Air France is aiming to open its own lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal of Los Angeles (LAX), public records show .
The proposed new lounge would be in the West Gates of Los Angeles's massive international terminal, measuring in at 11,500 square feet – though Air France could decide to add even more space, bringing it to a 13,800-square-foot lounge. While far from the largest lounge in the world, that's roughly the same size as the American Express Centurion Lounge at LAX and far more spacious than most Air France lounges in North America.
Once opened, it should become a go-to option for travelers flying SkyTeam out of Los Angeles, who have previously gotten into the Oneworld Lounge or the lackluster Korean Air KAL Lounge. Delta passengers heading abroad still depart from Terminals 2 and 3, so they'll continue using the amazing new Delta Sky Club at LAX .
The airline's 15-year lease agreement for the new space is up for final approval before the Los Angeles World Airports this Thursday, June 15 – and with a recommendation from airport staff and no competition from other airlines or lounge operators, it should be a slam dunk.
Air France did not immediately respond to a request for comment about their plans for the new Los Angeles lounge and when it may open. The lease proposal calls for a 12-month construction period after approval, which would put its opening in summer 2024. But construction of airport lounges is notoriously tricky – delays are common.
But this new Air France lounge could get busy with business and first class passengers. Air France operates up to four flights a day to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and another daily flight to Tahiti (PPT), while sister airline KLM flies to Amsterdam (AMS) up to twice a day. Premium cabin passengers on other SkyTeam airlines like Korean Air and China Airlines could also likely use this lounge along with travelers who have SkyTeam Gold status.
Plus, the proposed lease agreement also mentions selling day passes to travelers on select airlines as well as a “partner bank card program,” which could open the door to travelers with Priority Pass memberships from many different premium travel cards. Many of Air France's existing lounges in Canada and the U.S. participate in Priority Pass, though they may restrict access during busy periods.
This Los Angeles Air France lounge has actually been in the works for years. The airport initially approved different 10-year lease agreement for Air France to operate a lounge in the terminal … but that vote was taken in early March 2020, just days before the airline industry was walloped by the pandemic.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal, photo courtesy of LAX
Bottom Line
A new, 13,000-square-foot Air France lounge is heading for Los Angeles (LAX), pending airport board approval of a lease agreement this week.
The new lounge is welcome news for travelers flying out of Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX who get lounge access with a premium cabin ticket, SkyTeam status – and more than likely, a Priority Pass membership, too.
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