Qantas’ Excellent Hong Kong Lounge is Back

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge seating
Dining area in the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Photo: Matt Graham.

Qantas has reopened its Hong Kong Lounge, and the service is just as good as ever.

I visited last week, and in my opinion, this is now the best lounge at Hong Kong Airport. (Yes, I visited Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Lounge as well.)

Originally unveiled in 2014, Qantas had announced during the pandemic that it was permanently closing its popular Hong Kong Lounge. But demand has recovered faster than expected, to the point that Qantas is even now running Airbus A380s to Hong Kong.

Luckily, the old lounge space was still available and Qantas managed to reclaim it. With a fresh coat of paint and some new furnishings, Qantas reopened the lounge to passengers last month.

Airport lounge sign for Qantas Lounge HKG
The Qantas Lounge is back in its original location. Photo: Matt Graham.

You can find the lounge by turning right immediately after clearing security and immigration.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge entrance
Qantas Hong Kong Lounge entrance. Photo: Qantas.

Upon entering the lounge, I immediately recognised some familiar faces including Paul. The lounge is now under new management, with Sodexo (the operator of the Cathay Pacific lounges) having taken over from Accor at this particular port. But many of the old staff have returned, and are now working alongside a few new (but equally good) staff.

My travelling companion and I were welcomed very warmly into the lounge and offered a table in the dining area.

The lounge space

Open daily from 2.30pm until 10pm, the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge doesn’t just serve passengers on the evening Qantas departures to Australia. It’s also accessible to eligible frequent flyers and Business/First Class passengers of Cathay Pacific, and other Oneworld carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines.

A fairly large and airy space above the main terminal concourse, the lounge has a capacity of 290 people. It was fairly quiet during my visit, prior to boarding QF128, so the space was nice and peaceful.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge seating
Lounge seating. Photo: Matt Graham.

The lounge offers great tarmac views. And of course, there are toilets and showers available.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Photo: Matt Graham.

Food & beverage

One of the best things about the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge has always been the food. I’m pleased to say that this hasn’t changed. There’s still a very good buffet selection…

Buffet at the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Buffet at the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Photo: Matt Graham.

The lounge also has a rotating “plate of the day” menu. During my visit, the specials were beef brisket noodle soup and a couple of classics that have returned from the old lounge menu – Guangdong style chicken and BBQ pork.

Guangdong chicken, a returning classic of the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Guangdong style chicken with black beans and steamed rice, a returning classic. Photo: Matt Graham.

The BBQ pork was especially tasty.

House made BBQ pork with steamed rice, smashed cucumber salad, cabbage and radish pickles at Qantas Hong Kong lounge
House made BBQ pork with steamed rice, smashed cucumber salad, cabbage and radish pickles. Photo: Matt Graham.

The staff also brought us a small serve of Qantas’ famous salt & pepper squid, which can normally be found on the Qantas First Lounge menus in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Los Angeles.

Salt and pepper squid in Hong Kong
Salt and pepper squid in Hong Kong. Photo: Matt Graham.

But perhaps the highlight was the yum cha trolley, which was a pre-COVID favourite at the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge.

The yum cha trolley at Qantas Hong Kong lounge
Qantas has brought back the popular yum cha trolley! Photo: Matt Graham.

The bar was well-stocked and the bartenders could make you a wide selection of drinks.

Qantas Hong Kong Lounge bar
Bar at the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Photo: Qantas.

There was also self-service wine available…

Selection of wines in the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Selection of wines in the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Photo: Matt Graham.

…and a range of non-alcoholic beverages.

Refreshment station at Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
Refreshment station. Photo: Matt Graham.

Special service for Platinum One members

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge is a combined space for Business & First Class passengers, as well as Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Oneworld Sapphire & Emerald frequent flyers. Complimentary Qantas lounge invitations are also accepted here if you’re departing on a Qantas flight.

Credit Cards with Qantas Lounge Invitations

Qantas American Express Ultimate
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There is no differentiated service for Gold and Platinum members, but Qantas Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members get a little bit of extra attention. There isn’t a dedicated seating area for VIPs, but the staff know who they are and check on them more often. There’s also a nicer champagne reserved for Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members.

Summary

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge is open again, and the lounge staff are clearly proud to show off the newly reopened space. It has (almost) everything you need, great food and drinks, and warm service, making it a great place to spend a few hours before you fly out of Hong Kong.

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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Community Comments

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The lounge has pass it's first acid test with the cancelled QF128 last night.

Michael the bar tender has kept everyone happy and deserve a big thumbs up. All staff there were very professional and understand, making sure all our needs for food and drinks were filled quickly.

The lounge is very nice and the people working there has push it up another level.

Reply 6 Likes

Just in time for my 6hr stopover in HKG.
For people with experience, between 1500 and 2100 is it likely the 2 of us will have more space here than in The Wing business or the Cathay lounges? With plenty of time I assume we'll visit both anyway.

Reply 1 Like

Great review! Got my first work trip back in July so hoping enough time to do a quick lounge hop and give QF another chance. Used to just go to CX but might need to revisit QF.

Reply 1 Like

Will be transitting Hkg twice in September....my go to lounges will be Pier F if reopened, then Wing F, and then Qf lounge. 🙂

Reply 3 Likes

Im similar in that I usually do wing to rehydrate from the express train at the champagne bar and get my shirt pressed then trot down to pier to get my steps up and a quick back and head massage. Pier can be a pain as QF usually leave for the closer in gates so work up a sweat when boarding as usually do hkg in summer months.

Not sure where transit spits you out but maybe start with QF and see if any noticeable difference after reopening.

Reply 1 Like

Hi everyone, I will be visiting in Sept. I’ve always visited the Pier and looking forward to seeing the new lounge. In particular I am super keen on trying the yum cha trolley. Just wondering if this is available all day or only specific times of the day? I will be flying out at 10pm.

Reply 1 Like

I came across this article recently (was it on AFF?)

Reply 1 Like

click to expand...

Hi everyone, I will be visiting in Sept. I’ve always visited the Pier and looking forward to seeing the new lounge. In particular I am super keen on trying the yum cha trolley. Just wondering if this is available all day or only specific times of the day? I will be flying out at 10pm.

I think they roll out the yum cha trolley a few hours before QF128 departs, then put it away again once the Qantas flight has boarded. I could be wrong, though.

Reply 1 Like

In the hay days, I would go to the QF lounge first for the shower because it was right after immigration, then head to CX first to have the meal, because there is always a queue for the CX showers in First / even J lounges.

Reply 3 Likes

I think Cathay food will be always much better than Qantas lounge but Qantas win with good wine..

Reply 1 Like