CATHAY PACIFIC LOUNGE
WHERE Terminal 1, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
WHEN November 2015
INFO With a seating capacity of up to 245 people, the revamped Taipei lounge features the airline’s new lounge design ethos that has already been seen in Tokyo Haneda (see here), Manila (see here) and Bangkok (see here). Along with the Noodle Bar, there is also a dedicated work area known as The Bureau that comes equipped with dual operating system iMacs and printers. The lounge is also the first to feature the new Solo Chair, which comes with a side table, reading lamp and coat hook.
HIGHLIGHT CX’s signature Noodle Bar, which serves a selection of soup noodles including wonton noodles, dan dan noodles and Taiwanese beef noodles.
ENTRY First and business class passengers travelling with CX or fellow Oneworld carriers are afforded entry, as are Silver tier or higher members of Marco Polo Club, and Oneworld Sapphire or higher tier cardholders.
SKYTEAM EXCLUSIVE LOUNGE
WHERE Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport
WHEN October 2015
INFO Designed by Hong Kong-based Mitchel Squires, the brand new lounge features a total of 230 seats that come in different shapes and sizes. There is also a VIP room available and this modestly sized area is enclosed from the rest of the lounge. It consists of seven comfortable multi-coloured sofa seats and reading lights. Catering is provided by the Plaza Premium Group, and the facility offers an excellent F&B offering, including cooked to order noodles.
HIGHLIGHT The yoga studio is a first for a lounge in Hong Kong, and comes with two yoga mats and a large-screen television showcasing workout videos.
ENTRY First and business class passengers travelling with any Skyteam member carrier, as well as Skyteam Elite Plus members
NO. 77 CHINA EASTERN PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE
WHERE Terminal 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport
WHEN November 2015
INFO At over 1,800sqm, the lounge offers a seating capacity of 500 and is equipped with an array of independent facilities, including a leisure area, buffet area, bar area, five Internet workstations, nursing room three shower suites, relaxation area, and smoking room. Plaza Premium’s signature honeycomb seat has also found its way into the Shanghai facility, while complimentary wifi is available throughout.
HIGHLIGHT The live cooking station that serves up an authentic fare of Shanghai- and Hong Kong-style noodles.
ENTRY All passengers regardless of class of travel; a two-hour lounge visit costs RMB300 (US$47).
plaza-network.com and flychinaeastern.com
UNITED CLUB
WHERE Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s Concourse T
WHEN November 2015
INFO Located between gates 11 and 12 on the mezzanine level, the newly opened United Club offers panoramic views of the airport as well as seating for more than 100 people. Visiting customers can choose from a number of complimentary fresh-food choices, including yoghurt and fresh fruit; muffins in rotating flavours of cinnamon and blueberry; sliced red bell peppers in hummus; seasonal soups; and spicy Bloody Mary trail mix.
HIGHLIGHT The vintage aviation artwork on display throughout the lounge
ENTRY First and business class customers travelling with United of a Star Alliance member airline; Star Alliance Gold members; and United Club members.
BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE
WHERE Terminal 1, Singapore Changi Airport
WHEN August 2015
INFO The new lounge adheres to BA’s new lounge design ethos of contemporary British style and features art pieces from up-and-coming Singaporean and UK artists such as Simon Wee and Dr. Brendan Neiland. Facilities include coat check, baggage storage and shower rooms. For F&B, the lounge offers a selection of wines, refreshments and food that can be found at the buffet counters and the bar.
HIGHLIGHT The first ever Concorde Bar. With black Nero marble surfaces, European oak flooring and stylish furnishings, this is a private area available exclusively to BA’s first class customer, which requires a passcode to enter. It has a 360-degree digital screen displaying panoramic views of the Singapore skyline - complete with day to night transitions.
ENTRY BA’s first and business (Club World) customers, along with eligible Executive Gold and Silver member, as well as Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald frequent flyers.
Clement Huang
