Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
LHR · Terminal 3
The lounge that makes oneworld Emerald worth chasing: Long Bar, noodle bar, and a quieter alternative to BA Galleries First.
Cathay's First Class Lounge at LHR T3 is one of the carrier's signature outposts outside Hong Kong. The space is split between the main lounge floor (leather seating, apron views), the Long Bar (CX's signature design — long marble bar, curated cocktails, premium spirits), the noodle bar (proper kitchen prep, Dan Dan and wonton served fresh), and a separate dining area with table service for hot mains. Showers in a separate corridor. Wi-Fi is fast. Access is Cathay First Class, Cathay Diamond, and oneworld Emerald flying any oneworld carrier from T3. Quieter and better-fed than Galleries First in T5 — if you have Emerald and a T3 flight, this is the play.
Crowding · spacious
Quiet enough for focused work. Fast Wi-Fi, small dedicated work area with desks, and the access tier filters noise. Daytime is calmer than the CX departure peaks (11am, 4pm).
Three distinct food experiences. The noodle bar is the headline — Dan Dan, wonton, dim sum prepared on-site, served fresh in proper bowls. The a la carte hot mains area offers Western and Asian dishes with table service. Buffet covers cheese, charcuterie, salads, dessert. The Long Bar pours signature cocktails (the Cathay Delight is the standing recommendation), curated wines, and champagne. Quality is consistent CX First tier — meaningfully better than Galleries First.
Dietary: Vegetarian a la carte and noodle bar options · Halal options labeled · Gluten-free on request · Vegan dishes available
After security at T3, follow signs for the airline lounges. Cathay First is on the upper level, separate entrance from Cathay Business.
- 01Clear immigration and security at T3
- 02Follow signs to the upper-level airline lounges
- 03Look for Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge (separate from Business)
- 04Present boarding pass and status card at reception
Landmarks: T3 upper level · Cathay Business Lounge (adjacent) · Qantas London Lounge (nearby)
ℹ Terminal 3, Gate 11, AfterSecurity
Included: Complimentary snacks · Complimentary hot buffet · Complimentary full service restaurant · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary full bar
oneworld Emerald Status or First Class Ticket
Flying from LHR without status? These lounges sell day passes:
See bookable lounges at LHRMake the most of it.
If you have oneworld Emerald and a T3 flight (any oneworld carrier), use this lounge over Galleries First T5. Better food, quieter, same access tier.
Order from the noodle bar — the Dan Dan is the underrated highlight.
Long Bar's Cathay Delight is the signature cocktail; ask the bar.
Operating hours follow CX flight schedule — busier 11am and 4pm peaks.
Showers are first-come; usually short waits.
Quick answers.
No. Cathay First is restricted to CX First Class, CX Diamond status, and oneworld Emerald flying any oneworld carrier from T3.
No. Sapphire opens the Cathay Business Lounge (separate, adjacent). Emerald is required for the First lounge.
Cathay First is in T3, smaller, quieter, and has meaningfully better food (the noodle bar is the differentiator). Galleries First is in T5 (BA-only terminal). Both accept oneworld Emerald — pick by terminal.
Operating hours follow CX flight schedule — typically 9am to 11pm with peaks at CX departure windows. Outside CX hours, oneworld passengers should use Galleries First in T5 or AA Admirals Club in T3.
