Due to late arrival on my flight from Shanghai, I didn’t have a choice but overnighting at the airport. I wanted to spend a night at a hotel, but the connection time was too to have a proper sleep.
Since most Cathay Pacific lounges are open until the last flight departs, I spent only a few hours at The Wing, First, soaking at the Cabana suite. I then headed to the Plaza Premium lounge, which I’m going to review soon.
In this series:
- Introduction
- Alaska Airlines Economy Class A320 Washington to Los Angeles
- Crowne Plaza Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Qantas First Lounge at Los Angeles International (LAX)
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International (LAX)
- American Airlines Business Class 787-9 Los Angeles to Shanghai
- Cathay Pacific Lounge at Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
- Cathay Dragon Economy Class A321 Shanghai to Hong Kong
- Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International (HKG)
- Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International (HKG)
- Cathay Pacific Economy Class 777-300 Hong Kong to Manila
- Cebu Pacific Economy Class ATR72 Manila to Busuanga (Round-Trip)
- Al Faro Cosmio Hotel Coron
- Island Adventure: Coron, Palawan
- Turkish Airlines Business Class 777-300ER Manila to Istanbul
- Touristanbul – Free Istanbul City Tour Sponsored by Turkish Airlines
- Turkish Airlines Business Class 777-300ER Istanbul to Los Angeles
The Pier, First opens at 5:30 in the morning. It’s located near gate 63, so it was quite a bit of a walk. The thing I will miss having Oneworld Emerald status is access to most first-class lounges in the Oneworld network. Even though I would be flying in the economy to Manila that morning, I was still able to access the lounge due to this access policy.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
I love the design of the lounge — it’s modern, yet very classy. As Kevy mentioned, the dining and seating areas at The Pier are designed thoughtfully in accordance to Cathay’s signature lounge design — it even has its own signature scent. I can’t agree more.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Hallway
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Hallway
As I previously mentioned on my previous post, The Pier offers a true restaurant-quality dining experience, so I decided to have breakfast here instead. The restaurant consists of a few dozens of tables and booths.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Restaurant Dining Room
There is also a bar with a few bar stools.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Restaurant Bar
The breakfast reads as follows:
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Breakfast Menu
I ordered Breakfast Bibimbap along with a side of smoked salmon, cappuccino, and the Vitalizer — they were excellent.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Breakfast
As a reference, here are some lunch and dinner items I’ve had from my previous visit.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Lunch/Dinner (Previous Visit)
After breakfast, I still had about an hour to spare, so I decided to check out the rest of the lounge area. What I love about this lounge is that the main sitting area has a gorgeous view of the tarmac.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Sitting Area
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Tarmac View
At the end of the hallway, you’ll find a bar with dozens of chairs, sofas, and coffee tables. The overall set up is beautiful and classy, in my opinion.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Main Bar
I didn’t use the shower this time, but it’s worth noting that The Pier offers great shower rooms equipped with Aesop amenities.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Restroom
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Aesop Amenities
Additionally, complimentary massage service by Gentlemen’s Tonic is available, though there was a long waitlist. So if you want to take advantage of this service, I recommend you to put your name on the list as early as possible.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Complimentary Massage Service by Gentlemen’s Tonic
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Complimentary Massage Service by Gentlemen’s Tonic
If you want to much, there is a snack room where you can get your snack and desserts, as well as refrigerated drinks.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Snack Room
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Hot Breakfast Buffet
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Bakery
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Snacks
Lastly, The Pier offers several day rooms available upon request. It’s not a proper bedroom by any means, as it only has a curtain instead of a door. But it’s more than sufficient if you have a long layover and want to take a nap. To give an idea, I took the following pictures from my previous visits.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, First – Day Room
Conclusion
Overall, The Pier, First is one of my favorite first-class lounges. The lounge offers a great view of the tarmac as well as multiple day rooms, massage service by Gentlemen’s Tonic, and great shower rooms equipped with Aesop amenities. The restaurant also offers a true restaurant-quality dining experience.
I have been spoiled by having access to this lounge, even when flying in the economy cabin. I will sure miss my Oneworld Emerald status after breaking up with American Airlines in January 2020. It has always been a delight visiting The Pier, First.
