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Best Credit Card Lounges at LAX (2025)
February 6, 2025
Which credit cards can get you into LAX’s swankiest airport lounges? In this guide, we’ll show you how to unlock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) lounges using the right credit cards. Say goodbye to waiting at the gate – with these cards in your wallet, you could be sipping free lattes or taking a shower in a lounge before your flight.
LAX is home to a wide array of lounges: airline-operated lounges (like Delta Sky Club, United Club), independent lounges, and even a plush American Express Centurion Lounge. Many of these lounges aren’t just for first-class ticket holders – you can access them with certain credit card perks or memberships.
We’ve researched the best credit cards for LAX lounge access and how each card gets you in. Let’s dive into the top cards and the LAX lounges they open up for you.
Top Credit Cards for LAX Lounge Access
Here’s a quick list of the best credit card options to enter LAX lounges, and which lounges they cover:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express – All-in-One Lounge Access: Gets you into the Centurion Lounge at LAX and Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), plus Priority Pass lounges (more on those below).
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Priority Pass Power: Grants a Priority Pass membership, which you can use for LAX’s partner lounges (like Gameway and Be Relax spa). No direct airline lounge access, but great for the independent options.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards – Premium Travel Card: Also offers Priority Pass membership (and Plaza Premium lounges), useful at LAX’s participating spots.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Delta Flyers’ Key: Gets you into Delta Sky Clubs at LAX whenever you fly Delta. Perfect if you’re a frequent Delta traveler out of LAX.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® – Admirals Club Access: Grants full membership to American Airlines Admirals Clubs, including the Admirals Clubs in LAX (Terminal 4, 5, and the remote terminal). Ideal for American Airlines regulars.
These cards carry annual fees, but if you value comfort, quiet, and free food/drinks during travel, the lounge access can make it worth it. Let’s explore each in detail and see what lounge doors they open at LAX.
Amex Platinum: The VIP Lounge All-Rounder
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The Amex Platinum is like a golden ticket for LAX lounge hopping. First, it gives you unlimited access to the LAX Centurion Lounge, Amex’s own lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal. The Centurion Lounge offers upscale amenities – think craft cocktails, a gourmet buffet, a family room, and even a spa with free 15-minute treatments. It’s a peaceful haven if you’re flying out of or connecting in the international terminal (TBIT).
Additionally, when you fly Delta, your Amex Platinum gets you into the Delta Sky Club in whichever terminal Delta is using (at LAX, Delta primarily operates out of Terminal 3, with a Sky Club there and another in Terminal 2). The Terminal 3 Sky Club is brand new and gorgeous – it has an indoor/outdoor bar and even a Sky Deck patio for plane-spotting over cocktails. Just show your Platinum Card and your Delta boarding pass at the front desk, and you’re in.
As if that’s not enough, the Platinum Card also comes with a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required). Priority Pass at LAX is a bit unique (there are no standard PP lounges), but you can use it for special LAX experiences: the Be Relax Spa (TBIT) for a free massage, or the Gameway video game lounges (Terminals 3 and 6) for a free gaming session and snacks. We’ll cover these in more detail later, but it’s a fun twist – your card basically gets you a free mini-massage or gaming time at LAX!
Any catches? Amex Platinum’s lounge perks are generous, but note a few rules: Centurion Lounges are only accessible within 3 hours of your departure, and you must be flying same-day. Also, as of 2023, Platinum cardholders must pay a guest fee to bring non-cardholder guests into Centurion Lounges (currently $50 each) unless you hit a high annual spend on the card. Still, for solo travel or couples who both have the card, it’s a fantastic perk.
Already have an Amex Platinum? Use the Kudos extension to keep track of your lounge benefits. Kudos can remind you at checkout if a flight purchase will unlock perks like lounge access. If you don’t have the Platinum, Kudos can analyze your travel habits and suggest if it’s the right card – or if another card might suit you better for lounges.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass (and More) at LAX
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The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another favorite among travelers for its lounge benefits. While it doesn’t grant entry to airline-specific lounges at LAX, it shines by offering Priority Pass Select membership (with unlimited free visits for you and guests).
Here’s how that helps at LAX:
- With Priority Pass, you and a guest can visit the Gameway lounges in Terminals 3 and 6. These are essentially gaming lounges – a cool alternative to traditional lounges. Show your Priority Pass and you’ll get a station with an Xbox or PC, high-speed internet, and access to snacks and drinks.
- In Terminal 3, Priority Pass members get one free snack and drink (or an alcoholic drink in lieu of snacks).
- In Terminal 6, you get one free soda or water and a free snack – not a full meal, but enough to tide you over.
- Priority Pass via Chase also gets you into the Be Relax Spa in TBIT. Instead of a lounge, you can use your visit for a 15-minute chair massage or other spa treatments at no charge. After a long flight, a complimentary massage or a quick oxygen therapy can be just as rejuvenating as a lounge stay.
- Aside from Priority Pass, the Sapphire Reserve has other travel perks that enhance your LAX experience indirectly – for example, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit and excellent earning on travel spend (3x points).
LAX has limited independent lounges, so Priority Pass’s partnerships are unique. The Reserve basically gives you free experiences at LAX that others have to pay for. If you have a long layover in T3 or T6, the Gameway is a fun diversion. If you’re in TBIT, the spa is a treat – and far more relaxing than sitting at the gate.
Keep in mind that Priority Pass from the Reserve (and most cards) no longer covers certain restaurant credits at U.S. airports (LAX used to have a restaurant deal, but those are phased out). So the lounges/spa are your main usage at LAX. Also, PP lounges can have occupancy controls – e.g. Gameway might turn away PP visitors if it’s full. It’s wise to have a backup plan or arrive early in case.
Airline Credit Cards: Delta Reserve and Citi Executive (AA)
If you primarily fly one airline from LAX, getting that airline’s premium card can be your lounge key:
1. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
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Holding this card grants you complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs whenever you fly Delta. At LAX, that means you can use the beautiful new Sky Club in Terminal 3 or the Sky Club in Terminal 2. The experience is similar to what Platinum cardholders get, but the Delta Reserve doesn’t give Centurion Lounge or Priority Pass access. This card is ideal if you’re a Delta loyalist who wants lounge comfort every time you depart LAX on Delta. The card also comes with guest passes.
2. Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite
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This one is all about American Airlines Admirals Clubs. By holding this card, you effectively get an Admirals Club membership. At LAX, American has multiple lounges: a main Admirals Club in Terminal 4, another in Terminal 5, and one in the American Eagle Regional Terminal. With your card’s membership, you can access any of these when flying American. Admirals Clubs are a bit less fancy than some premium lounges, but they provide the essentials: comfortable seating, good Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks (including free house wine/beer), and often a business center or kids room.
These airline cards typically have ~$450-$550 annual fees (often offset by travel credits or bonus miles). Their value is highest if you always fly that airline – e.g. flying Delta every week out of LAX, you’ll practically live in the Sky Club, making the Delta Reserve worth every penny. If you fly a mix of airlines, a universal card (Amex Platinum or Priority Pass card) might give you more flexibility.
Priority Pass at LAX: What You Need to Know
As mentioned earlier, LAX doesn’t have any “standard” Priority Pass lounges (like a generic airport lounge). Instead, Priority Pass membership (which comes with cards like Sapphire Reserve, Venture X, Hilton Aspire, etc.) gets you into these alternative lounges/experiences:
- Gameway (Terminal 3 and Terminal 6): Essentially a video game lounge with individual gaming pods. Priority Pass members get a free gaming session (usually about an hour) plus free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. After the free allotment, you could pay to continue, but at least the first bit is covered by PP.
- Be Relax Spa (TBIT): A spa facility where Priority Pass grants you one complimentary 15-minute treatment (options include a chair massage, nail polish change, or a quick oxygen therapy). It’s a short pampering session that normally costs about $40. The spa is near Gate 154 in Tom Bradley International Terminal.
To use these perks, just present your Priority Pass membership card (or mobile app QR code). If you got Priority Pass via a credit card, ensure you’ve enrolled if required. Priority Pass from premium cards usually allows at least 2 guests free. So if you’re traveling with a friend, you both can get the free massage or gaming. However, note that the spa doesn’t allow guests on one card – each person would need their own membership for a treatment.
Maximizing Your LAX Lounge Access (Putting It All Together)
With the right combo of cards, you can access nearly every lounge at LAX without flying first class:
- Amex Platinum alone covers Centurion + Delta (with flight) + Priority Pass (Gameway/Spa).
- Add a Citi AA Executive card and you also get Admirals Clubs.
- Frequent United flyer? Maybe the United Club card to cover that terminal.
- For most people, one premium card is enough – pick based on which airline you fly or value (e.g. Platinum for broad coverage, or an airline card if you’re loyal to one).
Remember, lounge access policies can change. For instance, Delta recently restricted Sky Club access rules (like no entry upon arrival, and tighter access for certain members). Always double-check your card’s current benefits and the lounge’s rules before your trip.
Not sure which card to choose for lounges? Kudos can help analyze your travel patterns. If you mostly fly one airline, Kudos might suggest that airline’s card with lounge perks. If you’re all over the map, a general rewards card with Priority Pass could be recommended.
Already have a bunch of cards? Add them to Kudos – it will remind you of the lounge privileges you’re already entitled to, so you never forget to take advantage of that free airport spa treatment or club entry.
FAQ: LAX Lounge Access and Credit Cards
Can I get into LAX lounges with a credit card if I’m flying economy?
Yes! That’s the beauty of these credit card perks. Even if you’re in economy, cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve can grant you lounge access. Just show your card (and a same-day boarding pass) at the lounge.
Does LAX have a Priority Pass lounge?
LAX doesn’t have a traditional Priority Pass lounge with buffet and seating. Instead, Priority Pass membership lets you access the Gameway gaming lounges in Terminals 3 and 6, and the Be Relax Spa in the international terminal. These are unique offerings – gaming stations and spa services – rather than a standard lounge. They’re still great ways to spend a layover, courtesy of Priority Pass.
What credit card do I need for the Centurion Lounge at LAX?
You’ll need an American Express Platinum or Centurion (Black) Card to enter the Centurion Lounge at LAX. The Amex Business Platinum works as well. These cards come with complimentary Centurion Lounge access. Just remember to enroll (if required) and bring your Amex card and boarding pass. Unfortunately, no non-Amex card grants access – so if you’re eyeing the Centurion Lounge’s perks, the Platinum is the go-to card.
Can I pay to get into an LAX lounge if I don’t have status or the right card?
In some cases, yes. Certain LAX lounges offer day passes for purchase. For example, the United Club in T7 sells day passes ($59) if capacity allows, and the Admirals Clubs might sell a day pass ($59) to non-members. However, premium lounges like the Qantas First, Polaris Lounge, or Centurion Lounge do not sell day passes – they’re exclusive to eligible travelers.
Do I need to be flying a specific airline to use these credit card lounge perks at LAX?
Sometimes. For independent lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass venues), it doesn’t matter which airline you’re flying – any boarding pass works. For airline lounges, you typically need to be flying that airline or its partners and have the card. For example, having the Delta Reserve card isn’t enough by itself; you must also be flying Delta that day to enter the Sky Club.
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