Benster

We are connecting through PEK in Business I class on our way to Sydney and our layover is 8 hours. The last time we flew through PEK, there was a sign that said 2 hours or less layover turn right, longer turn left. We want to make SURE we get to the business class lounge for this lengthy layover. Which way do we go?

Thanks!

KLouis

Sorry, I'm not mean, but how could anyone give you a good and valid piece of advice? Where was the sign, which gate did you arrive at, where did you arrive from, which company? There are several questions of the kind, in addition to the fact that left and right are simply very, very relative! But don't worry, with 8 hours to kill you'll be glad for any minute spent finding the right lounge!

geminidreams

Im presuming you are on Star Alliance and using the Air China lounge. I know of only one and it doesnt have a time limit. From memory it is near gate 19? Im sure you can google it.

dvs7310

Yeah, I've been through PEK dozens of times and never seen anything like that in the CA lounges (either C or F). Were you flying SQ or another airline that uses the contract lounge instead?

With 8 hours you could quite easily leave the airport for a bit of time. Not enough to do much sightseeing, but I believe it is enough time to get a very brief Great Wall tour or even snap a couple of photos of something downtown. I'd at the very least head into the Chaoyang area for a meal.

I've spent 5 hours in transit at that airport before and was nearly completely mental by the end of it. The wifi often doesn't work at all and is slow when it does work. There is literally no other form of entertainment in the lounge. They do have showers but they are a bit nasty and I wouldn't use them again unless I was feeling really grungy.

Benster

Yes, we are flying CA. Wouldn't want to risk missing our flight to Sydney, but spending that much time in the Business lounge doesn't sound very inviting!

985X

8 hours for a RT from PEK to Great Wall is not enough. The ride would already cost you 2.5hrs one-way, so 5 hours ride RT.

Benster

Thanks, I think I have what I need now to decide how to spend our layover, Maybe a good long, book! We have only flown through PEK once, and as soon as we deplaned, we encountered a sign that read: 2 hours or less layover turn right, over 2 hours turn left. Apparently this isn't standard procedure, as no one seems to have heard of it. I don't recall what airline we were flying, but it was on United miles. We were headed to Phuket. I'm sure we will eventually find the CA business lounge regardless.

oliver2002

Just ignore any such signs and head to the transfer security.

dvs7310

Ok, I thought you meant the sign was in the lounge itself. Sounds like it was something to get people expedited through transit security who had short connections. Sometimes the queue to get through the passport check for transit can be quite long and then after that the security circus is always long.