Review: Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong especially The Wing and The Pier First Class Lounge are one of my favorite first class lounges and I am excited to be back after a long time.

Following a short flight from Seoul to Hong Kong, I had an overnight layover before flying to Phuket. So I had a chance to spend a lot of time in lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.

Unfortunately, The Pier – First Class Lounge is still closed due to the pandemic.

Getting To Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge

The Wing First Class Lounge is located on the left-hand side of the main departures hall area after immigration. For transfer passengers, the lounge is located at the south departures hall transit area between gates 1 and 4.

Those who arrive in Hong Kong from gates 40 thru 70 are recommended to use the shuttle train since it will be a long walk to the lounge.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Operational Hours

The Wing First Class Lounge operates on rather flexible hours. Its official hours of operation are from 5 AM to the “last departure of the day.”

Now the “last departure of the day” varies each day where sometimes it could be 2 AM or even as late as 4 AM if the last flight (CX844 to New York) gets delayed. However, I noticed most of the time the lounge generally closes around 3:30 AM.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Entry Requirements

Cathay Pacific first class lounge access is only allowed for first class passengers, Cathay Diamond and Oneworld Emerald members.

The only difference with elite frequent flyers entering the lounge is the number of guests that are allowed to bring.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Layout and Seating

The Wing – First Class Lounge offers spacious and luxurious seating and design around. As you enter the lounge, you will be greeted by the champagne bar and choose from a selection of premium champagnes for your welcome drink.

Passing through the champagne bar, there is a large shelf with magazines and newspapers and also two round semi-private solus chairs for seating.

Since the lounge has been operational for years, the furniture in the lounge is a little outdated however that makes the lounge look fancier. More armchairs with comfortable finishes are available throughout the main section of the lounge including the solus chairs for those who wish extra privacy.

The majority of the seats are oversized so you can seat comfortably in any position.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Business Center

The Wing – First Class Lounge does not have a separate section for the business center but there are a couple of iMac desktops and a printer as well as an empty table if you wish to use your own laptop for work.

The open business center space reduces the privacy of work compared to the Pier lounge which has its own private area called ‘The Library.”

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge “The Haven”

The Wing – First Class Lounge has an in-lounge restaurant called “The Haven.” This is one of the best features of the lounge where you can dine on demand with a mixture of à la carte menus as well as the buffet. Though, due to the pandemic, the buffet area has now moved out from the restaurant and onto the common area beside it.

The Haven offers a wide choice of menus from breakfast to dinner. In my opinion, the catering pre-pandemic was much better as Cathay Pacific was one of the most hit airlines during the pandemic and the cost redundancy is shown from the catering.

During my long connection, I had a chance to try out both the dinner and breakfast. While the beverage options are pretty much the same throughout the day, the starters, mains and desserts are different.

The dishes were served instantly upon order and you can either choose from getting all your orders at once or simultaneously. But during peak hours, I’d recommend getting everything at once since the restaurant servers will be busy with other customers.

For the breakfast, ordered a congee with some dumplings and fried noodles.

As I mentioned above, there is a separate all-day buffet corner, which looks more like a cafe with mains, desserts and fruits displayed outside the restaurant.

At the buffet stand, there is a variety of food to consume. However, most of the time, it is more to have a dessert or tea/coffee rather than having a full meal since there is an amazing restaurant beside it.

You can also order tea from the tea menu. Then the lounge staff will prepare for you and serve your seat.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Bar

The lounge also has its own bar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. It is located just before the restaurant.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Cabanas

I would say the charm of this lounge is probably the cabanas. It is the most famous area for first class and elite members and tends to have a long wait time since you can use the cabanas for 90 minutes.

You can enjoy a quiet, private sanctuary at one of the lounge’s five stylish cabanas for a restful or productive break. Each temperature-controlled Cabana comes with a large bath and rain shower, a comfortable day bed, and ample working space with outlets and connectivity.

However, there seems to be a heater issue during my evening visit as no matter how much I turn on the hot water, only cold water was coming out. I think the heating capacity reached its limit as when I went to the cabanas early morning as soon as the lounge opened, there was proper hot water coming out from the tab.

Both the cabanas and shower suites are equipped with Bamford amenities. Additionally, the cabanas attendants will provide ironing service and pillows and duvets upon request.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Shower Suites

Not only the first class lounge has cabanas, but it also has a couple of spacious shower suites. The shower suites are located further down the hallway.

Again, the water temperature for the hot water was not working well in the evening. Perhaps the maintenance should take a look at the water heater.

Cathay Pacific – The Wing – First Class Lounge Restroom

Restrooms are located just before the restaurant, beside the bar. The black marble-designed restroom door may be confusing for the first-timer but I find it to very luxurious finish.

Summary

After nearly four years, I was able to visit Cathay Pacific’s – The Wing – First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Unfortunately, the Pier – First Class Lounge is still closed and it is not known when it will reopen. Hopefully, it will reopen soon.

Everything at the lounge remained the same as I visited four years ago however I can clearly notice that the quality of the dining was reduced due to the pandemic cost cuts. Moreover, the water in the showers and cabanas was very cold when I used them so I was disappointed.