Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

Among the plethora of Air China lounges at Beijing Capital International airport, the Business Class lounge at Terminal 3C is one of the more central and busier locations, serving the majority of domestic Star Alliance Gold and premium passengers. The lounge is located immediately after security, on the left side, up an escalator (floor 4F.)

Air China’s lounge naming scheme is a head-scratcher. Immediately adjacent to the Business Class lounge is a slightly upper-scale First Class Lounge for membership and credit card holders, while downstairs on level 2F is the Air China First and Business Class Lounge, a newer and quieter facility, which is exclusively Air China’s own Business Class customers. This makes the “Business Class Lounge” the de facto Star Alliance Gold facility, and incidentally the weaker link in the trifecta.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge PEK design

Located on a mezzanine overlooking the concourse, the Air China Business Class Lounge at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3C is a vast and airy facility with a comfortable amount of daylight and tarmac views in the distance.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The club still features its original décor—a functional but tired ensemble made of dark leather seats, marble consoles, glass coffee tables, indoor trees in over-sized gold pots, and a depressing gray carpet. The space does have appeal—the seats at the edge of the mezzanine are reasonably private and boast expansive views—but the constant traffic, coming and going of guests, and noise bleeding from the terminal make for a less-than-luxurious experience.

Power and USB outlets are readily available, though the small round coffee tables are a poor fit for laptops.

In the rear is a severely under-sized dining room with a handful of tables. Given the lack of dining space, guests bring food to the seating area, and the staff is typically slow to clear plates and other service items, which does not enhance the overall appearance of the lounge.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge PEK amenities

The Air China Business Class Lounge at Beijing Capital airport Terminal 3C features a substantial line-up of amenities for a domestic club.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The hot buffet, open all day, features a selection of dumplings, rice dishes, and other traditional dim-sum style items, as well as snacks and instant noodles. The fare is simple, but the spread is generous. The beverage selection includes bottled water, soda, and dubious coffee.

A business center, located in the lobby area, features a dozen cubicles with computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is also available throughout, though guests are require to scan their boarding pass or passport at a kiosk in order to obtain credentials. When the kiosk malfunctions, it’s possible (but challenging) to obtain a code by enter boarding pass information online, or over SMS (with a Chinese phone number.)

The lounge features three compact private sleeping rooms, with a day bed and linen. The quarters are definitely tight, but they’re exquisitely private in the hustle and bustle

Other amenities include a serviceable bathroom, lockers for small bags, and a selection of magazines. There is no smoking room at this location.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge PEK bottom line

The Air China Business Class Lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3C is a busy and noisy facility in need of a makeover. Despite intrinsic qualities—an airy mezzanine space, plenty of daylight, hot food, and a few highlights such as private sleeping quarters—the lounge suffers from constant traffic and crowding and a tired décor.

Air China Domestic Business Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The lounge staff speaks limited English, but is accommodating and helpful, especially in the event of a delay.

For a quieter and much more private experience, consider visiting the Air China Business and First Class lounge in Terminal 3D, which boasts a modern décor, elegant shower rooms, and a full-size dining room. Another alternative is the Air China Transit Lounge near gates 57-59, a boutique club officially reserved for Air China Platinum card members (though Star Alliance Gold passengers are typically welcome) which features a quiet seating area, but a more limited food spread. Both clubs are a 10-15 minute trek away, however.