LOS ANGELES BUSINESS LOUNGE
OPERATOR Qantas (managing airline), Cathay Pacific and British Airways
WHERE Los Angeles International Airport (Tom Bradley International Terminal)
ELIGIBILITY Business class passengers travelling with Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways. Gold tier members of Qantas Frequent Flyers and Marco Polo Club are also afforded entry, as are Executive Club Silver cardholders, Oneworld Sapphire customers and Qantas Club members.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT A new wing opened earlier this month with an additional 200 seats, which brings the total capacity of the lounge to 600 seats. There is also a dedicated dining area with a large communal dining table, and seven more shower suites bringing the total available to 16.
WHY WE LOVE IT One of the things that Qantas often touts is its excellent F&B lounge offering, which features dishes by celebrity chef Neil Perry. The new wing adds another kitchen, which according to the airline allows them to offer more a expansive menu, and greater variety in dining options.
PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE
OPERATOR Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited (PPL)
WHERE Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
ELIGIBILITY Any paying customer holding a flight ticket. Prices start at £35/US$54 per person for two hours (including VAT). There is a special opening rate of only £30/US$46 per person for two hours of lounge use. Offer lasts until end of June.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT Productivity pods for guests to work, a VIP area, shower facilities, lounge connectivity, bar area, and a live cooking station and buffet.
WHY WE LOVE IT PPL has a proven track record for developing quality pay-in lounges, as seen in its flagship facilities in Hong Kong. Its new lounge in Heathrow is no different. The large windows provide an abundance of natural light, and there’s no better place to sample the generous array of Asian and European-inspired dishes offered here.
CATHAY PACIFIC LOUNGE
OPERATOR Cathay Pacific
WHERE Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3
ELIGIBILITY CX first and business class passengers, Oneworld first and business class customers, Marco Polo members with Silver tier or above (when departing with CX or Oneworld carriers), as well as Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire cardholders.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT As this is the second CX lounge to open since the airline underwent a rebrand last year, the design of the new facility is similar to that seen in CX's refreshed lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport (see here). There is also the airline’s signature Noodle Bar concept, which serves up a selection of Asian favourites such as wonton noodles and dan dan noodles.
WHY WE LOVE IT Given that the Manila facility is designed by the same team as the one that worked on CX’s lounge at Tokyo Haneda, we have high hopes for it. We’re also very interested in the “authentic Philippine breakfast”, which the airline offers to guests arriving at the lounge early in the morning.
AIR NEW ZEALAND LOUNGE
OPERATOR Air New Zealand
WHERE Sydney Airport International Terminal
ELIGIBILITY Air NZ’s business class and Works Deluxe guests, Airpoints Gold or higher tier, Star Alliance Gold members, business or first class passengers flying with Star Alliance carriers, or any paying member that forks out A$55/US$43 for a visit of up to four hours.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT A bar that serves coffee by day and wines and cocktails by evening. There is also a food theatre that serves freshly made food by the resident chef, as well as a standard buffet selection. A kids’ zone is also available, and this area is stacked with books, interactive games and the latest children’s movies to keep the young ones entertained for hours.
WHY WE LOVE IT Very much like Air NZ’s own inflight products, the new lounge features an abundance of black and white coloured themes. The ultra-modern design was developed by architectural firm Gensler, and offers a number of stunning elements, including a glass wine wall and a chandelier comprised of 228 hand-blown glass spheres that was inspired by the waves of the Australian coast.
SILVER KRIS LOUNGE
OPERATOR Singapore Airlines
WHERE Heathrow Airport Terminal 2
ELIGIBILITY First and business class customers travelling with Singapore Airlines or any other Star Alliance carrier. Krisflyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold cardholders are afforded entry too.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT There are individual sections for first and business class passengers. The former will enjoy in-seat service, including a welcome drink on arrival, as well as a hot towel service similar to those offered onboard. The productivity pods pioneered by the airline are also available and provide a private enclosure for customers to eat and work in peace. There is also a buffet selection, and a bar.
WHY WE LOVE IT First class passengers have access to five different menus throughout the day that serve popular Singaporean favourites such as Laksa and Hainanese Chicken Rice. These are served alongside traditional English fare, including an afternoon tea menu. We also recommend paying a trip to the bar, where you can sample a range of premium drinks and freshly made cocktails, including the iconic Singapore Sling.
Clement Huang
