Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge

The Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge has something of a storied history. Over the years, Qantas has migrated from having two distinct Hong Kong lounges to one larger space. That unified lounge was then expanded again, only to be ‘permanently closed’ roughly 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, its fortune changed. A decision was made for it to return, with a light touch-up arguably bringing the lounge back to its former glory.

From dishes of the day served straight to your seat through to signature cocktails and service, here’s what to expect during your next visit to the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge.

Location

The Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge sits in the airport’s international departures area. For those beginning their journey in Hong Kong, it’s located to the right, immediately after passing through security screening and outbound passport control.

But even though the lounge is close by, it’s physically quite tucked away. You’ll need to meander down a small corridor, walking parallel to glass marked ‘no entry’. Don’t fret – the ‘no entry’ just relates to walking back into the immigration area. Follow that corridor past the Paul Lafayet store and you’ll find the Qantas lounge.

This lounge is anything from a shoebox. Boasting high ceilings and an expansive floor plan, it is, in my view, one of Qantas’ best Business Class lounges.

Signage towards the lounge is clear enough.

But the walk isn’t quite so obvious.

Nonetheless, you’ll be inside soon enough.

The lounge affords great views across the airfield.

Here’s a handy shortcut if you’re departing from the gates below, although you can’t enter through the same way.

The lounge overlooks the airport concourse below. By extension, it also provides excellent views over the airfield. Take note too, if you happen to be flying from gates 5-9, there’s a rear exit to the lounge for a speedy departure.

Qantas has a lot of partner airlines contracted to use this space, so its opening hours are quite broad. This means you’re likely to find it open to suit most eligible partner airline flights (e.g. Cathay Pacific departures), even if this lounge isn’t the ‘default’ provided for your flight. In any case, its doors open at 7:30 am daily ahead of closing at 11 pm.

At the time of writing, all Qantas flights to Australia depart early evening. QF128 to Sydney pushes back at 7:25 pm, while QF30 to Melbourne departs at 7:30 pm. This means there’s plenty of wiggle room within the lounge’s published opening hours in case of any delays.

Layout and seating

My favourite aspect of this lounge is its spacious feel. After you enter, you can keep walking… and walking… and walking. Throughout your stroll, you’ll continue to uncover new nooks and spaces. There’s bound to be somewhere to suit, and no need to share a table or cocktail table with a stranger, as in some squeezier lounges. It’s a noticeable step above in size compared to the airline’s Business Lounge in Singapore.

As for the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge, it’s thoroughly modern. That’s because Qantas previously operated separate Business Class and First Class lounges in Hong Kong. After the withdrawal of the Roo’s Hong Kong-London route over a decade ago, the First Lounge was closed and a new, single lounge would take its place.

Given its popularity at the time, the lounge was later expanded. This represents the section of the lounge at the very back – the furthest from reception. These days, Hong Kong isn’t as busy, and Qantas’ route map from Hong Kong isn’t as broad. There’s been no word on when, or even if, Qantas flights from Hong Kong to Brisbane would resume.

This lounge certainly doesn’t go ‘bland’ on design.

There’s a lot of room to stretch out, so the seats aren’t squished together as in some other lounges.

If you’d rather a more communal vibe though, you’re still catered for.

Most of the seats have access to power. Here, outlets are embedded into the cocktail tables.

The wall-wide artwork certainly reflects the local vibes.

There are so many seats to choose from. You’re bound to find something to suit your party size.

If you’re in a rush, try sitting at the bar. I can confirm, service here is pleasingly prompt.

This is a fun place to sit when you plan to mingle with fellow travellers.

Enjoy a meal with a view.

Head to the back corner of the lounge for the quietest spaces.

For a period, Qantas was also routinely flying its largest planes from Hong Kong to Sydney. That’s the Airbus A380, and when it was still in the fleet, the Boeing 747. These days, the siziest Qantas jet zipping from Hong Kong to Australia is the Airbus A330. Combined, the reduced passenger numbers give this lounge an even more relaxing feel than before. Even the evening ‘peak’ time isn’t particularly busy. While it’d be great to see more travellers flocking back, the experience for those who do visit is noticeably more peaceful than before.

Food and beverage in the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge

On the beverage front, the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge takes a two-tier approach. Most customers receive the standard service. That’s what you see on display at the bar, and on the menus. But as is common of other single-tier Qantas international lounges, such as in Brisbane, Platinum One and Chairmans’ Lounge members get some subtle niceties.

For those in the know, it’s no surprise to see Champagne tucked away, as opposed to the usual sparkling wine served as standard. This visit, it’s pleasingly Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV. During peak times, there’s also usually a separate shower held for these highest-tier travellers: a nice touch for those in a rush.

But even if you’re not in the ‘VIP club’, the selections here are still quite good. Sure, if you’re a standard oneworld Emerald frequent flyer, you’ll probably prefer the bubbles in Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge. It has a dedicated Champagne room and it’s open to all Platinum and Diamond level frequent flyers, not just those in the elite ranks. But the cocktails in the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge are solid. Try the Chi Chi, a delicious mix of rum, pineapple, vanilla and lime.

If you’re on the ‘Champagne list’, the staff will know who you are. If in doubt, just flash your boarding pass.

Red wine is generally self-serve.

Cocktails are on the menu here.

For a refreshing sip, sample the rum-based Chi Chi, the lounge’s signature cocktail.

A staple of Qantas’ Australian lounges, a Quench station is available here too for non-alcoholic sips.

Dishes of the day can be ordered via the staff ahead of Qantas flight departures. (It’s fine if you’re booked on another airline.)

For a faster bite, head to the buffet.

Help yourself to a selection of hot food.

Fresh salads can be found here too.

Pro tip: save room for the cheesecake.

On the food front, you’ll find the best service in the lead-up to Qantas’ evening flight departures. Take a seat where there’s a menu already on the table and you’ll be able to order dishes when a staff member passes by. Today, I opt for the house made BBQ pork with smashed cucumber salad, cabbage and radish pickles. It’s usually served with rice, but I opt out. I’m saving my appetite for the flight ahead and was more curious just to taste. Yum!

There’s also a buffet serving up fresh salads, as well as a wider variety of hot items. For dessert, the cheesecake here is an old favourite of many years ago. It’s great to see it’s stood the test of time – even after the lounge ‘permanently closed’ before later returning.

Lounge amenities

The Roo’s flight schedules have long seen evening departures from Hong Kong. Qantas’ Hong Kong International Lounge therefore has a bigger focus on relaxing after a busy workday than being yet another place to do work. With this in mind, the vibe is very much one of chilling, rather than ‘business’.

Nonetheless, Wi-Fi here is speedy enough for video calling, if required. And at least, there’s plenty of space to stretch out if settling in for a chat, rather than awkwardly doing so among a cluster of other guests. Speeds aren’t lightning fast, but are usable enough at circa 19Mbps in both directions.

Shower suites are also available – just speak with the staff. No photo today as I don’t want to hold up travellers genuinely waiting for the amenity. We all know what a shower looks like, after all!

Accessing the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge

Here’s a rundown of who qualifies for entry into the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge.

• By cabin class:
  • Business Class and First Class passengers of Qantas, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates (excluding Business Class Special fares), Fiji Airways (for now, QF codeshares only), Finnair, Japan Airlines, KLM, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways (+1 guest for First Class only, where available).
  • Passengers connecting between a oneworld international flight of 5+ hours in Business/First Class, and a oneworld flight of fewer than five hours in a lower cabin. For example, arriving from Sydney in Qantas Business, and continuing to mainland China in Cathay Pacific Economy.
• Courtesy of frequent flyer status:
  • Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One (+1 guest), along with Chairman’s Lounge (+2 guests). Available prior to Qantas, oneworld, Emirates and QF-coded flights.
  • Other oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers, prior to Qantas and oneworld flights (+1 guest).
  • Air France/KLM Flying Blue Gold, Platinum, Ultimate Platinum, Skipper and Club 2000 members prior to eligible Air France, KLM and Qantas flights (+1 guest). When flying Qantas, must be booked on an AF or KL flight number.
  • Other SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyers when travelling with Air France and KLM only.
  • Emirates Skywards Gold, Platinum and iO (+1 guest). Available prior to a Qantas or Emirates flight booked on a QF or EK flight number.
• Via airport lounge membership, lounge pass or paid entry:
  • Qantas Club members departing on a QF flight number (+1 guest).
  • Alaska Airlines Lounge+ members prior to Qantas flights (+2 guests or immediate family). Note that Hong Kong does not appear as an eligible partner lounge under the similar American Airlines Admirals Club program.
  • Travellers redeeming a single-use Qantas lounge pass for access when travelling with Qantas. These passes are offered to Qantas Silver members as well as via selected co-branded credit cards.

The verdict

Back in 2021, Qantas declared its Hong Kong lounge as permanently closed. The decision came amid lengthy international border closures, including Hong Kong itself retaining more stringent COVID-19 requirements as other destinations were reopening. Even pre-pandemic, ongoing protests in Hong Kong were hampering travel demand. Combined, the airline clearly felt it wouldn’t see a big enough turnaround in travel to justify reopening the space.

But, Qantas didn’t get that one quite right. Borders would reopen, restrictions would ease and protests would subside. Ultimately, the airline would resume two of its three pre-pandemic routes. Many other airlines serving Hong Kong would also ramp up services and be in need of a lounge. This includes both Air France and KLM, which use the Qantas lounge as their go-to in Hong Kong by special arrangement.

Of course, thanks to global oneworld Alliance lounge policies, it’s also possible to visit the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge when departing on any oneworld carrier. This includes when flying with Cathay Pacific, even though Cathay operates its own network of lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.

As to which Hong Kong lounge is best when taking your own journey, it really depends on your taste, frequent flyer tier and reason for travel. Most Emerald-level frequent flyers would likely gravitate towards Cathay Pacific’s nearby The Wing First Class Lounge, for the reasons previously explained. Or to the First Class section of The Pier, where that’s more convenient. But on the Business Class front, Qantas’ space in Hong Kong is hard to beat.

I’d personally rate Qantas’ Hong Kong lounge as a step above The Wing Business Class. I’d also rate it a little more highly than The Deck, simply because of the expanse of Qantas’ space. Whether it outranks The Pier Business Class Lounge, though, is a matter of personal taste.

If you’re travelling with a oneworld airline and qualify for entry using status or cabin class, why don’t you arrive early and see which lounge you prefer? You might just find a new favourite.

Also read: Your Australian passport unlocks Hong Kong’s time-saving e-Channel

All photography by Chris Chamberlin, who accessed the lounge as a regular guest.