Tried & Tested

Lounge review: Hong Kong Airlines Club Autus

3 Jul 2018 by Valerian Ho
Club Autus Lounge Entrance

Background

Hong Kong Airlines invested HK$35 million (US$4.5 million) in its new Club Autus lounge, which it opened last September at Hong Kong International Airport, bringing its total number of lounges at its main hub to two.

The airline’s other, comparatively smaller Club Bauhinia lounge is located near Gate 23 of Terminal 1, and Business Traveller has previously reviewed this facility.

Club Autus seating area

Where is it?

The lounge is located in the midfield concourse on level 7, and takes about 10 minutes to reach by taking the airport tram to the end stop.

What's it like?

The Club Autus lounge is a large facility, about double the size of its Club Bauhinia counterpart. The lounge’s open-air set up along with the ample glass windows that make up the terminal mean there is an abundance of natural light and this combined with its brown, wooden colour scheme give the facility a residential feeling.

Club Autus dining area

The lounge’s name, “Autus”, means “enlargement” in Latin, something the facility with its expansive space certainly lives up to. There are plenty of seats, including dining tables near the food stations, as well as a business zone and high tables overlooking the airfield.

Club Autus main area

Even the walkable areas are spacious, especially between the seats and food stations – a definite plus when trying to carry a handful of food and drink without bumping into other guests.

Travellers should note that there are no boarding announcements in the lounge, though there is a TV showing an up-to-date flight schedule and boarding times. If you’re looking to get some work done, there is also a workstation equipped with a printer and two computers with large monitors located by the windows.

One of the lounge’s true hidden gems, however, is situated just at the end and to the left of the food station – a tucked away space with extra seating. As the majority of guests opt to sit near the food area, this leaves ample space in this more private section.

That being said, on my visit the lounge was far from crowded, making the entire lounge a quiet and tranquil place to be. There are even good views to be had of the airfield and aircraft parked at their gates.

If you’re looking for a spot to take a proper nap, however, there is also a dimmed room with six chaise longue leather chairs. Each of these have a socket next to them, and there is even a towel prepared that can be placed on the chair before you lay down.

Wifi is available and I spent a decent amount of time using it to browse the internet. I also uploaded some photos to Instagram and found this smooth and quick to do.

Back to the food station, though, and guests will find a long table that encompasses everything from a bar – serving alcoholic drinks, juices, coffee, water and tea – to hot and cold dishes, to live a cooking station. Cold dishes included salads, sandwiches, fruits and yogurt, while the hot dishes entailed fried buns, sausages, beans, sweet corn, pastry and dim sum.

One item I particularly recommend is the freshly made, local egg puff. Rather than go for the original flavour, I tried the Milo chocolate variant, which was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Very tasty.

Verdict

A very spacious and new facility, offering a wide range of food options. While the lounge can get crowded, there are still plenty of areas to enjoy some peace and quiet.

View from Club Autus

Who can access?

Eligible passengers include business Class passengers travelling on Hong Kong Airlines; and Fortune Wings Club Platinum, Gold and Silver members travelling on Hong Kong Airlines. Platinum members are allowed to invite two companions who are travelling on the same flight, while Gold members can invite one.

Lounge vouchers also can be purchased online for HK$350 (US$45).

Fact file

Opening hours 6am to 1.30am

Contact hongkongairlines.com

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