Airlines
Cathay Pacific Business Class: Full Review + HKG Lounge Guide
Plus: A Guide to the Best Airport Lounges at HKG
When it comes to long-haul travel, comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. So, when I booked my round-trip flight from Boston to Hong Kong, there was no hesitation in choosing Cathay Pacific, my favorite airline to Asia.
✧ First Impressions
People always ask me how I can fly for 15 hours anywhere, and I tell them that when you fly Cathay Pacific, it feels like a “mini vacation.” There is Michelin star dining, lay-flat beds, time to catch up on movies with noise-canceling earphones, excellent sleep, and free WiFi only if you need it. Maybe you’ll even finish a book that you’ve been meaning to. There’s lots of time.
The Business Class seat cabin is spacous and well-designed with soft mood lighting that creates a pleasant environment. The polished flight attendants welcomed all passengers with personalized greetings and sincere smiles.
Cathay’s Business Class is designed for relaxation. My Business Class Seat offered full lie-flat seating, privacy dividers, lots of storage space, and an easy-to-use seat control system.
✧ Elevated In-Flight Experience
Cathay Pacific knows how to make flying feel indulgent—and effortless.
Passengers flying in First or Business class cabins enjoy a thoughtfully elevated experience: healthier menus, premium bedding, and new amenity kits with luxurious and sustainable Bamford products inside. The chic zippered pouch is a beautiful keepsake. Tip: I like to use them to store charger cords or as a makeup holder inside my handbag.
Dinner service is a fine dining experience at altitude. Cathay Pacific has partnered with JIA Group’s Michelin-starred French restaurant, Louise. For passengers flying in First and Business Class on select long-haul routes, the airline now offers a beautifully curated menu of 16 reimagined French classics.
My halibut arrived beautifully plated, and the curated wine list was impressive; however, I opted for the refreshing Cathay Delight – a non-alcoholic mocktail made with coconut milk, lime, and mint.
The service throughout? Crisp, warm, and refined. Every interaction was graciously attentive without ever being intrusive.
I loved that wonton noodle soup and gourmet hamburgers were available on demand—yes, even at 35,000 feet. Whether I was craving comfort food or just wanted a quiet meal mid-flight, everything arrived promptly.
On the return flight to Boston, Cathay Pacific partners with Michelin-starred Hong Kong-based restaurant Duddell’s (a high-altitude celebration of Cantonese cuisine) as well as LOUISE (Michelin-starred French cuisine with a contemporary flair), giving Business Class passengers a sample of some of the finest food in Hong Kong.
And the bedding? Bliss. I stretched out fully and enjoyed an uninterrupted sleep, waking up feeling refreshed and surprisingly well-rested. The flight attendants were kind enough to bring me an extra full-size pillow and duvet as I tend to get cold on planes. Nothing like continuous sleep to make the long flight go a lot faster! However, this airline makes you forget how long the flight is.
✧ Lounge Hopping in Hong Kong:
Cathay Pacific Lounges at HKG You’ll Want to Arrive Early For
✧ The Wing, First
Located just beyond security, this exclusive First Class space feels like a modern sanctuary. Private cabanas, à la carte dining, and Champagne on arrival set the tone.
What I loved: The Champagne Bar—because every great trip should begin with bubbles if you imbibe. I also loved The Cabanas and Shower Suites – take a relaxing bath while you wait for your flight!
Note: The Wing, First is currently closed for renovation and will reopen in 2026. The Deck will serve as an interim First Class lounge during the renovations of The Wing. Eligible flyers can also continue visiting The Pier, First, and The Pier, Business during this time.
Hours: 5:30 am until the last Cathay Pacific departure between 00:30 – 02:00 / Location: Level 7, Terminal 1 near Gates 1 to 4
✧ The Pier, First
This was perhaps the most elegant airport lounge I’ve experienced. With its tranquil design, curated spa experiences at The Retreat, and newly launched in-lounge dining by Mott 32, it’s a destination in itself.
What I loved: The Mott 32 tasting menu—fine Chinese cuisine in a serene lounge setting. Also, don’t miss a neck and back massage at the Spa. TIP: Sign up early, as there may be a wait due to its popularity. While you wait, cozy up in one of the private Relaxation lounge suites overlooking the tarmac.
Hours: 5:30am – until 00:30, daily / Location: Level 6, Terminal 1, near Gate 63
✧ The Wing, Business
Bright, spacious, and designed for both work and relaxation. It’s a refined environment with comfortable seating and fast Wi-Fi.
What I loved: The Coffee Loft—perfectly crafted flat whites served with a smile. There is a Noodle Bar here too, and there’s no such thing as too many noodles.
Hours: 5:30 am – 00:30 daily / Location: Level 6, Terminal 1 near Gate 2
✧ The Pier, Business
Cathay’s largest lounge, but one of the coziest. Warm wood tones, velvet textures, and the comforting hum of the Noodle Bar make it feel more like a boutique hotel than an airport lounge.
What I loved: The Dim Sum of Chicken Siu Mai, Vegetable Dumplings, and Lotus Seed Paste Bao—on par with Hong Kong’s finest, and always available. The charming Teahouse hidden beyond it was a great place to enjoy the finest Chinese teas and pastries.
Hours: 5:30 am – 00:30, daily / Location: Level 6, Terminal 1 near Gate 2
✧ The Deck
A hidden gem perched above it all. This newer lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows and a chic, minimalist design. This is open to Business and First Class passengers.
What I loved: Sipping a mocktail on The Terrace as the sun set over the tarmac—pure serenity.
Hours: 5:30 am – 00:30, daily / Location: Level 7, Terminal 1 near Gate 65
✧ The Bridge
Cathay Pacific’s newly redesigned The Bridge lounge is a beautiful blend of modern design and residential comfort. Located near Gate 35, it’s divided into two wings—one highlighting Chinese flavors, the other offering international fare.
What I loved: The curated art from the “Gallery in the Skies” series, and a serene layout. It’s a peaceful haven to reset before your flight.
Hours: 5:30 am – 00:30, daily / Location: Near G35 on Level 6
Tips for Making the Most of It
- Book your seats early: Solo travelers may prefer the privacy of the window-side seats in the 1-2-1 configuration.
- Download the Cathay Pacific app: From lounge access to digital menus, it streamlines the entire journey. You can also explore travel offers and download your boarding pass.
- Pack light for the lounge: With showers, spa services, and fresh amenities, you can truly arrive refreshed.
- Skip the alcohol (or don’t!): The Cathay Delight is a refreshing non-alcoholic option (The Cathay Delight), but if you’re toasting, don’t miss the selection of prestige Champagnes onboard.
- Leave time for the lounges, especially at HKG, where the lounge experience rivals luxury hotels.
✧ Final Thoughts
Cathay Pacific doesn’t just fly you across the world—it turns the journey into something to savor. With impeccable service, inspired menus, and beautifully designed lounges, this was far more than a flight. It was a travel experience.
Book your next flight on Cathay Pacific at www.cathaypacific.com
This trip was part of a hosted partnership with Cathay Pacific. Opinions expressed are my own.
