Cathay HKG lounges… how strict are they actually?

Cathay’s lounge situation at HKG is one of the few things that still feels pretty generous.

As far as I know, there’s no hard “x hours before departure” rule like you see at some other airlines. If you’re airside and eligible, you can usually enter as early as you want. I’ve gone in well ahead of departure without anyone blinking.

And yes, you can lounge hop. Wing, Pier, Bridge, no one cares. People do it all the time, especially since they all have slightly different vibes. Pier for long relaxing sits, Wing for the cabanas, Bridge if you’re closer to that end of the terminal.

If lounge access is a deciding factor between economy and business, Cathay’s HKG lounges are a pretty strong argument for biz. They’re still some of the best in the world when they’re operating properly.