Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Confirmed! The Arrivals Lounge

I was just reading the Sept version of CX World, and the Arrivals Lounge is now confirmed.

Highlights form the article
- Called "The Arrival"
- Located in T2
- Open 1 Oct
- Open to CX Gold and above, First Class, and OW Emerald (not Sapphire as previously had rumored)
- 8 Shower Suites
- 29 seats
- 6 computer stations
- TV area, buffet area
- Buffet area in the morning, due to expected peak time
- A la carte in the evening
- Opening hours from 5am to midnight

This is GREAT news! I am totally looking forward to this! Now I can visit the arrivals lounge every time I get off a CX flight! I do have a concern about there is only 29 seats, and I wonder if KA flights count as well.

Wow, great news, although the lounge sounds a bit small!^ I assume this will be landside, right? I'm taking YYZ-HKG in F, and it gets in at 4AM, which means I'll have to wait a while before using the lounge, unfortunately.

Nonetheless, this is a service every world class airline should have, IMO. Heck, even UA has it!:D

Flights on KA are not allowed to use the lounge unless they have CX Gold or oneWorld Emerald.

pacificboot, thanks for the update! :) ^

Good on CX for taking care of its Golds. ^ ^ ^

Can we have access to this CX World issue?

Does the 1 guest policy still apply to this lounge?

Weird, i got this info from another website..

CX will open an arrival lounge in Hong Kong for all First Class passenger, Marco Polo Club gold card and above members, oneWorld Emerald and Sapphire members travelling on CX/KA arrival flights to Hong Kong.
The arrival lounge has 8 showers, 3 workstations and 30 seats. It will be decorated in the same way as "The Pier" (a current CX lounge in HKIA). The new lounge is located opposite the central Airport Express platform at Terminal 2.
"The Arrival" is targeted to open in mid-September.
Source: Cathay Pacific

I still find it weird that they would open the lounge to CX Gold members, and Emerald members, but not to J class passengers. And I thought the lounge was going to be to help with those very early flights from SYD and YYZ, but opening at 5am isn't going to help much.

If they open up the lounge to J class customers, it will completely overwhelm the lounge, since it can only seat 27 people.

I find it surprising that CX would open this for customers on short haul flights, like TPE/MNL/PVG for example. Also, I feel that they should not grant access to Emerald members. To be fair, when flying on BA, DM members can't book a spa treatment at BA lounge, and don't get Fast Track at LHR transfer. For AA, GD members can't even get a free cocktail at the lounge...

If they open up the lounge to J class customers, it will completely overwhelm the lounge, since it can only seat 27 people.

I find it surprising that CX would open this for customers on short haul flights, like TPE/MNL/PVG for example. Also, I feel that they should not grant access to Emerald members. To be fair, when flying on BA, DM members can't book a spa treatment at BA lounge, and don't get Fast Track at LHR transfer. For AA, GD members can't even get a free cocktail at the lounge...

I agree with you. That will be too much to open to J passengers. Short-haul passengers do not need that, and I suppose most will not use the arrival lounge. Most DMs and GOs are HK-based, and many will just head home. Only those who are not heading home and need a shower before going to work may use it. On EMs, my feeling is that CX can get potentially overwhelmed. I saw from the AA forum that many seem to like arrival lounges.

BTW, in regards to AA lounges, DMs can ask the lounge attendants in Admirals Club for drink coupons. Do you mean they do not give drink coupons to GOs?

Golds get drinks coupons in Admirals Clubs, but AA arrivals lounges are different I think - you can't access them on the basis of OW status.

Golds get drinks coupons in Admirals Clubs, but AA arrivals lounges are different I think - you can't access them on the basis of OW status.


Really? Well, I have been in both the LAX and JFK Club two times each, and each time I did not get a drink coupon. Is there something I can print out so that I can show to the AA lounge attendants? Thinking about it.. I spent $8 on a screwdriver in the JFK Club, and there was literally no vodka!

Really? Well, I have been in both the LAX and JFK Club two times each, and each time I did not get a drink coupon. Is there something I can print out so that I can show to the AA lounge attendants? Thinking about it.. I spent $8 on a screwdriver in the JFK Club, and there was literally no vodka!

Most Admirals Club lounge attendants do not volunteer to give you coupons. You have to ask, and they should give you a drink coupon or two for you and your guest.

If they open up the lounge to J class customers, it will completely overwhelm the lounge, since it can only seat 27 people.

I find it surprising that CX would open this for customers on short haul flights, like TPE/MNL/PVG for example. Also, I feel that they should not grant access to Emerald members. To be fair, when flying on BA, DM members can't book a spa treatment at BA lounge, and don't get Fast Track at LHR transfer. For AA, GD members can't even get a free cocktail at the lounge...
I agree too. Despite my being OW (non-CX) Emerald, I would prefer that CX made this more exclusive to its MPC GOs and DMs. Do they have the option of turning away non-MPC emeralds 'because of space limitations'?

Generous of CX to include OW Emerald, given that neither AA or BA do.

Golds get drinks coupons in Admirals Clubs, but AA arrivals lounges are different I think - you can't access them on the basis of OW status.

I have read here that the LHR AA Arrivals lounge is available to CX travellers on the basis of being a GO/DM member.

I agree that opening the lounge to J travellers generally will overwhelm the lounge which only has 27 seats, but there are enough EM and GO/DM members to already overwhelm the lounge. It's just strange that they would allow an OW EM member travelling in Y to enter the lounge, and not a full fare paying J passenger.

Maybe there will be certain flight restrictions as well.

I also wonder how CX will charge other OW airlines for the use of the arrivals lounge. It is CX's choice to grant OW EM access to the lounge, what if QF/BA/AA don't want to pay for it? Unless they have already come to some agreement over it.

is there any mention of this arrivals lounge on the CX website ?

I have read here that the LHR AA Arrivals lounge is available to CX travellers on the basis of being a GO/DM member.as far as I understand these benefits are paid for by the operating airlines which the members are flying, and not by the airlines of the FFP which the members are elite with. e.g. for an AA elite flying CX, if it's start from an outport where CX doesn't operate a lounge, it's CX who's paying for the lounge and not AA.

so when arriving HKG-LHR on CX, CX pays for its GO/DM members to get access to AA Arrivals lounge. if you're arriving say JFK-LHR on AA in Y, then you don't get access to the lounge as AA the operating airline doesn't pay for other OW elites to use the AA Arrivals lounge - similar as non-CX-Sapphire/Emerald won't get access on HKG-LHR with CX on Y.

This arrival lounge is probably available for passengers arriving on CX/KA (or perhaps some limited flights) only. If so, CX does not need to charge their partners for their OW EMs accessing the lounge.

I suspect that before deciding on who to allow into the Arrivals Lounge Cathay did research and determined that except for the people on Flyertalk, most other travelers do not bother with Arrivals Lounges. My professionals who travel generally do not get off a 15-hour flight and go directly to a meeting without first going to their hotel and taking a shower, etc. Thus, I assume the research Cathay did indicated that 29 seats and 8 showers were enough to keep up wioth the demand throughout the day.

As for the AA and BA Arrivals Lounges in LHR, they are most times almost empty, especially American's lounge.

As an OW Emerald (AA) and frequent F flyer on CX, I am not in tempted to waste my time going to the lounge.

As for the AA and BA Arrivals Lounges in LHR, they are most times almost empty, especially American's lounge.

The few times I've used the BA Arrivals Lounge, there definitely has been demand. The lounge where the breakfast was served was near capacity, and there was a queue for the showers.

The few times I've used the BA Arrivals Lounge, there definitely has been demand. The lounge where the breakfast was served was near capacity, and there was a queue for the showers.

T4 - and now T5 - absolutely. T1 was normally fairly quiet though.

The AA lounge at T3 was quiet on the couple of occasions I've used it. However the lack of a hot breakfast decreased it's appeal significantly.

I was just reading the Sept version of CX World, and the Arrivals Lounge is now confirmed.

Highlights form the article
- Called "The Arrival"
- Located in T2
- Open 1 Oct
- Open to CX Gold and above, First Class, and OW Emerald (not Sapphire as previously had rumored)
- 8 Shower Suites
- 29 seats
- 6 computer stations
- TV area, buffet area
- Buffet area in the morning, due to expected peak time
- A la carte in the evening
- Opening hours from 5am to midnight

This is GREAT news! I am totally looking forward to this! Now I can visit the arrivals lounge every time I get off a CX flight! I do have a concern about there is only 29 seats, and I wonder if KA flights count as well.

Now if only you or the 21 subsequent Posters mentioned the airport I would be out of my misery.

Now if only you or the 21 subsequent Posters mentioned the airport I would be out of my misery.


HKIA, of course.:D:D:D

The few times I've used the BA Arrivals Lounge, there definitely has been demand. The lounge where the breakfast was served was near capacity, and there was a queue for the showers.

I think you are comparing apples to oranges, the LHR Lounges, if active, are active with mostly NY, BOS and DC and maybe MIA and ORD arriving passengers - as it is common for people to get off of a NY-LHR 6 hr flight and go to work. I don't think you will see much demand from pople getting off of a JFK-HKG flight going right to work, and the short hauls people will want to get out of the airport.

I think you are comparing apples to oranges, the LHR Lounges, if active, are active with mostly NY, BOS and DC and maybe MIA and ORD arriving passengers - as it is common for people to get off of a NY-LHR 6 hr flight and go to work. I don't think you will see much demand from pople getting off of a JFK-HKG flight going right to work, and the short hauls people will want to get out of the airport.

I think you'd be surprised, since many flights from Australia and US are now overnight flights arriving early morning, there are lots of people going straight to work. Including me.

I think you'd be surprised, since many flights from Australia and US are now overnight flights arriving early morning, there are lots of people going straight to work. Including me.


And to be realistic, there are going to be people using it simply because they can, not because they particularly need to. The guy who gets to the airport 3 hours early to 'enjoy' the lounge, who snaps photos of every piece of food he is served on a plane, the seat, the bathroom, etc.. is probably going use the Arrivals lounge, even if he lives in HK.

I use arrivals lounges far more as a leisure traveller than I ever did as a business traveller - as noted, business people will often pay for (or have the status to get) early morning hotel check-ins. When it's my own money and I'm a bit more relaxed timewise then I'll use the arrivals lounge where available. It irritates me immensely that BA's arrivals lounges shut at 2pm since I often seem to have flights arriving around noon or 1pm. When I was in the T4 arrivals lounge a couple of weeks ago there were at least a dozen people still there as they cleared all the food away at about 1:30 and more coming in all the way up to 2pm. The closing time appears to mean "staff stop working time" so in practice, except as somewhere to sit and use the internet connectivity the lounge closes 30 minutes before the advertised time.

This is bullshlt, plain and simple, not allowing J passengers into the lounge. Maybe they should have built it big enough. :td:

Passengers who pay for F probably won't need to use the arrivals lounge in HKG anyways. Once they are off the plane, they would most likely be wisked off to their luxury hotel where they have already booked a room with the reservation starting from the previous night in a hotel limo (Rolls Royce if staying at Peninsula) while sipping on bottled water and enjoying their cold towel.

It is probably those few FTer type of people flying on F award tickets (or with OW Emerald status), and who take the Airport Express to their chain hotels (the kind that give "status" for frequent stay) that will actually be using the arrivals lounge.

There are those who actually live in HKG, and can go home straight away after their flight.

Passengers who pay for F probably won't need to use the arrivals lounge in HKG anyway. Once they are off the plane, they would most likely be whisked off to their luxury hotel where they have already booked a room with the reservation starting from the previous night in a hotel limo (Rolls Royce if staying at Peninsula) while sipping on bottled water and enjoying their cold towel.I think you may have an overly narrow view of who pays for F. I do, but for hotels I choose places like Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express, which give me all I need from a hotel. And to get there I'll take public transport whenever there is a decent system available. Money spent on F is money well spent IMO, but money spent on top-end hotels & limos isn't.

There are those who actually live in HKG, and can go home straight away after their flight.

Not necessarily. I was looking forward to the arrivals lounge as my overnight flight from Sydney regularly arrives at 4-4.30am. It provides an alternative place to wait for the airport express to open, rather than catching a taxi home.

The few times I've used the BA Arrivals Lounge, there definitely has been demand. The lounge where the breakfast was served was near capacity, and there was a queue for the showers.

The difference between the BA lounge and it's demand is because alot of the people landing in LHR they live alot further away from their work place, or more importantly they might be going to another city, which by train or car is 1-2 hours away to have a meeting, and then heading to their city of residence. As a frequent traveller to LHR i often find myself taking BA for the arrival lounge just so that I can freshen up before heading to Paddington / King Cross Train STation for my 1.5 hour train to birmingham or sometimes 2.5hr train to leeds.

In HK, your hotel (in most cases) isnt that far away from your work, hence it makes sense to go to your hotel first, of course taking a chance that you arrival on an early morning flight and they hotel wont give you a room till noon. Most people who are going onwards to china etc, will of course use the departure lounge instead....so this small lounge is fine i presume. I guess only time will tell....

I think you may have an overly narrow view of who pays for F. I do, but for hotels I choose places like Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express, which give me all I need from a hotel. And to get there I'll take public transport whenever there is a decent system available. Money spent on F is money well spent IMO, but money spent on top-end hotels & limos isn't.

I agree with christep. Everyone has different priority where to put his/her money. Some use it to buy expensive furniture, wines, wonderful stocks... I fly F a lot and spend less on other luxury items. One reason I fly F is to take advantage of all the goodies/advantages provided by the expensive fare. On monday I get into HK from Europe at 7:30 am and go directly to work (cannot afford to lose a couple of hours to get to my place in sai kung). A shower taken at the airport would be wonderful.

same here...my wife always says the only luxury item I buy for myself in my life is air tickets... :)

If they open up the lounge to J class customers, it will completely overwhelm the lounge, since it can only seat 27 people.

I find it surprising that CX would open this for customers on short haul flights, like TPE/MNL/PVG for example. Also, I feel that they should not grant access to Emerald members. To be fair, when flying on BA, DM members can't book a spa treatment at BA lounge, and don't get Fast Track at LHR transfer. For AA, GD members can't even get a free cocktail at the lounge...

Actually I don't see many asians using this if they're originating from short haul destinations ... they would already be showered and all that already and they will be rushing to get to work and meetings etc.

As I understood it CX are taking over existing space in T2, so there is no physical room for them to build a bigger arrivals facility even if they wanted to?

I was just reading the Sept version of CX World, and the Arrivals Lounge is now confirmed.

Highlights form the article
[...]
- Open to CX Gold and above, First Class, and OW Emerald (not Sapphire as previously had rumored)
[...]

Can I just clarify...?

- Do you have to arrive on an CX flight to use this lounge even if you satisfy the above requirement?
- If not, is it any flight, i.e., including non-OW flight? Perhaps any flights for CX Gold or above, but OW flights only for non-CX OW Emeralds?

Can I just clarify...?

- Do you have to arrive on an CX flight to use this lounge even if you satisfy the above requirement?
- If not, is it any flight, i.e., including non-OW flight? Perhaps any flights for CX Gold or above, but OW flights only for non-CX OW Emeralds?

Obviously you have to arrive on a CX/KA flight.... otherwise the lounge will be packed to the yin yangs !

T4 - and now T5 - absolutely. T1 was normally fairly quiet though.
That would definitely have skewed my perceptions. I haven't been on a long-haul BA flight into T1 (thanks to CX :p ). Thanks for the correction. :)
I think you are comparing apples to oranges, the LHR Lounges, if active, are active with mostly NY, BOS and DC and maybe MIA and ORD arriving passengers - as it is common for people to get off of a NY-LHR 6 hr flight and go to work. I don't think you will see much demand from pople getting off of a JFK-HKG flight going right to work, and the short hauls people will want to get out of the airport.
Ah, but I wasn't trying to make a comparison :) ; I was offering an observation against your claim that the BA Arrivals Lounges were relatively unused:
As for the AA and BA Arrivals Lounges in LHR, they are most times almost empty...
(emphasis mine)
A bit overarching, no?

Good observations from you and CXDM, though, on what someone arriving on a JFK-HKG flight is probably expecting. Those remarks definitely expand my knowledge.

Any idea when this lounge will open? I'm arriving in HKG on Oct 3rd as MPC Gold. I'd like to take a look at it.

The opening date is listed in the first post. Please read before posting!

The difference between the BA lounge and it's demand is because alot of the people landing in LHR they live alot further away from their work place, or more importantly they might be going to another city, which by train or car is 1-2 hours away to have a meeting, and then heading to their city of residence. As a frequent traveller to LHR i often find myself taking BA for the arrival lounge just so that I can freshen up before heading to Paddington / King Cross Train STation for my 1.5 hour train to birmingham or sometimes 2.5hr train to leeds.

IMHO this is just crazy. There is no shortage of flights to BHX and LBA (not to mention MAN!). If you want to fly CX, you can always get a flight to AMS and then hop on one of many KL services across the channel. I've already done that twice (though I am not planning to fly CX again anytime soon)...I can't imagine somebody willing to pay for an F ticket yet skimping on the convenience of a flight to where they're actually going!

The opening date is listed in the first post. Please read before posting!

Sorry, but is that real? I still can't find mention of this new lounge on the CX website (news, HKIA, Arrivals, or Lounge section), nor is it on the oneworld website, nor have I gotten an e-mail or some sort of notification from CX about it. If it's scheduled to open so soon, then it's strange that there's no official information on it.

CX really seems to minimize their communications with the members these days...e.g. the huge increase in Asia Miles service fees "annonuced" on the AM website 5 days before the effective date with no early "warning" email sent out, and no mention on MPO page.

for this arrivals lounge - I don't know, just a pure guess, they don't want too many people to know too early because the lounge is indeed quite small ? imagine they send out an email to all members and all those including HKG-based just rushed to go have a look. at least they don't want to announce it until everything is smooth (e.g. a "soft launch" on Oct 1 only?).

Finally an official press release about The Arrival:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_HK/aboutus/pressroomdetails?CX_LANGUAGE=en&CX_COUNTRY=HK&refID=173e70b5cfcac110VgnVCM62000007d21c39____

Quite a short notice as it will open on Oct 1. Interesting to see the lounge will be operated by Plaza Premium instead of Peninsula.

The lounge looks so compact which could be very congested especially in the morning longhaul arrival bank.

Finally an official press release about The Arrival:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_HK/aboutus/pressroomdetails?CX_LANGUAGE=en&CX_COUNTRY=HK&refID=173e70b5cfcac110VgnVCM62000007d21c39____

Quite a short notice as it will open on Oct 1. Interesting to see the lounge will be operated by Plaza Premium instead of Peninsula.

The lounge looks so compact which could be very congested especially in the morning longhaul arrival bank.

Maybe overflow will be accommodated in the normal Plaza Premium section of the lounge?

Well, I for one am applauding CX for coming up with this. I think it's a laudable response to customer needs. Isn't this one of the first, if not the first, Arrivals Lounge in Asia that rewards frequent flyers?



(Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind if I find it intolerably crowded and customer-unfriendly when I try to use it. ;) :D )

Contrary to some postings in the middle, OneWorld Emerald only.

Also, ONLY for HKG final destination. No transit passengers.

Contrary to some postings in the middle, OneWorld Emerald only.

Oh? Then how do you explain this passage from the press release:

The Arrival is open to First Class passengers, Gold (i.e., CX Sapphire) or above members of the Marco Polo Club and oneworld Emerald passengers arriving on flights operated by Cathay Pacific or Dragonair and whose final destination is Hong Kong.

(bolding mine)
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_HK/aboutus/pressroomdetails?CX_LANGUAGE=en&CX_COUNTRY=HK&refID=173e70b5cfcac110VgnVCM62000007d21c39____

Oh? Then how do you explain this passage from the press release:

Since I was basing my comment on the posting on the CP website, which was put up today and refers only to Emerald, the explanation is easy: The press release is wrong and you can't use a press release to get into a lounge (YMMV - some people use nothing but charm, but the general rule applies). Also, it makes sense for a lounge which is only first class, not business, because most OneWorld Lounges are Emerald for FC, Sapphire for Business.

HOWEVER, I would rather be wrong. I am only Sapphire, and I arrive in HKG, as my final destination, on a CP flight, for the first time ever, in the next 10 days. So I HOPE I am wrong.

Oh? Then how do you explain this passage from the press release:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_HK/aboutus/pressroomdetails?CX_LANGUAGE=en&CX_COUNTRY=HK&refID=173e70b5cfcac110VgnVCM62000007d21c39____

IMO The explanation should be: CX arrival lounge gives privileges to it's own FFP, i.e. MPC's Gold or above ARRIVING HKG as final destination on a CX/KA Metal to get access to the lounge, versus other OW FFPs have to be Emerald level only. So you should look at MPC and OW here separately because the host is CX for this lounge. In fact it is crystal clear to me from the press but I ain't sure why were you wondering.

FYI, MPC's Gold should be equivalent to OW Sapphire, there's no such thing as CX Sapphire. Not being an ... here but in FT you should come clear.

does that mean no guest allowance for CX DM/GOLD as we are allowed in the departure lounges ?

does that mean no guest allowance for CX DM/GOLD as we are allowed in the departure lounges ?

VERY GOOD QUESTION, but I think you meant the Arrival lounge... I would like to know too, but I think the answer is no... Only the GO/DM or OW Emerald card holders do...

FYI, MPC's Gold should be equivalent to OW Sapphire, there's no such thing as CX Sapphire. Not being an ... here but in FT you should come clear.
No need to FYI, of course I knew that. :rolleyes: I was counting on FTers being able to figure out that I was using a short cut for "CX elite at OW Sapphire level". @:-)

Last edited by jjpb3; Today at 6:34 pm.

No need to FYI, of course I knew that. :rolleyes: I was counting on FTers being able to figure out that I was using a short cut for "CX elite at OW Sapphire level". @:-)

:) may i suggest you use the PM function?

wow.. no J class pax allowed unless they are Diamond, Gold or oneworld Emerald.. I think every other arrival lounge in the world lets their J pax use the arrival lounges... It seems it would make more sense to me to only let paid J and F pax in the lounge, regardless of their status if the lounge was too small...

an arrivals lounge not open to paid J? CX, you just lost 3 paid J tickets....in "J" and in this economy. i must say, this does irk me. CX, take a tip from BA on the arrivals lounge concept....REALLY! so glad i never signed up for MP and use BA instead.

CX, take a tip from BA on the arrivals lounge concept....REALLY! so glad i never signed up for MP and use BA instead.

So, they should close earlier like BA do? :)

an arrivals lounge not open to paid J? CX, you just lost 3 paid J tickets....in "J" and in this economy. i must say, this does irk me. CX, take a tip from BA on the arrivals lounge concept....REALLY! so glad i never signed up for MP and use BA instead.

Most passengers do not base their flying decisions on arrival lounge availability, but I guess it does seem fair to also allow paid J passengers in. The main problem is that the lounge is too small. Perhaps they can contract to the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge to handle overflow.

So, they should close earlier like BA do? :)

Why not? The point of the arrivals lounge is so that there is a place for someone to wait before the hotel's official check in time, or a place to freshen up before meetings... There's really no reason for the arrivals lounge to open past 2 or 3pm...

an arrivals lounge not open to paid J? CX, you just lost 3 paid J tickets....in "J" and in this economy. i must say, this does irk me. CX, take a tip from BA on the arrivals lounge concept....REALLY! so glad i never signed up for MP and use BA instead.

ummmm but if you had signed up for MP then you would get access to this lounge....

Why not? The point of the arrivals lounge is so that there is a place for someone to wait before the hotel's official check in time, or a place to freshen up before meetings... There's really no reason for the arrivals lounge to open past 2 or 3pm...

Well, yes and no

Let's say one arrives from LHR in the afternoon and has a dinner meeting at the usual times.

The arrivals lounge gives more options to get to the table looking fresher and with relatively unwrinkled clothes (I assume there is at least self service ironing available) even if the plane is delayed and hotel time would be very short indeed.

Btw, MPC provided great and exceptional service for the third time yesterday. :) I'm beginning to be very pleased with the whole concept even as others seem to grow concerned.

Who writes Cathay's press releases and why do they frequently come out as if the author does not know how to write in English? Grammatical and spelling mistakes are all too common. Example in the Arrival press release: the caption which reads "Dinning room".

Surely a simple spellcheck would be able to pick this up?

(And yes, it may be pedantic, but what is the point of having a communications department if they are not professional in everything they do?)

Example in the Arrival press release: the caption which reads "Dinning room".

And what is wrong with the use of Dinning room? Breakfast room? wrong meal?

And what is wrong with the use of Dinning room? Breakfast room? wrong meal?

I hope this comment is a joke...

And what is wrong with the use of Dinning room? Breakfast room? wrong meal?
'Fess up: were you the one who headhunted their press release writer for them? :p

"Dinning" is a very, very common Chinglish mistake in Hong Kong. Along with getting bored/boring the wrong way round, problems with definite/indefinite articles, and (as for all non-native speakers) picking the wrong prepositions.

ummmm....you have to be gold to get in? something a person living in NA has a wee bit of trouble getting.

the arrivals lounge at LHR in T4 is not that big (the dining area was very small and pax are in an out fast - i most certainly was in and out in less than about 20 minutes). T5 is much larger now as I understand.

oh well, if CX wants to reward golds, that is very generous. if they do not want to reward paid J, the do so at their peril. as noted, chalk up three lost J tickets. the only way i would now step on CX in J is with a DONE purchased through AA.

I just checked out the CX Arrivals Lounge. A few comments:

1. The friendly lounge receptionist asked for an invitation pass. I didn't have one, so I just showed her my boarding pass. She suggested that in future, I should ask for an invitation pass when checking in.

2. The lounge is so compact it can hold no more than 30 people comfortably. The lounge manager said that in case of overflow, guests will be accommodated in the Plaza Premium Lounge across (which looks much more soothing by the way).

3. There is a small buffet with soup, salad, garlic bread and a coffee machine. The dining area is more cramped than a fast food place, and the food does not look appetizing to me. However, there is also an a-la-carte menu offering Chinese, Japanese and Western meals and a total of six choices.

4. There are 3 Mac's and 3 PC's in the sitting area, and absolutely no room to hold any more.

5. The eight shower stalls are as shown on CX's website.

6. Luggage can be stored in an access-controlled room, similar to the BA Arrivals Lounge arrangement.

My verdict? I would not want to go there unless I arrive on an inconveniently early flight and need to freshen up. The lounge is too claustrophobic for my liking.

Does the lounge seem clean and well-kept? Especially the showers and other bathroom facilities?

Today, 2:59 am
an arrivals lounge not open to paid J? CX, you just lost 3 paid J tickets....in "J" and in this economy. i must say, this does irk me. CX, take a tip from BA on the arrivals lounge concept....REALLY! so glad i never signed up for MP and use BA instead.

Today, 9:34 pm
ummmm....you have to be gold to get in? something a person living in NA has a wee bit of trouble getting...

Point taken already on your first reply post... Is that necessary to repeat yourself? If you don't like CX, don't fly with CX. Leave CX and us alone. If you want to complain to CX, there's a proper way of doing so. If your point is convincing, it is convincing when it's said the first time. Is it that important to emphasis you're buying 3 J-tickets?

Does the lounge seem clean and well-kept? Especially the showers and other bathroom facilities?

Having been only in operation for 1 day, I would certainly hope so.... :p

Does the lounge seem clean and well-kept? Especially the showers and other bathroom facilities?

As tfung said, so far so good:). I was the only guest this afternoon, and felt totally overwhelmed by the staff's attention. Seriously, the staff at the Arrivals are a lot friendlier than those in the Pier.

I just checked out the CX Arrivals Lounge. A few comments:

1. The friendly lounge receptionist asked for an invitation pass. I didn't have one, so I just showed her my boarding pass. She suggested that in future, I should ask for an invitation pass when checking in.


This I find odd....so I would assume that they are not going to automatically print an invite for all Gold and above and other entitled passengers, since they probably don't want to encourage everyone to use the lounge on arrival.

But then they are not limiting this to certain long haul flights. When you are checking in, the last thing on your mind is asking for an invite to an arrivals lounge....but then the lounge expects you to present an invite.

It's all a bit disjointed to me...

But then they are not limiting this to certain long haul flights. When you are checking in, the last thing on your mind is asking for an invite to an arrivals lounge....but then the lounge expects you to present an invite.

It's all a bit disjointed to me...

Agree, perhaps they expect us to go to the check-in counter at HKIA to print one out in the future if they don't give us the invitation before departure, or we forgot to ask for the invitation?

I hope this comment is a joke...

:rolleyes:

But then they are not limiting this to certain long haul flights. When you are checking in, the last thing on your mind is asking for an invite to an arrivals lounge....but then the lounge expects you to present an invite.

It's all a bit disjointed to me...
Definitely disjointed, in my view as well. If the invitation isn't given to eligible passengers at checkin, they shouldn't have the onus of having to request it. Looks like CX's process at outstations needs to catch up with the new offering.

I also do not think that an invitation should be necessary. Would that be because they like to know the flow as capacity is limited? If the check-in agents hands out invitations, they will have no idea how many people will come by.

CX like invitations. They still ask for one for departure lounges, even though many airlines who formerly issued them (QF, NZ, SQ etc.) don't anymore.

IMHO CX should just do away with the arrival/departure lounge invitation passes. It is not very environmentally friendly. All the necessary information, such as status and cabin class, is clearly shown on the boarding pass. The arrival lounge agent can retrieve from their system other pertinent info such as a passenger's final destination.

Talking about cost-cutting, all the money saved from the lounge passes can be used to improve the inflight food offering!

IMHO CX should just do away with the arrival/departure lounge invitation passes. It is not very environmentally friendly. All the necessary information, such as status and cabin class, is clearly shown on the boarding pass. The arrival lounge agent can retrieve from their system other pertinent info such as a passenger's final destination.
I agree. The departure lounge pass is almost a waste. It serves a few purposes, which can still be served without the pass if set up correctly in their system:
* They need not enter the information when a passenger enters the lounge. Occasionally that can cause a short queue. However, with the new machine-readable bar code, they can simply scan in the info on the BPs instead of having a lounge pass.
* Once we were flying J. There were four of us. The check-in agent gave me one lounge invitation for all four of us with a stamp and a note to have three guests (I did not ask for that, but the check-in agent was kind enough to let all four of us in the F lounge. Otherwise my kids and I may be separated from my wife or we all have to enter the J lounge.) Of course, that can also be done by entering the info in the system so that there is no need to have the invitation.
* It helped me once. KA lost my MPC number when I checked in. The check-in agent said nothing, checked my luggage and sent it away. I did not receive my lounge pass, and I figured something was wrong. She was able to add my MPC number back to the system. That saved me the problem of trying to get my miles back after the flight. It also set my expectation that I did not need to worry for my luggage if it came out late.

I think if CX likes to know the flow in the arrival lounge, they can do simple make a note on the BP or on their system when the passenger requests for that at check-in. There is probably no need for an arrival lounge pass.

Talking about cost-cutting, all the money saved from the lounge passes can be used to improve the inflight food offering!
I suppose everyone entitled to a lounge pass can get one additional piece of wet towel:D.

confirmed no guest allowed (the last sentence), from MPO page:The Arrival - Cathay Pacific's new lounge at Hong Kong International Airport

On 1 October 2008, Cathay Pacific opened The Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, where passengers can use our amenities to freshen up before heading into town.

Located below the Airport Express station, The Arrival is open from 5am to midnight, and offers eight showers, a self-serve buffet, workstation with broadband internet access, free WiFi throughout the lounge, and TV, daily newspapers and magazines.

Admission is for the day of arrival and is extended to the following passengers arriving on flights operated by Cathay Pacific or Dragonair with Hong Kong as their final destination - First Class passengers, The Marco Polo Club Gold members or above, and oneworld passengers with Emerald status. Guests are not allowed.

According to https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/ffp/mpo/benefits, the footnote says:
"12 Available to members arriving in Hong Kong, London or Frankfurt on flights operated and marketed by Cathay Pacific or Dragonair. Admission is for the day of arrival and guests are not allowed."

In the past, we knew (unofficially) that we could access the arrival lounge in London (need a pass from HKG). I was not aware about Frankfurt. Is that something new? Is that the Admirals Club?

According to https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/ffp/mpo/benefits, the footnote says:
"12 Available to members arriving in Hong Kong, London or Frankfurt on flights operated and marketed by Cathay Pacific or Dragonair. Admission is for the day of arrival and guests are not allowed."

In the past, we knew (unofficially) that we could access the arrival lounge in London (need a pass from HKG). I was not aware about Frankfurt. Is that something new? Is that the Admirals Club?

I just relocated to Germany so I had been watching about the FRA route on FT. Several FTers have reported the use of arrival lounge (or I am not sure if that's really a departure lounge too at FRA). Anyhow I was indeed at the lounge to on my arrival from HKG to FRA last month. So no it is not something new, but it is indeed right CX did not officially put that on MPC's benefits page or brochure. If you read carefully they just redid the whole MPC sections to cope with the HKG arrival lounge open.

I would also be interested in additonal info on the FRA arrivals lounge. Don't like the airport at all but it could be an alternative as I have regular business in Hannover where there are no BA connections from LHR.

I'm in HKG now and arrived on the 3rd. At JFK, the lounge attendant printed out an invitation for me, but I ended up not going to the lounge because I was tired and went to my hotel and fell asleep instantly. It's a bit of a walk, too. I had to first get my bag and then walk to the lounge, which I did not feel like doing and instead went to sleep at my hotel since I came off the CX 831 (arr HKG 7pm). I have a feeling that a lot of people will feel like that, too, espcially if they land in the evening.

I would also be interested in additonal info on the FRA arrivals lounge. Don't like the airport at all but it could be an alternative as I have regular business in Hannover where there are no BA connections from LHR.

There is no CX FRA arrivals lounge, only the CX departures lounge that you can walk straight into upon arriving. (Frankfurt airport doesn't seperate arriving from departing passengers like HKG does).

However, the CX FRA lounge is pretty crap, old, not all of the showers are in service - so be prepared to be disappointed, and to queue for a shower.

There is no CX FRA arrivals lounge, only the CX departures lounge that you can walk straight into upon arriving. (Frankfurt airport doesn't seperate arriving from departing passengers like HKG does).

However, the CX FRA lounge is pretty crap, old, not all of the showers are in service - so be prepared to be disappointed, and to queue for a shower.

I will be flying to FRA at the end of the month and was wondering if I spent time, say 1-2 hours to wait for a train to my destination, in lounge upon arriving, what would happen to my luggage? I assume that the lounge is before immigration,correct?......

Kind regards,

I will be flying to FRA at the end of the month and was wondering if I spent time, say 1-2 hours to wait for a train to my destination, in lounge upon arriving, what would happen to my luggage? I assume that the lounge is before immigration,correct?......

Kind regards,

A proper arrivals lounge requires you to collect your luggage before you enter the lounge. You don't have a choice, they are after immigration.

The CX FRA departure lounge, that you can walk into upon arriving, will allow you to take a shower - but your luggage will eventually be pulled off the belt and might even end up being stored at over-sized luggage.

If you can go straight into the shower, it's do-able. It's great to grab a shower while everyone is standing there waiting for their luggage :-)

One thing to add about the FRA lounge is that if you're arriving early morning, there's NO FOOD and no one besides the lounge receiptionist, maybe a cleaning lady too but that's about it. Don't expect to have a buffet... Perhaps a cup of coffee and some yogart. Shower is a little aged.

Hmmm, doesn't sound too good. I hate FRA and especially T2 with a passion anyway, no reason to use it in the future either it seems.

Another nasty experience arriving this week just confirmed all my previous prejudices.

According to the press release: "The new lounge will not cater for passengers transiting through the Hong Kong hub..."
Do you think there's any flexibility here for passengers with lengthy transits?

We'll be arriving in the morning on CX in F and have a 13hr transit before departing on CX in J. Ideally, we'd like to use the Arrival lounge to quickly freshen up before sightseeing for the day instead of the extra hassle of getting to the departure lounges and then finding our way out of the secure side.

-FlyerBeek

According to the press release:
Do you think there's any flexibility here for passengers with lengthy transits?

We'll be arriving in the morning on CX in F and have a 13hr transit before departing on CX in J. Ideally, we'd like to use the Arrival lounge to quickly freshen up before sightseeing for the day instead of the extra hassle of getting to the departure lounges and then finding our way out of the secure side.

-FlyerBeek

It may be a little hassle, but I believe if you can get the onward BP, you can use the departure lounge, and then ask the lounge attendant to get you back to the arrival hall to exit immigration and customs.

Manager Product Alex McGowan says: “We have long considered opening an arrival lounge but always struggled to find a good landside location. Recent customer
research also indicated passengers increasingly valued having a facility to allow them to freshen up and change before going onto a meeting or to work.”

“As it’s a relatively small space we have to start with more restrictive access criteria than usual. This can then be reviewed as we better understand usage patterns,” Alex says.

Manager Product Alex McGowan says: “We have long considered opening an arrival lounge but always struggled to find a good landside location. Recent customer
research also indicated passengers increasingly valued having a facility to allow them to freshen up and change before going onto a meeting or to work.”

“As it’s a relatively small space we have to start with more restrictive access criteria than usual. This can then be reviewed as we better understand usage patterns,” Alex says.

Where is this from?

Where is this from?

Somehow I have a feeling that Singapore_Air is a CX employee in disguise.;)

somehow i have a feeling that singapore_air is a cx employee in disguise.;)

i second that!!!

Manager Product Alex McGowan says: “We have long considered opening an arrival lounge but always struggled to find a good landside location. Recent customer
research also indicated passengers increasingly valued having a facility to allow them to freshen up and change before going onto a meeting or to work.”

“As it’s a relatively small space we have to start with more restrictive access criteria than usual. This can then be reviewed as we better understand usage patterns,” Alex says.

I actually don't think the current access criteria is very restrictive for an arrivals lounge. It is more restrictive than departures, but it is much more loose than other arrivals lounges of other airlines. I would have thought they would have restricted access to particular long haul flights.

According to the press release:
Do you think there's any flexibility here for passengers with lengthy transits?

We'll be arriving in the morning on CX in F and have a 13hr transit before departing on CX in J. Ideally, we'd like to use the Arrival lounge to quickly freshen up before sightseeing for the day instead of the extra hassle of getting to the departure lounges and then finding our way out of the secure side.

-FlyerBeek

Since you will be leaving the airport for sightseeing, you can ask for an inviation for the arrival lounge when checking in. Or if you forget to get one, you can show them your F boarding pass at the Arrival, I am pretty sure they will let you in.

checked out the arrivals lounge this morning after flying in from LHR.. overall was not impressed.. way too small.. shower was fine, similar in size to the shower stalls at AA arrivals lounge in LHR, but of course decoration was much nicer... but the lounge itself was tiny... The dining area could only seat 8 people in total.. and the seating area could sit maybe 6 people... then there's a bar table area where you can probably sit another 4... that's pretty much it.. When I was there, there were only 5 people, and it felt a bit cramped already... The cold breakfast selection was ok.. some cereal, yoghurt, juices, etc... but the hot foods were terrible.. seems like it was left there for hours and everything was a bit dry and bland.. don't expect the same quality as the Wing... Overall will not want to stay in there for too long except just for taking the shower... Plaza Premium arrivals lounge much nicer imho...

Plaza Premium arrivals lounge much nicer imho...

Of course, people got what they paid for. The Plaza Premium Lounge manages The Arrival as well. It is probably both CX's and Plaza Premium's intention to keep the facilities to a minimum.

BTW, the rooms in the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge should be available soon. It would be nice if passengers getting into The Arrival can get a discount in using such facilities across the hall.

checked out the arrivals lounge this morning after flying in from LHR.. overall was not impressed.. way too small.. shower was fine, similar in size to the shower stalls at AA arrivals lounge in LHR, but of course decoration was much nicer... but the lounge itself was tiny... The dining area could only seat 8 people in total.. and the seating area could sit maybe 6 people... then there's a bar table area where you can probably sit another 4... that's pretty much it.. When I was there, there were only 5 people, and it felt a bit cramped already... The cold breakfast selection was ok.. some cereal, yoghurt, juices, etc... but the hot foods were terrible.. seems like it was left there for hours and everything was a bit dry and bland.. don't expect the same quality as the Wing... Overall will not want to stay in there for too long except just for taking the shower... Plaza Premium arrivals lounge much nicer imho...

Had a chance to check it out as well. I agree its small but somehow since no guest are allowed very few people in the lounge and it seems ok.
My experience was a good one actually. Sat in one of the tables (only one, others sat on the bar) and was surprised to be offered a menu..I would say quite an extensive one actually. Ordered the Fish Bento and enjoyed my late lunch. For a non-HK resident I am glad that CX has finally came up with an arrival lounge.

Just checked in at BKK. was surprised to have been given an arrivals invite for such a short flight. More surprised for it to state +2 guests. This might have been a system mistake as my invite for departures lounge says the same even though I have no guests with me.

in fact, if really the Plaza Premium arrivals lounge is much nicer, why don't CX just buy access from them for the eligible members, instead of building a lounge themselves ? is it really that cost effective to build and run such a small lounge ? or is the branding really that important (i.e. "CX" arrivals lounge instead of one available to all who are willing to pay) ?

The Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge is really much better. My feeling is that it may be quite costly for CX to use it because many passengers who do not need it will use it, and the fees are quite high.

The other reason can be the image. It is a little strange for CX to use another lounge in their home base. The interior of The Arrival, however small, is like The Wing or The Pier.

is the Plaza Premium arrivals lounge also accessible by Priority Pass, like other Plaza Premium departure lounges ? if so maybe next time I'll just go there and also the CX arrivals ounge to have a comparison myself...

is the Plaza Premium arrivals lounge also accessible by Priority Pass, like other Plaza Premium departure lounges ? It's not on the list at their website (only the two Plaza Premium and one Traveller's Lounge airside).

is the Plaza Premium arrivals lounge also accessible by Priority Pass, like other Plaza Premium departure lounges ? if so maybe next time I'll just go there and also the CX arrivals ounge to have a comparison myself...

I doubt that, but it only opened in May. Things may not be updated or can be changing. The CX Arrival lounge manager is also the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge manager, at least for the time I was there. You can possibly ask her that question. If the CX lounge is not too busy, she can possibly take you on a tour across the hall.

I had a chance to try the arrival lounge at HKG this afternoon as I had plenty of time.

Came in on Dragon Air (J) from Xiamen.Was staying at the Regal airport hotel.
As EXP no problem.

Asked if it was possible to have several entries. My intention was to check into a non-Regal club floor room and use the lounge for internet, drinks and food, etc. No problem said the attendent.

However, when I found out there was no booze of any flavor, I choose the Regal Club floor room.

Said they expect a license for booze "in few months".

I had a chance to try the arrival lounge at HKG this afternoon as I had plenty of time.

Came in on Dragon Air (J) from Xiamen.Was staying at the Regal airport hotel.
As EXP no problem.

Asked if it was possible to have several entries. My intention was to check into a non-Regal club floor room and use the lounge for internet, drinks and food, etc. No problem said the attendent.

However, when I found out there was no booze of any flavor, I choose the Regal Club floor room.

Said they expect a license for booze "in few months".

I was there in the late afternoon. I also noticed that there was no liquor. That was OK for me. I already had two glasses on my flight this afternoon.

I tried the lounge a few days ago. It's small, but packs a punch: good food, stocked showers, friendly attendants, and new facilities. It's way better than most lounges 10 times the size (at least here in the US). I had a morning flight, so I didn't notice the lack of alcohol.

At LAX, they wouldn't give me an invitation insisting that the Arrivals lounge is restricted to their own members, and CX's own OW Emeralds. However, I just flashed my AA EXP card at the desk when I arrived, and they let me in.

I tried the lounge a few days ago. It's small, but packs a punch: good food, stocked showers, friendly attendants, and new facilities. It's way better than most lounges 10 times the size (at least here in the US). I had a morning flight, so I didn't notice the lack of alcohol.

Same here, just tried that yesterday. The congee is pretty good for someone who has been away from Asia for a while... The server (lounge rep?) is really nice and even serve you coffee. Nothing like the cleaning ladies at the Wing/Pier.

Same here, just tried that yesterday. The congee is pretty good for someone who has been away from Asia for a while... The server (lounge rep?) is really nice and even serve you coffee. Nothing like the cleaning ladies at the Wing/Pier.

Do you mean the attendants in the J side of Wing/Pier? The J side is supposed to be self-serviced. The F side attendants will take orders.

The Arrival is run by Plaza. The service is excellent. Perhaps that is because there are likely fewer passengers than attendants. When I was there earlier this week, I was the only one when I entered. There were six when I left 45 minutes later.

I think that's also because the Arrivals is supposed to be closer to being a F lounge than J lounge - only F pax and Emerald's (except CX GO). so supposedly more F level service...

Is it easy to find the arrivals lounge? Is it well sign posted?

The Arrival is located past the arrivals hall, at the centre passage connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, right below the Airport Express station.

source: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/atairport/hklounge_arrival

The Arrival is located past the arrivals hall, at the centre passage connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, right below the Airport Express station.

source: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/atairport/hklounge_arrival

I had seen a blog from someone who used the arrivals lounge a few months ago, saying even with this information, it was difficult to find. Have others found that to be the case? Has any signage been added?

It is difficult to find. See if there is a map from the check-in agent when you get your invitation.

It is located in the underground walkway between T1 and T2. The walkway is in the middle between the two custom exits. Look for the Airport Bus (or something similar) sign. This is the mid-section. When you get there, do NOT turn right (that will lead you down a very wide walkway to the bus terminal). Simply walk forward and take the escalator down. There is a Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge on the left. The Arrival is further down on the right.

fsklee, thank you. That's very helpful. I've printed your post out to take with me.

SanDiego1K..
sorry, I thought you were familiar with the airport just hadn't been to the lounge before, here's a map http://www.hongkongairport.com/leaflet/map_facilities.pdf
look at the arrivals page and its where the Plaza premium lounge is located but opposite side and further down.

b950022, thanks very much for the map.

SanDiego1K..
sorry, I thought you were familiar with the airport just hadn't been to the lounge before, here's a map http://www.hongkongairport.com/leaflet/map_facilities.pdf
look at the arrivals page and its where the Plaza premium lounge is located but opposite side and further down.

As the mainland China bus gates are at the end of the same corridor, maybe there are signs pointing that out?

mosburger the weird thing is they don't have a sign anywhere other than at the entrance..

Searched this thread and found something on page 5 that a FT'er posted with re to storage of luguage. Can any confirm that this is still the case? Will be arriving in the morning from Delhi and will only take the last flight to Shanghai. Want to leave my handcarry in the lounge when I go into the city.

Thanks

Searched this thread and found something on page 5 that a FT'er posted with re to storage of luguage. Can any confirm that this is still the case? Will be arriving in the morning from Delhi and will only take the last flight to Shanghai. Want to leave my handcarry in the lounge when I go into the city.

Thanks

When my family and I used it recently, a fellow took all our luggage away and we had to request it when leaving. My guess is they will store it for you if you ask nicely.

Otherwise there is a left luggage at the airport express station in Central

there are STORAGE lockers in T2 right by the exit to the bus station...you could consider thoses.....

Arrived this morning from Delhi and went straight to the Arrivals. Asked them if I could store my bags and it was ok if my next flight was within the day. Got a token and a re-entry card to enter the lounge again when I return to collect the bag.

As said by others, its a small lounge, but actually i kinda liked it. Very cosy, good small selection of food.

Returned back to the lounge this afternoon and got my bags and was asked if I needed any food or drinks. Asked for Champagne ..........but no alcohol served.....so I thanked the friendly waiter and went to the airside lounge to get my champagne :)

Not bad afterall the Arrivals.

It is quite annoying how the signs for the lounge vanish as you approach the Airport Express Station! Like fsklee statesl, just go down the escalator (or if you have heavy bags - there's a lift to just to the right).

I included a few pictures of the Arrivals lounge on my recent TR. Photos can be found towards the bottom of this post: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/983426-diy-ow-rtw-2009-top-cabins.html#post12197601

I am flying CX SYD/HKG in Biz Class, landing at 5:30am. I am MPC Silver, soon to qualify for Gold. I would like to use The Arrival lounge. Are there Silver MPC'ers out there who have managed to get an exception and gain entry? As a former user of the BA arrival lounges under similar cirucumstances (Biz class, Silver card) I find the CX policy quite limiting. Thanks.

I am flying CX SYD/HKG in Biz Class, landing at 5:30am. I am MPC Silver, soon to qualify for Gold. I would like to use The Arrival lounge. Are there Silver MPC'ers out there who have managed to get an exception and gain entry? As a former user of the BA arrival lounges under similar cirucumstances (Biz class, Silver card) I find the CX policy quite limiting. Thanks.

Not sure, I'm sure someone else here will have insight.

Re: entrance to The Arrival in general, I know it's not perfect, but in my opinion it's actually still too accommodative (OW EMs allowed in, even in Y class). CX would have far too much use if they allowed SL in (it seems everyone I know in HKG is SL), and although I have sympathy for the inbound J argument CX has a number of flights that land early and the lounge doesn't have many showers. One 747 J class alone could overwhelm it. I think they did the right move for allowing GOs in, though, as an added incentive for SLs to strive for GO.

I'm like a lot of people on this forum who land in HKG a minimum of 2x a month, and sometimes it reaches 8x a month. I don't want to have to wait 20-30 minutes to take a shower if and when I use The Arrival. It would really diminish the value of the lounge for me if I land at 6am, have a meeting at 8:30am, but can't count on the shower since there is going to likely be a massive line behind people, many of whom are really nice guys but are more for the "hanging out in the lounge" novelty than actually using it functionally. Not saying you're in this group, but there are just so many SL members in HKG...and CX has enormous J cabins. I'm sure plenty of people would use it if allowed, even if they didn't truly need it. I've found The Arrival a godsend on only the 3-4x times I really needed it; I got in and immediately took a shower, grabbed food, had attentive service and could escape within 20 minutes.

While I can see the logic of the Gold or higher argument, I'm disappointed and surprised on the J passenger restriction. For CX not to provide an appropriate shower facility for incoming long-haul high-fare customers in it's home airport is not becoming of a carrier that won Airline of the Year. I will go across the hall and pay my HKD150 at the Plaza lounge, but certainly this is something that CX could comp for its more profitable customers? The situation has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

While I can see the logic of the Gold or higher argument, I'm disappointed and surprised on the J passenger restriction. For CX not to provide an appropriate shower facility for incoming long-haul high-fare customers in it's home airport is not becoming of a carrier that won Airline of the Year. I will go across the hall and pay my HKD150 at the Plaza lounge, but certainly this is something that CX could comp for its more profitable customers? The situation has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

There isn't enough space in the airport. But in the future, when the "X" concourse/terminal in the midfield of the airport develops, I'm sure CX will do something. However, "future" will be around 15 years??:confused:

While I can see the logic of the Gold or higher argument, I'm disappointed and surprised on the J passenger restriction. For CX not to provide an appropriate shower facility for incoming long-haul high-fare customers in it's home airport is not becoming of a carrier that won Airline of the Year. I will go across the hall and pay my HKD150 at the Plaza lounge, but certainly this is something that CX could comp for its more profitable customers? The situation has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Well you can always use the paid arrival longue. It's not that expensive after-all. If you in true need you can just pay to do the shower and it's still significant cheaper than heading to Regal Airport hotel. I just fly with CX as I base here and I am not having much understanding on other airline's service, but can you let me know which airline provide the service you state? i.e. Non upper elite long haul J-passenger being able to have shower service upon arrival?

There isn't enough space in the airport. But in the future, when the "X" concourse/terminal in the midfield of the airport develops, I'm sure CX will do something. However, "future" will be around 15 years??:confused:

Well I agree but the X concourse is only for air bridges and will not include any landside area. I guess CX will try everything to keep their presence mainly in T-1 for the passenger's convince, and to skip the need of building 5th lounge in HKIA (Well .. Wing + Pier + Old KA + Arrival is already 4)

While I can see the logic of the Gold or higher argument, I'm disappointed and surprised on the J passenger restriction. For CX not to provide an appropriate shower facility for incoming long-haul high-fare customers in it's home airport is not becoming of a carrier that won Airline of the Year. I will go across the hall and pay my HKD150 at the Plaza lounge, but certainly this is something that CX could comp for its more profitable customers? The situation has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Yea, hopefully it's not that bitter. This is better than before, when they didn't have a shower at all. I do understand where they're coming from... they had to make a choice, it wasn't perfect but space is pretty limited (I think there are only 4-5 showers). We were all surprised by the J pax restriction as well when the lounge was introduced, but after thinking about it and seeing the limited size of the lounge, I don't think there's much that could be done. CX J class sections are enormous and a lot of long-haul flights land early

Well I agree but the X concourse is only for air bridges and will not include any landside area.Source? Are you sure you're not confusing the future mid-field terminal with the imminent LCC extension?

Source? Are you sure you're not confusing the future mid-field terminal with the imminent LCC extension?

Well from some of the old plan

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pdf/business/airport-authority/MP2020.pdf

unless they going to change it with the adjusted plan going to announce later, and change APM (Auto People Mover) to landside or build another set of APM .....

Oh - sorry, I misread. Yes, I don't see any landside area in the mid-field terminal, but I do see plenty of space for airside lounges / retail etc.

That old plan is already way out of date though given the imminent LCC gates.

Oh - sorry, I misread. Yes, I don't see any landside area in the mid-field terminal, but I do see plenty of space for airside lounges / retail etc.

That old plan is already way out of date though given the imminent LCC gates.

Well let's see if CX will do their 5th lounge if Terminal X will ever built ... but you never know if HK will have Runway 3 or whatever in current economy .... Let's wait for the Master Plan 2030 due this year

The Terminal X has always been on plan since the start of the "Rose Garden Project" though

... but can you let me know which airline provide the service you state?


Apologies for the tardy response. BA has -- or had -- arrival lounge service for J passengers at LHR and at some other airports around the world. I've used the QF lounge in SYD after flying with them in J but with an onward Y ticket. Not sure if QF have a lounge land-side in SYD or MEL.

Apologies for the tardy response. BA has -- or had -- arrival lounge service for J passengers at LHR and at some other airports around the world. I've used the QF lounge in SYD after flying with them in J but with an onward Y ticket. Not sure if QF have a lounge land-side in SYD or MEL.

There are no arrivals lounges at SYD or MEL for any airline. The only "arrivals" lounge available is when transferring to a domestic flight, you can use the domestic QF departures lounge (if you have access to the lounge via status) which includes a shower.

I don't really understand the purpose of an arrival lounge.

Does anyone go? I wonder what the average stay time is.

I don't really understand the purpose of an arrival lounge.

Does anyone go? I wonder what the average stay time is.

Once a while for about 30 minutes.

Arrivals lounges are good when you have stepped off a 12 hr flight at 6am and your hotel won't let you check in until 3pm.

... and you have a major presentation to give to a client at 10am.

that's very true. A shower is perfect.

I would hate to sit and hang out at a lounge after being stuck on a plane for so many hours

Arrivals lounges are good when you have stepped off a 12 hr flight at 6am and your hotel won't let you check in until 3pm.

And this hotel is in Shenzhen or further afield.

Does anyone go? I wonder what the average stay time is.
I usually don't bother with it. The one time I've been in there was to check out the facility for the first time.

I'm a local who usually head straight to my home upon arrival where I can use the comforts of my home's shower. Even when I have to go to my office on the same day of the arrival, I usually go home first to drop my stuff and shower.

During the high humidity months, I find it pointless to shower in the arrivals. I know that if I shower in the lounge, I'm going to sweat again as I go out from the lounge and wait at the outdoor bus terminus. And then when I get off the bus to walk or take a taxi towards my home, I'll be exposed to the outdoor humidity again and sweat even more. So might as well do all the showering at home.

So the arrival lounge is good for people who have to head straight to the office from the airport or for non-locals who can't check immediately into their hotel. These are the people who need the comfort facility the most.