NEWS & OFFERS: Cathay Pacific restricts access to first lounge, Marriott 40k bonus and Virgin launches app in ChatGPT

Cathay Pacific restricts access to first lounge as they unveil the new The Wing first class lounge

Cathay Pacific has revealed its flagship “The Wing, First” lounge at Hong Kong International Airport after a comprehensive redesign. The new lounge will reopen on 22 April 2026.

There are two first-class lounges at Hong Kong airport, which both used to be accessible to oneworld Emerald. The Wing is situated near Gate 2, right after south immigration. It is the most convenient choice for short transfers or flights departing from low-numbered gates. The lounge is light and airy. The Pier is located much further into the terminal near Gate 65. It is about a 15-minute walk or a short train ride from immigration, making it better suited for longer layovers.

With the refit, Cathay have unfortunately decided to change its entrance criteria for oneworld Emerald members to The Pier. The good news is that it appears to be temporary, although we don’t know how long the policy will remain. Currently, only Cathay Pacific first class, Cathay Diamond/Diamond Exec, and select Cathay Mastercard holders can use The Wing. As oneworld Emerald, you can still access The Pier first class lounge.

The refurbishment has introduced more of a homely feel with a central green onyx bar and a signature pantry, along with an à la carte Dining Room developed with Mott 32. The style of the lounge is very signature Cathay Pacific with walnut wood and green onyx featured.

The lounge will offer massage services in The Retreat and enhanced shower suites, but unfortunately, this is at the expense of the former cabana suites, which were amazing and huge in size. The Retreat features seven private booths where customers can enjoy a foot or neck and shoulder massage.

At the centre of The Wing is the Atrium, a light‐filled, open space that serves as the crossroads of the lounge. Here, Cathay Pacific’s signature green onyx bar is situated along with the Pantry, which offers a self-serve selection of light and bite-sized food. For a more formal dining experience, the Dining Room offers full à la carte table service featuring Asian and international classics. 

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “The Wing, First has long held a special place in not only our hearts, but also our customers’. Its reopening marks an important milestone in the evolution of our flagship lounge design and reflects our long-standing commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do.“Through our commitment of well over HK$100 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation, we will continue to elevate the journey at every touchpoint. 

Cathay Pacific’s wide-ranging lounge enhancement plan began with the reopening of The Bridge in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Beijing last year following extensive redesigns. In addition to the reopening of The Wing, First, Cathay Pacific will introduce its first-ever dedicated lounge in New York later this year after the airline moves to John F. Kennedy International Airport’s state-of-the-art Terminal 6 building when it opens. Meanwhile, The Wing, Business will close and undergo renovations of its own before reopening in 2027.

Virgin launches app in ChatGPT

Virgin Atlantic has become the first airline in the world to launch an app within ChatGPT. This is similar to Virgin Atlantic’s AI-powered Concierge, as the Virgin Atlantic app in ChatGPT lets customers search for flights in everyday language.

Customers can ask for exactly what they want, from “flights to the Caribbean in February” to “show me flights in Premium to Los Angeles next month”. ChatGPT then presents these in a clear, easy-to-read summary, making it simple to compare and choose. 

Once you have chosen a flight, you are directed to Virgin Atlantic’s website or mobile app to complete your booking.

Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: 

“We’re proud to be the first airline in the world to launch an app in ChatGPT, as we continue to focus on meeting our customers where they are and making it easier than ever to connect with us. 

“Whether you know exactly where you want to go or you’re just looking for inspiration, this experience is designed to make planning and booking your next trip simple and seamless. You can simply ask, and we’ll do the rest, showing the best options quickly. 

“By combining the power of AI with the personality and care we’re known for, we’re creating experiences that feel more personal, more intuitive and unmistakably Virgin Atlantic.” 

Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas 40k bonus

Marriott has another huge bonus of 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points available on their Homes and Villas bookings. The promo is available for bookings of 2 or more nights. You need to book by 26 April 2026, but you can stay until 3 January 2027.

Homes & Villas is basically like booking a private home through Airbnb or Booking.com. 

The promotion is valid only for Marriott Bonvoy Elite Members who hold Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador Elite status at the time of booking. 

You need to register for the promotion here.