First Look: Air France Opens its Largest International Lounge in Los Angeles

Last week, I made my way to the international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) without a passport—and with absolutely no luggage. That’s because I was there to get a sneak peek at the new Air France lounge within the Tom Bradley International Terminal at a party ahead of the lounge’s official opening today, June 21.

I picked up a gate pass at the Air France check-in counter and then made the very long trek to the 200 gates to find the new lounge. It’s the first one in this sparkling new section of the airport, which is convenient to the boarding gates for the airline’s flights (far closer than the Delta/SkyTeam option that had been in place prior).

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

The new space is large—nearly 12,000 square feet—making it the largest for the airline in the US and, in fact, the largest outside of Paris. Though it has room for 172 passengers seated across the sprawling spaces—with at least that many present at the opening party—the soothing color palette and sleek design make it feel like a calming atmosphere.

This lounge is open to Air France’s La Première, business, Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, and eligible customers of KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines.

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

Designed by Air France with the SGK Brandimage agency, the space is done in the brand’s signature colors—shades of blue, white, and red. Overall, the look is airy and bright, with furnishings from French designers like Ester chairs by Patrick Jouin, Ribbon armchairs by Pierre Paulin, coffee table by Charlotte Perriand, and lighting by Margaux Keller.

Menu and Dining Room

The main dining space showcases French cuisine in a style that evokes Parisian brasseries.

Throughout the day, the lounge features a rotating range of hot and cold options, including monkfish Provencale, beef Bourguignon, braised chicken, and more. Of course, a vast selection of French cheeses is also available for grazing.

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

At a live station, a chef prepares dishes on request in an open kitchen. At the event, the chef prepared savory and sweet crépes (both versions were delicious). But at other times, the station might serve other dishes like pan-fried prawns or cassoulet with duck confit.

Various types of seating include individual pods, a large communal table for work or socializing, and private nooks.

Drinks and Bar

A bar offers a wide selection of French wines, champagnes, spirits, beers, and bartender-crafted cocktails and mocktails. Bar seating is also varied, with semiprivate areas, booths, armchairs, and chair seating at the bar top.

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

The drinks program focuses on sustainability, with water fountains and appealing glass drink dispensers available to limit single-use plastics.

Another lounge highlight is a so-called nap room, a quiet space behind a door outfitted with spa-like seating for calm, relaxation, and rest.

Photo: Courtesy of Alesandra Dubin

A separate, quiet, and closed-off space is just right for making private phone calls or having discrete conversations without noise or distraction from the main space.

The lounge also offers shower cubicles.

Clarins Spa

Although not officially open until September, a Clarins spa will also highlight the new lounge. The spa team will have comfy cabins offering a choice of three free facial treatments—meant to target jetlag, help detox, and brighten eyes, all just right for travelers.

The spa will be open daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm. Reservations won’t be available, but passengers can make reservations at the reception desk upon arrival at the lounge. (La Première customers can also book this treatment by calling their dedicated number.)

La Première Section

Passengers traveling in the La Première cabin have a dedicated space within the lounge — even more elevated than the larger space.

Photo: Courtesy of Alesandra Dubin

Designed like the La Première suites available on board, this lounge-within-a-lounge offers a dynamic view of the runways. There’s room here for 12 guests with its dining area and menu.

Flying Blue Ultimate customers also have a dedicated space, a reserved semiprivate alcove off the main dining room with spacious armchairs.

Photo: Courtesy of Alesandra Dubin

This summer, Air France is offering up to 26 flights a week between LAX and Paris, including 21 operated with Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft outfitted with La Première suites. As many as five flights per week also connect LAX to Tahiti’s Papeete airport.