Cathay Pacific trials pay-your-way access to business class lounges
By David Flynn, October 10 2018
IN BRIEF | Cathay Pacific is now letting passengers pay their way into a handful of its airport lounges under a six-month trial.
Premium economy and economy passengers who don't hold lounge-worthy frequent flyer status can pony up HK$600 – that's a whopping A$108 – to cool their heels in the Cathay Pacific lounges at Manila, Melbourne and Vancouver.
Cathay Pacific Vancouver lounge
It's highly questionable if a visit to Melbourne's rather dated Cathay Pacific lounge is worth even half that much, especially with the recently-opened Plaza Premium Lounge asking $60 (or free with an American Express Platinum Charge Card or Centurion Card, or via Priority Pass membership) while it offers cooked-to-order dishes alongside a bar and barista service.
The Manila and Vancouver lounges are significantly better value for money, as both are among Cathay's newest lounges and include not just the warmly comfortable Ilse Crawford design but the popular Noodle Bar.
Cathay Pacific Manila lounge
AusBT review: Cathay Pacific business, first class lounge, Manila Airport
Even so, $110 could definitely go a fair way in either airport without your setting foot inside those cosy lounges.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
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MNL has a good enough lounge at T3 that's only about $15 and great views just no hot food!
Cx lounges are re-knowned to be the best however too costly for a few hours unless its on expenses,the HKG paid for lounge is less money and good enough too!
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