This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
The Arrival, Cathay Pacific’s arrivals lounge in Hong Kong (HKG), is small and perhaps somewhat underwhelming after flying long-haul in Cathay business or first. But, it provides welcome shower suites, a buffet bar and at some times of the day an a la carte dining menu.
So, it was sad to hear when South China Morning Post Aviation Reporter Danny Lee noted that The Arrival is closing. Cathay Pacific’s website notes that The Arrival will close on Nov. 5, 2018.
Lee visited The Arrival today and confirmed the news with lounge staff. After the visit he said “it’s permanent — but they have to hand back the space to the Airport Authority. Searches for alternative space have not been satisfactory.” So, perhaps Cathay will find an opportunity to open an even bigger and better arrivals lounge in the near future.
My last visit to Cathay Pacific’s The Arrival arrivals lounge was about a month ago after flying Cathay’s new A350-1000 from DC (IAD). On this visit, The Arrival was surprisingly crowded. So, a larger space would certainly be welcomed, especially by those arriving in the morning rush that want to shower and catch up on work before heading into the city.
Visiting Hong Kong after The Arrival closes on November 5 — or don’t have access to The Arrival lounge anyway? If you have a Priority Pass membership — which comes as a benefit of select cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express — you can visit the Plaza Premium Lounge that’s across from The Arrival when you arrive. This lounge features shower rooms and is larger than The Arrival, although with the closure of The Arrival, the Plaza Premium Lounge will presumably become much more crowded starting Nov. 5.
With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
