Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Check-in

You’ll find a whopping 321 check-in counters at Terminal 1 and 56 at Terminal 2. Counters are numbered alphabetically with Qantas using counter J and Air New Zealand counter G in Terminal 1 and Jetstar counter P in Terminal 2. As with flights at most international airports, passengers are advised to arrive at last 120 minutes before flight departure time.

Baggage

If you need to store some baggage at Hong Kong International Airport, you’ll find a short-term storage facility located on Level 3 of Terminal 2. Open each day from 05:30 until 01:30, storage is available on both an hourly and daily rate. Be aware that payment can be made only with cash, Visa or MasterCard. The airport also offers a convenient baggage pick-up and delivery service if you want to loosen your load on the way to the airport. Contact Worldwide Flight Services if you’d like to take advantage of this option.

Money Exchange

Many people prefer to pre-order currency before arriving in China but decent exchange deals can be found in both terminals at Hong Kong International Airport. In Terminal 1 you’ll find nine different banking service providers, including ANZ Bank, while in Terminal 2 there are four different outlets. Many of the ATMs at the airport also allow you to withdraw funds in Hong Kong dollars.

Internet Access / Wi-Fi

Idle minds are in luck. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, just select “#HKAirport Free WiFi” as your connection network to take advantage of the free service. If you don’t have a computer there’s 62 free usage desktop computers for you to use located throughout the airport at 28 locations of the Departures Level at Terminal 1.

Family Services

If you want to tire out the kids a little before you get on board your flight, head to one of the two colourful children’s play areas. Free to use, the areas are located between Gate 23 and 25, and between Gate 509 and 510 on the Departures Levels. Elsewhere young fliers can watch cartoons at one of four TV lounges. The lounges near Gate 1, 15, 41 and 60 are dedicated to children’s shows. If you are just in need of some supplies for your flight, Mannings Pharmacy stocks baby and child related goods such as nappies and formulas and have ten outlets spread across Hong Kong International Airport’s terminals. There’s also a baby stroller rental service available from Worldwide Flight Services that can be booked through your Flight Centre travel agent.

Airport Lounges

Plaza is the company behind all four of Hong Kong International Airport’s pay-to-use lounges. For a fee passengers can take advantage of one of Hong Kong International Airport’s four pay-in lounges before boarding, during transit or upon arrival.

Plaza Lounges

Plaza lounges are spread around the different areas of Hong Kong International Airport. Each one is open 24 hours each day and offers services including hot showers, a food and beverage buffet, Internet access, newspapers and massage chairs. You’ll find Plaza lounges in Terminal 1 located on Level 6 near Gate 1 in the East Hall, and two lounges on Level 7 at the West Hall, one near Gate 35 and one near Gate 60. Over on Level 3 of Terminal 2 is the world’s first arrival lounge. Catering specifically to passengers arriving on international flights, this lounge offers services such as baggage delivery, and massage and spa services.

Airline Lounges

As one of the world’s largest airports, perhaps not surprisingly, spread across both Level 6 and Level 7 of Terminal 1 you’ll find a number of different passenger lounges. Below you’ll find a list of lounges frequented by passengers on flights connected to Australia.

Qantas Airways

Level 7 above Gate 15 is where you’ll find the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge. Also open to eligible passengers on partner airlines including Air France and KLM, Qantas’ lounge prides itself on offering excellent food including yum cha trolleys and innovative cocktails. You will also find a list of services and amenities including showers, newspapers and Internet. The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge is open daily from 09:30 until 23:30.

Cathay Pacific

Eligible Cathay Pacific passengers can rest up at The Wing, Cathay Pacific’s flagship lounge. Open since 1988, the lounge underwent a complete renovation in recent years and offers a full list of amenities including food, drinks, showers and newspapers. The lounge itself is split across two levels; one is set aside as a first class passenger lounge and another for business class travellers. First class passengers are even invited to a drink at the Champagne Bar. Open daily; you can enter The Wing near Gate 2 on Level 6 of Terminal 1. Cathay Pacific also runs four other smaller lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport. The Pier, The Bridge, The Arrival and the newest lounge, The Cabin all offer high standards of comfort and service.

Emirates

Also on Level 7 and close to Gate 40 is the Emirates Lounge. Open to passengers on premium Emirates flights as well as partner airlines, the Emirates lounge is one of Hong Kong’s best, with a wide selection of food and drinks on offer. With a balcony view over the tarmac and ample space, the only complaint some passengers will have is that unlike in Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Wing’, there is no separation for First Class and Business Class passengers.

United Airlines

Eligible passengers on Star Alliance member flights, including Air New Zealand, can take advantage of the United Club. Located just before Gate 61 on Level 7, the United Club is open from 06:00 until midnight each day. This lounge is renowned as one of United’s best lounges but in reality offers the usual facilities include showers, food, drinks and newspapers. With ample room to stretch out, the view of the tarmac is one of this lounge’s highlights.