China Eastern Airlines launches its 1st roadside VIP lounge

China Eastern Airlines launched its first roadside VIP lounge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Monday, offering travelers the brand new experience of relaxing at the departure lounge first before going through the security check and boarding, the Shanghai-based carrier said.

Roadside is a special term used in the aviation sector that refers to the area outside the security check, which travelers and the public can easily access.

The 2,000-square-meter VIP lounge is at Hongqiao's second terminal. It offers first class and business class passengers an area for dining, rest, entertainment, business meetings and showering, as well as a spot for baby care.

"There is a special passage for VIP passengers to go through the security check directly from the lounge, and passengers can reach their boarding gate within three to five minutes," said Wang Jun, deputy general manager of China Eastern Airlines' Hongqiao passenger service center.

The newly-launched VIP lounge will join China Eastern's existing six VIP lounges at Hongqiao International Airport to offer quality service, especially during the Spring Festival travel rush that extends 40 days from Jan 10 to Feb 18.

China Eastern is projected to operate 118,900 flights and provide more than 20 million seats onboard during the world's largest annual human migration.