Etihad Airways has opened a new premium lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the US. 

Located within the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the lounge will deliver “exceptional hospitality” for First and Business Class guests departing on Etihad Airways’ daily Boeing 777 services from the West Coast’s commercial and entertainment hub.

Together with Etihad’s premium lounges in Washington, DC, and New York’s JFK, the new lounge in Los Angeles is the airline’s third in the Americas, and the first on the US West Coast.

The new facility moves away from the normal conventions of airport lounge design, and features the same ‘Modern Arabian’ decorative elements which characterise Etihad Airways’ international lounges. The décor draws inspiration from the geometric patterns found in the traditional and modern architecture of Abu Dhabi and its spectacular desert landscape. 

Martin Drew, Etihad Airways Senior Vice President Americas, said: “As a world-leading airline, Etihad Airways continues to redefine travel, setting new benchmarks for innovative service on the ground and in the air.” 

“Our new First and Business Class Lounge in Los Angeles demonstrates our unwavering commitment to travellers on the US West Coast, and in the US as a whole, by providing them with the intuitive hospitality they have come to expect from our people and our brand. It gives us great pleasure to inaugurate this facility.” 

"LAWA and our airline partners are committed to continuing our initiatives to transform and modernize LAX into a world-class airport that Angelenos and visitors deserve,” said Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “We applaud Etihad Airways in bringing this exciting, new premium lounge experience that truly caters to the modern traveller.”

More akin to top hotels, fine dining establishments and private members’ clubs, the new lounge provides a tranquil environment in which guests can relax, re-energize, be entertained, and enjoy the finest culinary experiences and hospitality services for which the airline is renowned. 

The space features luxuriously appointed seating, an à la carte dining area, showcase bar, TV area, shower facilities, high-speed wi-fi, multi-zone electrical and USB power outlets, and a selection of international magazines and daily newspapers. 

A separate VIP area can also be made available when required.

Guests are welcomed by a team of reception and lounge staff, waiters and bar tenders - all of whom have undergone a rigorous selection process, and dedicated hospitality training.

Superior dining options are served à la carte and buffet-style in an exclusive dining area. Menus are changed frequently and feature a choice of dishes inspired by the flavors of California, the Middle East and around the world. Cuisine is prepared on-site by a team of highly skilled chefs, using fresh local, sustainably and ethically sourced seasonal produce. An accompanying wine list has been carefully chosen to match the culinary offering and includes a selection of fine Californian and European labels. 

The sculptural showcase bar, which is now a striking hallmark of Etihad Airways’ new collection of global lounges, features ten leather bar stools with USB power points adjacent to each, and is stocked with 75 premium spirits, champagne and aperitifs. 

A bespoke cocktail and mocktail menu has been specially developed in partnership with leading London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement. The signature cocktail drink is the Los Angeles, inspired by the city’s strong Latin influences and made with Tequila and homemade rice milk, spiced and enriched with cocao nib and chili liqueur, finished off with a spiced, cotton candy highball, made using the lounge’s own cotton candy machine.

All cocktails and mocktails featured on the menu are specially created and have been named after Etihad Airways’ leading destinations, including Abu Dhabi, New York, Melbourne, Shanghai, Paris, Mumbai, Sydney and London. Using ingredients inspired by these cities, the cocktails and mocktails are hand-created by specially trained mixologists, using home-made syrups and garnishes. The bar also offers a selection of ‘modern classics’, such as the Mach 10 Mojito. Negroni lovers will be delighted to know their favorite aperitif is mixed, barreled and aged behind the bar.

Located airside, overlooking the terminal’s exclusive shopping promenade and measuring 407 sq m, the lounge is open to First Class and Business Class guests, Etihad Guest Platinum, Gold and Silver members flying on EY170, and Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airlines’ equivalent Platinum and Gold members.