- Introduction: Mileage Running To Hong Kong
- Review: American Business Class 777-300ER Dallas To Hong Kong
- Review: Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Review: Cathay Pacific “The Bridge” Business Class Lounge Hong Kong
- Cathay Pacific “The Wing” First Class Lounge Hong Kong Review
- Review: American Business Class 777-300ER Hong Kong to Dallas
We took a taxi to the airport, and arrived at around 10AM for our 1:20PM departure to Dallas.
Hong Kong Airport exterior
I don’t think there’s a much more impressive check-in hall in the world than the one at Hong Kong Airport.
Hong Kong Airport check-in hall
American’s check-in counters were located in Row E, near the center of the terminal.
Hong Kong Airport American Airlines check-in
We used the first class check-in queue (which Executive Platinum members are allowed to use), and were checked in within a minute.
Hong Kong Airport American Airlines check-in
We were handed lounge invitations, hilariously for the Priority Pass lounge. It’s just mind-blowing how cheap American is sometimes. As a oneworld premium cabin passenger or elite member you’re allowed to use the Cathay Pacific lounges, which are infinitely better than the Priority Pass lounge. But I’m guessing it costs American a few bucks less if you instead use the Priority Pass lounge, which presumably is why they give you that invitation.
Hong Kong Airport American Airlines lounge invitation
While I love Hong Kong Airport, one major downside is that they don’t have premium queues at security or immigration. The queues can get quite long, though in this case they weren’t. Security took maybe five minutes, while there was a 10 minute queue for immigration.
Hong Kong Airport security checkpoint
Here’s a quick tip — make sure you walk with purpose as soon as you pass immigration, as there are an army of people there that want to conduct “quick” surveys about your experience in Hong Kong. These quick surveys have about 42 questions. You’ve been warned. 😉
Anyway, ordinarily I would turn left once through immigration, as the door to The Wing is located there, which is Cathay Pacific’s first class lounge in Hong Kong.
However, in today’s case I was most excited to check out The Bridge, which is Cathay Pacific’s newest lounge in Hong Kong. This is actually a business class lounge, so is open to first and business class passengers, as well as oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.
Hong Kong Airport terminal
The Bridge is located near gate 35, so once you clear immigration you’re best off taking the train there, as it lets out just a short walk from the lounge. Do note, however, that the train only runs one-way — you can take it from gate 1 to gate 35, but not in the other direction.
Hong Kong Airport terminal
We decided to walk instead, though, as it is a gorgeous terminal (and there’s something about looking at the planes at Hong Kong Airport that excites me).
Hong Kong Airport terminal
Hong Kong Airport terminal
The entrance to The Bridge is located at the far end of the concourse.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge entrance Hong Kong Airport
You just have to take a set of escalators down a level, where the reception desk is located.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge entrance Hong Kong Airport
We were quickly checked in, and decided to first check out the right side of the lounge. the lounge has wings on both sides of the reception desk, with easy signage for each of the “unique” areas.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge signage Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge signage Hong Kong Airport
On the right side of the lounge were The Bakery, The Long Bar, and The TV Lounge. I was instantly impressed by the lounge — absolutely gorgeous! The decor was lovely, it featured views of the tarmac, and the lounge was surprisingly empty.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
There were so many seating options, from couches to lounge chairs to circular cubicles.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge newspapers Hong Kong Airport
While the lounge doesn’t boast runway views, it does boast very nice tarmac views.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge view Hong Kong Airport
The first feature we checked out was The Long Bar, located at the far end of the right side of the lounge.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
It is indeed quite long, though not as long as the bar in the Swiss Lounge Zurich, which I believe is the longest airport bar in the world.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
Since it was still early, the bar had a few croissants and pastries on display.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
There was also an extensive drink menu. The champagne on offer was Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut NV — that’s perfectly nice for a business class lounge.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Long Bar Hong Kong Airport
Right next to the bar was The TV Lounge.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge TV Lounge Hong Kong Airport
Then next to that was The Bakery, which is the primary dining area in the lounge.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
There’s tons of seating in The Bakery, consisting of both communal tables and individual tables.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
The food selection was fantastic. Nothing was especially gourmet, but everything looked well executed and delicious. Usually when I’m looking at buffets in airport lounges I’m looking more at how something looks than what it is, given that most food just doesn’t look appetizing. Just about all the food in The Bakery looked good, though.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
The selection of food was varied. They had salad, soup, paninis, croissants, pastries, muffins, yogurt, fruit, dim sum, eggs, bacon, hash browns, etc.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Then there were self serve drinks, including soft drinks, water, beer, and coffee machines.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bakery Hong Kong Airport
In terms of the dining experience, everything is self serve, unlike in The Wing First Class Lounge, where they have table service.
After checking out The Bakery we headed past the reception desk to the other side of the lounge.
The general seating on the left side of the lounge was almost a mirror image to what was on the right side of the lounge.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge seating Hong Kong Airport
While the other side of the lounge had The Bakery, this side of the lounge had The Bistro. It was a bit smaller and featured mostly individual tables, while The Bakery had a lot of communal tables.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
In terms of the food itself, I’m not entirely sure what the difference between the two is. The press release about the lounge describes the difference in food as follows:
The North Wing features The Bakery, which offers freshly baked bread and pizzas, as well as sandwiches, pastries, Asian and Western soups, and fresh salads.
The South Wing features The Bistro, a self-service area where passengers can enjoy a variety of high-quality Asian and Western hot dishes and cold food selections, including delicious desserts and light leafy salads.
Anyway, The Bistro also offered self serve soft drinks, coffee, juice, beer, etc.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Then they had a few hot dishes (fried vermicelli, baked egg with spinach, bacon, chicken sausage, etc.), fruit, cereal, granola, cheese, yogurt, and dim sum.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Bistro Hong Kong Airport
Then at the far end of the lounge was The Coffee Loft, which was probably my favorite part. I’m a coffee-holic, so rather than using one of their machines to make an espresso-based drink, you can have one custom made. It featured lots of comfortable seating as well.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Coffee Loft Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Coffee Loft Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Coffee Loft Hong Kong Airport
The Coffee Loft didn’t just serve coffee, but also tea, smoothies, wine, beer, etc.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Coffee Loft Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge Coffee Loft Hong Kong Airport
Next to The Coffee Loft was The IT Zone, which featured workstations and a handful of iMacs.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge IT Zone Hong Kong Airport
Also in this area of the lounge were the shower rooms. They featured a sink, toilet, and walk-in shower, and were spacious and nicely designed.
Cathay Pacific The Bridge showers Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge showers Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific The Bridge showers Hong Kong Airport
Cathay Pacific’s The Bridge bottom line
This is an absolutely stunning lounge, and easily the best business class lounge at Hong Kong Airport, in my opinion. The lounge feels fresh, is nice and quiet, and has some really unique “areas,” which I really appreciate.
In terms of just relaxing I think I prefer this to The Wing First Class Lounge (which I’ll review in the next installment), though The Wing does still have table service, a much better drink selection, and some really nice shower cabanas, so I’m not quite ready to make this my “primary” lounge in place of that.
That being said, if in business class or a oneworld Sapphire, this would absolutely be my “go to” lounge.
Have you visited The Bridge? If so, what were your impressions?
Lucky
how far from the bridge lounge to gate 520 ?
1) May I make use of the Bridge lounge (Jan 2017) if I am willing to pay as an economy Cathay (repeat) traveler?
2) I have lots of Asia Miles -can I use them towards a stay?
3) What would it cost for about 6 hours stay (if an economy person is permitted) ?
Bert
Sitting in the Bridge now. Best business class lounge I have ever been in. Classy, quiet, and great service. 5*!
The signage for this lounge is a disgrace. They expect you to notice a logo at the top of some stairs. What a joke. Why not get a sticker with the words Cathay Pacific lounge on it ??? Crap experience .
Perhaps someone out there who has first hand experience and can tell me if the WING or the BRIDGE lounges are very busy (esp the shower facilities) at around 8/8.30 am ?
@ Maddy -- That's generally a pretty busy time, since lots of flights land early in the morning, and people often connect.
Thanks Lucky. Maybe another option is to use the QF lounge to have our shower. The last time I had a layover I had to Q for the shower facilities at the WING but that was at night. Hopefully not so busy in the morning
Thanks Lucky. Guess I should go to the lounge that's closest to my departure gate. One more query which I hope you can answer as so far I've drawn a blank with QF & CX. I'm a member of both Qantas Club & Marco Polo club. As I live in AUS all my CC points go to QF FF. Consequently whenever I fly CX business which is usually 1-2 times a year I choose to...
Thanks Lucky. Guess I should go to the lounge that's closest to my departure gate. One more query which I hope you can answer as so far I've drawn a blank with QF & CX. I'm a member of both Qantas Club & Marco Polo club. As I live in AUS all my CC points go to QF FF. Consequently whenever I fly CX business which is usually 1-2 times a year I choose to earn points on my QF rather than MP as I figured I'll accumulate points quicker that way. Otherwise the points I'd earn on MP at that rate won't allow me to do much. Am I choosing the right option ? Cheers
@ Maddy -- I'd say so. It does depend how expensive the fares you're booking are. In other words, if you'd earn significantly more miles through Cathay Pacific than Qantas it could make sense to credit to them, but otherwise I would stick to Qantas, given that you live in Australia.
Hey Lucky ... your advice/comments were most helpful and now I'm back and heading off next month to Spain. Going by CX business & returning by PE. I'm a silver MP club member but not my travelling companion. Any tips you can give me on
(1). Getting access to the lounge for my travelling companion
(2). getting an upgrade to business class at least for the HKG-PER sector
Cheers ... Maddy
After an overnight flight from AUS arriving 7.45 am we have a 2 hour transit in HKG airport before catching the CX flight to Paris departing . Do you think we will have sufficient time to grab some breakfast and a quick shower. If so which lounge would you recommend ?
@ Maddy -- You should. It all depends which gate you arrive at/leave from, but in general The Bridge is a great option, in my opinion.
Last month, binged on all four lounges (Business class) and agree that The Bridge beats them all.
Anyone has been to The Pier and The Cabin? How are they compare to The Bridge?
Hi Lucky, I'm flying via HKG in a few weeks, originally purchased premium economy reward tickets (asia miles) and was informed I had been upgraded to business (U) class - great! Now my question is, in this situation will I have access to any of the CX lounges during my lay-over in HK? Thanks :)
@ Kyi -- Congrats, that's awesome! Yes, you should indeed have lounge access.
Hi Lucky:
I will be using Cathay (business class) through Hong Kong to a trip to SE Asia each way from/to the US. How can I get easily (each way, upon arrival from the US and upon departure to US) to this new lounge? Thanks.
@ Suzy -- The lounge is in the terminal, so once you clear transit security you should easily find it. The directions all depend on which checkpoint you come through.
"...We were handed lounge invitations, hilariously for the Priority Pass lounge. It’s just mind-blowing how cheap American is sometimes."
Ben, can I suggest that AA needed a solution for lounge access not just for First, Business, Exec Plat and Plat but also their Admirals Club customers flying in coach. Cathay would definitely not have tolerated a paid-membership passenger using its lounge for fear of setting any precedents.
Qantas lounge in HKG would have been the...
"...We were handed lounge invitations, hilariously for the Priority Pass lounge. It’s just mind-blowing how cheap American is sometimes."
Ben, can I suggest that AA needed a solution for lounge access not just for First, Business, Exec Plat and Plat but also their Admirals Club customers flying in coach. Cathay would definitely not have tolerated a paid-membership passenger using its lounge for fear of setting any precedents.
Qantas lounge in HKG would have been the ideal solution given the reciprocal rights for Qantas Club and Admirals Club members. However, given that the Qantas lounge is open later in the day/evening offering a Priority Pass lounge was the best cost-effective solution for all its customers.
I think AA is fully aware that its premium pax would choose to lounge in Cathay's offering.
Will check Bridge Saturday enroute PVG-SYD. #RTW14.
As for American being cheap, I think maybe Cathay doesn't want other oneworld carriers using their lounge more than they have to -- none of the other oneworld carriers at HKG use the Cathay lounges as their "main" lounge option -- search HKG here to see: http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/lounge-access
Ben, totally second Charlie's comment on the new QF lounge (which was open as of Sept 27th - maybe hadn't opened for the day yet? - It is a bit hard to find). The food and drinks were insanely well thought out (healthy, flavorful, presented well)
Both that and the QF lounge in Singapore are beautiful and look like a Stanley Kubrick movie and an Apple store had a baby. Nice to see that airlines...
Ben, totally second Charlie's comment on the new QF lounge (which was open as of Sept 27th - maybe hadn't opened for the day yet? - It is a bit hard to find). The food and drinks were insanely well thought out (healthy, flavorful, presented well)
Both that and the QF lounge in Singapore are beautiful and look like a Stanley Kubrick movie and an Apple store had a baby. Nice to see that airlines are starting to design lounges for people under 65. Wood paneling has had its day.
Comparing both the Bridge and QF Lounge to the Wing F lounge (presumably in your next post) will probably illustrate this point well.
@ Eric -- Correct, only opens in the afternoon. Unfortunate, because I really wanted to check it out.
Flying on an AA FC award, which includes us going J from HKG to NRT, since Cathay doesn't offer a FC on that flight. Do we qualify for the Wing, since it's a FC award out of NRT? And if so, considering Pavel's comment above and that it's a 9am flight, would we be best off in the Bridge anyway timewise?
@ Robert Hanson -- Are you connecting same day to international first class? If so, you do get access. If not, you don't get access.
Hi Lucky. The Missus & I are about to take a trip from Hong Kong to Phuket on Dragonair (Business Class). Do you know whether we'd be able to access The Bridge, or just G16?
@ DougB -- You should be able to access The Bridge.
When I passed through HKG in April, I found the Wing F to be far more relaxing. I had intended to check out the pier also, but after seeing how packed the Bridge was, I headed back to the Wing (and my flight left from the gates right near the Wing also).
Imagine what you saw in the Bridge, but with every seat occupied. By comparison, the Wing F was at most 1/3rd full and of course, it has the cabanas and table service!
@ Dylan -- Wow, usually find the opposite to be true -- The Wing is almost always full when I'm there.
@ Lucky - you should also try the 'new' QF lounge. In my opinion, food beats CX business lounges (never had the chance to fly F or reach emerald :( for F lounge access). Decor and view aren't bad either
@ Charlie -- I wanted to, but was still closed. :(
wow, wish i had gone here instead of my two visits to the wing last week. while the showers made it worth it, i was rather disappointed in the first class section's dining options. the queues one morning for the restaurant were outrageous and on my next visit, i was promptly seated and given a menu. i then ordered, got some food from the buffet and then waited for my main dish. and waited, and...
wow, wish i had gone here instead of my two visits to the wing last week. while the showers made it worth it, i was rather disappointed in the first class section's dining options. the queues one morning for the restaurant were outrageous and on my next visit, i was promptly seated and given a menu. i then ordered, got some food from the buffet and then waited for my main dish. and waited, and waited and waited. after about 30 minutes i figured they just forgot about me so i left. kind of a let-down for a first class experience. the bridge looks much more up my alley: i like to grab some snacks, take a seat and just relax.
although the plane spotting from the wing's first class section was amazing. never seen so many varieties of heavies in my life!
@ Jenelle. Locals arrive at lounge half an hour to an hour before departure. Even though we are supposed to be at the gate 30 mins before departure. Only works if you know exactly where your gate is. table service at first class lounge is very efficient. Business class is practically in and out
Does a DragonAir business class ticket with no status count?
@ Dragon -- Sure does!
Lucky, do you have e-Channel access at HKIA? Not as good as a premium line, but it saves a few minutes for the immigration line and keeps your passport from getting stamped. Even Marco Polo Greens are eligible.
@ Mr_Tudball -- I don't but decided I need to finally get it during my next visit.
Never seen anyone tip at wing, cabin or pier
It's nicer than wing first class lounge in terms of decor but the wing has v nice food. Happening breakfast scene for locals who like to mingle
Personally not a fan of circular chair, rather uncomfy
The pier first class lounge used to have v interesting mocha which is 20%coffee and 80% whipped cream. And dinner is fantastic. Worth checking out when they're done with renovation
Hk is quite egalitarian so we...
It's nicer than wing first class lounge in terms of decor but the wing has v nice food. Happening breakfast scene for locals who like to mingle
Personally not a fan of circular chair, rather uncomfy
The pier first class lounge used to have v interesting mocha which is 20%coffee and 80% whipped cream. And dinner is fantastic. Worth checking out when they're done with renovation
Hk is quite egalitarian so we queue at immigration and security together with the guy who has a Forbes ranking and the mass market tourists. If pressed for time Cathay ground staff will escort you through ie cut those lines, not sure about other airlines though.
You can enter more than one or all of the Cathay lounges if traveling on Cathay, might work too if traveling on partner airlines. No Harm asking.
@Deo - Thanks for the answer! Cheers!
Do people usually tip the waiters at The Wing for table service? Or any first class lounge for that matter? if so, about how much?
@ JC -- I've never seen someone tip at an airport lounge in Hong Kong, and I've never done it either.
Since you're already out East, how about taking a detour and reviewing this? http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/05/travel/beijing-new-kempinski-hotel/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
@ RS -- Beautiful! I'll have to check it out.
Susan...There is no noodle bar at the Bridge.
@ Jeff: Anyone travelling business class on a Oneworld airline departing Hong Kong can use this lounge. e.g., Cathay, American, Japan Airlines, Qantas, British Airways, Malaysia, etc. passengers on a business class ticket even without any status. Your Oneworld carrier's business class boarding pass grants you entry.
Only a business class ticket on a Oneworld carrier departing Hong Kong is enough, no status required.
I recognize those round "cubicle" chairs from the Cathay lounge at CDG. They're private, though not all that comfortable. Does The Bridge also have a made-to-order noodle bar? That's my favorite feature in the CDG lounge, even if the noodles aren't hand-pulled.
@ Susan B -- I don't believe The Bridge does, though other lounges at the airport certainly do.
no mention of the wifi speed and coverage in the lounge?
@ Lantean -- Sorry, I've found wifi to be fast at all lounges at HKIA. Should have mentioned that.
Lucky, so which lounge (Wing F or Bridge J) has a better food selection? Other than the tableside service and cabanas, the Wing F doesn't seem markedly better.
Does The Bridge have a separate section for F passengers?
@ ILDC -- The Bridge has a larger selection, The Wing First Class has a more "high end" selection, if that makes sense. There's no first class section in The Bridge.
Just for clarification, when you say "if in business class" for access to this lounge, does that include AA business or just Cathay? Like, without oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, could I use this lounge when flying AA business or would I have to use AA's pass to the inferior Priority Pass lounge?
@ Jeff -- Yep, any oneworld business class qualifies.
Visited in May. I actually liked the decor of The Bridge better than the all black scheme of the First Class section of The Wing.
@ Lucky, I noticed that you got to the airport over three hours before your flight departed. I will be going to Hong Kong for the first time next year on Cathay Pacific first and business class and wanted to know if that is how much time you should allow at the airport if you wanted to visit a lounge. I would just would to stop by one to get something to eat and drink for breakfast before the 11:55am flight from Hong Kong to ORD. Thanks!
@ Jenelle Madera -- Getting to the airport two hours before departure should be plenty early if you want to just check out one lounge. Enjoy your trip!
This looks a lot nicer than the Wing business class lounge. (The one near the front of the terminal, where the US flights leave from.)
Will check it out in December on my way to BKK on CX.
Thought you might appreciate this, Lucky
http://www.stylist.co.uk/travel/new-business-class-only-airline-offers-luxury-flights-to-new-york-for-under-1k
@ Alex -- Thanks for the link -- hah!