As Cathay Pacific continues to restore its flight network after Hong Kong removed all travel restrictions earlier this year, the airline is also reopening many of its lounges that had previously been shuttered due to the pandemic.
Recently, Cathay Pacific also increased the frequency of service between Hong Kong and Vancouver, with up to eight flights weekly between the two cities.
With this newly enhanced service, Cathay Pacific has also just announced that the Cathay Pacific Lounge located in Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is set to reopen as of June 16, 2023.
Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver Set to Reopen
Cathay Pacific has announced that the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will reopen its doors as of June 16, 2023. This marks the first time the lounge will be open to passengers following the pandemic.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge is only open four hours prior to the scheduled departure time for Cathay Pacific flights. For flights departing from Vancouver (YVR), this means that the lounge will be open at the following times:
- 10:55am–2:55pm, before CX819 departing on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
- 9:25pm–1:25am, before CX865 departing on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
The Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver measures 510 square metres, and has capacity for up to 108 guests. It first opened in May 2016, but has been closed down indefinitely since the onset of the pandemic.
The décor in the lounge is marked by natural features with wood and stone throughout, and features plenty of natural light. Passengers can enjoy stunning views of the runway with mountains in the background.
One of the lounge’s greatest features is The Noodle Bar, with options that include wonton, dan dan, and Hong Kong-style fish ball noodle soups.
In addition, guests can choose from dim sum and a cold buffet, as well as a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge will join the ranks of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and the SkyTeam Lounge in the international departures area of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Currently, it is the only Oneworld lounge at the airport.
At the present, Cathay Pacific has up to eight round-trip flights between Vancouver (YVR) and Hong Kong (HKG) each week. It’s worth noting that award availability on Cathay Pacific flights is very difficult to come by these days, although hopefully that will change for the better in the future.
How to Access the Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver
Access to the Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver is possible through a number of means.
Passengers with a First Class ticket on a Oneworld carrier may access the lounge, and can bring one guest with them. Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific flights to and from Vancouver do not feature First Class at this time.
Additionally, passengers with a business class ticket on Cathay Pacific or a Oneworld airline are allowed to enter the lounge, albeit with no guesting privileges.
Passengers with either Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status are allowed complimentary access to the lounge, and may bring one guest.
Lastly, Cathay Pacific’s own top-tier Diamond members are allowed entry, and may bring up to two guests into the lounge. Cathay Pacific Gold members are permitted entry with one guest, and Cathay Pacific Silver members are allowed to enter, but may not bring any guests.
Conclusion
Cathay Pacific has announced that it will reopen the Cathay Pacific Lounge Vancouver. As of June 16, 2023, the lounge will return to operation after being shuttered for more than three years.
The lounge features a great selection of Cantonese food options, ranging from dim sum to dishes from The Noodle Bar. There’s also plenty of seating available for up to 108 guests, and large windows overlooking the tarmac with splendid views.
This is surely welcome news for passengers departing on one of eight weekly flights from Vancouver (YVR) to Hong Kong (HKG), as well as other eligible guests departing on Oneworld carriers.