If you are travelling business or first class you’ll normally be granted access to the airline’s own lounge if there’s one available. But there are plenty of ways you can still feel like a top tier traveller without the single-digit seat number…
Priority Pass
Priority Pass Lounges are located in airports across Southeast Asia, with the brand’s own dedicated lounges in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok available to members only. Priority Pass membership starts from US$99 per year for standard access plus a US$27 fee per lounge visit. Higher membership rates allow free access to Priority Pass airport lounges and their affiliates, where lounges offer magazines, newspapers, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and Wi-Fi. Check out their locations here. If you are doing a lot of travelling in the region an annual membership of US$249 which includes ten free visits may be worthwhile.
Cathay Pacific Lounge, Hong Kong
If you are lucky enough to be travelling business class or first class on Cathay Pacific, or you hold Silver tier status or higher on the airline’s own Marco Polo Club programme, you can access Cathay Pacific’s lounges in Hong Kong International Airport. It’s the airline’s hub, and where you’ll find some of its best lounges including The Wing and The Bridge which offer quality Asian and Western cuisine, home-baked bread, pizzas and pastries, freshly brewed coffee and shower facilities. Redeem access to Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounges for 9,000 Asia Miles.
Plaza Premium Lounge (West Hall), Hong Kong
West Hall is the newest lounge from Plaza Network and is open to all travellers, whichever airline or class of travel. As well as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi and refreshments, which include signature Hong Kong-style Fish Ball Noodles and homemade XO sauce, there are private resting areas and shower suites. Located on Level 7 of Terminal 1 departures close to Gate 40, the lounge is open 24 hours and usage starts from HK$480 for two hours. Enjoy the private resting area package for three hours at HK$600 with HK$100 for each additional hour. Booking is available online.
Plaza Premium Lounge (East Hall), Hong Kong
Plaza Premium Lounge’s alternate location is found on Level 6, near Gate 1 and in addition to the above also offers massage therapies, spa services and nail treatments, as well as oxygen therapy. At the bar guests can enjoy complimentary daily tapas. Open 24 hours, the lounge is not available for booking online.
More Premium Lounge, Taipei
Everything you’d expect from a good airport lounge is available at More Premium Lounge with locations in both Terminal 1 and 2 of Taoyuan Airport in Taipei. From alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to conference facilities, television, telephone and reading materials, just turn up and pay at the door to gain access as long as space is available. Open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. daily, access is NT$1,100 and is available to Priority Pass members.
Plaza Premium Lounge, Singapore
No time to sample Singapore‘s signature dishes? Then waste no time in the airport and head straight to its award-winning lounge, the only independent one in Terminal 1 Departures. Laksa and chicken rice are on offer, as well as made-to-order dishes and live-cooking counters. Kick things up a notch by indulging in a private resting suite, shower room or VIP room. Massage and nail care services are also available in addition to the usual lounge benefits. Open 24 hours daily and available to all travelers whatever their airline or class of travel, book online with rates starting from SGD$58 for five hours.
Ambassador Transit Lounge, Singapore
In transit at Terminal 2 or 3? Ambassador Transit Lounge has locations at both and operates 24 hours a day. There are workstations, printing facilities and beauty and massage services as well as a gym and private napping suites. Rates start from SGD$35.31 for five hours at the Terminal 2 lounge, and SGD$58.85 for five hours at Terminal 3’s location.
Apricot Lounge, Vietnam
Drinks, television screens and a range of publications will keep you entertained in Ho Chi Minh City‘s Apricot Lounge until your flight boarding time pops up on the information screens. Open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, one-time lounge passes can be purchased online at GBP$25 per person for three hours, or GBP$30 per person for five hours. Showering facilities are also available. The lounge is accessible to Priority Pass members.
Plaza Premium Lounge, Kuala Lumpur
Escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s busy terminal via the bubble lift near Gate C-12 to the relative peace and tranquility of Plaza Premium Lounge. With impressive views of the runway, visitors can enjoy drinks at the bar alongside snacks, Wi-Fi and a selection of magazines and newspapers. VIP rooms and showers are also available. Book online from MYR$138 for two hours.
Pagstop Lounge, Philippines
Decorated in the local Filipino style, this lounge located in the International terminal of Ninoy Aquino Airport offers passengers a chance to relax with light refreshments and a drink or two. There’s Wi-Fi, televisions and telephones, as well as newspapers and magazines, all available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Access is for Priority Pass members.
Miascor Lounge, Philippines
Also part of the Priority Pass network of lounges, Miascor Lounge is open 24 hours with all of the usual lounge facilities plus showers and conference services.
Louis’ Tavern CIP First Class Lounge, Thailand
You may be travelling economy but you can still wait in comfort at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when you purchase a day pass to one of the Louis’ Tavern CIP First Class Lounges, found in three locations. Despite the name, the lounges are open to all travellers on any airline and offer drinks and snacks, flight information and entertainment. A one-time lounge pass is available online at GBP$29 per person for three hours, or GBP$60 for five hours. Frequent visitors to Bangkok might consider an annual membership. There’s access for Priority Pass members too, and if there’s space available, visitors can pay at the door.
Bangkok Flight Services, Thailand
Bangkok Flight Services offers an excellent deal for visitors in transit at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Their well-equipped lounge includes showering facilities and massage chairs, as well as light refreshments, fresh fruit, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, wifi and entertainment, all for just THB830 per person. Located in AF Sky Lounge Concourse F, for arrangements simply visit the website or email BFSPremiumServices@BFSAsia.com.
Feature image: Cathay Pacific Lounge, Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific
Slider image: Plaza Premium Lounge, Kuala Lumpur via Plaza Premium Lounge
