I am flying Business Class from HKG to JFK (CX 830) next week. As an EXP on AA, which lounge can I use? And of the choices, which is the nicest/closest? And is this an experience not to be missed - as in, get there early just to use the lounge? Never been to HKG or flown CX, appreciate the help.

You can use any of the CX or BA/QF lounges - your EXP status gets you into the First Class Lounges. The two CX lounges (The Wing near Gate 2, and The Pier near gate 63) are superior; each has separate Business and First sections. 830 normally goes from one of the low number gates close to The Wing.

Personally I wouldn't get there too early - you could take breakfast in The Haven (within the First part of the Wing), and you can sit in comfy chairs and read and drink. Since I guess you will be coming from your hotel you won't have much use of The Cabanas (shower/bath rooms).

You're going to be fed three times on the way to NY anyway, and the drinks in the F Wing are roughly comparable to those onboard in J.

Personally I would aim to get to The Wing at about 09:15 for the 10:15 flight, or a few minutes earlier if I knew it was on a slightly more distant gate. See http://www.hkairport.com for gate details from about 3-4 hours before the flight. You only need to allow 10 mins for outbound immigration and security.

And when it comes to the F section of each, personally I strongly prefer The Pier, but I'm sure just as many folks feel the opposite. And, no, it's not an "experience" of that magnitude. Get there in time to spend 45 minutes or so in the lounge. Don't be a victim of impossibly built-up expectations, CX F is wonderful but you'll enjoy it more if you don't get over-hyped on it beforehand, IMHO.

Thanks JonNYC and christep, these were exactly the hints and tips I was looking for.

Since you are EXP/OW Emerald, be sure to use the F check-in desk if originating in HKG-the only place I've ever seen a porter to carry/weigh/tag both checked and carried on bags. The Pier F Lounge entrance is the same level as immigration after clearly security and has Cabanas which the Wing F Lounge does not. Each Cabana has bathroom, shower, large soaking tub and a terrace with a flat lounge cot and traditional lounge chair.

I'd take advantage of the Cabana to start the long flight freshly showered.

It's the exact opposite of that.

Agree completely. For me personally the only time that I REALLY want to spend more than 30 minutes at ANY airline lounge is when transitting, especially after a long-haul flight, so I can use the shower facilities.

Also, if you are transitting in HKG around breakfast time from a long-haul, I suggest you skip the breakfast offered inflight one hour before arriving into HKG and instead take your breakfast at any of the CX lounges. They serve better breakfast than the one inflight.