Star Alliance’s First Lounge in Asia: A Look Inside

Star Alliance, one of the three big airline alliances, announced its first branded lounge in Asia, located at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), a major hub for international travel in southern China.

The new lounge, which opened on Nov. 21, 2024, is located in Terminal 1. It’s available to first and business class passengers on flights operated by Star Alliance airlines and those with Star Alliance Gold status. The lounge is open 24/7 and has showers — two features that will make it stand out as particularly useful for international travelers.

Currently, 10 Star Alliance airlines operate from Guangzhou’s airport, including Air China, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the 12th busiest airport in the world in 2023 by number of passengers, according to data from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It saw a 141% increase in passengers from 2022 to 2023, as Asia travel rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 15 busiest airports in the world, it’s now the fastest-growing one by number of travelers.

Because anyone with Star Alliance Gold status can enter, you can access the new lounge if you have United Premier Gold, Platinum or 1K status, or equivalent status with any other Star Alliance member airline.

Learn more: The complete guide to Star Alliance

Asia’s first Star Alliance lounge

The new lounge features amenities designed for modern travelers, including:

• Workstations and comfortable seating.

• Shower suites.

• VIP room for private group meetings, available on request.

These are all standard lounge amenities in line with what’s currently available in Terminal 1 at CAN, including a Priority Pass lounge and several airline lounges.

The Star Alliance lounge reflects the Pearl River Delta region's culture with local art. There’s a Tea Appreciation Corner, which will be open on special occasions.

Guests can choose from a variety of food options, from light bites to regional specialties. A dedicated bar counter serves curated drinks.

If you aren’t traveling through China any time soon, you can check to see if your next destination has another Star Alliance lounge. There are other Star Alliance lounge locations in Amsterdam, Bueno Aires, Los Angeles, Paris and Rio de Janeiro.

Learn more: What to know before you go to a Star Alliance lounge

Why this location and what’s next?

As Guangzhou continues to grow as a significant hub for international travel, Star Alliance plans to open another branded lounge in the upcoming Terminal 3 at the same airport. Construction is expected to be complete sometime in 2025.

Top photo courtesy of Star Alliance.