We arrived at Xiamen Airport at around 5:30PM for our 8:05PM departure. Unfortunately I somehow managed to get us to the wrong terminal. I did a quick online search before we got in our car to the airport and based on that thought our flight would leave from Terminal 4. Only after walking around the terminal and not finding Xiamen Air’s check-in desk did we realize that I was wrong. Oops.
Xiamen Airport exterior
Unlike some other airports, the terminals at Xiamen Airport are quite far apart, and it was about a 10 minute bus ride to get to Terminal 3. This mistake didn’t end up costing us that much time, since a bus was leaving right as we arrived at the station.
Once in this terminal we found the premium check-in area, as it’s hard to miss the huge red carpet.
Xiamen Airport check-in hall
Xiamen Airport first & business class check-in
We were checked in within a few minutes, and I noticed a sign at the counter indicating that the “Xiamen Airlines International First Class Lounge” opened in May 2017 (which I assume we had access to even though we were only in business class), so was excited to check it out.
Xiamen Airport first class lounge signage
With boarding passes in hand we first had to go through customs and immigration, and then through security. The departures area was quiet, so we were through in a matter of minutes.
Xiamen Airport departures hall
By the time we were airside it was around 6:00PM, and our flight was scheduled to board at 7:15PM.
Xiamen Airport departures hall
We turned right and followed the signage towards the First Class Lounge.
Xiamen Airport departures hall
The entrance to the Xiamen Air Lounge was located between gates 12 & 15. There was an elevator that took us down a level to the actual lounge.
Xiamen Air International Lounge elevator
At the desk our boarding passes were scanned, and we were reminded of our anticipated boarding time and departure gate.
Xiamen Air International Lounge reception
Much like the Xiamen Air domestic lounge impressed me, so did the international lounge. Even though the lounge wasn’t huge, it was quite empty.
Most sections of the lounge had comfortable leather seats, like you’d find in most airline lounges.
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
In the center of the lounge was the dining and buffet area — more on that in a bit.
Xiamen Air International Lounge dining area
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
There were two iMacs along the windows.
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
Then there was a tea table, which they also had in the domestic lounge.
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
Then there was a TV area.
Xiamen Air International Lounge seating
For those looking to relax, there were both daybeds and massage chairs. I would have used the massage chair, but the lack of any sort of a head cover grossed me out (I guess I could have grabbed a napkin from the buffet).
Xiamen Air International Lounge relaxation area
Xiamen Air International Lounge massage chairs
There was also an area with magazines and newspapers.
Xiamen Air International Lounge magazines & newspapers
The lounge had an elegant but updated look, and I also appreciated the attention to detail in the design. For example, the pillows had the Xiamen Air logo stitched into them.
Xiamen Air International Lounge branded pillows
In terms of the food and drink selection, there were both hot and cold options. The selection wasn’t huge, though we also weren’t hungry at this point, so weren’t looking that closely.
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Below are pictures of the food selection.
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
There was also a selection of self serve soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, beer, wine, and liquor.
Xiamen Air International Lounge coffee machine
Xiamen Air International Lounge drink selection
Xiamen Air International Lounge drink selection
Xiamen Air International Lounge drink selection
Xiamen Air International Lounge wine selection
Xiamen Air International Lounge buffet
In the very back section of the lounge was a long hallway leading to the bathrooms, which were nicely appointed.
Xiamen Air International Lounge hallway to bathrooms
Xiamen Air International Lounge bathrooms
Xiamen Air International Lounge bathrooms
There was also a separate shower room.
Xiamen Air International Lounge shower room
Xiamen Air International Lounge shower room
The Wi-Fi in the lounge worked reasonably well, so I spent a bit of time working before heading to our gate. We decided to leave at 7PM, and at that point made the short walk to gate 17.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to an airport in China that does as much “welcoming” on behalf of the city as Xiamen. Then again, the international departures area at Xiamen Airport seems like an odd place to welcome people.
Xiamen Airport signage
Xiamen Airport departure gate to LAX
Our gate was at the very end of the concourse to the left. I was expecting there may be an additional security check, but there wasn’t.
Xiamen Airport departure gate to LAX
The crew was just arriving as we got to the gate, so it was clear we were way early. While 7:15PM was the posted boarding time, boarding didn’t end up starting until 7:50PM, so we had quite a wait. There were no announcements in English at the gate.
Xiamen Airport departure gate to LAX
At 7:50PM boarding started first with wheelchair passengers, followed by business class passengers. I was expecting there may be a liquids check or something on the jet bridge, but there wasn’t.
Xiamen Air Lounge bottom line
My experience with both Xiamen Air’s international and domestic lounge at their hub airport were exceptional. The lounges were modern, comfortable, spacious, and had functioning Wi-Fi. They are hardly the best airport lounges in the world, and it’s not necessarily worth arriving at the airport early to experience either of these lounges, these are both among the nicest airline lounges I’ve visited in China.
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