Virgin Atlantic is preparing to open a new lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
. The space, known as the Clubhouse, will be the carrier’s fifth lounge after New York, Johannesburg, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
The Clubhouse, which is subject to full city council approval, will offer several luxurious amenities, such as a bar, social area, and shower facilities. It will be located at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and is set to open next year.
An experience before hopping across the pond
Virgin announced the news on Thursday. The airline explained that the space will pay homage to the City of Los Angeles with local artwork and mood lighting, providing passengers with a “taste of the California sunset.”
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer & Operating Officer, spoke about the highly anticipated lounge
.
“We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital of Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travelers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond.”
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
The carrier only flies between LAX and its hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
. It operates three flights daily on its Airbus A350-1000
and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
. The new Clubhouse will reportedly be “minutes away” from Virgin Atlantic’s gates at TBIT, allowing travelers to maximize their time in the lounge.
“Something special for every customer”
An expansive bar will have in-house mixologists creating fan-favorite drinks, including the carrier’s signature beverage, the Virgin Redhead. The lounge will offer table-service dining options and even an exclusive VIP Booth called ‘The Royal Box.’ Flexible seating areas and private pods will also be available for guests to take calls or finish emails.
“Our latest Clubhouse will have something special for every customer, from signature dishes to British designer finishes, plus some fun surprises you’d only expect from Virgin Atlantic,” Koster explained.”And we know our amazing teams will bring the experience to life brilliantly.”
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
As two LHR-bound frequencies depart in the evening, the lounge will be developed with nighttime routines and “carefully perfected pre-sleep rituals in mind.” The hope is to encourage relaxation and mindfulness to allow for a restful flight to London. Guests can also keep their devices powered with wireless charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard power outlets throughout the Clubhouse. Passengers can also refresh themselves by taking advantage of the lounge’s shower and changing facilities.
Who has access?
The Clubhouse will be open daily, and the following guests are eligible for access.
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers, along with one guest traveling with the airline or its partner, Delta Air Lines
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Card members and one guest traveling internationally with the carrier or Delta
- Passengers flying in Delta One on an international flight
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on Virgin or Delta along with one guest traveling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier
- Any traveler with a domestic connection must be traveling same day on the same itinerary and ticket
Virgin’s Clubhouses have been awarded for several achievements. This year, the London location was named the ‘Best Business Class Lounge in Europe’ by Skytrax World Airline Awards. Newsweek named the Clubhouse as the ‘Best Airport Lounge’ in its Readers Choice Awards.