Our team reviews The Wing First Class Lounge by Cathay Pacific at HKG, home to the world-famous Cabanas.
While its sister lounge, The Pier, focuses on subterranean quietude, The Wing (First) is all about openness and visibility. Located immediately after the southern security check at Hong Kong International Airport, it occupies a prime location on the balcony level. There are no walls here—instead, you look out over the gates and the aircraft, feeling the pulse of the airport while being cocooned in the most exclusive of environments.
If there is one reason to visit The Wing, it is the Cabanas. These comprise a series of large, private suites, each containing a full-sized bathtub, a separate rain shower, a daybed, and a dressing area. For the weary traveler, soaking in a hot bath while listening to the distant announcements of departing flights is a surreal and deeply relaxing experience. Our team considers the Cabanas to be one of the greatest 'amenities' in any airport, anywhere. We recommend heading straight to the reception to reserve one upon arrival, as they are understandably popular.
The first thing you see when entering the lounge is the Champagne Bar. It is a striking, minimalist space featuring red leather sofas and a selection of three premium Champagnes—typically including a vintage from a house like Billecart-Salmon or Perrier-Jouët. It is the quintessential 'start' to a First Class journey, allowing guests to toast their departure in a setting of understated glamour.
The Haven is the lounge’s dedicated restaurant. It is sleek, utilizing dark woods and leather. While it has a high-quality buffet, the à la carte menu is where the kitchen truly shines. The fusion of Cantonese and Western cuisine is handled with great skill. The service is rapid and efficient, catering to British and American travelers who may be more used to a faster pace of service than what is found at The Pier.
The Long Bar, which stretches across the edge of the lounge, provides a stunning view of the tarmac. It is an ideal spot for a cocktail or a light snack. For those needing to attend to business, the workstations are well-integrated into the design, offering privacy without sacrificing the open feel of the space. The materials—white Carrara marble and black granite—give the lounge a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that has remained relevant for over a decade.
The Wing is a classic for a reason. It offers a sense of drama and scale that is lacking in many modern lounges. While The Pier is for those who want to hide away, The Wing is for those who want to enjoy the theater of travel from a position of unrivaled comfort.
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