My LAX Layover: a run before lounging in the Delta Skyclub and Alaska Airline Boardroom

When I originally booked my V Australia Business Class ticket via Delta miles, I had a long layover at LAX that I was hoping to change as the date got closer.  Eventually I convinced myself that this was a good thing, I could get out of the airport a bit before a 15 hour flight.  That and I struggled with Delta's famous award availability.  So I embraced this and decided to make the most of the time I had.

I planned on going for a run in the nice warm LA air, as I try to work out daily when traveling, and I thought it to be particularly important since I had such a long flight coming up, and much of my time was spent sitting around eating or sleeping.  

My flight from Minneapolis arrived into Terminal 5 at LAX.  I went to the Sky Club there to do some work and watch a little NFL football.  I no longer have a Sky Club membership, but same day V Australia Business Class customers are granted access to Sky Clubs, which I took advantage of along the way, and it proved particularly useful here.  I made my way back to the reception desk, and gently asked the agent if there was somewhere I could store my baggage there while I went for a run.  She was happy to let me leave my bags right at the desk.

It was an odd sensation, as when I run, i usually go with a very minimalist approach, but given my situation, I was a bit heavier than usual, with my ID and boarding pass to get back through security.  I had my usual ipod and headset with Nike +.  I also brought my phone, just in case.  So after changing, I was dressed in short sleeves and shorts, and ready to run, so I was off, through T5, and outside security.  I felt a bit out of place dressed like this in an airport, but I was more worried about my sweaty post-run appearance.  

I had read about people walking/running directly from the LAX terminals, but due to limited sidewalks and lots of traffic, I decided to catch a ride nearby and went with the Parking Spot shuttle.  That allowed me to get away from the madness of LAX, and some nice sidewalks for running.  I ran just north of the airport, and actually got to see countless planes arriving and departing during my run.   

 

Qantas had recently grounded their fleet.  I was quite glad to be flying V Australia that day!

After my run, I took advantage of the location of the Parking Spot shuttle, and after cooling down and some photos...

Dusk departure from 24R

...I had to get an In-N-Out Burger.  

Google Map view of the area I ran.

After a burger and rehydrating, I went back to the parking area, and caught the next shuttle back to LAX.  The bus was about half full, and while I felt a bit conspicuous, it didn't seem to be a problem.  I then returned to the Sky Club, collected my bags, and then took a shower.  

LAX Sky Club shower

The showers at the LAX Sky club were quite nice, and well appointed.  How I wish United had more easily accessible showers.

Besides towels and shower basics, there was also a kit containg a razor, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.  

Sky Club shower amenities

I was cleaned up, and spent a few minutes relaxing in the club, but I still had to change terminals since V Australia departs from Terminal 3.  There are a few airside shuttles that are available since Delta codeshares with Alaska in Terminal 3.  I showed my itinerary, and was placed on a shuttle to take me to Terminal 3.  I had a whole shuttle to myself, which was a bit of a waste.  Its not quite like the ride from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in a Porsche, but it was pretty cool to ride across the tarmac at a busy airport like LAX.  I tried to get photos of the various aircraft along the way, but didn't have much luck, as it was very dark.

LAX airside shuttle between T5 and T3

Once I got to Terminal 3, I went to the V Australia counter to get my boarding pass.  I also got an invitation to the Alaska Airlines Boardroom, which serves as the departure lounge for V Australia premium passengers in LAX. 

Lounge invitation with the VA sarcastic tone.

I entered the very busy LAX Alaska lounge which was up stair just a short distance from the V Australia gate.  With both Alaska passengers and VA business guests for my flight to Sydney, and a later flight to Melbourne, there were very few empty seats.  

Maybe 30 minute before boarding time, several V Australia flight attendants made their way around the lounge greeting guests.  They introduced themselves, and let us know when the flight would be departing.  This was a nice touch.  While the Alaska Airlines Board Room is a decent lounge for domestic US, there is little comparison with international lounges.  Even Virgin Australia's domestic lounges put this to shame.  

Soon, it was time to board, and I headed downstairs, then over to the gate for boarding for my V Australia Business Class flight from LAX to Sydney.   

V Australia 777-300ER operating VA 002.  Taken from a bouncy airside shuttle