Qantas Show Off New First Class Lounge In LA

Qantas have been very busy this year, revealing a whole host of lounges around the world. Qantas has already had a functioning Business Class lounge since June in Los Angeles, but December 2014 launched the all-new Qantas First Class Lounge for customers travelling from Los Angeles’ TBIT terminal.

There are some nods to the original flagship Qantas First Class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, however, there is an obvious natural profession in style, and it’s hard not to notice the real Los Angeles design aesthetic making its way into the 200 seater space. Whilst Both Singapore and Hong Kong lounges also opened this year, It is the first overseas Qantas First lounge to be designed by renowned Australian industrial designer (and design lead for Qantas), Marc Newson.

Neil Perry and CEO Alan Joyce at the Qantas First Class lounge launch

Speaking at a star-studded launch event in Los Angeles, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the newest Qantas First Lounge offers what the airline believes is the best on-ground First class experience in North America. “The new lounge is more than triple the size of the previous space, and the design and service is equal to the world’s best five star hotels and restaurants,” said Mr Joyce. “Lounges are important to our international customers’ journey, which is why we have drawn on the knowledge of world leading experts like Marc Newson and Qantas Chef Neil Perry to deliver the most luxurious experience before people even step on board.”

Qantas Creative Designer Marc Newson said he was proud to design Qantas’ First Lounge in Los Angeles. “The new Qantas First Lounge will give Qantas travellers a beautiful, calm oasis to rest, work or dine, prior to their flight,” said Mr Newson.

The interior is dripping in luxurious finishes and touches of Californian style. Features of the lounge include Californian Knoll furniture selected by Marc Newson, with superior lounge finishes including American oak walls, Tuscan Carrara marbled floors and 48 foot-long bar, and Tai Ping wool carpets from Hong Kong featuring the renowned Qantas First Lounge hex design.

Talking luxury product, the new Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles features a new 74-seat restaurant and bar where customers can dine from a Neil Perry Rockpool designed a la carte menu while enjoying a view of the open-style kitchen. The new seasonal menu will offer a mix of signature Rockpool Bar and Grill dishes including Black Angus minute steak with chipotle butter and lime, local LA-inspired cuisine including Mexican, Korean and Italian, and favourites from the First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne such as the Salt and Pepper Squid.

Not that we like a tipple (we do!) but we will be ordering one of their signature cocktails, such as the Mezcal Margarita, and wash it down with premium Australian and Californian wines, champagne, ice teas and for those wanting something a little less inebriating, a full barista service. Lounge hosts will offer a selection of individually prepared small plates in the lounge and bar area.

Similar to the Business Class lounge in LAX, Qantas has partnered with Sofitel to offer a service experience consistent with the standards across its First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne. Qantas First Hosts will also provide a personalised service for customers traveling in First, which includes dedicated check-in, fast-track immigration and dedicated boarding. Naturally also expect faster WiFi, wireless printing, cable television, two private work suites and seven shower suites featuring Aurora Spa ASPAR products.

200 seats may seem a lot, but the opening of the lounge also comes with the news of increased services to the West Coast hub. With immediate effect, Qantas will increase its Melbourne to Los Angeles service from a daily service to ten per week. B747s on the Pacific route are reconfigured, with similar interiors and inflight entertainment found in the airline’s flagship A380 fleet. So now, there are even more chances to experience some of the best lounges and dining in LA!