Airport Lounge Guide: Phu Cat (UIH), Vietnam
Introduction
Phu Cat Airport (UIH), also known as Quy Nhon Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway to Quy Nhon city and the broader Binh Dinh province in central Vietnam. Located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Quy Nhon, the airport has a rich history, originally established as a military airbase and later transitioning to serve both civilian and military operations.
Following significant upgrades, including the opening of a new passenger terminal in May 2018 designed to handle 1.5 million passengers annually (expandable to 2.4 million), UIH plays a crucial role in regional connectivity. The airport primarily handles domestic flights to major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with occasional international charter services.
This guide provides comprehensive information about the airport lounge options available at Phu Cat Airport (UIH), detailing their amenities, access options, and what you can expect to enhance your travel experience.
Buy a Pass to SH Premium Lounge
For a comfortable pre-flight experience at Phu Cat Airport, consider purchasing access to the SH Premium Lounge through LoungePair:
A pass costs from $18 USD, offering flexible use anytime within six months of purchase (subject to opening hours and capacity). This is often the most cost-effective and flexible way to secure your lounge visit.
Airport Overview
Phu Cat Airport (UIH) features a modern, two-story passenger terminal designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. The ground floor (Level 1) handles check-in procedures, security screening for arrivals, baggage claim, and some retail/dining. The second floor (Level 2) is dedicated to departure gates and passenger waiting areas, including the airport lounges.
The airport is served by several domestic airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines.
Airport Facilities:
Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the appropriate network based on your location:
Check-in Area:
CHECKIN-01,CHECKIN-02,VIPGate Lounges:
GATE-01,GATE-02,GATE-03,GATE-04,GATE-05,GATE-06,CIPArrivals Hall:
ARRIVAL,PUBLIC(No password is required for these networks).
Retail Shopping: Kiosks and souvenir shops offering local products, specialties, and travel essentials are available in the departure hall and boarding lounge.
Dining Establishments: A selection of cafés, snack bars, and small restaurants (e.g., Phu Cat Deli, Phu Cat Coffee House, Phu Cat Bistro) offer local Vietnamese cuisine, light meals, and beverages.
ATMs: Automated Teller Machines from local banks are available for cash withdrawals, located near the entrance or in the public hall.
Medical Facilities: A first-aid station or medical service is available on-site for passenger emergencies.
Car Rental & Transportation: Car rental services (often with a driver) and various taxi and shuttle services are available for transfer to Quy Nhon city and surrounding areas.
Phone Charging Ports: Charging points and power outlets are available in seating areas within the new terminal, particularly in the departures hall.
Prayer Rooms: A dedicated prayer room is available in the terminal.
Baggage Services: Includes baggage storage facilities and a lost and found service.
Currency Exchange: Services are available in the terminal. As the airport is primarily domestic, options are focused on major currencies.
There are two airport lounges available at this airport - SH Premium Lounge, and a Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge - both of which are covered in detail below.
SH Premium Lounge
The SH Premium Lounge is a third-party lounge accessible to passengers regardless of airline or class of travel, via various membership programs or direct purchase.
Location & Hours
Location: After clearing security in the Domestic Departures area, proceed to Level 2. The SH Premium Lounge is situated opposite the main escalator/elevator access point, in proximity to Gate 2.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:20 PM daily.
Lounge Amenities
Seating: Comfortable lounge chairs, sofas, and dining tables in a modern setting inspired by Binh Dinh's coastal themes, featuring warm wood tones and green accents.
Refreshments: A diverse buffet station with a selection of hot and cold dishes, including local Vietnamese specialties, light bites, snacks, salads, pastries, and desserts (over 30 dishes rotating daily).
Alcoholic Beverages: Complimentary beer and wine are typically available, alongside a range of soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi access within the lounge. Power outlets and charging points are available at various seats or dedicated charging stations.
Entertainment: Televisions with various channels. A selection of newspapers and magazines.
Business Facilities: A small business corner with computer access and basic office amenities (e.g., printer). Workstations and a quiet environment suitable for working.
Flight Information: Flight Information Display Screens (FIDs) to monitor flight status.
Special Services: Shoe polish machine. Attentive staff for assistance.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. The lounge is on a single level.
Payment Options: Major credit cards are accepted for walk-in access or any paid services. Digital membership cards are also accepted.
Access Options
The SH Premium Lounge at Phu Cat can be accessed through various programs and memberships:
LoungePair Pass:
Purchase via LoungePair: Passes can be purchased from $16 USD, offering flexible use anytime within six months (subject to opening hours and capacity). A fully-refundable pass can be purchased for $22 USD.
Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:
Lounge Pass: Access can be purchased from approximately $19 USD via Lounge Pass. This option requires selecting a specific date and time for your visit, and you must purchase your pass a minimum of 24 hours before your planned visit. No refund will be given for any cancellation notified to Lounge Pass less than 24 hours prior to the visit date and time at the lounge.
TripAdvisor: Passes can be purchased from approx. $28 USD via TripAdvisor. This option also requires pre-booking for a specific date/time. You must purchase your pass a minimum of 24 hours before your planned visit. All purchases are non-refundable.
Airport Connects: Linked from the official lounge website, Airport Connects offers direct purchase with options like:
Saver Package: Priced at 380,000 VND for adults and 190,000 VND for children. This pass is valid only for the specific date selected at the time of booking.
Flex - 1 month Package: Priced at 400,000 VND for adults and 200,000 VND for children. This pass offers more flexibility, being valid for one month from the date of purchase.
(Note: Both Airport Connects packages have specific terms and conditions, including fees for date changes (approx. 50,000 VND if changed before the visit date for the Saver package), extensions, and partial refunds which can be a significant percentage of the initial value. For instance, a refund for the Saver package before the visit date might only return 30% of the voucher's value. It's recommended to carefully review their "Term of use and voucher policy" before purchasing, as these options are less flexible and may incur more fees than some other passes.)
Lounge Membership Programs:
Priority Pass: Members can access the lounge as per their membership benefits.
DragonPass: Accepted.
Credit Card Programs:
Many premium Vietnamese credit cards (e.g., Visa Platinum, World Mastercard from banks like VIB, Techcombank, ACB, MSB) offer complimentary access, often via DragonPass or LoungeKey.
American Express Global Lounge Collection: Eligible cardholders (e.g., Platinum, Corporate cards) can access.
Diners Club: Eligible cardholders can access.
Mastercard with LoungeKey: Eligible cardholders can access.
Airline Partnerships: Passengers booked into Bamboo Airways Business Class enjoy complimentary access to the lounge. For those traveling in Economy Class, access to the lounge is also available for purchase. Travellers with Diamond Status with Bamboo Club have complimentary access regardless of class of travel, and those with First Status can bring a complimentary guest.
Pay at the Door: Subject to availability, travelers may be able to purchase access directly at the lounge entrance. Walk-in rate is reported at 400,000 VND for adults and 200,000 VND for children aged from 5 to 12 years old.
Lounge Policies
Maximum Stay: Typically 3 hours. Additional time may be subject to a fee.
Children Policy: Two children under 5 years are admitted free per paying adult. Children aged 5-12 may be charged at 50% of the adult rate. Children over 12 are usually charged as adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire is recommended.
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge
The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is dedicated to Vietnam Airlines' premium passengers and eligible frequent flyer members, offering an exclusive space to relax before their flight. It opened on December 15, 2024.
Location & Hours
Location: Domestic Departures, Level 2 (airside, after security), near Gate 6.
Operating Hours: Opens from the first Vietnam Airlines flight departure (around 05:30 AM) until the last flight of the day.
Lounge Amenities
Seating: Modern and luxurious seating options, including plush armchairs and sofas, within a 250m² space designed with Vietnam Airlines' signature contemporary style.
Refreshments: A complimentary buffet featuring local Quy Nhon/Binh Dinh delicacies, other Vietnamese dishes, light Western options, pastries, fruits, and salads. Barista coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available.
Alcoholic Beverages: Primarily offers complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Availability of alcoholic beverages (like beer) may be limited.
Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access. Power outlets are available at seating areas for charging devices.
Entertainment: Televisions with various channels. Access to the PressReader service, offering over 7,000 electronic newspapers and magazines. Flight Information Display Screens (FIDs).
Business Facilities: A quiet environment suitable for working, with desks and power outlets. Does not feature a full, dedicated business center with networked computers.
Special Services: Attentive staff. Luggage storage area. Some Lotus Lounges may offer shoe shine services.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, located on a single level. Restrooms are typically located just outside or shared with the main terminal. A designated smoking room may be available nearby or within a section of the lounge.
Showers: Shower facilities are not available in this lounge.
Access Options
Access to the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is generally exclusive and not available for walk-in purchase or through third-party lounge programs like Priority Pass.
Vietnam Airlines Business Class: Passengers flying in Business Class on Vietnam Airlines.
Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Elite Members:
Platinum members (SkyTeam Elite Plus): Typically granted access on domestic itineraries.
Gold members (SkyTeam Elite): Access conditions may apply (e.g., connecting to/from an international SkyTeam flight).
SkyTeam Elite Plus Members: Passengers holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status when flying on a SkyTeam member airline flight (if connecting to/from an international SkyTeam flight the same day). Effective 1 April 2025, SkyTeam will begin to offer lounge access to Elite Plus customers traveling on domestic flights as an additional benefit, however at this time, Vietnam Airlines are not yet participating.
Lounge Policies:
Maximum Stay: No fixed time limit; passengers may use the lounge from check-in/security completion until boarding.
Children Policy: Infants and young children (e.g., under 2 years) accompanying an eligible adult are admitted free.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire is recommended.
For official information, refer to the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Airport FAQs
How do I access free Wi-Fi at Phu Cat Airport? Turn on Wi-Fi on your device and select the network name corresponding to your location (e.g.,
CHECKIN-01,GATE-01). No password is required. Follow any on-screen instructions to connect.What transportation options are available from Phu Cat Airport to Quy Nhon city center? Options include taxis (readily available outside the terminal), pre-booked private car services, and potentially shuttle buses. The journey is approximately 30-35 km and takes around 35-45 minutes.
How early should I arrive for my domestic flight from Phu Cat Airport? For domestic departures, it is generally recommended to arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before your scheduled takeoff time. If you plan to use a lounge, arriving closer to 2 hours prior will allow comfortable time to clear security and enjoy the lounge facilities.
What security procedures are in place at Phu Cat Airport? Standard airport security procedures are in place, including baggage screening and passenger scanning. Ensure you comply with regulations regarding liquids, electronics, and prohibited items. Allow sufficient time for these procedures, especially during peak travel periods.
What airlines operate at Phu Cat Airport? Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines, primarily serving domestic routes.
Lounge FAQs
Can I purchase access to the SH Premium Lounge without a membership? Yes. You can purchase a pass in advance through LoungePair (from $16 USD), Lounge Pass (from $19 USD), Airport Connects (from 380,000 VND), or TripAdvisor (from $28 USD). Walk-in access at the SH Premium Lounge may also be available, subject to capacity, with payment at the door.
Is food provided in the lounges? Yes, both the SH Premium Lounge and the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge offer complimentary food and beverages, including buffet selections of hot and cold items, snacks, and drinks.
Can I bring guests into the lounges?
SH Premium Lounge: Guest policies vary if using a membership program (e.g., Priority Pass guest allowances). If purchasing a pass via LoungePair or other services, each pass is typically for one person. Additional guests would require their own pass or payment of any applicable guest fee if using a membership.
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge: Guest allowance depends on the passenger's Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles status or SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Some elite tiers allow one complimentary guest.
Is there a dress code for the lounges? While there is no strict, enforced dress code, smart casual attire is generally recommended for entry into airport lounges. Very casual attire like beachwear may not be deemed appropriate.
Are showers available in the lounges at Phu Cat Airport? No, neither the SH Premium Lounge nor the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge at Phu Cat Airport currently offer shower facilities.
Conclusion
Phu Cat Airport (UIH) provides travelers with essential services and two distinct lounge experiences to enhance their journey. The SH Premium Lounge offers broad accessibility for passengers seeking comfort regardless of airline, while the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge provides an exclusive retreat for the airline's premium customers.
For the most flexible and often most economical way to enjoy a comfortable pre-flight experience in the SH Premium Lounge, we recommend purchasing your access in advance through LoungePair.
This guide was last updated: June 2025
