All posts filed under: Airport Explore

Lounge Review: No. 1 Lounge in Gatwick South Terminal

Published by

On our way back to NY from Copenhagen, we had a stopover at Gatwick South Terminal for 5 hours. The South Terminal is small and dated and also serves as a hub for British Airways at Gatwick Airport. The terminal has two levels with the usual shops and fast food restaurants…nothing particularly outstanding. There is a small Harrods’s gift shop at the terminal for last minute British gifts. The terminal itself is overcrowded. When I was there in March, it was hard to find a seat anywhere. Luckily for me, I had access to the No. 1 Lounge at the terminal. Besides the No. 1 Lounge, there is only a British Airways Lounge, thus making both venues busy like the terminal. The No 1 Lounge’s entrance is on the second floor and located between Dixons and JD Sports. I walked through a nondescript entrance that resembled a service entrance to another set of double doors where I was greeted with a representative who was tougher than a NYC bouncer. Apparently the lounge was full around …

Lounge Review: Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge – Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Concourse F with Vietnam Airlines

Published by

I had the opportunity to fly business class from Bangkok, Thailand to Hanoi, Vietnam on Vietnam Airlines. With a premium ticket, I received access to the Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The lounge is located air side in Concourse F, Level 3 (West Side). This is a small lounge that is open 24 hours. The lounge was not crowded when I arrived and there were limited food, beverages and amenities. I received a piece of paper with the internet login upon arrival. This may be one of the most limited business class lounge that I visited in Asia. This lounge reminded me of a US domestic lounge, but it was still adequate for a brief rest before boarding my flight. There are also restrooms available at this lounge. I researched online for other Louis’ Tavern lounges in the airport and this may be the smallest one available. You can pay to enter the lounge if you do not have a premium ticket, but I do not think this was a good deal unless you wanted a quiet …

Review: Vietnam Airlines’ Business Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City

Published by

I had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam Airlines’ business lounge in Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport during my recent Asia trip at the end of 2015. Stepping into the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge feels like you just stepped back into the 1980’s. The lounge is very basic and is in need of a renovation. The lounge is also small for an international airport lounge but does have some basic necessities and free WiFi for its guests. There are power outlets in between the chairs which are convenient for those that need to recharge their electronics. The food options are adequate with choices of noodles,snacks and fruits. The taste of the food was decent but I felt that the food could have tasted fresher and better. Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is not a bad option since you will get some peace and quiet before your next flight. The plus side is that you get to see a Hello Kitty plane which you would not see in other parts of the world. For related articles, visit the TRAVEL page. Author: Chau Hoang Featured Photo: …

Airport Explore: Narita Airport (Japan)

Published by

The image above was included in a complimentary booklet that was distributed in Narita Airport in 2011. It is a perfect start to our next Airport Explore post on Narita Airport located in Tokyo, Japan. Narita Airport is one of the busiest hubs when you travel to Asia.  If you are a frequent Japan Airline traveler like me, you become an expert of all the wonderful things the airline has to offer.   Don’t be scare of the language barrier and the somewhat confusing layout of the airport.  The staff is very helpful!  I normally fly in from Boston and connect through Terminal 2 for my flight to Vietnam.  For domestic and international connections, you will need to go through airport security one more time before entering the main Terminal 2 (T2) building.   If Tokyo is your final destination,  baggage claim and customs are located on the first floor. After clearing security, I would then make my way to the third floor. On the left after getting off the escalator, I would walk to the area marked “Day …

Airport Explore: Hong Kong International Airport

Published by

I have visited many airports over the years for my travels.  Many times, there are at least a few hours of free time between my connecting flights.  This series aims to give the reader an idea on what to do, where to eat, and where to shop on your next layover or destination. If you are flying to any destinations in Southeast Asia, you will likely pass through Hong Kong International Airport (“HKIA”) which is the hub for Cathay Pacific. HKIA has two terminals,T1 (the larger of the two) and T2, which also offers free Wi-Fi.  For those flying internationally, you will most likely end up at Terminal 1. I fly from New York to Vietnam once a year for my charity work and have passed through Terminal 1 on numerous occasions.  I now have a plan to make my stay at HKIA as efficient and enjoyable as possible.  After spending at least 10+ hours on the plane, I rush through security to get to the terminal to visit the Plaza Premium Lounge.  The west …