Flying economy on Cathay Pacific without status? Well, now you can pay to access the airline’s gorgeous The Pier business class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. All you need is any old credit card or a few thousand Asia Miles.
At an airport teeming with high quality first and business class lounges (think: shower suites, noodle bar, nap loungers, a new yoga room, etc.), The Pier ranks near the top for its home-y decor and living room vibes.
What’s The Cost For Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Pier’?
Beginning March 4th, customers traveling on Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon can access The Pier business class lounge for $75 USD (HKD600) or redeem 9,000 Asia Miles. That means even those in the back of the plane can enjoy a steaming bowl of noodles or a hot shower with Aesop amenities while at the airport.
How Do I Gain Access To The Pier Business Class Lounge?
The Pier is located near Gate 65. Note: You cannot gain access by paying at the lounge entrance itself. Payment must be done either at a transfer desk (if transiting through Hong Kong) or at the check-in desk (if originating in Hong Kong).
Normally, access to Cathay’s business class lounges like The Pier require either a business or first class ticket (obviously) or Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status while traveling on a Oneworld carrier. Access to The Pier business class lounge (and its fancier cousin, The Pier First Class Lounge) are huge perks of having American Airlines Executive Platinum status.
Why Is Cathay Pacific Offering Paid Lounge Access?
More revenue, duh. For months, Cathay Pacific has been piloting pay-to-play lounges throughout its route network. However, this is the first time at its home airport in Hong Kong to offer such a service.
The other Cathay Pacific pay-to-access lounges include:
- Kaohsiung Cathay Pacific Lounge – near Gate 23, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taiwan China
- Manila Cathay Pacific Lounge – near Gate 114, Level 4, International Terminal 3, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines
- Melbourne Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge – Level 1, Terminal 2, Melbourne Airport, Australia
- Paris Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge– Level 2, Terminal 2AC, Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
- Penang Cathay Pacific Lounge – Level 3, Penang International Airport Terminal Building, Penang International Airport, Malaysia
- Vancouver Cathay Pacific Lounge – near Gate D67, International Departure, Vancouver International Airport, Canada
The Upshot
Expect more crowded lounges, plain and simple. And anticipate Cathay Pacific expanding this program to its other lounges in Hong Kong and beyond. The airline recently announced it was profitable again after years of losses so Cathay knows where to get incremental revenue.
However, for those flying in economy and premium economy, this will be a welcome benefit. $75 seems like a no brainer if you’re on an extended layover in Hong Kong and don’t have lounge access or time to go into the city. (But take the quick Airport Express train into town if you can!)
Remember, if you have the Platinum Card by American Express, you can gain free entry into the awesome Centurion Lounge at HKG as one of the many benefits of the card.
Will you be paying to access The Pier? Do you already have access and lament the extra passengers filling up the lounge?
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3 comments
This is disappointing news. Like you said, the biggest benefit of having American Executive Platinum status is entry to the Pier lounge. I will travel half way across the world to take a shower there! Having a place to rest in peace is a huge benefit of all the miles travelled to gain elite status. Now that is gone. If you are going to open it up make the price of entry higher.
Do you have to pay to join the Marco Polo club ($100 annual fee) before you’re eligible to pay $75 for lounge access?
Unfortunately, yes. Another option is to sign up for Cathay Pacific’s free corporate Business Plus program to be able to pay the $75 lounge entry fee.