Location: Beijing Capital Airport, Terminal 3
While the Air China Lounge is large and modern, it doesn’t quite have the wow factor I’ve felt in nearly all other first class lounges I’ve visited.
Introduction
Along with Air China top elite members and first class passengers, the Air China First Class Lounge in Beijing also contracts with Priority Pass, allowing all cardholders to use the lounge for free when traveling in any class.
While some first class lounges around the world are so amazing that I would happily spend an entire day there, the Air China Lounge isn’t quite up to par with some other first class lounges. The space itself is massive and can accommodate hundreds of passengers comfortably, though there were no more than 20 passengers using it when I was there in the afternoon.
Not too many people flying first class today..
On the contrary, the Air China business class lounge which is adjacent to the first class lounge is identical in design though I couldn’t find a single seat available! Although they are essentially the same space, I would not have wanted to pass the time in the business class lounge with so many people.
The Lounge
After ascending one level from the main terminal and checking in with the front desk, you’ll enter the main seating area of the lounge.
Lounge Entrance
The seating is plentiful, modern in design and comfortable with many different sections overlooking the apron on one side and the terminal to the other.
Continuing into the lounge is the main food and drink area. After passing a small buffet with snacks and drinks, you’ll reach a small unmanned bar with a decent drink selection.
Small snack and drink buffet
Air China first class lounge bar
Adjacent to the bar is a buffet which had about 6 hot main dishes as well as a manned noodle station.
I sampled the food and while not bad, again not nearly as good as any other first class lounge I’ve visited. Unfortunately, there are no a la carte dining options as most first class lounges have.
The Air China lounge features nap and shower rooms as well, though I didn’t have the time to check those out. Based on the condition of the lounge, I expect them both to be perfectly fine while not anything to get too excited over.
Bottom Line
After having visited four different lounges at Beijing Airport’s Terminal 3, the Air China First Class lounge was certainly the best. While the food and drink options are similar between all the lounges, this was by far the least crowded and I enjoyed having some space to relax during a long delay departing Beijing. I wouldn’t plan a long layover in Beijing to enjoy the lounge, but I wouldn’t mind relaxing and having a bite to eat here again before my flight.