China Southern Lounges join Priority Pass

While the popular Priority Pass airport lounge access program took a hit early July with the loss of 58 Plaza Premium Lounges, the network is still expanding. Collinson, the company behind Priority Pass, has committed to adding 150 new lounges in 2021, as well as 100 additional locations such as restaurants and spas.

Last week, over 30 airport lounges operated by China Southern joined Priority Pass, filling key gaps in mainland China. The new additions span both hubs such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and secondary airports such as Harbin and Shenyang.

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Which China Southern lounges participate in Priority Pass?

Here is the complete list of China Southern airport lounges that accept Priority Pass, effective immediately.

Changchun Longjia (CGQ)

Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG)

Dalian Zhoushuizi (DLC)

Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN)

Guiyang Longdongbao International (KWE)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Haikou Meilan International (HAK)

Harbin Taiping International (HGH)

Jieyang Chaoshan International (HGH)

Kunming Changshui International (KMG)

Nanning Wuxu (NNG)

Nanyang (NNY)

Shenyang Taozian (SHE)

Shenzhen Booan (SZX)

Urumqi Diwopu (URC)

Wuhan Tienhe (WUH)

Zhengzhou Xingzheng (WUH)

Zhuhai (ZUH)

It’s worth noting that China Southern’s flagship lounges—such as the new clubs at Beijing Daxing airport and the facilities at Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports—do not participate in Priority Pass at this time.

Along the same lines, the vast majority of participating lounges are domestic clubs. Lounges serving international passengers are excluded, with the exception of Guangzhou airport.

On the bright side, Priority Pass is accepted at both Gold/Silver/Elite Plus Lounges and First/Business Class Lounges. Typically, the clubs are co-located, with dedicated areas for both customer groups. The First/Business Class areas generally provide slightly elevated service and amenities. However, it remains to be seen whether lounge agents will attempt to redirect Priority Pass holders to the Gold/Silver/Elite Plus sections—or worse, a special area for Priority Pass customers, as is often the case in China.

What amenities do China Southern Lounge offer?

With the exception of a few, newer clubs, China Southern Lounges tend to be very traditional, both in terms of décor and amenities. Outside mega-hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai, most China Southern Lounges focus on the essentials, including a comfortable seating area, work spaces, and snacks. Typical amenities also include shoe polishing machines, jacket hangers, massage chairs, a baggage storage area, and a selection of local newspapers and magazines.

China Southern lounges are not luxurious by any means, but they’re definitely a step above the average run-of-the-mill, airport-operated clubs, which, at secondary Chinese airports, are typically just a place to sit.

Many locations also offer hot food at meal times, and a few clubs feature showers. In some cases, showers are exclusively located in the First/Business Class section, so be sure to inquire when you check in.

Bottom line

Over twenty China Southern lounges in mainland China have joined Priority Pass. With China still off-limits to most travelers due to COVID-19, this may not be of immediate interest, but it is nevertheless a positive development for business travelers who frequently visit China’s secondary airports.

China Southern left the SkyTeam alliance several years ago, so the airline’s participation in Priority Pass represents a tangible addition to the network that is unlikely to overlap with frequent flyer benefits.

Priority Pass members are even welcome to visit the First and Business class sections of China Southern lounges, which are typically better appointed than the areas reserved for frequent flyers.

It is also interesting to note that at this time, DragonPass—Priority Pass’ top competitor in Asia—does not include China Southern Lounges. Typically, DragonPass is a superior alternative to Priority Pass in China. We’ll soon find out how DragonPass responds.