LAX – BA vs AA facilities

[VinZ]

Hi all

Boss is flying from LAX to LHR and he slightly favours AA as it lands at T3 rather than T5, but the difference will be made by the facilities at LAX. Which ones are better? In terms of lounge, check-in etc. Any pros/cons would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Richie]

If there’s a non B777 operated flight, I’d pick that one.

At LHR T3 I always seem to get stuck behind trollies fully loaded with suitcases. Much rarer at T5.

[Whatsthepoint]

Not LAX related but we used the AA arrival lounge in T3 when returning BA from Atlanta. Very nice, including shower availability. Better than BA in T5.

[Lyn]

As you may know, AA has its own terminal at LAX, while BA uses the international terminal. It is perhaps a 10 minute walk airside between the two, which gives a little flexibility in terms of getting to the lounges.

AA has a Flagship Lounge at LAX, as well as their normal Admirals Club lounge. I haven’t visited it and don’t know all the access rules for Business or First class passengers or AA frequent flyers, but BA Silver and other (non-AA) OneWorld Sapphire members do have Flagship access.

The International terminal has two lounge possibilities also. The OneWorld Business lounge, run by Qantas, for BA and other OnwWorld business class passengers and One World sapphire members, which I am very familiar with, and the Qantas First class lounge, which I have only visited once. The latter would presumably be available if flying First Class on BA, and is also for OneWorld Emerald members, including BA Gold. Qantas try to run it along the same lines as their First class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, with restaurant-style table service.

[TooPoorToBeHere]

The AA arrivals lounge at T3 is a really nice place to shower and the staff are super-friendly. The breakfast isn’t amazing but it’s better than the onboard slop.
(WHY do they insist on waking pax with blinding light and noise 90 minutes before landing, to serve inedible food and vile tea?)

I haven’t a clue what the actual rules for the AA lounges at LAX are but on pitching up with a (very cheap, BA codeshare, BAH-purchased) business ticket, and no status whatsoever, I was given a pass for the Flagship lounge at the shared reception for Flagship+Admirals Club. It’s very nice – but the Admirals Club is also fine, just busier and with less premium food+drink. Both are a country mile apart from the BA T5 zoos and their crowds of down-at-heel Brits trying to maximise consumption of free alcohol.

I know the question asked was about airport facilities but…I am a huge fan of the AA 777-300ER business class seat, which feels super roomy and comfortable. Lots of room for feet, lots of room to sleep on one side with bent knees, just wonderfully cosy.

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

I’d make my choice based on what happens on the plane in terms of schedule and seat.

That’s where he’ll be spending 11+ hours rather than a couple of hours in a lounge.

But if that’s the criteria then AA flagship is better than BAs

[VinZ]

This is all super helpful, thank you!