Air China International First Class Lounge

Air China International First Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3E

The Air China First Class lounge at Beijing Capital airport Terminal 3E caters primarily to Air China and Star Alliance intercontinental First Class passengers.

At peak times, the lounge also acts as an overflow Business Class lounge — Star Alliance Gold customers are occasionally accepted despite the lack of signage at the door.

Effectively, the First Class Lounge is a mirror of the nearby Business Class lounge, both in terms of design and amenities. Don’t run away, though—the club still has plenty to offer, and is typically much quieter than its business class counterpart.

Air China International First Class Lounge PEK design

Due to its sheer size, the relatively low number of patrons, and the open design with sweeping views on the beautiful terminal, the The Air China First Class lounge at Beijing Capital airport Terminal 3E offers an enjoyable, quiet and serene environment. Like the Business Class lounge, it is located on a mezzanine that overlooks the duty free shopping area.

Air China International First Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3E

While the mezzanine location may suffer from noise from the terminal, the sound of the adjacent water features below adds a nice and peaceful touch.

The club features plenty of sparse seating with small partitions and plants as privacy dividers. At the center of the space a TV room with plush theater-style seats, as well as a secluded relaxation area with live palm trees.

Air China refurbished the space late 2017. While the overall design has not changed, the furniture is new, and power outlets are available at every seat.

Air China Platinum members benefit from a private VIP room, though the old fashioned, windowless, and suffocating space has little appeal.

Air China International First Class Lounge PEK amenities

The Air China First Class lounge at Beijing Capital airport Terminal 3E offers a full suite of amenities and services for international travel.

Air China International First Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3E

At meal times, a buffet featuring a selection of hot and cold Chinese specialties is available. Patrons may use the nearby dining room, or bring food to their seat. Unfortunately, However, the selection is paired down to snacks outside meal times, an unfortunate oversight in a premium lounge catering to travelers crossing time zones. Lunch is served especially late, making it challenging for passengers departing just before noon to dine on the ground.

Some tables are elegantly furnished with linen and flowers, however all options are self-serve and Air China does not offer restaurant service.

The First Class lounge offers traditional tea service in the afternoon in the relaxation area. The service is one of the few features that distinguish the First Class Lounge from the business class lounge.

Air China International First Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3E

While the showers are a welcome feature on sweltering Beijing summer days, the facilities are lackluster. The rooms lack a toilet and decent ventilation, and closing the door with a suitcase inside involves a series of contortions. Basic bath amenities are provided.

The lounge features several cozy sleeping rooms outfitted with a small bed. Inquire at the front desk for a key. While the rooms are on the small side, they’re also exquisitely private, and guests may go in and out as they see fit.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, however it passengers need to scan their passport or boarding pass in order to obtain an access code.

Air China International First Class Lounge PEK bottom line

Air China International First Class Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3E

The Air China First Class lounge at Beijing Capital airport Terminal 3E is a peaceful and relaxing club with an enjoyable range of amenities, but it fails to impress as a First Class facility. Service is virtually non-existent and several of the amenities could use improvements.

Note that the central location of the lounge makes it inconvenient to a number of gates. Air China offers electric cart rides to their own First Class customers, but other patrons may want to leave ahead of their boarding time.