The Koru Club at LAX offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
First of all, I have to be honest and say that I have become a bit of a spoiled traveler. Before starting this blog, I rarely got to see the inside of an airline’s lounge. I thought they were just for the uber elite (either wealthy or status earners). Now, I realize that lounges aren’t this magical land that a rare few can access, they are something that almost anyone can get into (with a fee, of course).
On my recent flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to London’s Heathrow (LHR) (for Farnborough), my ticket did not give me club access. The problem was I had almost a six hour lay over at LAX (after flying in from Seattle) and I didn’t want to do it in Terminal 2 at LAX.
This became my temporary office for a few hours in the Koru Lounge.
Taking a look at what the Koru Club offered and knowing how great lounges can be, I was ready to pay the $55 for a day pass. Don’t get me wrong, I surely don’t have much money to throw around, but the idea of being able to spend a good chunk of my lay over (I arrived at LAX at 10:30am, but the lounge doesn’t open until 1pm), the $55 seemed like a good deal.
When you break down what it might cost to access internet at an airport, buying a meal or drinks, the $55 becomes a good deal quite quickly.
Luckily for my wallet, Air New Zealand reached out and asked if I would like access to check it out and prepare before my flight. Um…yes please.
There is a nice selection of food and drink options at Air New Zealand’s LAX lounge.
Access to the lounge is on the second floor of Terminal 2, past security. It is a lounge operated by Air New Zealand, but Virgin Australia customers are able to get access too.
Some lounges seem too fancy and I feel a bit out of place. Others feel pretty cheap and I would be embarrassed if I was the airline. The Koru Club is a lounge that is just right for my taste. It is not too large, has plenty of seating options, free Wi-Fi, showers, a decent selection of food and drinks.
The lounge offers a sandwich bar. Good thing — I love sandwiches.
Another important quality I look for is great views of the airport. During my wait, I was able to spot so many different types of aircraft — MD-11, A380, Boeing 747 — it was eye candy for sure.
As with most places around an airport, I wish they had more power outlets. The four place table, where I spent the majority of my time, only had two outlets and I used both of them the entire time (luckily no one else came to sit down).
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THE KORU CLUB AT LAX:
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It’s crazy how airlines have these lounges at airports that they only fly to a couple times a day. Looks really nice and you can’t beat the view!
Well, LAX’s International Terminal has the Star Alliance Lounge, but since ANZ is in Terminal 2, they needed to have their own. When passengers pay $8000+ for a ticket, they come to expect lounge access and it could sway what airline they choose.
David
i dont think they need that!
David, it all looks pretty cool. As for the lack of power outlets….. are you allowed to have a power strip or maybe an outlet splitter in your bag or it’s just one of those things you learn to live with?
You are allowed of course. My problem is I always forget to bring one 🙂
David
Hmmmm, sounds like a self serving kiosk with these types of things at airports could make some money…… I kid of course…. sort of.
Well, as your yearly flight log keeps growing, I’m sure your checklist of items to take will fine-tune this overlooked item and maybe a couple of spares to lend to others like yourself. Well, looking forward to more of your adventures in the future.
Can you still purchase a day membership if on a flight to New Zealand? I have aobut a 9 hour lay over on my flight to New Zealand in February and would like to relax in lounge before long flight.
Thanks!
I try to avoid flying through LAX but… the Koru lounge certainly helps! Last time I flew through LA, I got to use a complimentary lounge pass because of my AirNZ silver status. It is great to get away from the exhausting airport hum before that long 12 hour flight.
I have used the lounge a number of times and would highly recommend it to be worth the money.It was one of the best lounges in the world.I had been scratched on my arm by my dog when i came in the door,before my flight well in the lounge it started to bleed,iasked the girl at the counter for a tissue i showed her my arm,she had all the first aid people attending to me,they wrapped it all up for my flight.They were wonderful.Thank you Koru club air NZ.
@Jeff D You can purchase admission at the reception desk in the lounge for $60 US per person subject to space being available. Hope this info is in time for your flight.
Can you use this lounge when only transiting through LAX?
Do I have to be flying Air New Zealand to buy a day pass? Or can I be flying on one of their partner airlines like United? I can’t find information anywhere.
Hello. Do I have to be flying only Air New Zealand to buy a day pass? Or can I be flying on one of their partner airlines like United? I can’t find information anywhere. I bought a day pass last year, but I was flying Air NZ. It is a fantastic lounge – I was very impressed.