The Best Air China Star Gold Lounge in PEK
Jan 17, 2015, 9:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
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The Best Air China Star Gold Lounge in PEK
Didn't see anything about this but I just wanted to give those traveling through PEK a quick travel tip I discovered recently.
If in PEK at terminal 3 and your looking for the best Lounge, I think Air China is your only choice for Star Alliance Gold. Don't bother with the biz lounge in the C gates just past security. Its crowded and has lousy food. If you have over 1 hour pass the C lounges and walk to the D gates stairs. Take the bus 2 levels below to the D terminal where the lounge is much better. Brand new I think. They have a made to order noodle bar, much better food, is Sooo quiet and empty, has tons of comfy seats, and the best part? 5 Osim uDivine full body massage chairs, of which are always avaliable. D is the Domestic terminal part of T3 that is not very heavily used and such is literally a ghost town at times.
Much better service as well as staff sometimes outnumber guests. Lol. And they seem to take their job much more seriously with sharp suits and good manners. The last time I went to the C gate lounge it was some guy in a raincoat playing games on his cell at the frontdesk.
Just leave 20 min before boarding back to the C gates and you are golden. Hope this helps some of you!
If in PEK at terminal 3 and your looking for the best Lounge, I think Air China is your only choice for Star Alliance Gold. Don't bother with the biz lounge in the C gates just past security. Its crowded and has lousy food. If you have over 1 hour pass the C lounges and walk to the D gates stairs. Take the bus 2 levels below to the D terminal where the lounge is much better. Brand new I think. They have a made to order noodle bar, much better food, is Sooo quiet and empty, has tons of comfy seats, and the best part? 5 Osim uDivine full body massage chairs, of which are always avaliable. D is the Domestic terminal part of T3 that is not very heavily used and such is literally a ghost town at times.
Much better service as well as staff sometimes outnumber guests. Lol. And they seem to take their job much more seriously with sharp suits and good manners. The last time I went to the C gate lounge it was some guy in a raincoat playing games on his cell at the frontdesk.
Just leave 20 min before boarding back to the C gates and you are golden. Hope this helps some of you!
Jan 17, 2015, 9:57 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,227
The Best Air China Star Gold Lounge in PEK
Thanks for the tip, but I've yet to experience a lounge in china for any airline/alliance that's worth walking more than 100 meters to visit.
Arrive to the airport as late as possible and pray for no delays is the best strategy.
Arrive to the airport as late as possible and pray for no delays is the best strategy.
Jan 18, 2015, 9:04 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 114
Eva Air, Singapore Airlines are all much much better.
Jan 18, 2015, 11:54 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: KHH, FUK, SNA
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Posts: 1,181
Didn't see anything about this but I just wanted to give those traveling through PEK a quick travel tip I discovered recently.
If in PEK at terminal 3 and your looking for the best Lounge, I think Air China is your only choice for Star Alliance Gold. Don't bother with the biz lounge in the C gates just past security. Its crowded and has lousy food. If you have over 1 hour pass the C lounges and walk to the D gates stairs. Take the bus 2 levels below to the D terminal where the lounge is much better. Brand new I think. They have a made to order noodle bar, much better food, is Sooo quiet and empty, has tons of comfy seats, and the best part? 5 Osim uDivine full body massage chairs, of which are always avaliable. D is the Domestic terminal part of T3 that is not very heavily used and such is literally a ghost town at times.
Much better service as well as staff sometimes outnumber guests. Lol. And they seem to take their job much more seriously with sharp suits and good manners. The last time I went to the C gate lounge it was some guy in a raincoat playing games on his cell at the frontdesk.
Just leave 20 min before boarding back to the C gates and you are golden. Hope this helps some of you!
If in PEK at terminal 3 and your looking for the best Lounge, I think Air China is your only choice for Star Alliance Gold. Don't bother with the biz lounge in the C gates just past security. Its crowded and has lousy food. If you have over 1 hour pass the C lounges and walk to the D gates stairs. Take the bus 2 levels below to the D terminal where the lounge is much better. Brand new I think. They have a made to order noodle bar, much better food, is Sooo quiet and empty, has tons of comfy seats, and the best part? 5 Osim uDivine full body massage chairs, of which are always avaliable. D is the Domestic terminal part of T3 that is not very heavily used and such is literally a ghost town at times.
Much better service as well as staff sometimes outnumber guests. Lol. And they seem to take their job much more seriously with sharp suits and good manners. The last time I went to the C gate lounge it was some guy in a raincoat playing games on his cell at the frontdesk.
Just leave 20 min before boarding back to the C gates and you are golden. Hope this helps some of you!
Jan 19, 2015, 1:49 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PEK
Programs: CA Gold, EY Silver HHons Diamond
Posts: 373
For domestics I tend to use the basement lounge which is under the C gates to the left. Same bad sandwiches and convenient noodles as the main lounge but it is always deserted so great for some peace and quiet.
Though I do miss the unique charms of the old China Mobile lounge
Though I do miss the unique charms of the old China Mobile lounge
Jan 19, 2015, 1:53 am
#7
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The one with Priority Pass access?
http://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/lounge-details.cfm
Lounge Information
Airport: beijing - Capital International (PEK), Terminal 3E International
Lounge: AIR CHINA FIRST CLASS LOUNGE
Location: Airside - proceed past the Security Check counters. The Lounge is situated approximately 100 meters away on the left hand side.
Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00 daily.
Conditions: Access may be restricted due to space constraints - Children under 2 years are not admitted - Dress code applicable - Separate smoking room available.
Lounge Facilities:
http://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/lounge-details.cfm
Lounge Information
Airport: beijing - Capital International (PEK), Terminal 3E International
Lounge: AIR CHINA FIRST CLASS LOUNGE
Location: Airside - proceed past the Security Check counters. The Lounge is situated approximately 100 meters away on the left hand side.
Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00 daily.
Conditions: Access may be restricted due to space constraints - Children under 2 years are not admitted - Dress code applicable - Separate smoking room available.
Lounge Facilities:
Jan 20, 2015, 9:25 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PEK
Programs: CA Gold, EY Silver HHons Diamond
Posts: 373
That is the main lounge as you pass through security.
Depending on your needs, lounge acces is pretty much meh imo. Unlike somewhere like T5 LHR which is in a habitual state of chaos and disorder, I have always found PEK departures pretty 'chilled out' as the kids would say.
Plenty of seating and cheap alcohol (why else do we use lounges?) available. And as alluded to , turn up as late as possible!
Depending on your needs, lounge acces is pretty much meh imo. Unlike somewhere like T5 LHR which is in a habitual state of chaos and disorder, I have always found PEK departures pretty 'chilled out' as the kids would say.
Plenty of seating and cheap alcohol (why else do we use lounges?) available. And as alluded to , turn up as late as possible!
Jan 20, 2015, 10:50 am
#9
Original Poster
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Lol, I didn't realize people have such a pervasive anti-lounge attitude towards PEK. Someone call Amex and tell them we need a Centurion Lounge stat.
Jan 20, 2015, 4:18 pm
#10
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,037
Jan 21, 2015, 9:20 am
#11
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
At mainland airports, it's difficult to find both a decent restaurant and/or a decent lounge.
Jun 25, 2017, 12:32 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Business Traveller Lounge: doesn't take SQ business, so I said I'd use priority pass. But no food, and with priority pass that doesn't include showers.
BGS: shower is out of order. Much less crowded than Air China lounge.
Air China: pros: pretty nice showers. Room is large and with proper amenities. Has hot food late into the night (still dim sum and also beef noodle soup. In the far side)
cons: no dedicated internet access (have to use airport wifi, which doesn't work well for me), crowded
Nov 11, 2017, 2:15 pm
#14
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,462
My summary of the lounges at PEK T3, near midnight:
Business Traveller Lounge: doesn't take SQ business, so I said I'd use priority pass. But no food, and with priority pass that doesn't include showers.
BGS: shower is out of order. Much less crowded than Air China lounge.
Air China: pros: pretty nice showers. Room is large and with proper amenities. Has hot food late into the night (still dim sum and also beef noodle soup. In the far side)
cons: no dedicated internet access (have to use airport wifi, which doesn't work well for me), crowded
Business Traveller Lounge: doesn't take SQ business, so I said I'd use priority pass. But no food, and with priority pass that doesn't include showers.
BGS: shower is out of order. Much less crowded than Air China lounge.
Air China: pros: pretty nice showers. Room is large and with proper amenities. Has hot food late into the night (still dim sum and also beef noodle soup. In the far side)
cons: no dedicated internet access (have to use airport wifi, which doesn't work well for me), crowded
Nov 11, 2017, 7:05 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
I don't recall that there were multiple. But showers aren't on the main floor (which is above the ground level of the terminal), but you have to take the elevator downstairs and then there are shower rooms.