Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews
It’s been a notable month for airline product announcements. Emirates just unveiled its refurbished cabin for its fleet of Boeing 777s (the airline is currently the largest operator of 777s) including the much-awaited First Class Suites. So far, this will be the only aircraft type in Emirates to have a suite type product, a departure from other airlines where the suites are usually placed in the A380 – notably Singapore Airlines Suites.
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Cathay Pacific’s The Pier – the airline’s flagship business class lounge in Hong Kong International Airport – has got to be the one of the most varied airport lounges in the world. Measuring an unbelievable 3,306 square meters and comprising multiple themed zones, The Pier functions more as a destination rather than just a place to rest and grab a quick bite before proceeding to one’s next flight.
While I was transiting in Hong Kong during my trip from Osaka to Singapore, I managed to check out The Pier. I had something like 2 hours of transit time and initially, I thought that was more than enough to have a good grasp of the lounge. By the end of my transit, I felt like I only managed to scratch the surface of what The Pier has to offer. If you are flying from Hong Kong in Cathay Pacific business class, I strongly suggest coming at least 3 hours before your flight in order to fully enjoy this exceptional lounge.
computer room at the pier business class lounge
The Pier Business Class Lounge is located near Gate 65. If you are flying regionally, you might have to walk a bit to get here. The Wing, another Cathay Pacific lounge located near Gate 1, is nearer for flights to Southeast Asia, Japan, Taiwan, etc but I assure you the walk to The Pier is definitely worth it.
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The Plaza Premium Lounge at the Hong Kong International Airport is one of the flagship lounges of the Plaza Premium Network. The lounge is open to Priority Pass holders and while the Priority Pass website cites two lounges at Terminal 1, there are technically three of the group’s lounges in the Hong Kong Airport. While most people scurry to the “main” lounge at the East Hall near Gate 1, not many know that there is actually an adjacent lounge to the right with its own entrance – an annex with newer and nicer furnishings as well as the same type of food as in the main lounge.
While I was transiting in Hong Kong International Airport for a flight out to Osaka (KIX), I chanced upon this hidden “annex.” Entering it for the first time, I could see right away how much better the interiors are. The seating spaces are mostly decked in dark leather which a great alternative to the sometimes musty and furry corduroy furnishings next door.
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Emirates Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates, has partnered with Mileslife, the app that allows earning of miles through lifestyle and dining purchases. A few months ago, I wrote about Mileslife and how they have compelling dining and lifestyle partners such as Crystal Jade and the restaurants at Capella Singapore. Payments using the app at these establishments allow for earning of miles with a number of airline frequent flyer programmes (i.e. you can earn anywhere from 1 to 5 miles per S$ spent at these dining or lifestyle partners). Emirates is the latest airline to partner with them. In case you have not signed up with Mileslife yet, you can sign up HERE and receive 1,000 additional miles with your first spend.
emirates a380 business class (source: airline)
The tie up between Emirates Skywards and Mileslife allow for earning up to 5 miles per S$ spent. Emirates Skywards members can also earn additional miles based on their membership tier – Silver members earn 25% bonus miles, Gold members earn 50% bonus miles while Platinum members earn 75% bonus miles.
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The first of SilkAir’s 37 ordered Boeing 737 Max 8 arrived in Changi Airport, marking a shift in the airline’s traditional fleet of older A320s. The new Boeing 737 Max 8 will include enhancements such as Boeing Sky interiors for a roomier (and more colorful) cabin experience, improved seats with longer seat pitches as well as useful additions such as personal USB ports and tablet/phone holders.
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I’ll start by saying it. The Qantas Singapore Lounge at Changi Terminal 1 has got to be the one of the best airport lounges in Singapore. It opened back in April 2013 and boasts of bells and whistles such as live cooking stations, freshly-brewed barista coffee as well as a cocktail bar for guests waiting for their flight.
The lounge is spread across multiple sections including 2 sitting areas with armchairs (of various types and colors) interspersed with counter seating for those looking to get some work done. In order to get access to power outlets, make sure to choose a seat near the aisle. While the interiors here are in keeping with airport lounges elsewhere, the clean white look gives it a more refined ambiance.
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The SATS Premier lounges at Changi Airport are among the most heavily used lounges in Singapore. These lounges are present in all three terminals and all in all, around 20+ carriers have a contract with them. Their facilities are also open to Priority Pass holders. As I had a flight out of Changi Airport Terminal 1 recently, I decided to check out the SATS Premier Lounge.
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Star Alliance branded airport lounges remain to be a rarity, with outlets only in selected airports such as Los Angeles (LAX), Paris (CDG) and Sao Paulo (GRU). I was pleasantly surprised when I was browsing through the Priority Pass website to search for a decent-looking lounge with a shower at Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). While I did not manage to find a partner lounge that had a shower, photos of the Star Alliance Lounge there caught my eye (in contrast, the other Priority Pass option – the KAL Lounge – looked horrible) and it ended up becoming my place of refuge as I was waiting for my flight out of Nagoya.
elevator leading to the lounge
To get to the Star Alliance Lounge in Nagoya, you need to take the lift. From the transit area in the 3rd floor, the lounge is one level down. The elevator immediately opens up to the entrance where chirpy staff members greet passengers for registration. The reception counter itself is quite nice to look at – with warm shades and leading lines that are reminiscent of newer lounges.
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