With three separate Plaza Premium lounges on offer at Hong Kong International Airport, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Depending on what time you are at the airport, you may be able to access the lounges at Gate 1, Gate 35 or Gate 60, in addition to the Plaza Premium First lounge.

While each of the lounges have their own advantages, we're going to take a deep dive look into their lounge at Gate 1.

This lounge is accessible to all travelers, regardless of airline or class of service, through various access methods including select lounge memberships, eligible credit cards, or by purchasing a pass.

Lounge Location and Details

You'll find the Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) in Terminal 1 nearby the duty-free shops on the lower departures level (Level 7). The entrance is located just as you round the corner towards Gates 1-4.

The lounge is open 24/7, making it a convenient option for most departing flights from Terminal 1.

Lounge Layout and Seating

The Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) features a modern, stylish interior with a variety of seating options to accommodate different needs and preferences.

The space is divided into several zones, including a dining area with communal tables and more private booths, a lounge seating section with armchairs, and a "coffee house" style area with bar seating and additional dining tables.

Throughout the lounge, guests can find power outlets and USB ports to keep their devices charged. The lounge also offers a series of private work cubicles, although the fixed table design may not be ideal for laptop use.

We find that the lack of windows and natural light can make the lounge feel a bit dark and confined, especially during busier periods when the space fills up with guests.

Food and Beverage

Food options vary depending on the time of day, with a breakfast spread available in the early morning hours and a selection of hot and cold dishes served later on.

Breakfast items may include scrambled eggs, sausages, beans, pastries, and local specialties.

Later in the day, guests can enjoy a salad bar, sandwiches, and a noodle station.

In terms of beverages, the lounge offers complimentary soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea.

Beer and wine are also included in the entry fee, but spirits and other premium beverages are available for an additional charge.

A staffed bar operates during peak hours for more complex drink orders.

Amenities

The Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi, although we find that speeds can be slow during peak times.

Shower facilities are available for those looking to freshen up before their flight, but access policies and potential extra costs are not always consistent.

The lounge also features a small play area for children, as well as a smoking room and a selection of reading materials.

Lounge Access Options

There are several ways to access the Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) at Hong Kong International Airport T1:

• Book Through LoungePair: Purchase a single-use access pass via LoungePair from US$82.00. The pass is flexible and has no fixed time or date of access, allowing you to book without worrying about potential flight or schedule changes.

• Book Through Other Single Use Pass Websites: Other single use day pass websites include Lounge Pass, LoungeBuddy, and Plaza Premium. Each of these options require you to input a fixed time and date of access.

• Through Lounge Membership Programs: All the major lounge membership programs like Priority Pass, Dragon Pass and Lounge Key provide access to this lounge. Your guest privileges will depend on how you have acquired your access.

• With Your Credit Card: Certain high-end credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, CapitalOne and Diners Club will have access to this lounge included. There are also locally issued Mainland China, Macau SAR and Hong Kong SAR credit cards that also have access benefits, we recommend checking with your card issuer.

• As a Walk-in: This lounge does accept walk-ins, subject to capacity at the time (Hint: Purchasing with LoungePair in advance is a much better value option, and you can pay in your preferred currency).

Some airlines may offer access to this lounge for Business Class passengers or those with airline status. If this is the case, you will ordinarily be advised on check-in.

Children under the age of two years will receive complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are alcoholic beverages included with access at the Hong Kong Gate 1 Plaza Premium Lounge?

House wine and beer are included with entry into the lounge, however spirits will cost you extra.

Are there other Priority Pass lounges available at Hong Kong International Airport?

Yes, there are plenty of options available in Hong Kong if you have a Priority Pass. Besides this lounge (at Gate 1), there are also Plaza Premium lounges available at Gate 35 and at Gate 60. Alternatively, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at The Club is another option worth checking out.

Is this lounge suitable for plane-spotting?

Unfortunately, this is a windowless lounge, which not only makes it dark at times but also makes it impossible to see the tarmac. We recommend taking a look at the Plaza Premium options at Gate 35 and Gate 60 if looking out onto the tarmac is a must for you.

Summary

The Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 offers a comfortable, though occasionally crowded, escape from the busy terminal.

With its modern design, varied seating options, and decent food and beverage selection, this lounge offers a pleasant place to spend some time before your flight.