There are three Plaza Premium Lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. However, they’re not worth going to since the lines are long. Everyone and their dog in this financial hub has a credit card that comes with a Priority Pass or Plaza Premium membership membership. Even the lounges at gates 35 and 60 have a waitlist. So, I spent most of my time in the truly premium lounges.
Chase Sapphire Lounge
It’s the most conveniently located lounge at gate 40, which is in the middle of the three spokes of Terminal 1. Its spacious location on the upper floor has a buffet zone, bar zone, and relaxation zone. Guests can order food from their table via a QR code and a variety of Hong Kong-inspired drinks at the bar while the relaxation zone has armchairs with ottomans to rest weary feet.
Skip the more-or-less standard salad bar and leave space for the good stuff. The dim sum is only okay, but the wonton noodles and eggs benedict are worth the wait for a fresh order from the kitchen. I could spend hours in here and be content. The interior design is chic and the seating is comfortable. Eligible Chase cardholders and Priority Pass members have access to this modern lounge.
Centurion Lounge
I had been waiting a while for Amex’s premium lounge in Hong Kong to reopen. It has great dim sum and English breakfast options. Bacon, siu mai, and a glass of champagne–why not? It serves my favorite Swiss ice cream—Mövenpick—after 11:30am. Too bad my flight boarded at 10:35. I did get to enjoy the extensive bar service with a variety of American Express classic drinks and great whisky.
It’s a little more crowded than the Chase lounge but there wasn’t a line when I visited on a weekday morning. Staff put card members on a wait list when all tables are occupied. The area behind the buffet is reserved for Centurion cardholders, so I wasn’t able to see what it was like in there. The toilets are clean with sound isolating cubicles for privacy when doing private business. Eligible American Express cardholders are invited behind the blue doors.
Cathay Pacific The Pier
The Pier is Cathay’s flagship lounge, it has a business class and first class section. The business class section has a buffet-style food hall, a wet bar, a noodle bar, a teahouse, showers, and a quiet relaxation room all arranged as a chain of rooms by a long corridor.
I had the Cathay signature Betsy beer, which was brewed specifically for enjoyment at 35,000 feet and crispy roasted pork and barbecued pork. Then, I had a shower in one of the brutalist shower rooms that were stocked with toiletries.
Cathay Pacific The Deck
This is the newest of Cathay’s three business class lounges at HKG. It’s an open patio on the airport’s northeastern wing. It has contemporary Asian fixtures and a variety of social, individual and family seating. I had some wontons from the noodle bar and enjoyed a glass of champagne.
It’s the quietest of the three Cathay lounges because it’s out of the way, so the staff are a little more chatty. One of the older attendants treated me like family, asking if I needed a champagne refill and talking about my upcoming trip. Everything is supposed to be self-serve, but this location goes above and beyond.
Cathay Pacific The Wing
The Wing is the oldest of Cathay’s three lounges, the interior looks dated, and it’s packed. It’s the most convenient one just pass immigration control, so it’s a favourite among frequent travellers who don’t want to walk all the way to The Pier. There’s a noodle bar, dim sum, and self-serve alcohol, but no wet bar. The coffee house wasn’t staffed when I visited.
Kyra Lounge
The Kyra lounge is underground, so the queues are short for a pay-per-use lounge in HKG. Lounge Key and Priority Pass members are welcome regardless of cabin class or airline. It opened in 2024 with a modern interior and very courteous staff who bow to welcome guests. Even the robot vacuum cleaner would smile at you.
The food was only average, but the wet bar offered creative signature cocktails with a local twist. I had a blue Fragrant Harbour that contained gin, lychee liquor, elderflower liqueur, blue curaçao and yoghurt. Other cocktails include lion dance, dragon tale, Kowloon sunrise and lunar lantern. It is the best pay-per-use lounge at HKG.
