Cathay Pacific reopening The Pier First Class Lounge in July 2023

Cathay Pacific has been on the slow road to recovery ever since Hong Kong scrapped its COVID restrictions at the end of 2022 and reopened in earnest. Things aren’t exactly hunky-dory, but they’re certainly better than they were a year ago. 

In line with this, Cathay Pacific announced in February that it would be reopening its entire global lounge network by September 2023. Lounges in Tokyo Narita, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Vancouver have resumed operations in recent months, as well as The Wing Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong.

And now, according to Danny Lee, Cathay Pacific will be reopening The Pier First Class Lounge in July 2023.

GOOD NEWS. Cathay Pacific's "The Pier" First Class lounge in Hong Kong will reopen in July.

— Danny Lee (@AirEVthingTRNSP) June 20, 2023

This is the final piece of Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong lounge puzzle, and with this reopening, the airline will be back to its full complement of pre-COVID lounges (except The Bridge, which closed permanently during the pandemic).

Overview: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is located at Terminal 1, near Gate 63. This location makes it more suited for passengers departing at gates in the 30+ range. If you’re departing from gates 1-30, The Wing would be a more convenient option (but since the amenities in both lounges differ, why not arrive at the airport early so you can enjoy them both?).

The Pier First Class Lounge completed a major renovation in June 2015, overseen by Studiolise, the London-based design studio led by Ilse Crawford. It spans 2,061 sqm and seats a maximum of  231 passengers. 

Here’s how Cathay Pacific describes the lounge: 

Designed by Studioilse, the London-based design studio led by Ilse Crawford, the lounge is an environment that helps passengers relax by engaging the senses and focusing on wellbeing. The concept of a contemporary apartment is used as a framework for all elements of the lounge’s design and operation. The atmosphere throughout the lounge has a domestic level of comfort and characteristics of a home. This is reflected in the choice of materials, furniture, and lighting; the same considered approach has been taken with the selection of art, music, and food, all of which have been curated to feel coherent and support the idea of this being an apartment that visitors are guests in.

Warm, tactile and timeless materials such as onyx, limestone, and bronze are used in the refurbishment; acoustics are softened where possible and a considered approach has been adopted in the lighting. The abundance of plants supplements the lounge with a dose of nature and suggests a healthy environment to the passengers.

Even though the lounge has a “subterranean” location, one floor below the departures concourse, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic thanks to the warm lighting and views of the tarmac. 

Guests can look forward to facilities like a dining room with a la carte ordering, a full service bar, eight private day suites, and a spa with complimentary treatments. Unlike The Wing, The Pier does not have shower cabanas. However, it does have 14 spacious shower rooms, each with a changing bench and attached toilet. 

I last reviewed the lounge in 2019 (apologies in advance for the potato-quality photography), but I’d say an updated take is well overdue!

Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge HKG

Access and operating hours

Access to The Wing First Class Lounge is available to: 

• Cathay Pacific or oneworld passengers departing in First Class 
• Cathay Diamond Invitation, Diamond Plus & Diamond, and oneworld Emerald members departing on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight, in any cabin
• Passengers arriving on an international long-haul (>5 hours) oneworld flight in First Class and connecting to another short-haul flight, in any cabin

First Class passengers and oneworld Emerald members may bring one guest with them, while Diamond members may bring two guests. All guests must be travelling on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld operated flight.

We don’t have official confirmation from Cathay Pacific regarding opening hours (or even the exact opening date, for that matter), but prior to COVID the lounge was open from 5.30 a.m to 12.30 a.m daily.

Which Cathay Pacific Lounges have yet to reopen?

Once The Pier First Class Lounge reopens, Cathay Pacific will be back to its full strength of Hong Kong lounges.

With regards to its outstation network, the only facilities yet to reopen are San Francisco and Taipei.

Cathay Pacific has set a target of reopening all its lounges worldwide by September 2023. 

Conclusion

According to reports, Cathay Pacific will be reopening The Pier First Class Lounge next month. This is great news for First Class and oneworld Emerald passengers passing through Hong Kong, and even if you don’t qualify for access, you still stand to benefit from reduced crowding in other lounges. 

Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific award space has all but disappeared, making it very difficult to visit the lounge if you don’t have elite status.