Hong Kong International Airport is Cathay Pacific’s hub, and the airline operates multiple premium lounges there. The Bridge, located near Gates 35 and 36, is a comfortable refuge for departing business class and first class passengers, offering a quiet place to go online, read the newspaper, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a cocktail before they board their flight. What is it like, and is it worth getting to the airport early to enjoy it?
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In This Post
The Back Story – Why I’m Traveling
I was traveling with friends to Phuket, and since I had visited another Cathay Pacific Lounge, The Wing, on a previous trip, I wanted to check out another Cathay Pacific lounge on this trip.
Therefore, after checking my bags, I asked the check-in staff which lounge was the biggest, and she said The Pier, which was near Gate 65. Since I was early, I decided to head to The Pier. And believe me, it was a very long haul from security!
Halfway there, I got a phone call from my friends saying that they had arrived at the airport, were checking in, and would head to The Bridge because it was closer to the gate our plane was going to depart from.
That meant backtracking a considerable distance. Nonetheless, I turned around, started the long trek back, and arrived at The Bridge before my friends did.
RECOMMENDED: A PASSENGER’S GUIDE TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT>>
The Bridge – Overview
The Bridge is one of multiple Cathay Pacific premium lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.
Located near Gate 35, The Bridge has a central reception area that leads to two distinct wings — North and South — each offering its own atmosphere and amenities.
Both wings offer digital flight panels providing departure information. In addition, they have a selection of newspapers and other reading materials.
There are complimentary Wi‑Fi and charging points are available throughout, ensuring you can stay connected and productive while waiting for your flight.
If you are an aviation buff like me, you will enjoy looking out the picture windows, which provide great up-close views of pre- and post-flight operations on the tarmac.
Other facilities include conference rooms, showers, and a variety of seating and dining options.
The Bridge – South Wing
I decided to check out the South Wing first. Its focal point was a spacious Food Hall, with large communal tables.
Its layout reminded me of a high school cafeteria. But the cherry wood and black travertine design elements, carefully placed plants, large picture windows, and original artworks from the airline’s “Gallery in the Skies” collection assured me that I hadn’t made a miraculous flashback in time.
There was a lengthy buffet table with an impressive array of international dishes, from salads and pizzas to casseroles and desserts.
I knew I would be having lunch on the plane. But I couldn’t resist sampling a few dishes. And I must say, they were absolutely delicious!
Apparently, there were also quieter corners for solo travelers and a bar, but before I had a chance to check them out, my mobile phone started to ring. My friends had arrived, and they were on their way to the North Wing.
I should add that the South Wing also has a more exclusive area for First Class passengers and Cathay Diamond members, but since I am neither, I didn’t get to check it out.
The Bridge – North Wing
The North Wing had the same design concept of cherry wood, travertine, and large picture windows, but the layout and food concepts were completely different.
Instead of a single Food Hall, this wing was divided into distinct areas, each with its own character and focus.
Noodle Bar
First came the Noodle Bar, Cathay Pacific’s signature dining concept.
This area had booth‑style seating reminiscent of a cha chaan teng (茶餐廳, Hong Kong–style café), but executed with far more polish and style.
You could order freshly prepared noodles from a small menu, with choices of broth, noodle type, and condiments. A typical order might include dan dan noodles (擔擔麵), wonton noodles (雲吞麵), or fish ball noodles (魚蛋粉).
I tried the dan dan noodles and enjoyed them so much I went back for seconds.
Alongside the Noodle Bar was a buffet table offering lighter fare — salads, breads, cold cuts, and desserts — complementing the made‑to‑order noodles.
Lounge Area
Next came a spacious lounge, furnished with armchairs, sofas, footstools, table lamps, and coffee tables.
To be honest, it felt more like a stylish residential living room than an airport lounge, designed for comfort and relaxation.
The Nook
Beyond that was a room called the Nook, which had various seating arrangements.
There was café‑style seating, tables for two by the floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and stools along the interior wall for solo travelers.
Dim Sum Cart
At the far end stood a dim sum cart, echoing the feel of a traditional Hong Kong style teahouse.
Steaming baskets held classics such as siu mai (燒賣), har gow (蝦餃), char siu bao (叉燒包), and cheung fun (腸粉).
Drinks Alcove
Finally, there was a small alcove with a selection of champagnes, wines, and cocktails — a refined touch for those wanting to enjoy a drink before departure.
Final Thoughts
I spent the next four days and three nights in Phuket traveling with friends.
We stayed at a lovely hotel, where we enjoyed a breakfast buffet each morning as well as lunch the next day and cocktails one evening.
We also dined at a variety of spots, including a very stylish Japanese restaurant, two Thai restaurants recommended by Michelin, an Irish pub, and a couple of other highly recommended spots.
And I enjoyed all of them. But if truth be told, my absolute favorite dish on this short trip to Phuket was those mouthwatering dan dan noodles at The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport. My compliments to the chef!
Was it worth getting to the airport early to enjoy The Bridge business class lounge? Absolutely! I only wish that I had arrived a bit earlier.
RECOMMENDED: A PASSENGER’S GUIDE TO PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT>>
If you enjoyed this post or have any questions, please drop a comment and share it on social media. Let’s build community through travel – one business lounge visit at a time!
