The 5 best lounges for drinks at LAX

Why drinks decide the pick at LAX#

Los Angeles International has 22 lounges in our directory, and every one of the top-rated open lounges carries a drinks score. The drinks score rewards good pours and a real selection, meaning a staffed bar with proper spirits and a wine list rather than a self-serve cart of house red. This ranking sorts by the drinks score alone, with overall rating breaking ties, and it skips the lounges currently closed for rebuilds.

Who leads and why#

1. American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX scores 5/5 on drinks. It is in Terminal 4 near gate 41, pours craft cocktails, has 8 shower suites, and opened in 2017.
2. Delta One Lounge scores 5/5 on drinks. It is in Terminal 3 across from the food court, pours craft cocktails, has 6 shower suites, and opened in 2024.
3. Delta Sky Club (T3) scores 5/5 on drinks. It is in the Terminal 3 Sky Way above the connector to Terminal 2, has a full bar, 6 shower suites and a rooftop Sky Deck, and opened in 2022.

Star Alliance Lounge on level 6 of the Tom Bradley International Terminal and United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 7 near gate 73 complete the five, both at 5/5 on drinks. The top five span Terminals 3, 4 and 7 plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Getting in#

The top pick admits eligible premium-cabin passengers and oneworld Emerald members on a qualifying American or oneworld itinerary. The Delta One Lounge is listed under SkyTeam Elite Plus but in practice takes Delta One and SkyTeam long-haul premium passengers only, while the Delta Sky Club (T3) is open to Delta Sky Club members and SkyTeam Elite Plus flyers with a same-day departure. Every lounge page lists the cards and status tiers that apply, and the Los Angeles International page shows all 22 lounges by terminal.

How we score#

Scores are editorial on a 1 to 5 scale. I'd read our methodology, see the 5 best lounges at LAX, or compare with the best lounges for drinks everywhere.

Putting this into practice#

The names I'd check against the actual boarding pass include American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Delta One Lounge. I would start with the terminal and the time available after security. That turns a directory into a realistic shortlist. A lounge can be excellent and still be a poor choice for this departure if reaching it uses most of the waiting time. The location notes above should do as much work as the overall score.

The access check comes next. I'd identify the exact card, membership, status or ticket being used and read the conditions for that route into the lounge. A lounge appearing on a card's map is a starting point for that check. It is not a reason to assume every fare, guest or departure will qualify in the same way.

I would decide what I want from the stop before comparing amenities. For a meal, the food available during the actual visit matters. For work, I'd look for a suitable seat and power. For a short connection, simply finding a comfortable place near the gate may be the better result. There is little value in an amenity I cannot use.

Related reading#

• The Platinum Card lounge access at LAX: every lounge it opens
• oneworld status at LAX: where to go
• Strata Elite lounge access at LAX: every lounge it opens