Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge
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Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge – Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
The Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge at Los Angeles airport serves as the SkyTeam lounge for flights departing out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Located on the fifth floor mezzanine (take the escalators or elevator up the “Time Tower”), it overlooks the gorgeous new terminal.
The KAL Lounge welcomes Priority Pass members between 11 AM and 5 PM.
Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge LAX design
The lounge entrance sets the tone, with elegant wood paneling in Korean style and a drawing of Seoul’s Changdeok Palace. Throughout, the elegant and luxurious yet minimalistic design is reminiscent of Park Hyatt hotels and similar five-star properties. The designers have obviously chosen to use high quality materials and finishes. With tranquil music playing in the background, visitors are immediately drawn into a place of inner calm and serenity. First impressions are truly excellent.
While the facility is sizable (at 14,200 sqf. or 1,320 sqm., it seats over 300 persons,) the dimensions feel humane thanks to a layout that naturally breaks up the space into multiple areas. Seating arrangements include couches, communal tables, and semi-private nooks. Power and USB outlets are available throughout.
Yet, some of the designer furniture emphasizes form over comfort and function, and seating is very dense except in the center section facing the large flat TV screen. Indeed, with multiple A380s occasionally departing around the same time, this lounge can get packed.
Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge – Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge LAX amenities
A highlight of the KAL Business Class lounge is the terrace overlooking the gorgeous terminal atrium. In addition to a certain novelty factor, the terrace offers patrons a more dynamic vibe than the main lounge area, with views on the grand video displays, and a more exciting soundtrack. However, in an unfortunate oversight, power outlets are not available on the terrace.
At the center of the lounge are located a bar (facing the terrace) and a buffet (in a small room on the opposite side.) Unfortunately, both are frankly disappointing. Alcoholic beverages on offer include a single red wine, a single white wine, and basic liquor. Champagne is not available. As for the buffet, it is limited to a glorified snack selection, with items such as fruit, veggies, chips, and instant noodles. There isn’t a single hot entrée or real dish, and you may be rubbing elbows with many other customers at peak times, given the tight dimensions of the food serving area.
Other amenities include a convenient baggage storage area, as well as three large, beautifully appointed shower suites.
Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge – Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge LAX bottom line
The Korean Air KAL Business Class Lounge at LAX is a bit of a mixed bag. Physically, it is beautiful, with high quality materials and a genuine attention to details. The terrace provides a more vibrant alternative to the soothing lounge environment. However, the food and beverage options sorely disappoint, and the designers could have created a greater variety of seating areas, with more contrasted characters. In absolute terms, this is a gorgeous lounge, but relatively speaking, it falls behind the nearby (and competing) oneworld and Star Alliance clubs.
For information on other lounges at LAX, possible alternatives, and connections between terminals, check out our Definitive Guide to the LAX Lounge Scene.
- The beautiful finishes.
- The serene ambiance.
- The shower suites.
- The weak food and beverage selection.
- The dense seating arrangements.
2.5 / 5, based on 202 reviews
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Overall ratings
I am flying on Saudia from LAX to JED in Business Class. This lounge is the only lounge that welcomes Skyteam alliance passengers which Saudia is a part of.
I think all the flights to Korea have left. Right now, it’s mostly Saudia passengers flying to Jeddah from here, and it was like a ghost town when I arrived at 4:30 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. flight.
It is now around 5:45 p.m. and I see more people coming in, but it’s still very empty. The food is pretty good, egg salad or potato salad sandwiches, espresso, soft drinks, BBQ chicken wings, fried rice, and pasta. No cakes or even candies, just cheap wafer cookies. Usually, I’d find candies but not here. That is why I gave it four stars, not five.
There are three showers here.
Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwich and potato salad sandwich, and cold pasta
Hot food
BBQ wings, fried rice, and pasta
Healthy options
Cold cuts and fruits
Cold drinks
Coke and others
Noodles
Of course, noodles, it's a Korean lounge
Muffins
I took the last croissant so now there are only muffins
Booze
All cheap swills, that's to be expected at an airport lounge.
View
The view off the balcony of the lounge
Empty
It's 5:30 p.m. and empty here
More emptiness
Lots of chairs to choose from
This lounge is used by all Skyteam carriers departing from the international terminal. There was plenty of seating available including a terrace with view into the terminal hall, the interior is kind of boring though.
One self service buffet with limited choice of food items. No warm choices except cup noodles. Selection of beverages was average, no sparkling wine.
Free WIFI, no english newspapers and magazines when we were there. Restrooms are ok.
Too Crowded at night as most international flights depart between 10pm and 1 am. Light colour chairs look aged and dirty. Food and beverage selections are no where near those lounges in Asia big airports.
Three stars for the design, terrace and showers, but it’s not remotely close to five stars, due to crowding and limited food and beverage options.