Updated June 23, 2020.
We had a rare and wonderful opportunity on our way to Australia for my birthday this year. We unexpectedly had a 7-hour layover at LAX, but the fun part is that we got to spend most of that time at the newest United Polaris Lounge! It’s on the small side for a Polaris Lounge, but it’s a nice one, nonetheless. Here’s my review so you can make plans to enjoy it on your next Polaris flight through LAX!
Who Can Use the Polaris Lounges?
The reason Polaris Lounges are so exclusive is that they’re reserved for long-haul Polaris (aka Business and First Class) customers only. Any Business passenger on any Star Alliance partner can use this lounge, but you cannot bring a guest, and you may not use this lounge if you’re ticketed for Economy Class, regardless of status. All international Star Alliance Gold Members can still use the other United (and all Star Alliance) lounges, however!
BONUS! This is also an arrivals lounge, meaning you can also visit the Polaris Lounge if you are arriving into LAX as a ticketed United Polaris passenger! For all the specifics, check here: United Airlines Club and Lounge Access.
The Seating
There are plenty of comfortable, spacious, cushy places to sit in this lounge. Whether you prefer to work at a desk, want to sit at an actual table, or favor a view of the airplanes rolling around out on the tarmac, there is a place for you! Many of the seats have power outlets and USB ports for charging all your devices!
The Phone Booth
It’s not the type of phone booth you’re thinking of! There is a quiet place, with a door that closes for privacy, which you can use to make phone calls, whether it’s for business, getting in touch with family, or confirming upcoming travel reservations, you can speak freely without everyone in the lounge being in on the conversation.
The Food
Oh my, the food! Whether you prefer a complimentary sit-down meal or a full-on buffet, you will not leave hungry! There’s even a full bar that doubles as a coffee bar!
(served with crispy wontons, Sriracha aioli, and citrus sesame soy sauce)
(served with crispy pancetta, blistered tomato, English peas, and Parmesan nage)
(grilled lamb chop, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, roasted red pepper coulis)
(blackened white fish, shrimp, bay scallops, boiled potato, corn, and garlic bread)
(walnut, chocolate, coconut, carrot sponge cake,
carrot maple cream cheese frosting, and candied carrot)
(served with Bourbon anglaise sauce)
Chocolate-covered cream puffs, mini cheesecakes, and brownies
The Restrooms
No stalls here, my friends! Each restroom is fully contained with toilet, sink, and space for luggage. They come complete with luxurious Sunday Riley hand soap and lotion. I didn’t count the number of restrooms, but there were definitely more than just the two pictured. I didn’t see anyone waiting in line!
The Business Center
Need to do some work online or check your e-mail? Maybe you need to print a fresh boarding pass There is a business center in the lounge just for you!
The Showers
We took full advantage of the showers on both our layovers to help us feel our freshest! I love that United has put showers in all their Polaris lounges and hope they will for all future Polaris lounges to come (including one currently under construction at Washington-Dulles (IAD), my home airport! When checking in with the shower attendant, you will find an amenities menu for options like a dental kit, deodorant, shower cap, hair straightener, and more items to meet your showering needs!
The Quiet Suites
The next best thing to the showers is the Quiet Suites. Complete with alarm, bottle of water, sleepy time misting spray, Gihrardelli chocolate, pillow, blanket, and lounger, this can quite literally be your dream come true!
Want more? Check out my reviews of United’s Polaris Lounges at IAH (Houston) and SFO (San Francisco)! And for everything you need to know about flying, airlines, airports, and airplane food, check out my Air Travel Page!
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