my mum was flying J to LAX 2 days ago.
i mentioned the new lounge to her and she asked the check-in staff about it. However the check-in staff answered that "the new lounge is only for high-priority member"
well. she checked in at the Y counters rather at the J counters, maybe the staff over there weren't familiar with the new lounge?

It would appear so. The OW Emerald/Sapphire logos are prominently displayed outside the entrance and I had no problem accessing it last week as OW Emerald on a Y ticket.

Currently in the Cabin and the "Hard Opening" ceremony is underway. Unfortunately it's blocked access to The Deli so can't really check out the usual food offerings.

One thing I've found is that the web filtering is quite severe. Even google ads don't display.

Hi sxc, Do you know what happen?

It's back to normal now. They were having the formal opening for staff with Tony Tyler and others present with the pig cutting ceremony.

Are you tasting the roasted suckling pig? :p

Not true. The F lounges are not uncrowded outside of the two time periods I mentioned. They are just very, very crowded at those times.

As one anecdote, yesterday the Pier F was more crowded than Pier J at 4pm. Tons of open seats in J, not very many in F.

in the Cabin right now. having some of the smoothie. loved the buffet selection...much nicer than just some noodles. even some cocktails. generally i find it very nice. i do not agree that it is similar to the pier. very very different feel. the funky night club music is kind of cool...not really that busy now. easy to find and it is close to the Wing. plan to do a little hoping but first have to do a little work.

I like it and I find the location convenient.

The sandwiches are quite nice and I like the healthy drink bar. Food is much better than the Wing or Pier.

The **** Juniper Web Filtering is ridiculous though. It even blocked some Yahoo news articles and I couldn't get to the SCMP website?!

a few photos....taken on Oct. 11 with a pretty weak camera....wish i could have taken more pics of the food for you all but i was pretty tired and managed to snap a few at least....had to have my flash off as i try to be as discrete as possible with my photos.

the grilled Ruben sandwich was great, as were the pasta's, fried rice and smoked salmon...did not have any of the salads. the fruit smoothies were fantastic...as was the Lanson Black Label...not the most popular out there but actually one of my favorite house bottles....would gladly drink this over VC and many others....i was in the city for dinner at Under Bridge Spicy Crab so I was not too hungry and was more interested in having a liquid diet before my flight to BLR.

was there around 7pm on Oct. 11...was pretty quiet. some good music, nice places to sit down. generally, i loved this new lounge.

good view of the tarmac on my return vist in the day time on Saturday...not much to see at night...

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin2.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin1.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin3.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin4.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin5.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin6.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin7.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin8.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/v.../TheCabin9.jpg

Just went through there again yesterday... very very crowded compared to 2 weeks ago... Lounge was very hot as I guess more natural sunlight coming in, and the aircons were not turned up.. While the food and drink selection is nicer, I don't think I will be back here again.. I absolutely hate sitting in those pod things, the long sofas were not very private and normal seats at the end of the lounge were always full..

What time were you there?

I guess this is pretty natural with almost everyone wanting to try out the new lounge.

I second the motion! The pod's are not too comfortable, and the place is pretty small, but i must say the food is better compared to the Wing/Pier but i would choose the Pier over the 3 at any time. Im now relaxing at the Pier which have suddenly become so peaceful and quiet (5pm-10pm).

I find the same too. The new Cabin lounge is not that impressive. The Wing/Pier lounges are much better. Really hope CX won't use the same design for the Wing and Pier renovations.