Lounge Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
As I was traveling from Haneda Airport (HND) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Japan Airlines' Business Class, I had access to the Sakura Lounge that is operated by JAL. However, since I missed out on the opportunity to check out the new Cathay Pacific lounge in Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 4 which has just only opened last year, I decided to forgo the Sakura Lounge and check out the Cathay Pacific Lounge at Haneda Airport (HND) instead.
Interiors of the Main Area
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
The Cathay Pacific Lounge in Haneda Airport opened in December 2014 and it is one of the largest Cathay Pacific lounges outside of Hong Kong. With enough seating space for approximately 190 travellers, the Cathay Pacific Lounge is accessible to the airlines' and oneworld alliance's passengers traveling in First or Business Class. Even though I was not traveling on Cathay Pacific, traveling on an alliance partner (in this case JAL) in Business Class meant that I had access to this lounge - simply present your boarding pass and passport and you would be let in with no questions asked.
The Noodle Bar
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
Like most of the newly-refreshed airport lounges by Cathay Pacific, the lounge here at Haneda Airport focuses on not only creating a beautiful and comfortable space for passengers but it also goes above and beyond what is typically expected by introducing Cathay Pacific's iconic The Noodle Bar which offers signature items like Dan Dan Noodles and Wanton Noodles. Since my flight was scheduled to depart in the morning, I managed to try some of the breakfast items (e.g. Japanese breakfast and French toast) that were available as well.
Since this was my first visit to a Cathay Pacific Lounge, I decided to order both the Wanton Noodles as well as the Dan Dan Noodles - I was given a food buzzer after a lady took my orders at The Noodle Bar and in approximately five minutes, I went back to pick these two bowls of noodles up. The noodles here are not full portions so you do not have to worry about ordering too much and besides if you really wanted only the Wanton Soup (without noodles), you can always ask for it. After a week of eating ramen in Tokyo, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the Wanton Noodles were (this is also the dish that I prefer among the two).
Kirin Ichiban Draft Beer Dispenser
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
If you are feeling up for it, there are two draft beer dispensers here (I remember these from the ANA Lounge two years back!) - it is completely automated once you place a glass (which you can get from the fridge next to it) on it so do not worry about getting the right amount of beer head. I opted for a glass of negroni instead (yes, I know it was 10:00AM) from the bar area which I will cover later.
The Noodle Bar
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
I really like how much natural light the Cathay Pacific Lounge enjoys and it is definitely one of the better looking airport lounges that I have been to. USB Ports can be found under the tables of the dining area so you can keep your gadgets fully-charged while you enjoy a bowl of pipping hot Wanton soup - not a bad way to end your vacation in Tokyo! There are also different seating configurations here at The Noodle Bar so you do not have to worry about being that solo traveller that is taking up a 4-seater table.
Views of the Runway
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
Located next to The Noodle Bar is the Food Bar which is where passengers can choose from a selection of lighter snacks and items like salads and wraps - obviously this did not appeal to me because there is nothing more disappointing than a light breakfast (you either go big or go home!). What is more important in my opinion, are the amazing swivel chairs and plush throne-like chairs that offer expansive views of the runways - this is truly an aviation geek's dream! There is also a station where you can get barista-made coffee but I have decided to save that for the actual flight instead. Apparently the F&B in this lounge was managed by the Hotel Okura Enterprise when it first opened but I cannot be certain whether this is still the case.
Main Area
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
I wish there was sexier name of this area of the Cathay Pacific Lounge but the main seating area really looks more like a living room (of someone rich and famous) than a typical airport lounge. This beautiful space is designed by a London-based design studio called Studiolise and the design inspiration behind creating this domestic space is to make passengers feel good with wellness as a core principle - you can therefore find plenty of warm and natural materials here in this space. As you can see, the Cathay Pacific Lounge was largely empty during my visit so I believe CX does not have many flights departing at approximately 11:00AM from HND.
The Bar and the Main Area
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
If you know me well enough, you would know that nothing excites me quite like a polished, dark and masculine bar - finding this in the Cathay Pacific Lounge was truly a surprise to me. There is this seamless transition from the 'living area' to the bar of the lounge and you will notice that even though the furniture used are largely similar, the incorporation of the darker wood makes the space so much more private.
The Bar
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
There is even a dedicated bar area where the mixologist is able to concoct the right drink for you - I opted for a negroni as mentioned earlier since that is my default beverage where a bar is concerned (you can always tell how good the skill of a mixologist is by ordering the classics). I really love the dark wood and black bar stools here - the contrast between the lighter browns against the deeper cherry wood walls is just stunning.
View from the Lounge
Cathay Pacific Lounge - Haneda Airport (HND)
While there are baggage storage facilities here at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, one cannot ignore the fact that there are no showers here in this lounge. If you are here on a longer layover and you wish to freshen up, you should be able to access the TIAT shower rooms located a few levels down for free. Otherwise, the JAL Sakura Lounge has shower facilities that you can use - you can always drop by for a shower first before spending the rest of your layover in this beautiful lounge that I cannot wait to revisit again very soon.
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