LAX Lounges for a long layover

Question

Hi,

We (2 adults) have a 9.5 hour layover in LAX mid April after arriving from Miami, layover is from Noon to 21:30. We arrive (I believe) to Terminal 4 - American Airlines and are leaving from Terminal B (Qantas).

Are there any recommended lounges we can pay to enter for this layover? Preferable to be in Terminal B. Star Alliance allows paid entry but the $75 fee is only for 3 hours, so not enough.

Thanks in anticipation.

Answer

Your 9.5-hour layover at LAX gives you plenty of time to relax, but Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal) does not have many true “pay-per-use with unlimited stay” lounges. Most lounges have strict time caps, and some do not accept walk-ins. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best options for your situation, especially considering your arrival at Terminal 4 and departure from Terminal B.

Terminal 4 and Terminal B are connected airside, so once you enter the secure area you can walk between them without re-clearing security. That gives you flexibility to choose lounges in both terminals. The biggest limitation is that nearly all lounges at LAX restrict paid entry to 3–5 hours, but there are still workable options depending on what you prefer (space, food, showers, comfort, or budget).

Here are the main lounge options you can consider for a long paid-entry stay:

Alaska Lounge (Terminal 6) – One of the best pay-in lounges at LAX. Offers day passes (~$60) with food, drinks, and a quiet atmosphere. No strict 3-hour limit.
Escape Lounge / Centurion Studio Partner (Terminal 3) – Allows paid entry (~$50–$65 depending on time). A time limit may apply, but longer stays are often possible since they are not usually crowded midday.
Be Relax Spa Lounges (Various terminals) – Not a traditional lounge, but you pay for spa services and get relaxation space; no long-term sit-and-stay option but good for part of your layover.
Qantas Business Lounge (Terminal B) – Walk-ins sometimes allowed but not guaranteed and usually prioritizes premium passengers; no true “day pass” program.
Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B) – The $75/3-hour paid access is the only official option, and they enforce the time limit. Great lounge but not ideal for a 9.5-hour layover.
Comfort spots outside lounges – LAX has a few upgraded seating areas, such as the large open mezzanine in Terminal B, which works well if you split your time between a lounge and public space.

The following sections give you a more detailed description of what each option realistically offers and how they fit into your long LAX layover.

1. Alaska Lounge – Terminal 6 (Best for long stays)

This is your best true pay-per-use lounge at LAX for long hours and comfort. The Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6 sells day passes for roughly $60 per person, and they do not impose a 3-hour cap. The lounge has decent food, barista coffee, drinks, and a quieter atmosphere compared to crowded international lounges. You can access Terminal 6 airside from Terminal 4 via the underground tunnel, so no additional security is needed.

Typical cost: ~$60 day pass
Stay length: Essentially unlimited during operating hours
Amenities: Snacks, small hot plates, drinks, barista coffee, showers (sometimes), comfortable seating
Ideal for: Spending 4–6 hours comfortably before walking back to Terminal B for your Qantas flight

2. Escape Lounge (T3) – Centurion Studio Partner

Although not in Terminal B, Terminal 3 is connected airside. Escape Lounges sell paid access, typically around $50–$65. While they technically reserve the right to limit stays, walk-ins during midday are often accepted for longer periods. This lounge is smaller but pleasant.

Typical cost: ~$50–$65
Time limits: Officially 3 hours, but enforcement varies
Amenities: Hot and cold food, drinks, workspaces

3. Be Relax Spa Lounges

Scattered around LAX (including Terminal B), Be Relax is not a typical lounge: you pay for spa services (massages, chair treatments), and can relax in their seating area while you wait or cool down. This is not a full-stay option, but useful if you want variety during a long layover.

Good for: Breaking up a long day with massage or spa service
Not good for: Spending multiple hours

4. Qantas Business Lounge (Terminal B)

Since you are flying Qantas, you will definitely have access to the Qantas Business Lounge or Qantas International Lounge if your fare is eligible (Business Class or Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald). However, if you are in Economy with no status, Qantas does NOT sell day passes.

Amenities: Excellent hot food, showers, wine bar, quiet seating
Entry: Ticket class or frequent flyer status only (no paid entry for the general public)

5. Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal B)

This is one of the best lounges at LAX, but their paid entry is strictly limited to:

$75 per person
Maximum of 3 hours
Subject to available capacity, and often busy

This is not ideal for a 9.5-hour layover unless you combine it with another lounge.

6. Non-lounge relaxation options in Terminal B

Terminal B is spacious, with a nice mezzanine level and plenty of seating. For such a long layover, many travelers split their time: 4–6 hours in a paid lounge (like Alaska Lounge), then return to Terminal B for food, shops, and gate proximity.

Free seating areas
Various restaurants (including quieter upstairs options)
Shops to browse

Recommended Strategy for Your 9.5-Hour Layover

Because no lounge in Terminal B offers unlimited paid access, the best approach is:

Walk from Terminal 4 to Terminal 6 and purchase an Alaska Lounge day pass — stay as long as you like, rest, eat, shower, work, and relax.
When ready (perhaps ~3 hours before your flight), walk back to Terminal B.
If you want more lounge time, optionally add a 3-hour Star Alliance Lounge visit.

This plan gives you both long comfort and access to good amenities without needing a membership or airline status.

Summary

The only terminal at LAX with a true long-stay pay-in lounge is the Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6. Terminal B lounges are excellent but either do not accept paid entry (Qantas) or enforce 3-hour limits (Star Alliance). With the terminals connected airside, your best option is Alaska Lounge for the bulk of your stay and then heading to Terminal B when it is closer to boarding time.

LAX Lounges for a long layover

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