LOS ANGELES- Korean Air (KE) has unveiled a fully redesigned flagship lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The new two level facility officially opens on March 6 after nearly two years of renovation.
The lounge introduces expanded space, full on site kitchens, upgraded shower suites, and distinct areas for First Class, Prestige Class, and SkyTeam elite travelers.
The renovation is the first overseas lounge upgrade ahead of Korean Air’s integration with Asiana Airlines (OZ) and reflects a broader premium brand transformation strategy.
A Major Premium Upgrade at LAX’s International Terminal
Spanning 1,675 square meters or 18,030 square feet, the lounge is 1.27 times larger than the previous facility and is now Korean Air’s largest directly operated overseas lounge.
The airline invested 65 billion South Korean won, approximately $45.1 million, into the project. According to The Points Guy, this development represents a key milestone in Korean Air’s premium customer experience strategy.
The lounge is located post security on the fifth and sixth floors of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, with elevator access. Its location makes it most convenient for Korean Air and SkyTeam departures from TBIT.
Travelers flying with SkyTeam partners from other terminals at LAX may need to use alternate lounge facilities.
The space was designed by Singapore based hospitality design firm LTW Designworks. The concept blends modern Korean luxury with Southern California’s relaxed atmosphere.
Warm wood paneling, stone tiling, and floor to ceiling windows create a residential feel with softened lighting that contrasts typical airport glare.
Carefully selected Korean cultural elements define the space. Traditional Buncheong ceramics, expressive brushstroke ink paintings, and Dalhangari moon jars add depth and reinforce the airline’s national identity through authentic artistic representation.
Two Level Layout with Segmented Premium Spaces
Prestige Class Lounge and Miler Club
The fifth floor houses the Prestige Class lounge and Miler Club, offering approximately 200 seats. Seating includes dining tables for two and four guests, lounge chairs positioned near windows, and workstations equipped with universal power outlets, USB A ports, and USB C ports.
Dedicated quiet rooms support private calls and focused work. Family friendly seating areas provide flexibility for different traveler needs. An outdoor balcony terrace overlooks the terminal below and enhances openness within the lounge environment.
The Miler Club, located near the main entrance, offers a more private area with cushioned seating and two person tables for eligible frequent flyers.
First Class Lounge
The sixth floor is reserved exclusively for First Class passengers. With only 25 seats, the space prioritizes privacy and personalized service.
David Pacey, Executive Vice President and Chief of Inflight Service and Lounges at Korean Air, described the design philosophy as high touch and low tech.
The atmosphere resembles a boutique hotel living room rather than a conventional airport lounge.
Premium details include Baccarat crystal glassware and Christofle flatware, elevating the dining experience.
A dedicated First Class bar serves Champagne, beer, and premium spirits in a more intimate setting.
Full Service Kitchens and Elevated Dining
A significant operational upgrade is the installation of full on site kitchens, replacing the previous catered service model.
The expanded culinary footprint required relocating the First Class Lounge to the upper level and allows for more flexible and ambitious menu execution.
First Class passengers receive fully à la carte dining with made to order dishes. Korean selections include beef gomtang and pork kimchi jjigae. Western options include cheeseburgers and seared salmon.
The Prestige Class lounge features an open kitchen with live cooking stations. Korean offerings include janchi guksu noodles, kimchi vegetable mandu, abalone porridge, Korean steamed eggs, and a build your own bibimbap station.
Western dishes include minestrone soup, harissa honey chicken, braised pork shoulder, and ricotta tortellini with vegetable bolognese.
A rotating selection of charcuterie, fresh fruit, and desserts, including brownies, raspberry tarts, and churros with caramel sauce, complements the menu.
The beverage program includes self serve soft drinks, a coffee machine, and a full service bar, creating a restaurant style experience rather than a buffet only setup. Menus are expected to evolve while maintaining a focus on Korean comfort cuisine paired with globally familiar dishes.
Showers and Premium Amenities
Shower suites are available on both levels for long haul travelers. First Class guests receive Aesop bath products, while Prestige and Miler guests have access to Byredo amenities. These upgraded toiletries reinforce the lounge’s premium positioning.
The layout integrates quiet rooms, technology enabled workspaces, and comfortable seating zones to support productivity and relaxation before departure.
Access Policy and Eligibility Rules
Access to the lounge is limited to eligible passengers beginning March 6:
- Korean Air First Class passengers may access all areas, including the exclusive First Class Lounge.
- Korean Air Prestige Class passengers may access the Prestige and Miler sections.
- Korean Air SkyPass elite members, including Million Miler and Morning Calm Premium members, may access designated areas when traveling on eligible Korean Air or SkyTeam operated flights.
- SkyTeam First and Business Class passengers on international departures qualify for access.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling internationally on a same day SkyTeam flight qualify regardless of cabin.
Premium economy tickets alone do not grant lounge access. Eligibility depends on cabin class or elite status.
Strategic Positioning Within the SkyTeam Network
The new flagship lounge strengthens Korean Air’s competitive presence at one of the busiest international gateways in the United States.
Other premium alliance facilities at LAX have also elevated standards, increasing competition for high value travelers.
Korean Air will open another new lounge later this year at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which the airline describes as having a distinct Big Apple character.
Together, these investments signal a long term commitment to premium ground services and global brand differentiation.
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