<\/a><\/p>\n After arriving at LAX we checked in for our returning Virgin America flight and proceeded to security. Both Susan and I had pre-check for this flight and within a few minutes had passed the security check point and were in Terminal 3.<\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our stay in Los Angeles was just under 24 hours and included a business dinner and some time at Manhattan Beach, which is very close to the airport. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency LAX.\u00a0I have already written up a master review on the\u00a0hotel which can be read here<\/a><\/span>. One of the items on my list before traveling back to san Francisco was to visit The Loft, Virgin America’s one and only airline lounge located in Terminal 3 at LAX.<\/p>\n The other Virgin airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia, have great lounges and are frequently commended on their design, services, food and style. I have read some mixed reviews on the Loft by Virgin America and wanted to visit this lounge to better understand what kind of a lounge it is.<\/p>\n Once you’re in Terminal 3 there are numerous signs and posting advertising where The Loft is located. In the large open circular area of the terminal there is a staircase close to gate 35. The staircase sits against a red wall and above a small convenience shop in the corner of the terminal. This was the way I entered the lounge. Once you\u2019re at the top of the stairs and at the door, you need to ring a doorbell so that the associate can buzz you in. It was then I realized this was the back door into the lounge. That’s ok, like the help I’m use to coming in the back gate.<\/p>\n After entry in the back door, it’s a short walk past the restrooms to the reception desk. The associate checked my credentials for entry. As a newly minted Elevate Gold member I have access to this lounge. Susan who doesn’t have status with Virgin America used her priority pass membership for entry. The Loft allows free entry for Elevate Gold Members, both Priority Pass and The Lounge programs, and long-haul Virgin America First Class passengers. Elevate Silver members can purchase a single pass for $15 on the day of travel and standard Virgin America passengers can do the same for $30.<\/p>\n <\/a>Signage throughout Terminal 3<\/p>\n <\/a>Stairway to The Lounge<\/p>\n <\/a>Up the stairs<\/p>\n <\/a>Back door<\/p>\n <\/a>Reception desk on entry<\/p>\n <\/a>Back entry and passage space<\/p>\n <\/a>Restrooms<\/p>\n <\/a>The front door<\/p>\n Walking through The Loft lounge by Virgin America is visually entertaining. The space is immersed in the Virgin style and vibe with lots of purple and red. The furniture, architecture and graphics all have the gogo 60’s feel that harken back to the jetsetter age.<\/p>\n The square footage of the lounge is not overly large, and it is divided into two main spaces. Up front next to the reception desk is the first open seating area. It’s a windowless area with a curved wall and red and dark gray furniture. The ceiling has a couple open circles coves, with purple LED lighting glowing up above. It’s connected to other main seating area by a wide and open transition area which also includes the sideboards presenting snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n The second open seating area is in the back of the lounge along the window that views the airport tarmac and on-goings. It also has dark gray and red furniture intended for relaxation and an interior design that follows the lead of the rest of the lounge. The daylight is welcome in this space and soft leather chairs were our first choice to sit in. Furniture is always fun in any Virgin lounge and this one is included. I enjoyed the design of the red circular chairs. They look uncomfortable, but aren’t bad once you\u2019re in them.<\/p>\n <\/a>Hi-tops just past entry<\/p>\n <\/a>Front open seating area<\/p>\n <\/a>Another angle<\/p>\n <\/a>Open transition area between front and back<\/p>\n <\/a>The chairs drip design<\/p>\n <\/a>Secondary seating space next to windows<\/p>\n <\/a>Hi-back cube chairs<\/p>\n <\/a>Views from back area\u00a0out to LAX<\/p>\n <\/a>Giants\u00a0logo plane<\/p>\n The main bar follows the rest of the design with its circular shape and dark leather stools. Up above is a circular cove with more purple light glowing out. Next to the bar is an open dining area with 2x hi-tops and a communal table. The staff was somewhat attentive and would greet you upon entry to the space, but then would quietly disappear after serving you.<\/p>\n I was hungry and shared the turkey sandwich and kale salad with Susan. We both though the food was a real disappointment. This is true of both the self-serve and order items. The \u201cto order\u201d hot food is not gratis, and must be paid for which is almost (I said almost) insulting. Since this first visit I have used this lounge a couple more times and the self-serve food has never looked that appetizing.<\/p>\n <\/a>The bar area<\/p>\n <\/a>Additional dining seating<\/p>\n <\/a>Long communal table<\/p>\n <\/a>Display menu<\/p>\n <\/a>Open area sideboard with midday offerings<\/p>\n <\/a>Fruit, cookies and snacks<\/p>\nIntroduction: Virgin America Elevate Gold Status Match<\/strong><\/a>
\nReview: Hyatt Regency San Francisco International Airport<\/strong><\/a>
\nReview: American Airlines Admirals Club SFO – Terminal 2<\/strong><\/a>
\nReview: Virgin America Short Haul Domestic Coach – San Francisco to Los Angeles<\/strong><\/a>
\nReview: Virgin America Loft at LAX<\/strong><\/a>
\nReview: Virgin America Short Haul Domestic First Class – Los Angeles to San Francisco<\/strong><\/h4>\n