Etihad has strength in branding; this lounge could be anywhere. This entrance is the new LAX lounge, though. – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
It’s no secret that Etihad knows how to build a lounge. They have been very busy. Late last year, they opened their fabulous New York lounge. This year it was followed by a new lounge in Melbourne and their new First Class lounge in Abu Dhabi’s terminal 3. Before their efforts go to maximum on finishing the gorgeous new midfield terminal back home, they had one more lounge up their sleeve; Los Angeles. In the two years they’ve been serving LAX, they have transported more than a quarter million guests. The premium guests were using the lovely Star Alliance lounge next door until this facility opened earlier this week. The Star Alliance lounge, however, did not say Etihad.
James Hogan, in presence of the CEO of LAWA and other Etihad executives opening the LAX lounge – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
While this lounge does not have a Residence nook, yet, it does have a VIP area that could easily serve the purpose should the A380 ever grace the west coast. The public premium area, however, is fantastic.
Etihad’s faceted bar, this time with marble backing – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
Sadly, the new Tom Bradley terminal does not make it easy to have a good airside view, so the trademark Etihad facet bar faces a wall. With the lighting, it is still stunning. Furthermore, it’s a nice contrast to their other facilities I have visited. Then again, an A380 always looks amazing through a bottle of Jack Daniels. So, call me torn.
Etihad has done a fantastic job, as always, with their main goal of taking inspiration from the finest hotels and keeping it consistent. This lounge doesn’t say Los Angeles, it says “Etihad”.
What does say Los Angeles is the lounge’s trademark, eponymous, cocktail.
A whimsical Etihad Los Angeles cocktail – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
It’s dangerous. A spin on horchata, it also has cayenne pepper and kicks like a mule from the tequila. While the candy floss may make it hard to figure out how to start, you immediately want more. Well, at least I did.
The catering is also truly outstanding.
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- The lovely dining room gives you as close to an airside view as the real estate allows, but the catering is so transfixing you won’t look outside – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
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- Not so hungry? Get some fruit. Etihad has an excellent cold buffet in addition to the hot food menu. – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
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- Fancy some cold mezze? Etihad still has you covered. – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
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- Of course, what is a lounge without cookies? – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
The best part is that Etihad-owned partner airlines will now be using this lounge, so guests flying on Air Berlin or Alitalia can also make use of this beautiful facility.
Of course, Etihad uses the same bespoke furniture as their other lounges – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
So, there you go. Etihad hits a home run once more. Given that most of my Etihad flights are out of LAX, I can’t wait to see it and my friends in the LAX station again soon.
I’ve been trying to find out about Abu Dhabi’s and Etihad’s policies are regarding LGBT peoples. Is Abu Dhabi a hateful anti-LGBT country that arrests and tortures LGBT peoples just because they are LGBT? If so I’d never fly their airline nor visit their country. Or are they a progressive, live and let live nation? If Etihad is doing business in the US then it’s my understanding that they must be in compliance of US law and state laws which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. I would NEVER fly Saudi Arabian airlines because the Saudi Arabian nation executes gay men or men perceived to be gay. Same for Iran Air and Iran, and other Middle East countries.
According to Ben at One Mile At A Time, as long as you don’t do anything outre, you’ll be fine.
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/12/30/countries-gay-illegal/
Thank you Phoenix for your reply…..but your reply isn’t quite an answer to my question. Someone might be equating that just being gay, assumes that gays WILL act sexually. I wonder if heterosexuals are subjected to the same standards?
> Someone might be equating that just being gay, assumes that gays WILL act sexually. I wonder if heterosexuals are subjected to the same standards?
Good grief are you serious? Are you honestly assuming the rest of the world views gays as uncontrollable impulsive horny monsters? I’ve seen some pretty stupid things in this world but this takes the cake…..
Regardless, no I’m sorry I can’t answer your answer directly because I don’t know. I can barely wrap my head around the laws in my country let alone one half the world away. Assuming you’re honest and inquisitive, Wikipedia and Google are great places to start. And if you are considering visiting the ME or flying a carrier from a country that may not be LGBTQ-friendly then I direct you to Lucky’s posts on OMAAT, one of which I linked in my previous post. He is openly gay and has addressed this issue directly on his blog.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m all for universal LGBTQ rights, agree fully with Hillary Clinton when she says “gay rights are human rights”, and count a gay man as one of my best friends, but your post smacks of concern-trolling and “I don’t agree with x so all of you better not do business with them.” My fingers are crossed I am wrong though.
As this thread is far off topic, this will be my last reply on this subject. Good day Mark.
OK. But only if you’re gay and have lived with being a gay person you don’t have any idea what it’s been like to be subjected to the hatred, assumptions, bigotry, gay bashings, condemnations. I’ve traveled far and wide and must be always looking over my shoulder to feel being safe. I’m a masculine man, 6’5″, strong, ethical, discreet and never “act gay” as some might put it (and I’m not talking about you….you seem nice, compassionate and understanding). I often travel with tour agencies just because if I don’t know the land or don’t speak the language (South Korea, Japan, China etc….but I’m OK in Europe and Oz). I won’t go ME and my original post had to do w/ Emirates and it’s homeland being >inclusivethe end<
Well! It has been a ‘lite’ week for content. Is everyone on holiday, all at the same time? Perhaps the sweltering heat in Seattle (rarely over 80-F) has crippled everyone and their Internet connections? I look forward to the day when we hear a bit more from everyone.
-Cook
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