How did you get access to all these lounges?

My Cathay Pacific business class ticket allowed me access into the Oneworld lounges: Cathay Pacific and Qantas. The Platinum Card® from American Express includes complimentary access to their network of American Express lounges and the included complimentary Priority Pass membership provided access into the Plaza Premium lounges.

How should I decide which lounge to visit?

Hong Kong International Airport is huge, so unless you have a long layover like I did, you will want to select a lounge closest to your departure gate as most lounges are silent, meaning no announcements are made.

What if I am not traveling in a premium cabin or do not have a suitable credit card with lounge provisions?

You can pay your way into a number of lounges in Hong Kong International Airport including the Plaza Premium First lounge. Rates start at HK$880 ($112) for 3 hours per person.

Hong Kong Airport Lounges: Maximizing 9hrs [The Pier, Wing & More]

I recently booked a Cathay Pacific award seat between Sydney to Amsterdam through Hong Kong.

On New Year’s Eve, I received a call from Cathay saying it had canceled my original 10:15 a.m. service and bumped me forward to the 7:35 a.m. service which meant a 4:30 a.m. alarm and a 9-hour layover in Hong Kong before my 12:30 a.m. flight to Amsterdam.

Reviewing my options, I could either catch a train into the city to spend a few hours there or, alternatively, see how many lounges I could visit at the airport. I chose the latter, all for the purposes of this review, of course.

Table of contents

Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge
American Express Centurion Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Bridge Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Deck Business Class Lounge
The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Plaza Premium First Lounge
Again: Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge
Again: Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge
Final Thoughts

Hong Kong International Airport Lounge Map - Greg Stone — Hong Kong International Airport Lounge Map. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Hot Tip: If you are arriving at gates 25-36 and are in transit, you may prefer to head against the people traffic and head towards the western pier to transfer closer to The Pier, The Deck, or American Express Centurion Lounge.

Table of Contents

Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge
American Express Centurion Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Bridge Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific – The Deck Business Class Lounge
The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Plaza Premium First Lounge
Again: Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge
Again: Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge
Final Thoughts

Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closest Gate: 65

Arriving at 3:30 p.m. from Sydney, and considering I had been up since 4:30 a.m. Sydney time, I needed a caffeinated beverage ASAP. After clearing transit security, which was a breeze, I made a beeline to The Pier as I knew they had a tendered bar that made a great espresso martini.

3:52 p.m.

Located at the far end of the terminal, The Pier is the furthest lounge from check-in, yet thankfully close to the transit point near gates 35/36.

The lounge is located down a set of escalators from the main departures level and is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier Entrance Escalators — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier Entrance Escalators

I showed my boarding pass to the reception staff who stamped it and allowed me to enter.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Reception Entrance — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Reception Entrance

You’ll immediately notice the change in ambiance from the terminal. Instead of expanses of metal, bright lights, crowds and noise, the lounge entrance sets the scene of what is to come; cherry-wood walls, plants, subdued lighting, and quietness.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Entrance — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Entrance

The lounge adopts Cathay Pacific’s newest design theme created by Ilse Crawford and the team at StudioIlse which feels more like you’re in a luxurious lounge room as opposed to an airport.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Seating

At this time of the afternoon, it wasn’t busy and there were plenty of free places to sit.

My first visit was to the tendered bar where I was met with a grunt from the bartender who didn’t seem like he wanted to be at work that day.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Cocktail Bar — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Cocktail Bar

Thankfully, he made an excellent espresso martini.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Espresso Martini Co — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Espresso Martini Cocktail

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - Cocktail & Wine List — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – Cocktail & Wine List

The lounge has excellent views across the tarmac and natural light floods the lounge in the afternoon.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Views — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Views

Throughout the lounge there are self-serve refreshment stations with automatic coffee machines, a selection of wines, and chilled beverages.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Self-Serve Beverage — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Self-Serve Beverage Station

As all Cathay Lounges are silent lounges, there are no boarding announcements but there are plenty of flight display screens located in every zone.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Self-Serve Station — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Self-Serve Station

If you’re looking for a bite to eat you can try the popular Noodle Bar which serves fresh, made-to-order dishes including dan dan, wonton noodles, dim sum, char siu buns, and dumplings.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Noodle Bar — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Noodle Bar

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Noodle Bar Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Noodle Bar Dining

Other dining options include the deli-style Food Hall where you can select from a variety of hot dishes, sandwiches, desserts, fruit, and pastries. There is also barista-made coffee available from the Coffee Cart if you would prefer a better coffee to the automatic machines.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Food Hall Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Food Hall Dining

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Food Hall — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Food Hall

If tea is more your thing, then you can visit the Teahouse, where you’ll find seasonal and artisanal tea varieties — a step up from the self-serve stations.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Teahouse — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Teahouse

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Teahouse Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Teahouse Seating

There are 14 shower suites available, however, I decided to shower later in the day before my connecting flight.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier

Resting pods are located at the far end of the lounge in the quietest corner, yet they don’t provide much privacy.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Relaxation Zone — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Relaxation Zone

The newest edition to the lounge is the Sanctuary by Pure Yoga — a place to meditate, relax, stretch, or follow a TV-guided yoga class. There was a passenger using the space during my visit so I didn’t what to photograph the rest of the zone for privacy reasons.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Sanctuary by Pure Yoga — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Sanctuary by Pure Yoga

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Sanctuary by Pure Y — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Sanctuary by Pure Yoga

American Express Centurion Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closest Gate: 60

Opened in October 2017, the American Express Centurion Lounge is located up the escalators before Gate 60 and is accessible with a Centurion, Platinum Card®, Business Platinum Card®, or Corporate Platinum card.

5:07 p.m.

On arrival there was a long queue which gave me time to get my boarding pass and Amex Platinum Card ready. Although the rules state they won’t admit guests more than 3 hours before departure time, I was allowed in 7 hours before my scheduled departure time.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Reception Entrance — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Reception Entrance

Oddly, if you’re in transit you also must show your inbound boarding pass. When I asked why, the reception staff just said it was the process.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Green Wall — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Green Wall

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Entrance Walkway — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Entrance Walkway

The lounge is positioned above the departure level so it is open to the entire terminal as opposed to the more cozy atmosphere of The Pier.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Seating — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Seating

The lounge felt quite busy but thankfully I was able to grab one of the last unoccupied tables.

The tendered bar takes a place of pride in the center of this lounge. Amex partnered with New York mixologist Jim Meehan to craft the cocktail menu which features 9 exclusive cocktails for this lounge.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Tendered Bar — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Tendered Bar

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Cocktail & Wine List — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Cocktail & Wine List

Considering I still had a staggering 7 hours to go before my flight and probably another 3 hours after the meal service before I could sleep, I decided more caffeine was in order. It would also be good to see how the Amex espresso martini compared with the version at The Pier — and I must say, it was better here!

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Espresso Martini C — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Espresso Martini Cocktail

The buffet, adjacent to the bar, features a selection of hot and cold dishes.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Buffet Dining — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Buffet Dining

A tea and coffee making station is on the opposite side.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Self-Serve Station — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Self-Serve Station

A separate Centurion zone for the highest-tier cardholders which features a la carte dining was off-limits for this “lowly” Platinum cardholder.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Centurion Entrance — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Centurion Entrance

A high table overlooking the tarmac would be ideal for AvGeeks, solo guests or those needing to recharge devices.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - High Table Seating — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – High Table Seating

The lounge is let down by poor cooling and they have had to use floor standing oscillating fans as a temporary fix.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Fans — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Fans

I clocked the Wi-Fi at an excellent 71.2 Mbps download and 46.2 Mbps upload.

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - WiFi Speed — American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong – Wi-Fi Speed

I think Amex has done an excellent job with this lounge and I would happily spend longer here if my class of travel or status didn’t provide me lounge access with an airline.

Cathay Pacific – The Bridge Business Class Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closest Gate: 35

Directly below the Amex lounge and just a couple minutes’ walk away is The Bridge.

6:24 p.m.

To enter this lounge you descend a set of escalators to the reception desk which highlights an illuminated feature wall — a traditional design feature of previous generation lounges. The lounge is effectively split into 2 wings: the north wing has the Bakery, Long Bar, and TV Lounge and the Bistro, Coffee Loft, and IT zone are in the south wing.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Entrance Sign — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Entrance Sign

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Entrance Escalato — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Entrance Escalators

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Entrance Reception — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Entrance Reception

I headed right at reception to the north wing first.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Lounge Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Lounge Seating

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Power Adapters — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Power Adapters

The Bakery serves bread straight from the oven. They also serve pizzas and pastries baked onsite, soups, and salads.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - The Bakery Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – The Bakery Seating

Next to the Bakery are the TV Lounges.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - TV Lounge — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – TV Lounge

This lounge still has some of the previous generation Solus solo work pods which were phased out when the new lounge design theme launched.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Solus Chair — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Solus Chair

Right at the end of this long lounge is the Long Bar which affords you views out to the tarmac while you enjoy a cocktail… or 12.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Long Bar — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Long Bar

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Long Bar Snacks — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Long Bar Snacks

In the south wing, you’ll find the Bistro dining area which features more standard lounge buffet food with both local and Western options.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Bistro Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Bistro Seating

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Bistro Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Bistro Dining

Additional lounge seating is available alongside the windows in this wing.

There are 4 Apple Mac computers with accompanying inkjet printers available to use in the IT Zone.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - IT Zone — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – IT Zone

Seeing as it was now 6:30 p.m. local time, the Coffee Loft was empty. Here you will usually find barista-made coffee including freshly-baked muffins, pastries, and cookies.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Bridge - Coffee Loft Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Bridge – Coffee Loft Seating

There are also 9 shower rooms available.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closest Gate: 1-4

I had seen all the lounges in the western end of the terminal and it was time to head towards check-in to visit the remaining lounges.

Just note that the automated people mover only works in 1 direction — departing passengers can use it to get from check-in to the western end and incoming passengers can use it to get from the western end to baggage claim. So, walking it was!

6:57 p.m.

From the escalators leaving The Bridge to sitting down at the bar at The Wing took me 16 minutes at a briskly paced walk.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Entrance Sign — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Entrance Sign

The Wing (First) uses the previous lounge design language, like The Bridge, so it also has the illuminated reception wall feature.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Entrance Reception — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Entrance Reception

The lounge is split across 2 levels, and as I was thirsty after that walk, I headed upstairs to the iconic Long Bar for a beverage — a glass of Mum Cordon Rouge Brut NV.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Champagne — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Champagne

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Long Bar — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Long Bar

Around the corner from the Long Bar is the Coffee Loft if you would prefer something non-alcoholic.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Coffee Loft — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Coffee Loft

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Coffee Loft Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Coffee Loft Seating

The popular Noodle Bar serves up freshly Asian dishes such as dan dan, char siu buns, and dumplings.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Noodle Bar — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Noodle Bar

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Self-Serve Beverages — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Self-Serve Beverages

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Noodle Bar Self-Ser — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Noodle Bar

Western dishes are available from the buffet.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Buffet Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Buffet Dining

The lounge also features the Solus chairs as seen in The Bridge.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Lounge Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Lounge Seating

Hot Tip: The Wing and The Pier are considered 2 of the best business class lounges in the world.

Cathay Pacific – The Deck Business Class Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 5.30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Closest Gate: 6

With 5 hours before departure, I headed for the north side of the terminal to check out the newest Cathay Pacific lounge.

7:41 p.m.

Aptly named The Deck, as The Terrace, with its open-air balcony, overlooks Gates 16-19.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Deck - The Terrace — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Deck – The Terrace

Yet if you prefer the more intimate feel of The Pier instead of the openness of The Wing, head “inside” and you’ll find the same living room style ambiance.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Deck - Lounge Seating — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Deck – Lounge Seating

You’ll also find the new Solo chairs, which replace the Solus chairs and match perfectly with the new relaxed residential lounge room design language.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Deck - Solo Chairs — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Deck – Solo Chairs

The iconic Noodle Bar serves made-to-order Asian dishes and there is also a smaller buffet providing select Western options.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Deck - Noodle Bar Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Deck – Noodle Bar Dining

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Deck - Buffet Dining — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Deck – Buffet Dining

There are 8 shower rooms are available.

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge

Hours: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Closest Gate: 5

With still 4.5 hours to go, I needed dinner and decided to head to the Qantas lounge.

8:08 p.m.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Entrance Sign — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Entrance Sign

As all the Qantas flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne had already boarded and were ready for departure, the lounge was relatively empty and only the buffet food options were left. There was no more “plate of the day,” no dim sum trolley and the Spice Temple BBQ had literally just ended serving its char siu barbecued pork.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Bar — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Bar

The buffet options for the evening were cream of cauliflower, braised lamb with tomato, chard, cannellini bean and herbs, afghan red kidney bean curry, fusilli pasta with ratatouille, couscous, and pork and cucumber dumpling.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Buffet Dining — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Buffet Dining

Even with the empty lounge, I only clocked the Wi-Fi at a dreadful 3.46 Mbps download and 1.95 Mbps upload, so I would hate to have experienced it when this place was full.

Qantas Lounge Hong Kong - WiFi Speed — Qantas Lounge Hong Kong – Wi-Fi Speed

While I didn’t get to experience the food options, the empty lounge did give me the opportunity to grab some pics of the entire lounge, which looks fantastic.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Lounge Seating — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Lounge Seating

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Table Dining — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Table Dining

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Self-Serve Station — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Self-Serve Station

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Work Table — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Work Table

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge - Seating — Qantas Hong Kong Lounge – Seating

Plaza Premium First Lounge

Hours: Open daily 24 hours
Closest Gate: 1

8:37 p.m.

Opened in July 2018, the Plaza Premium First is a relatively new pay-for-access lounge concept where those who have a credit card with Priority Pass can also pay a subsidy to access the lounge, which is of a higher standard to the regular Priority Pass lounges.

In my case, it was just HK$250 ($32) for 3 hours of access. For those who don’t have a Priority Pass membership, you can pay your way in depending on how long you want to stay starting at HK$880 ($112) for 3 hours to HK$1,180 ($151) for 10 hours.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Admission Charges — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Admission Charges

The staff member checking me in said the showers were fully reserved for my stay duration however I could reserve a complimentary 10-minute back massage which I didn’t hesitate to book in. She handed me an electronic buzzer which would notify me when it’s time for my massage.

It was now 8:30 p.m., so I headed straight to the a la carte restaurant, Primo. Each guest can order 1 meal off the menu and select side dishes from the buffet.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Dining — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Dining

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Beverage Menu — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Beverage Menu

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Menu — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Menu

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Side Salad Buffet — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Side Salad Buffet

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Buffet — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Buffet

Mumm Champagne is free-flowing.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Mumm Champagne — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Mumm Champagne

The waitress suggested that I order the pan-fried diced Angus beef tenderloin with premium soya sauce and rice, as the dish had won an award at the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Best of the Best Culinary Awards.

The portion was quite small, so if you’re still hungry you can order a second meal for HK$98 ($12). I knew that supper would be served on the plane, so I headed for the dessert bar instead for a crème brûlée and tiramisu.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Desert Bar — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Desert Bar

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Desert Selection — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Desert Selection

With dessert in hand, I headed to the lounge area to backup photos from my incoming flight and recharge devices.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Lounge Seating — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Lounge Seating

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Power Adapters — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Power Adapters

There is also a tendered AeroBar and Whisky Experience, however, I was mindful of my upcoming flight and didn’t want to be carried onto it, so I refrained.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - AeroBar & Whisky Experience — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – AeroBar & Whisky Experience

The Wi-Fi has to be the fastest I’ve experienced at an airport lounge before at a phenomenal 137 Mbps download and 204 Mbps upload. A stark contrast to the network at the Qantas lounge!

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - WiFi Speed — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Wi-Fi Speed

There is a relaxation zone at the back of the lounge if you want to take a nap.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Relaxation Zone — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Relaxation Zone

As a completely internal lounge without a single window, AvGeeks will miss tarmac views compared to the other lounges at Hong Kong.

As soon as I finished my dessert, my massage buzzer alerted me it was my turn. Though 10 minutes isn’t a huge amount of time for a back and neck massage, it was very much appreciated after the flight from Sydney and all the walking I had done at the airport.

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Massage — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Massage

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

Considering I couldn’t get a reservation to shower in the Plaza Premium First Lounge, I decided to revisit The Wing (Business) nearby, knowing they had 23 spacious shower rooms available and the best chance of not having to wait.

10:40 p.m.

Thankfully, I was right, and was allocated a shower suite instantly.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Shower Entrance — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Shower Entrance

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Wing - Shower Room — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Wing – Shower Room

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

My flight had just been allocated a gate and Murphy’s Law would dictate that it was at the opposite side of the terminal, up at Gate 63 next to The Pier, so I jumped on the people mover.

11:15 p.m.

By the time I arrived at The Pier, I had just enough time for 1 last cocktail — a daiquiri.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong - The Pier - Cocktail — Cathay Pacific Lounge Hong Kong – The Pier – Cocktail

By this time of the evening, the lounge was packed unlike earlier and I was very lucky to score the last lounge chair.

I finished my last sip and my clock showed 11:30 p.m., just 5 minutes before boarding.

Final Thoughts

I had done it!! I had survived a 9-hour layover at Hong Kong airport. I was still awake and surprisingly sober enough to walk to the gate and not miss my flight!

Overall, 9 hours at an airport is about 6 hours too long, but the time passed surprisingly quickly thanks to the huge selection of lounges I had access to in Hong Kong.

My favorite Oneworld Business Class lounge has to be The Pier, which I ended up visiting first and last. Its beautiful décor, relaxed atmosphere, and warm tones with low roofline make you feel like you’re just at home (if your home could seat 550 other travelers) instead of a vast terminal building. With the bar, noodle bar, teahouse, buffet, coffee cart, shower suites, and yoga sanctuary, it provides travelers with the widest array of facilities.

Though its location is at the far end of Terminal 1, it won’t be convenient for all departures.

You really can’t go wrong in any of the Oneworld lounges and most travelers will select the 1 most convenient to their departure gate.

I was also really impressed with the new Plaza Premium First lounge, with its a la carte dining, Mumm Champagne, massage, phenomenal internet, and the absence of crowds like those present at the standard Plaza Premium lounge last time I was here. It was definitely worth the HK$250 ($32) for 3 hours use. However, a “first class lounge” it is not. It’s more of a “premium business class lounge” and a considerable step-up from the standard Plaza Premium lounges.

In the 9 hours I was in Hong Kong I visited 7 lounges (2 of them twice), consumed 3 cocktails and 3 glasses of Champagne, had 1 massage and 1 shower, took 13,829 steps across a distance of 9 km, and burnt 502 calories (1.5 of the cocktails I consumed!).

I’ve booked another flight on Cathay Pacific in March next year which has a 7-hour layover, so I look forward to hopping between some of these lounges again.

6 comments

Barb July 31, 2019
I’m totally jelly. In my years of traveling, I have never been in an airport lounge. Flying into LAX in a few months on JetBlue from Syracuse NY, how can I get into LAX lounge? What card would I need?
Awesome report!
- Jarrod West August 1, 2019
  Hi Barb!
  There are several different airport lounge programs, and because of that, there are many ways to receive access to a certain group of them. The most common airport lounge program is Priority Pass which is offered as a perk with quite a few credit cards. Have you seen our post on the best travel credit cards for Priority Pass access? I think you will find it very helpful! https://upgradedpoints.com/best-credit-cards-for-priority-pass-lounges/
  Thanks for reading!
Jess December 5, 2019
Hi Jarrod – thanks for the thorough report on all the lounges! Just to confirm – if i have a first class CX ticket arriving in HKG, connecting to a CX biz class ticket out of HKG, would I be able to check out multiple lounges (i.e. both Pier First and Pier Business)? Don’t they take away your lounge invitation card upon entry? Thanks so much!!
- Jarrod West December 10, 2019
  Hi Jess,
  Since your boarding pass will only be a business class ticket, you might not be permitted to enter the Pier First section, but if you speak with the agent and explain that you arrived on a first-class ticket then they may allow it.
  Thanks for reading!
  - Jess December 12, 2019
    Thanks for responding Jarrod! I guess my question is more about whether you can enter multiple lounges in one layover? Assuming they let me into the first class lounge, would i still be able to check out the business lounge after? I have read online where people have used various CX business lounges at HKG, just wondering how that works?? Thanks again!!
    - Jarrod West December 12, 2019
      Hi Jess,
      Happy to help! Yes, you can definitely enter multiple lounges on one layover! They will just need to check and make sure you’ve got the appropriate boarding pass for each lounge you enter.

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Hong Kong Airport Lounges: Making the Most of 9 Hours [The Pier, Wing, Bridge & More]

Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

3:52 p.m.

American Express Centurion Lounge

5:07 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Bridge Business Class Lounge

6:24 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

6:57 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Deck Business Class Lounge

7:41 p.m.

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge

8:08 p.m.

Plaza Premium First Lounge

8:37 p.m.

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

10:40 p.m.

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

11:15 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

How did you get access to all these lounges?

How should I decide which lounge to visit?

What if I am not traveling in a premium cabin or do not have a suitable credit card with lounge provisions?

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Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

3:52 p.m.

American Express Centurion Lounge

5:07 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Bridge Business Class Lounge

6:24 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

6:57 p.m.

Cathay Pacific – The Deck Business Class Lounge

7:41 p.m.

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge

8:08 p.m.

Plaza Premium First Lounge

8:37 p.m.

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Wing Business Class Lounge

10:40 p.m.

Again: Cathay Pacific – The Pier Business Class Lounge

11:15 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

How did you get access to all these lounges?

How should I decide which lounge to visit?

What if I am not traveling in a premium cabin or do not have a suitable credit card with lounge provisions?

About Greg Stone

6 comments

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

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