As the barriers fall at Hong Kong’s airport, in light of China removing COVID travel restrictions, oneworld frequent flyers with a Platinum or Emerald tinge can once again settle within the confines of the Cathay Pacific Wing, First Lounge. The same goes for anyone holding a First Class ticket with Cathay Pacific or partner airlines.

The Wing was previously set within the ‘green zone’ of Hong Kong International Airport, dedicated to flights heading to mainland China. But now that these zones are no more, the whole terminal is accessible by all travellers, including those bound for Australia, Europe, the USA and more.

It’s also great news for future Qantas passengers flying out of Hong Kong. Since the Red Roo has permanently shut its own lounge in the airport, eligible frequent flyers can make themselves at home at Cathay Pacific’s range of lounges instead.

At the time of writing, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier, First lounge remains shut, but The Pier, Business lounge is open. Conversely, The Wing, Business lounge is not yet open, but The Wing, First is.

What to expect at The Wing, First in 2023

If you’re lucky enough to be heading straight for The Wing, First, you’ll find it near Gates 1-4, just after immigration clearance. (If you’re transiting in Hong Kong instead, you might need to walk back through the airport a bit to find it). The lounge is open from 5:30 am until the last departure.

Inside, you might want to make haste and reserve one of the lounge’s five signature cabanas. You can unwind in the cabana’s dreamy bathtub and soak the stress away for up to 90 minutes per booking.

Outside, a visit to The Wing’s Champagne bar is a must. Currently, Billecart-Salmon Brut NV is being served. Nearby is the staffed bar which will whip up a dizzying array of cocktails and other drinks. But the milky kiwifruit-based mocktail, Cathay Delight, remains my firm favourite.

Don’t forget to also drop by The Haven, which hosts the lounge’s a la carte restaurant.

Summing up

Hong Kong International Airport is no longer segregated into ‘green’ and ‘orange’ zones for travellers. Instead, everyone can access the full terminal, and that means Cathay’s The Wing First Class lounge is now back on the menu.

The lounge welcomes any passengers with oneworld Emerald status (e.g. Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum or higher), or those travelling in oneworld partner airline First Class. At the time of writing, there are quite a few Cathay Pacific First Class seats to London available with Qantas Points.