After our flight from Seattle, we briefly entered the country to transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The latter terminal houses Star Alliance airlines like Air China and United, but also has other airlines including American, Emirates, and China Eastern. We were flying Garuda Indonesia and our business class ticket afforded us invites to the No. 69 “First Class Lounge” (named so because it was near Gate D69). We weren’t impressed and decided to check out the No. 77 lounge using our Priority Pass membership, near Gate D77.
Off the bat, I’d say that the No. 77 lounge is much better than the No. 69 lounge in terms of Priority Pass options. I didn’t take photos of the No. 69 lounge because it was underwhelming, so you’ll just have to trust me ;).
All of the lounges are upstairs. There is an escalator and stairwell that feeds directly to the entrance. It’s an open plan that allows views onto the main terminal below.
For me, Priority Pass lounges serve two basic functions – a comfortable place to sit and decent array of food and refreshments to tide you over as your traverse time zones. This lounge does both well.
There are a variety of seating options which are great whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, as a group, or as a family. The lounge was empty late on a Tuesday night. Noise and space weren’t an issue.
The food isn’t bad either. There are some western options but the key feature is the noodle bar. You can add your own additions to customize it, and even the vegetarian options tasted great. I forgot to take photos of the beverages, but there was a variety of soft drinks, waters, and alcoholic options.
Conclusion:
If you are departing internationally from Terminal 2 at Shanghai PVG and only have access to Priority Pass lounges, the No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge is the better option.
