Admirals Club	Admirals Club membership, Citi AAdvantage Executive	4:30am-1:00am
Flagship Lounge	AA premium cabin/elite	4:30am-1:00am

Terminal 6 (Alaska Airlines)

Lounge	Access	Hours
Alaska Lounge	Alaska Lounge membership, day pass	5:00am-11:00pm
Gameway	Priority Pass (experience)	Varies

Terminal 7 (United)

Lounge	Access	Hours
United Club	United membership/eligible tickets	Varies
United Polaris Lounge	Polaris cabin passengers	Varies

Best LAX Lounges by Traveler Type

Business Travelers (Quiet Work + Showers)

Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B) - Strong work facilities, paid entry available even without status
Delta One Lounge (Terminal 3) - Premium experience if you qualify
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal B) - Work pods and table service, best when entering via airline eligibility

Families

Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B) - Broad seating zones, long-stay friendly
oneworld Business Lounge (Terminal B) - Long hours, spacious
Centurion Lounge (Terminal B) - Good for cardholders but plan for peak waits

Long Layovers

Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B) - Consistently high "time value" option
Qantas First Lounge (Terminal B) - Premium dining and showers if you qualify
Delta Sky Club (Terminal 3) - Reliable base for Delta passengers

Premium Economy (No Default Lounge Access)

Centurion Lounge (Terminal B) - Access based on card, not cabin
Los Angeles International Lounge (Terminal B) - Some airlines route premium economy here
Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B) - Paid entry program available

How to Navigate LAX for Lounge Access

Getting to Terminal B Lounges

After clearing security in Terminal B, look for the central elevator near the clock tower/atrium area. Take it to:

Level 5 for oneworld, Qantas, Korean Air lounges
Level 6 for Star Alliance, Centurion, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Air France lounges

Terminal Transfers

Before committing to a lounge in another terminal:

Check if there's an airside connection (some terminals connect without leaving security)
If not connected, you'll need to exit, walk or shuttle, and re-clear TSA
Budget 30+ minutes for moving between distant terminals

Priority Pass Reality Check

Priority Pass at LAX is not like other airports. Your options are essentially:

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (fee required, capacity limits, restricted hours)
Gameway gaming lounges (not traditional lounges)

If Priority Pass is your main lounge card, set realistic expectations for LAX.

2026 Policy Changes to Know

Amex Centurion Lounge (July 8, 2026):

Guests must be on the same flight as cardmember
Layover access limited to within 5 hours of departing flight

Priority Pass at LAX:

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse added but requires top-up fee
Capacity restrictions explicitly stated
Access windows limited

Capital One (February 1, 2026):

Guest policies changed - verify current terms

Quick Decision Guide

You're flying international from Terminal B: Best case scenario. Take the elevator to levels 5-6 and choose from multiple excellent lounges based on your airline alliance or credit cards.

You're flying Delta from Terminal 3: Use Delta lounges. The Delta One Lounge is the premium option if you qualify; Sky Club is solid for membership/eligible access.

You're flying American from Terminal 4: Use Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge. Don't trek to Terminal B unless you have a very long layover.

You only have Priority Pass: Manage expectations. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is your main option but requires a fee and may be at capacity. Gameway is a backup but isn't a traditional lounge.

You have Amex Platinum: Centurion Lounge in Terminal B is your best bet. Note the July 2026 policy changes if traveling with guests.

The Bottom Line

LAX's lounge game is strongest in Terminal B, where Star Alliance, oneworld, and the Centurion Lounge create a genuine premium experience. Outside Terminal B, options are more limited and airline-dependent.

If you're trying to maximize lounge access at LAX:

Check your terminal before planning
Don't count on Priority Pass for a traditional lounge experience
Amex Platinum remains the most versatile card for LAX lounge access
Factor in construction - Terminal 5 is closed until 2028

Flying through LAX soon? Run your optimization to see which travel cards fit your overall spending, not just airport lounges.