Air China Transit Lounge

Air China Transit Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The smallest and most remote of Air China’s four lounges at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3 Concourse C, the Air China Transit Lounge is technically a private club for the airline’s Platinum and Gold card holders. In practice, Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers flying Air China are likely to merely receive an inquisitive glance and a reminder that larger lounges are available, before being welcomed in.

Discretely tucked near gates 57-59 and down an escalator, a ten minute walk from the security checkpoint, the Transit Lounge is virtually unmarked and unadvertised, and therefore often eerily quiet, in a stark contrast from Air China’s ever hectic main clubs near the security checkpoint.

Air China Transit Lounge PEK design

Located below the concourse level, the Air China Transit Lounge at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3C overlooks the outdoor courtyard and automated people mover which runs at the center of the terminal building. While the view is hardly inspiring, the club benefits from a comfortable amount of daylight.

Air China Transit Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

Unlike Air China’s two mezzanine lounges near the security checkpoint, the Transit Lounge is isolated from the noise of the concourse, and feels like a private oasis away from the bustle.

Beyond the lobby, patrons will find a small buffet area, followed by a spacious seating area divided into semi-private zones. There are comfortable seats by the window, convivial pods for small groups, and a handful of (tired) recliners in a secluded area.

The dark tones, curtains, and elegant furnishings aim at fostering an upper-scale ambiance reminiscent of a private club. The décor feels a bit passé, but privacy is excellent.

The only power outlets are along the walls, yet are readily available. The lounge is kept pretty warm; the terminal itself isn’t heavily air-conditioned but the club is typically a few degrees warmer.

Air China Transit Lounge PEK amenities

Air China Transit Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The Air China Transit Lounge at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3C features a modest food selection along with a few higher-end amenities.

Due to limited real estate and relatively low-usage, the Transit Lounge lacks the full hot buffet that can be found at Air China’s main clubs. The food selection consists of shrink-wrapped snacks, mini-sandwiches, pastries such as muffins, and instant noodles. In addition, two kinds of noodle soups are available upon request.

The drink selection is weak—besides tea and coffee, there is a single bottle of wine, and non-refrigerated soda.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and, unlike at the main lounges, patrons are likely to enjoy high speeds due to the small number of users. There is also a small business center with a few work cubicles and computers, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Air China Transit Lounge – Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3C

The Transit Lounge boasts a few compact sleeping rooms equipped with daybeds; guests who don’t fear claustrophobia will find fresh linens and the ultimate in privacy.

While the bathroom is in need of a refurbishment, the Transit Lounge is the only club at Terminal 3C to offer a shower. The facilities are modest are quarters tight—time permitting, head over to Concourse D for a much more luxurious setup—but remain a convenient option nevertheless.

In the rear of the lounge is an ironing room and a storage room, the facilities appear to be seldom used but hint at the availability of custom services for VIPs.

Air China Transit Lounge PEK bottom line

The Air China Transit Lounge at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3 Concourse C is Air China’s smallest but quietest club, and the best kept secret for travelers seeking calm and privacy, or wishing to take a shower. Such luxuries come with a few trade-offs; the location near gates 57-59 may be inconvenient (allow 10 minutes to walk from the security checkpoint), and the food and beverage selection is severely limited compared to the generous hot buffet spread available at the airline’s main lounges.