Star Alliance opens new lounge at Guangzhou

The space is Star Alliance’s first branded lounge in Asia, and serves the 10 member airlines flying from Guangzhou.

By David Flynn, November 21 2024
Star Alliance opens new lounge at Guangzhou

Star Alliance is continuing to build on its global lounge network with this week’s opening of a new lounge at China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

Located at Terminal 1, it’s the first Star Alliance lounge in Asia, but not the last: the airline group says it will open a second Star Alliance-branded lounge at the airport’s upcoming Terminal 3, which is due to open in December 2025.

The Star Alliance lounge rolls out the welcome mat for first and business class passengers on Star Alliance member airlines departing from Guangzhou T1, along with Gold-grade frequent flyers.

The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.
The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.

At present, 10 Star Alliance airlines operate from Guangzhou: Air China, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai, and Turkish Airlines.

Open 24 hours a day, the new Star Alliance lounge is located in the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge in the Terminal 1 international area – making it a lounge within a lounge – and close to the departure gates for Star Alliance member airlines.

The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.
The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.

The 750m2 open layout can accommodate up to 100 guests in a comfortable environment for travellers as they relax or work before their flight.

The space features a glass facade offering tarmac views, filling the space with natural light; in addition to the variety of seating there are also workstations and shower suites.

Travellers can also book the private 100m2 ‘VIP room’ for groups or private business meetings, and on special occasions will also see an exclusive Tea Appreciation Corner where they can experience the region’s renowned tea culture.

The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.
The new Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou.

Food options range from light bites to regional delights featuring local cuisine served throughout the day, with a bar counter stocking drinks that have been “specially curated for the lounge.”

“Lounges are a critical component for the effortless travel experience we aim to provide to our member airline passengers,” said Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias.

“As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests.”

Ambar Franco, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience, describes the lounge as being “thoughtfully designed with the modern traveller in mind... with the flexibility to relax, work, or refresh before their flight, all while enjoying a wide range of refreshment options and services tailored to their needs.”

Also read: This HSBC Star Alliance credit card is your fast-track to Gold status

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jun 2017

Total posts 78

Wow. From the press release photos, hardly looks inviting!

Yes, Chinese airport lounges tend to be pretty uninspiring. I'd say the best one is Cathay's Shanghai lounge simply because it has the same excellent design as The Pier etc. Otherwise most airport lounges in China are just bland and more like a waiting room.

21 Sep 2011

Total posts 70

It's funny that this new lounge uses considerable amount of second hand furniture to save cost. 


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