Cathay Pacific to Close The Arrival in Hong Kong

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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.